CentralNEWS/May 2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 5
296 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906   401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

Last year researchers studied 34 students at the University of Virginia, taking them to the base of a steep hill and fitting them with weighted backpacks. They were then asked to estimate the steepness of the hill. Some participants stood next to friends during the experiment, while others were alone. Students who stood with friends gave lower estimates of the steepness of the hill. And the longer the friends had known each other, the less steep the hill appeared.

The report of this experiment came at the end of an article called, “What are Friends for? A longer life” that appeared in the New York Times. The article began with an observation that in our quest for better health, we often overlook a powerful weapon that can help us fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life: our friends.

From my pastoral perspective, I clearly see how friends look out for each other. . .and how they enhance one another’s lives. One will call me with a care or concern for another; one may suggest this or that might help so and so. From the Christian perspective, of course, friendship is even more important. Jesus calls us his friends. And so, dear ones, we are.

When we remember how much we are loved, it is so much easier to love someone else. When we realize how much someone cares for us, we can reach out a hand to another. Christian friendship goes far beyond anything we can now imagine or understand. It is what stretches us, what makes us go beyond our ‘comfort level’, as my children remind me when they are being patient with me as I attempt to learn one more technological thing. God loves all of us, and so therefore dear friends, we love one another even though that way may not always be easy.

For Love is of God and the one who loves is born of God and knows God. “No one has ever seen God. But when we love one another, God abides in us and God’s love is made perfect in our lives.”-1 John

So, as your pastor, I urge you to take a moment and let one of your long time friends know how much you appreciate him or her. And put on your to do list today–make a new friend. I look forward to hearing of the new connections you will make.

Yours, in Christian friendship,

Rebecca Spencer

Pops Concert Encore!

Broadway at Central

After the successful return of the Pops Concert last year, “Broadway at Central”, we will once again present our choir in a program you won’t hear in church!

Come and enjoy another side of our choir as we present an evening of music from Broadway shows that will not only entertain, but also educate.
We offer two performances:

Friday, May 29 at 8 p.m. with cabaret seating and refreshments; and Sunday, May 31 at 4 pm with a concert presentation of the music.

Tickets will be on sale in Chapel Hall on Sundays or call the church office.

Friday, May 29   8 pm
(doors open at 7:30 for refreshments)

First dress circle—reserved       $50
Second dress circle—reserved   $40
General Admission                 $25
Sunday, May 31   4 pm
All seats $10 ($25 for families)

Thank you for supporting our organ restoration by participating in this delightful fundraiser!

157th Annual Meeting

The 157th Annual Meeting of this congregation will be held at 11:45 a.m. Sunday, May 31, 2009.

The 2009-2010 budget will be presented for approval, the Nominating Committee will present the slate of candidates to be voted into office, and other items of congregational interest will be presented.

Childcare is available during the meeting if requested.

PENTECOST SUNDAY, MAY 31

Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the heads of the Apostles instructing them to go forth into the world and preach the Gospel. Wearing red reminds us of the flames of fire that appeared over them. Remember to wear red to worship on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.

From Your Associate Minster

Is it true that the April showers bring the May flowers?  As I write this I’m watching those April showers outside my window…And, the flowers do spring up in profusion by May, so I guess it all is true!  The rain is necessary for growth.

In the same way I’ve been thinking about human growth.  What does it take for us to grow in our Christian life?  About a year ago Cathy Clasper-Torch and I attended a religious education conference sponsored by the Massachusetts UCC.  The featured speaker was Elizabeth Caldwell.

Here’s what Caldwell has to say about growing in our faith in her book Making a Home for Faith:  “It has been said that growing in the life of the Christian faith involves a lifelong continuing process of encountering into the inexhaustible richness of the mystery of God and of God’s love. This process requires intention and practice, and is supported by participation in communities of faith.  We come to recognize and live in the Spirit as we participate more and more broadly and deeply in communities that know the nature of their situation, acknowledge it, express it, and live their lives in light of it.”

So, faith formation isn’t just for the kids!  It’s for all of us—the entire faith community!.  And, it should continue throughout our life.  Here are some formative activities or Christian practices suggested by Caldwell:

“Worshiping
Telling the Christian story
Interpreting Scripture
Praying, confessing sin, and reconciling
Encouraging others
Being in service and witnessing
Suffering with neighbors
Providing hospitality and care
Listening
Struggling to understand the context of life
Criticizing and resisting the powers of evil
Working together to create social structures that sustain life in accord with God’s will.”

Which formative practices do you participate in on a regular basis?  What might you add to this list?  The possibilities for growth in the Spirit are endless.  And, the flowers that bloom in May aren’t the only things that can grow.  We can, too.  May it be so for each one of us as we continue to grow in our faith and encourage others to do the same.

Yours in Faith,

Claudia

FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH

I have a confession to make. Sometimes I cry in church. Not a loud wail, of course, but a choking up and perhaps a tear or two. It might be during a moving hymn, a poignant reference in a sermon, or perhaps a thought about a church friend who offered a helpful word. And I’m not alone. On Easter Sunday a lady next to me leaned over and whispered, “Don’t worry if I cry a little during the service.” And I whispered back, “Don’t worry if I cry a little either.”

What does this mean? Why does it happen? The ability to feel deeply, to experience joy, to know sorrow, and to sense the full range of human emotion is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. Tears may be present in the joy of a wedding, and in the sorrow of a funeral. Emotions are one of the ways in which we can connect with God. Tears can be cleansing. And tears can also be helpful in releasing tensions and pressures. The guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit often comes into our lives with an emotional component of some sort. Emotions need not always be bold and dramatic. A warm smile of a friend, a gentle touch, a thoughtful caring act—all have an emotional dimension that connects us to God.

One who continually blocks honest expression of emotions is somehow blocking an aspect of their humanity—and may be closing out this great wonderful gift of God.

Any one need a hanky?

-John Peters

Step Forward!

The good, even wonderful, news is that the organ restoration has been completed. The bad news is that cost remains to be fully funded. More bad news is that new roof leaks are being discovered in our grand church building that will need to be fixed. The good, even uplifting, news is that many have been able to “Step Forward!” with generous contributions to the Capital Campaign. And those contributions are received with sincere thanks! We are about half way toward our goal of being able to fully fund all of the priority restoration projects.

We hope that those who are still considering their gifts will recognize the importance—even in these difficult times—of helping in the effort to keep our church in good physical condition for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. Gifts may be spread over a three-year period.

Watch for more information in the Gallery and Chapel Hall about the campaign and restoration projects—coming soon!

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

“It is the wind and the rain, O God, the cold and the storm that make this earth of Thine to blossom and bear its fruit. So in our lives, it is the storm and stress and hurt and suffering that make us bring the world’s work to its highest perfection. Let us learn then in these growing years to respect the harder sterner aspects of life together with its joy and laughter, and to weave them all into the great web which hangs holy to the Lord.”           -W.E.B. DuBois

What beautiful words and images in these lines of W.E.B. DuBois. It seems to speak to every aspect of our lives, from the glorious spring season we’re entering into, to the unknown territory of our economic recession, and all the other challenges we face as parents and care-givers “in these growing years.”

Amidst all of this, I give tremendous THANKS to all you parents/members who have given of your time to the Church School program this year! An enormous thanks to the Winter Unit teachers!! And a welcome to the Spring Unit crew:

Gabriel’s Gang (pre-schoolers)
Cheryl Space, Nancy Brant, Kjesten Wiig, Lauren Karlsson, and Andrew Ryan
Shepherds (kindergarten)
Tracy Baran
Prophets (1st graders)
Lorraine Lalli and Lora Barlow
Disciples/Stargazers (2nd & 3rd graders)
Amy Frazer and Emma Cotter
Peacemakers (4th & 5th graders)
Barbara Nozaki and Joan Harrison
Dream-makers (6th – 8th graders)
Cathy Clasper-Torch

Some important MAY DATES to remember:

Sunday, May 3    4—5:30 pm
BOWLING TOGETHER
…at the “Bowling Academy in East Providence! This will be a blast, for all ages (Duck-pin bowling)! We are reserving 4 lanes for Centralites. Total cost per person for shoe rental plus TWO games is $7. See you at the lanes! 354 Taunton Avenue, East Providence  #401-434-5839

Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day
During worship, the Cherub Choir will sing; and the 4th graders will be receiving their Bibles!

Sunday, May 17
Confirmation Sunday
(8th Grade Confirmation)
4th – 7th grades stay in worship

Love & Joy, Sun & Rain,

Cathy Clasper Torch
Director of Religious Education

IMMEDIATE NEED!!

Welcome Baskets for 18 people newly arrived from Nepal, Iraq, and Eritrea in Rhode Island via the International Institute. Items needed:

Non perishable foods: Rice, pasta, sugar, salt, tea, canned vegetables, cooking oil
Toiletries: Toilet paper, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion
Cleaning supplies: Dish soap, sponges, paper towels, laundry detergent, mops, trash bags

Families or groups are also invited to mentor a newly arrived refugee family to help them adjust to life in Rhode Island. As a mentor, you can greet the family at the airport with IIRI staff, cook a welcome meal for their first day, help furnish and set up their apartment, and work with the family on a regular basis to help with life skills—grocery shopping, tutoring, or engaging in community activities.

To deliver a Welcome Basket or find out more about mentoring, please contact Mary Ellen Lynch, International Institute of RI melynch@iiri.org 784-8649

Friday Film Fare

May 15    Fireplace Room    7:30 pm

“Friendly Persuasion” (1956)

For two years the Civil War has been elsewhere for Jess Birdwell’s Quaker family in Southern Indiana. With Confederate raiders looting, burning and their neighbors arming for defense, Jess (Gary Cooper), his devout wife (Dorothy McGuire) and deeply conflicted son (Anthony Perkins in a star making performance) find that fighting back is not the answer put to the test. Friendly Persuasion is a beautifully crafted portrait of gentle people and their pacifism in the flames of war.

LAST CHANCE!!!

LIVING THE QUESTIONS: Part III
Sundays, May 3 – 31
9:00 -10:00 a.m.
Fireplace Room

Oh, my soul. . .be prepared for him
Who knows how to ask questions.
-T. S. Eliot

If you missed LtQ parts one or two, here’s your last chance this year to experience “loving” those questions that are part of all of our lives. Come see what a meaningful faith looks like in today’s world.

Incarnation: Divinely Human            May 3
Prayer: Intimacy with God            May 10
Compassion: The Heart of Jesus’ Ministry    May 17
Creative Transformation                May 24
Embracing Mystery                May 31

One Great Hour of Sharing

The Wider Church Ministries Board of directors met in March to discuss governance issues. Peter Makari, their executive for the Middle East and Europe shared slides showing Palestinian homes about to be bulldozed for encroaching Israeli development, and spoke of an online resource “From War to Peace—Iraq and the Church’s Views” which talks of the impact of the war through the perspective of the churches.

Xiaoling Zhu, executive director for East Asia and the Pacific spoke of the seriousness of climate change in the Pacific. Many of the islands are only a few feet above sea level and will be washed away as the oceans rise. Many of the people still suffer from the effects of nuclear tests the French continued until 1996. The arrest, imprisonment, and death of pastors, accused of aiding terrorists continues.

He showed slides of the new Amity Press that works 3 large presses 24 hours a day. Large and small print Bibles are readily available and inexpensive. New churches are being built. He showed a new church building for a church that didn’t exist 2 years ago that has 6000 members! The WCM has helped convert a non-productive large tract of land into a sustainable farm with trees, farming, goats, and mushroom growing. It provides food for HIV/Aids families and houses are being built for these families.

The committee also talked about the floods in the Midwest and continued support of ongoing work in the Gulf area. Almost 10,000 volunteers have worked in the Gulf Coast Hurricane Recovery and have contributed almost 275,000 hours with a dollar value of over $5,000,000. The UCC has received $6,153,757 to address the needs of people impacted by the 2005 hurricanes.

Thanks to the members and friends of Central Church, $3443 was received for One Great Hour of Sharing.

Thanks to the generosity of Central’s members and friends, 5 full boxes of school supplies weighing just under 200 lbs were shipped to the Afghan schools.

Knitting Group

Sunday, May 17
12 – 1:30 pm Deacon’s Room

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, relax with us and learn something new or share your knowledge. Don’t know how to knit? That’s OK! We’ll teach you! Questions? Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

What’s the WORD?

News from the Sr. High Youth Group

The Youth Leadership Team has had an overwhelmingly positive response to WORD Fellowship’s upcoming summer mission trip, with 22 folks signed up for 20 reserved spots at D.O.O.R. in Miami.  We will leave Providence on June 28th at 9:20 AM, and we will return to T.F. Green at 9:45 PM on July 3rd.

If you are between 8th grade and 12th grade, or if you are an adult who would like to attend as an advisor, there still may be spots available.  Please contact trip leader, Sue Trombley if you would like to be added to the list, so we can try to make arrangements with D.O.O.R.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their initial mission trip deposits of $150, due in January.  Second installments of $150 are now due, along with signed permission slips and health forms.  Please let us know if you need copies of these forms.  If you have not yet made your deposit payment, please send the full balance ($300) to church ASAP, or, if you are experiencing a financial hardship, please make arrangements with the youth leaders to request a scholarship.

We are also looking for SPONSORS for all of the youths who are attending the mission trip.  Sponsorship is a great way to help our Church in its wider mission, support scholarships, make connections with our youths, and learn more about the good work they are doing on behalf of Central.  If you would like to become a sponsor (suggested donation $100, but any amount will help), please let the youth leaders know and we will match you up with a particular youth.

In addition to the mission trip there are a number of upcoming events this spring:

Sunday, May 10th
2 pm to 6 pm – WORD Outing
Saturday, May 23rd
Trip to TOMB in Boston (times TBA)
Sunday, June 7th
7 pm to 9 pm Parent/Youth Mtg. on Mission Trip

This is going to be a great trip and a great spring for WORD!!!

Peace,

James Gorham & the Youth Leadership Team

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

Thursday, May 28

Book to be determined. Please watch our Sunday bulletin for the title