CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PROVIDENCE, RI

CentralNEWS/October2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 9

296 Angell Street Providence RI 02906 401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

“Merry Christmas!”…”Happy Easter”…. But what do we say when we greet each other during the church season of Pentecost?  Kat reminded us on Sunday of the Christian’s special greeting, our “secret handshake”.  We say, “May the peace of Christ be with you.”  For those who are contemplating the contagious-ness of the upcoming flu season, perhaps this special greeting is a way to avoid the possibilities of flu transmission…you can greet your neighbor in Christ with this simple yet profound phrase.

I actually like this idea because it reminds us of Who and Whose we are.  As Christians, we are a minority in this secular culture of ours.  If we greet each other with our own ‘secret handshake’ we remind ourselves and others of this special identity we share. It is a little like saying a simple, quiet grace in a restaurant.  We remind each other of the blessings we receive every day from our Lord.  (It does also embarrass the teenagers amongst us, but a little embarrassment is good for the soul!)

So let’s try to take some time in these weeks of Pentecost before Advent comes with a rush to cherish each moment we have been given…to give reverence to the gift of just being, not always doing, to remind ourselves of Christ’s peace given to us.

A colleague penned this brief prayer to remind us of the challenge of ‘Ordinary Time’…to sit in quietness and look and listen for God’s presence in our lives.

God, You Who are always whispering to us with words of wisdom and insight,

God, You Who are found in the subtleties of life around us,

Give us the courage – and that’s what it will take – to stop speaking and start listening for Your word of hope to us.

Give us the will to stop – even when the world calls us to go – and focus in on one moment at a time as we seek the peace that comes with recognizing that we stand in Your presence all of the time.

Call us to ‘just being’ time.

Give us the commitment to sacred reflection so that we better reflect the love of Christ in our ‘doing’ time.

God of Advent and Christmas, Lent and Easter, and Pentecost, help us to understand our lives in Your Light…Amen.

May the peace of Christ be with you,

Rebecca

Our prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends of

Pennell Eustis who died September 4, 2009.

A Memorial Service was held at Swan Point Cemetery on September 12.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Beverley Edwards, her brother, Joel Flather, died in September.

Bette Selle, Her daughter-in-law,Héléne Selle, died in September.

New Members

New Member Orientation*

Wednesday, October 21

Faith Exploration*

Tuesday, October 27

New Member Sunday

November 1

*These meetings are held at the home of The Reverend Rebecca Spencer 15 Taber Avenue at 7 pm

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday, November 1. A pastor/parent meeting will be held at 9 am on Saturday, October 24 in the Fireplace Room.

Please call The Rev. Rebecca Spencer, 331-1960, if you wish to participate in this Baptism.

Haitian Hoopla IV

RIC-UCC Haitian Task Force presents

HAITIAN HOOPLA IV

Friday, November 6    7:00-11:00 pm

Providence Marriott

Tickets $70 or 2 for $125

For Ticket information contact:

RIC-UCC 401-724-7700

From Kat

One of my favorite summer pastimes is walking among the aspen trees in Southwest Colorado. I cherish how the light filters through their shimmering leaves and how their delicate skin tells time with its scars. Aspen groves also capture my imagination, because although they appear to be many trees, a grove of aspens is actually one organism with many offshoots.

In the summer of 2002, there was a devastating forest fire that wiped out massive chunks of Southwest Colorado’s vegetation. Walking through the ashes the first summer after the fire, I noticed that the first green plants to spring up from the soot were the young aspen trees. Although many of the hillsides had burned, the wide-reaching aspen groves survived underground and on safer hillsides. Rooted to healthy ground, new life was able to emerge.

Central Congregational Church is clearly a place where such deep-rooted aspen-grove connectedness exists. Members who serve on committees also serve in food lines. People who greet children at coffee hour also care for our elders. The stories, history, and far-reaching service of Central weaves through generations. I am so moved by the way that Central, drawing from its healthy and well-established roots, continues to nurture new growth.

As the new year kicks into full swing, I sincerely look forward to working and learning with this beloved community as it continues to bless our living wilderness!

CCC Devotional for October:

“We acknowledge the risen Christ as the ultimate example of God’s grace, a gift freely given to all.”

Questions to ponder:  How do we express God’s grace in our everyday lives?  What does it mean to you to be “freely given” such a gift?  What does it mean to our church to be “freely given” the gift of God’s grace through the risen Christ?

Messy Spirituality: God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People

Sunday, October 4 9:00 a.m. in the Deacon’s Room

Come discuss this wonderful little book on spirituality for real people!  “Spirituality is not a formula; it is not a test.  It is a relationship… Spirituality is not about perfection; it is about connection…Spirituality is not about being fixed; it is about God’s being present in the mess of our unfixedness…”  This book may be small, but it has a lot to say!

From Claudia

Imagine standing at the ocean without a cloud in the sky.  The ocean is oh so blue and the waves lap gently at the sand…  Then, imagine standing in a tiny village on the green surrounded by history.  Then, imagine sitting in an outdoor chapel surrounded by God’s wonderful creation.  For some of us those images and so many other ones are now part of wonderful memories of our weekend in September on Cape Cod.

As I led members of Central who participated in our Faith, Fellowship, and Fun retreat I was struck by not only the beauty of the place we were in, but also by the beauty of connecting deeply with one another.  That weekend was a wonderful way for us to stop all the busy-ness of our lives and to truly be present in the moment.  In such a beautiful place surrounded by such thoughtful participants, how could we do otherwise?

We shared stories from our lives and contemplated what it means to be God’s faithful people and to journey through this life together.  Along the way we laughed and prayed and played and prayed some more.  The hours of our days were punctuated by walking a few houses down the green to the Inn where Sarah prepared delicious food for us.  We walked on the beach, explored the village and the Cape, read books, looked at the swans in the pond, enjoyed the playground, and just relaxed with one another.  We even discovered another church on the beach baptizing an infant in the ocean—a very special moment…

We connected with our faith and with one another through our stories which were a constant theme throughout the weekend, both in our Saturday morning program as well as in our more “informal” times together!  On Saturday night we connected with a former member of Central who now lives on the Cape.  She read about the retreat in our newsletter and invited us to her parent’s house at sunset on a cranberry bog in Centerville.  There we heard more stories, even as we shared ours.  We laughed and talked over homemade ice cream with these wonderfully hospitable new friends!

Sunday we worshiped on the hill in the woods in the outdoor chapel.  The sun streamed through the leaves of the trees and we praised God for all these blessings and more.  The dappled sunlight and the towering trees surrounding us were good reminders to stop and to experience the beauty of creation.  It was a special time to think about God’s on-going story of humanity and to remember that we are all part of that story.

And so it is that we are now back from our retreat.  Monday morning I sent an email around to those who participated in it.  I said that I missed starting my day by having breakfast together and being with all of them!  The responses quickly came back. All of us were experiencing the same yearnings.  I think there is a need in each one of us to keep our connection from the weekend going.  There is a desire to continue to experience God’s presence through our memories of such a perfect weekend, as well as through our ongoing relationships with one other.

And so it is that my wish for each one of you is that you will pause in your busy lives. Stop and breathe in God’s creation.  Breathe it in deeply.  Reach out and take the hand of the person nearest you.  Recognize one another as beloved children of God and remember that we are connected through our stories as well as our faith. And, say a prayer for those who need such connections…for that is ALL of us!

Yours in Faith,

Claudia

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

What a great joy it is to be back in Church School, the classes brimming with your kids and their positive energy! A special THANK YOU to the Religious Education Committee for helping kick off Gathering Sunday with delicious breakfast munchies, and for each and every one of you who came and made a great first Sunday back!

A HUGE THANK YOU goes to the teacher volunteers for the fall unit:

Gabriel’s Gang (pre-school)

Heather Lynch, Tori Lee, Linda Loiselle,

Carolyn Birbiglia

Shepherds/Prophets (K – 1st grade)

Kristin DeShaw, Pamela O’Hara,

Diane Worthen-Hirsch, Sue Azar

Stargazers (2nd grade)

Jen Cook, Emma Cotter, Donna Lizotte

Disciples (3rd grade)

Harriet Pappas

Peacemakers (4th – 5th grade)

Perry Buroker, Beth Cotter, Debra Moorhead, Bill Templeton

Dream-makers (6th – 8th grade)

Cathy Clasper-Torch

As our program continues to GROW, so grows the challenge of keeping informed and in communication with you about special events, classroom news, announcements, etc. Please continue to read everything that comes your way, and feel free to call or email me with any questions about Central’s Church School program.

We begin our journey into the new church ‘season’ with great hope and joy!!

Love & Blessings,

Cathy Clasper-Torch, Dir. of Christian Education

October Treats

Pumpkin Picking!!

Wagon Ride!!  Corn Maze!!

Four Town Farm

90 George St. in Seekonk, MA

Sunday, October 25th at 1:00 p.m.

Come to Four Town Farm and meet your friends from Central Church to ride the tractor-drawn wagon out to the pumpkin patch to pick your very own pumpkin!  Stop at the corn maze along the way!  This is fun for ALL ages!  And, it’s free except for the cost of your pumpkin if you pick one!!!

WORD FELLOWSHIP

WORD Overnight Camping Trip

October 2nd –3rd     5 PM–11 AM

There’s nothing like smores and campfire stories! WORD Fellowship will be traveling to George Washington Campground for a rustic adventure starting Friday evening October 2 at 5 PM. We’ll grill food, share stories and music, play with a giant parachute, and sleep out under the stars (or a shelter).

Providence Bruins

Friday, October 16  7 PM

Meet at the church at 6:15 PM to carpool to the game. Tickets must be reserved by October 1, so please contact Kat if you’d like to go! (Adult chaperones welcome! Tickets are $13).

WORD Climbs

Sunday, October 25   4-6 PM

Rock Climbing at the Rhode Island Rock Gym.  Plan to meet a little before 4 PM to pick up gear and turn in waivers. We’ll get personal instruction from the pros and pace ourselves on roped and low-to-the-ground bouldering climbs. All abilities and comfort levels welcome. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a friend! All are welcome!

Scavenger Hunt

Sunday, November 1    7-8:30 PM

Join WORD for a video and photo scavenger hunt on Thayer St. and beyond. We’ll come back at 8:15 to share our pics and finds.

NEOS

Putt Putt Golf

Sunday, October 4 after church

We’ll be joining the Religious Education Committee and other members of the church for a Putt Putt Golf adventure at Fantasyland in Seekonk. Sandwiches will be served at coffee hour, so stick around for lunch and then join us for an afternoon of fun! Although this is a church-wide event, there will be special activities (including a super-secret scavenger hunt) for NEOS only!

NEOS “Hang Time”

Sunday October 11   12-1 PM

Come to the Youth Room downstairs for ping pong, foosball, games, and fellowship.

NEOS Fall Fury

Sunday, October 18

Corn mazes, scavenger hunts, and tractor rides. Come to Morris Farm, 2779 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 at 2 PM for an afternoon of fun and adventure! Email Kat if you’d like to carpool to and from the church.

NEOS Movie!

Sunday October 25  12-1:45 PM

Come to the Youth Room for pizza, popcorn and a movie.

REBECCA’S NOON BOOK GROUP

We will meet on Thursday, October 29 to discuss “Middlemarch” by George Eliot.  All are invited to join in these lively discussions.

Help Re-Start a Life

“I was in prison and you came to me”, Jesus said.

“When did we visit you?” asked his followers.

“When you came to the least of these”, Jesus answered.

Members are invited to assist a program to help recently released ACI inmates. The Blessing Way, a highly selective faith-based program is one of the benevolences of our Mission & Action Committee. These items are needed for the short-term women’s residence in Providence:

Quilts for twin beds (a total of 4), bath and/or hand towels (any quantity), skillets (2) and glass mixing bowls. Please call Tracy Baran or email tcb@psh.com if you can provide any of these items.

Annual Women’s Retreat

WOMEN OF CCC—

REFRESH, BODY, MIND and SPIRIT

WHAT:  Annual Women’s Retreat

WHEN:            February 5-7, 2010

WHERE: On the gorgeous grounds of St. Benedict Abbey, Still River, MA

THEME: Keeping in Touch (self, others, God)

COST:            Friday afternoon-Sunday afternoon $165

(This would make a lovely gift— for yourself or someone you love)

Details will follow in upcoming newsletters, but don’t hesitate to contact Gwen Kangis.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, October 29

7:00-8:30 p.m. Hamilton House living room

This month we’re going to discuss fairytales!  And, what better place to do so than a “fairytale” house like Hamilton House (located next to the church)?  Please bring your favorite fairytale book or story to share with others.  Suggestions for books might be the novels of Gregory Maguire like Mirror Mirror or Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West or Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister or ???  Enjoy this enchanted evening with other book lovers!  Questions?  Call Claudia.

E. J. Dionne, Jr. at Central

E. J. Dionne, Jr.

Darrell West Lecture Series

Sunday, November 8 at 6 p.m.

E. J. Dionne, Jr. is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post, and a University Professor in the Foundations of Democracy and Culture at Georgetown University. Dionne excels in defining the strengths and weaknesses of competing political philosophies. His analysis of American politics and trends of public sentiment is among the best in the business. He believes America is about to enter a new progressive era, a period of reform in government and renewed civic activism in our communities.

Dionne spent fourteen years with the New York Times, reporting on state & local government, national politics, and from around the world, in Paris, Rome, and Beriut.

In 1990, he joined the Washington Post as a reporter, covering national politics. His best selling book, Why Americans Hate Politics, was published in 1991 and won the Los Angeles Times book prize and was a National Book Award nominee.

Dionne began his op-ed column for the Post in 1993, and it is syndicated to more than 100 newspapers. He is a regular political commentator on television and radio, including National Public Radio.

He grew up in Fall River, graduated from Harvard and received his docotrate from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.

What our members are doing. . .

Congratulations to Sharon Rounds who was recognized in the Spring issue of Brown Medicine for her research in the area of lung blood vessel function and pulmonary hypertension—a clinical condition with grave consequences—and she has long been recognized as a leader in her field. Sharon is one of four women to have served as president of the American Thoracic Society. The ATS recently presented her with its 2009 Award for Scientific Achievement in recognition of her research in the role of endothelial cell vascular reactivity, inflammatory cell/endothelial cell vascular activity, and the factors that influence endothelial cell apoptosis.

Congratulations to Ann Woolsey, a long time curator and RISD Museum administrator, who was named interim director of the RISD Museum. In 2006 she became the Assistant Director for Planning and directed the Radeke building renovation project and represented the museum’s interests in the construction of the Chace Center.

We are always grateful to hear from anyone who would like to participate in our Sunday morning worship by reading scripture. Please speak with a minister, call the church office, or contact John Chaney if interested.

Knitting Group

Sunday, October 11th

12:00-1:30 p.m. Deacon’s Room

Make new friends and visit with old friends at Central as we knit our way into the fall!  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 okay!  We’ll teach you!  Questions?  Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

Who Do We Say We Are?

For new members, 50+ year members, those considering membership, or anyone who wishes to attend.

On Sunday, October 25 at 9:15 am in the Fireplace Room there will be a showing of the DVD “Celebration: Who Do We Say We Are?”. This DVD, the first in a series of proclamations about the nature of mission and ministry in the UCC, profiles three members from around the country and illustrates how their faith journeys intersect with the historic work of the UCC. These contemporary stories are supported by historical images that create a context that both informs and inspires. There will be a time for introduction, viewing, reflection and discussion.

We offer this opportunity not only to educate, but also to remind all of us what it means to belong to the United Church of Christ.

Cooks Wanted

Casseroles are needed on Sundays for the Harold Lewis House run by Crossroads for elderly residents who have experienced intermittent or long term homelessness, sometimes spanning decades.  Please bring to the kitchen freezer on your designated Sunday one “Family Style” casserole (bought or homemade) for nine (9) residents, in an aluminum disposable pan. Please list ingredients on the covering. To sign up for a Sunday, please email Beth Taylor at Elizabeth_Taylor@ Brown.edu. Thank you.

POET’S PAGE

New Church Website Addition

Ilse Kramer, archivist at Central Church for over 20 years, is now on-line as the Poet Laureate, Central Congregational Church! You are invited to make the Poet’s Page part of your regular experience on the Central Church website (www.centralchurch.us). In addition, on a topic of your choosing related to faith, any member of our faith community (young, old, or somewhere in between!) is invited to submit original poems or short essays to Ilse (250 word maximum).

Contact her at poetlaureate@centralchurch.us. To begin this venture, Ilse has posted a number of her original poems, and will continue to post poems relating to life at Central, her life, and Life as it unfolds. Thank you, Ilse, for bringing your creative understanding of the written word to all.

http://www.centralchurch.us/index/php/poets-page

CENTRAL SUPPER CLUB

The Social Committee is planning only a fall Central Supper Club this year. (Next spring a Progressive Dinner is being planned.)  Central Supper Club is small groups of 8 or 9 people who gather for a potluck dinner at a member’s home.  Some groups meet only once, and others have met two, three, or even four times at different group members’ homes.  The sign ups will be at coffee hour in early October or call the church office to register.  We hope you will join us to become a participant in one of these groups.

Help Sojourner House

Sojourner House is requesting personal care items for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, sanitary products or any other personal care type products. Please place your items in the Sojourner House box in Chapel Hall.

BREAD OF HEAVEN

Deacons Maureen Whittemore and Joan Harrison are offering a unique opportunity for prospective bakers of any age—a chance to supply the bread for a communion service!

Two members of our congregation already showed the way last spring. They are Ginger Harkey (who also provided the original suggestion) and May Grant, who says “The aroma of fresh-baked bread has always provided a special communion experience for me. Baking this bread also gave me an opportunity to practice a new skill.”

If interested, please call Joan Harrison 751-2883, or email joanwharrison@gmail.com. The Communion dates for this coming year are October 4, November 29, January 3, February 17, February 21, April 1, April 11, and May 23. Those who need some hands-on experience are also encouraged to call Ginger Harkey or May Grant.

LITTLE BROTHER ORDINATION

On Sunday, October 11, at 6 P.M., the Central Congregational Church Sanctuary will be the site of the ordination of Brother Jakob Lazarus Thibault into the priesthood of the Little Brothers of Jesus Caritas. This is a part of the Old Catholic Church of North America – completely separate from the Roman Catholic Church.  Some of you have already met Jakob, as he has been attending some of our morning services.  He will be receiving his priestly vows on this date. In addition, Br. Jamie Francis Thibault and Br. Michael Timothy Grimmer will be professing vows to the community of the Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus Caritas and receiving minor orders.

All are invited to this service, which will be open to the public. If you have any questions regarding the ordination, please feel free to contact Bob Iovino.

Simplify Christmas

Tuesday, November 3rd

Deacon’s Room   7:00-8:30 p.m.

Back by popular demand!!  This evening seminar will explore the question: “Whose birthday it is it anyway?”  The Christmas displays have been up since August.  What does this mean for those of us who celebrate this holy-day as Jesus’ birth?  Is there any way we can stop this (sometimes) run-away train of the “Christmas machine”?  Come find out ways you can take back Christmas from the materialism encouraged by ad agencies and others!  Questions?  Call Claudia.

FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH

It often seems that I am thwarted in my attempts to establish a conversational intimacy with God.  The sometimes frenetic pace of my life—what one of my favorite authors John Eldredge calls “The Spirit of the Age”—is such that there rarely seems to be enough time for meditation and/or serenity to listen for the still, small voice I yearn to hear with the provision of guidance and wisdom.  To this end, the idea of reading the Bible on a regular basis as a part of this pursuit seemed beyond my reach—something my busy schedule couldn’t possibly accommodate.

I so often underestimate God and the unusual, surprising ways He works in my life.

I have stopped believing in what I once considered chance or serendipity and now readily accept most of these events as God’s hand at work in some way.  I have also accepted events that might otherwise seem unremarkable, mundane or typical can have consequences that are anything but. So it was with my receiving an iPod as a Christmas gift in 2006—an occurrence that might otherwise be construed as not having even the remotest relationship whatsoever with significantly enhancing my spiritual life.

With the arrival of the iPod, I discovered the world of iTunes.  For those who aren’t familiar with the realm of iTunes, it is a free computer application and the clearinghouse for innumerable, downloadable audio (or video) segments known as “Podcasts.”  I delved into offerings available for a Christian seeking something inspirational to listen to on a 40-minute commute to and from work and what I found profoundly impacted my life.  A Podcast called “The 1-year Daily Audio Bible” (or DAB as it is also known) is the entire bible read aloud from beginning to end in exactly one year.  Each daily Podcast includes a section from the Old Testament, the New Testament, The Psalms and Proverbs read by Brian Hardin, a music producer based in Nashville Tennessee.  Each week he reads from a different translation, an aspect I have grown to appreciate over the nearly 3 years that I’ve been listening.

The Podcasts can last between approximately 20 to 30 minutes and I have come to feel that, along with daily prayer, my day is not complete without this time spent in the word of God.  In addition to the readings, Brian typically offers some context, reflection or interpretation on one or more of the readings depending on how the spirit moves him.  It is uncanny how frequently Brian’s reflections on or interpretations of a particular part of the scripture is directly applicable to my condition at that exact time or a situation with which I am confronted.  Initially, it surprised me but over the years has occurred far too often to be a something related to the universal condition of the listener.

The DAB Podcast ends with a prayer request called in by a member of the “virtual” DAB community—a community that has grown exponentially since it began and currently numbers in the tens of thousands.   Some of those in this virtual community are not blessed with a church like Central and the DAB website (dailyaudiobible.com) and on-line forums have become a gathering place for members of this community from around the world.  The requests can often be heart wrenching and often make me realize that the challenges I may be facing on a particular day pale in comparison to what others are struggling with in places far from Rhode Island.   A recent addition to the web site is a 24-hour virtual “prayer room” where people from around the world call in to pray for larger issues facing their community, country or the world.

I have begun to value this relatively brief time spent each day in the word is an integral part of my “Walk with God” and have realized this daily dose of the Bible has had a significant impact on my life and on my journey of faith.  It is complemented by the community of faith offered by our Church and the fellowship provided by our congregation.   As a recorded history of God’s interaction with man, the Bible is essential as a framework for which to know God and for me personally to establish the intimate relationship with God that I, like many of us, am seeking.

If you are interested in this resource and some of the other podcasts that I have found inspirational please don’t hesitate to ask me about them.  For those who might be less technologically inclined, I would be delighted to help you get started!

-John Trevor

EXPOSE YOURSELF TO ART

Art Sale, Silent/Live Art Auction & Cocktail Reception at Hamilton House

October 3 at 5:00 pm

All are invited to an exciting fundraising event to support the programs at Hamilton House. You won’t want to miss this eclectic collection of over 100 pieces of local art including watercolors, oils, pastels, sculptures, drawings, photography, collage, montage, jewelry and note cards. There’s something for everyone!

Enjoy a cocktail, appetizers and chit chat with their charming special guest, Marcello, the Providence Canal Gondelier.

Tickets are $25 and parking is available in the Wheeler lot on Hope Street.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

Pledges to date                        $425,919

Budget-Pledges                        $432,000

To be raised                            $6,081

Several members historically wait until the fall to make their pledges. Last year the total of these pledges was several thousand dollars.

(223 pledging units)

If you have not yet made your pledge, please join us!  For more information, call the church office.

Mission Sunday

October 11

Come to church and support last year’s WORD mission trip participants as they lead worship and share their experiences of Miami. Current 8th graders will be able to join in the 2010 trip June 27-July 31.