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.

CentralNEWS/Septembber2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 9

296 Angell Street Providence, RI 02906 401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

I honestly don’t know which I enjoy more… watching Tom’s dog, Tres, try to catch the barn swallows swooping over him, or watching the birds working together in small teams teasing the dog. . . dive bombing him, coming up just ahead of him and then quickly darting off in a new direction. I am not too worried about him ever actually catching one of the lovely little birds, so after a little while of trying to decide what is more fun, I think it is time for me to either read or weed. Now there is another challenging decision as we have lots of weeds here and I also have a lot of books on my table waiting. The books are incredibly satisfying but there is something special about filling up the wheelbarrow with lots of juicy weeds and wildflowers and carting it over the fence to the cows who are always happy to receive my gifts. The wild grape vines are their favorites, I think, but they are also partial to dandelions and I confess, I have spent more time wondering why the wild rose and raspberry vines with all the thorns don’t seem to bother them.

As for reading, now there again, I’m currently in the middle of White Tiger and Olive Kittredege, but I am also skimming right through these two… Lost in the Middle? Claiming an Inclusive Faith for Christians Who are Both Liberal and Evangelical and Found in the Middle! Theology and Ethics for Christians Who are Both Liberal and Evangelical. These were co-authored by a friend, Chapin Garner, and I’ll be offering some groups centered around them in the coming months.

So you can see, dear friends, while I am so grateful for this summer time of different rhythms, I am aware that watching the birds and the cows gives me sustenance to come back and find ways with you to walk together in God’s ways. To further the mission of Central Church. To discover paths that bring others to the joy of knowing Jesus Christ in their lives. To know that wherever we go, we are surrounded by God’s love, and that we are called to share that love with others… to know we are forgiven and to work to forgive others. To know that our days are limited and that we can choose how to spend them.

I look forward to sharing the gospel with each of you in weekly worship, to being part of Patrick’s wonderful ministry of music, to support Claudia’s small groups of fellowship and faith, to welcome Kat and her exciting challenge of leading our youth in ministry and mission, and to see all of Cathy’s young charges gathering together to learn new lessons of God’s love. I look forward to hearing how the summertime has refreshed and invigorated you, and what your plans are to plunge yourself into the work and the wonder of being God’s child in the world. These are difficult economic times for all of us, and I add my prayers for those who are suffering in body or mind or spirit in these days. May all of us soar with wings like eagles, and like the birds of the air, know in our hearts that all will be well.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Rebecca

Our prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends of Ruth Lubrano who died August 9, 2009. A Memorial Service was held Central Church on August 15th.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Derek White His grandfather passed away in August

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

GATHERING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

10:30 am Worship Service

The Reverend Rebecca Spencer preaching

New Member Orientation*

Tuesday, October 20

Faith Exploration*

Wednesday, October 28

New Member Sunday

November 1

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

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

New Choir Members Welcome

Our Adult and Children’s Choirs Invite you to join us!

The Adult Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. beginning September 17. We sing weekly on Sunday mornings starting with a 9:15 am warm-up, and approximately once a month for a special afternoon service of music. Some experience is helpful, but we welcome everyone to come try us out!

The Children’s Choir rehearses weekly at 5 p.m. on Mondays beginning September 21. The Children’s Choir also sings weekly beginning at 10 a.m. for a warm-up followed by the service. No experience is needed, and the choir is open to children entering grades 3 – 8.

From Claudia

September is such a wonderful month!  The weather is still warm and there’s such a feeling of anticipation in the air as friends return from summer vacations with wonderful tales of faraway (or not so faraway!) places.  There are kick-offs and back to school events and, of course, Gathering Sunday for our wonderful church!  Committees begin to meet, and often as we come out of those meetings, the warm air of the day has turned cool and we say to one another, “Fall is in the air!”

One of the things that came out of our leadership meetings this past spring was a conversation about our devotional times at the beginning of each committee meeting.  Committees handle this in a variety of ways and we collectively wondered what would happen if ALL of Central’s committees began their meeting times together in the same devotional reflections each month.

And so, we’re going to try an experiment.  Each committee has been asked to reflect on one sentence of our mission statement each month.  The idea is to open a very short discussion as to how each committee sees itself in the wider life of this church.  There are questions to ponder for each sentence, but they are only there to get the committee started.  The Leadership Development committee has been using these for their last few meetings and we have been pleased with the depth of our discussion as well as the connection we feel to the other committees in our church through these devotionals.

So, as our program year begins I am wondering if the experiment could be expanded.  What might happen if we ALL take some time to reflect on the same sentence, the same month?  The library committee wondered about this, too.  Stop in and visit the library sometime.  They will be featuring books that might help us all on our journey as together we contemplate what it means to be the body of Christ in this place called Central Congregational Church.

Yours on the journey…

Claudia

CCC Devotional for September:

“Central Congregational Church, a member of the United Church of Christ, believes in God Who calls the world into being, creates human kind in the divine image and sets before us the ways of life and death.”

Question to contemplate:

How does our belief in God inform the way we live and interact with others?

Thanks!

A special thank you to Laurel McLaughlin and those who participated in her summer Pilates classes held here in Chapel Hall. As a result, $239.25 was donated to our Capital Campaign.

From Kat

Greetings, and welcome back! I hope you all had a gloriously relaxing summer. I am thrilled to be the newest member of Central’s ministry team. My full name is Sarah Kathryn Townes, but most of my friends call me Kat. Sarah, Kat, S. Kathryn, Mom, and Sarah Kathryn are all names I respond to. I come to you from Berkeley, CA with a large clan that includes my husband Royce, 10-year-old Royce Jr., 8-year-old Madison, two dogs, and three cats.

As the Associate Minister for Mission and Youth, my primary responsibility is working with the young people of Central; however, I look forward to getting to know all of you in the wider church family. Central is a large church with countless gifted members—please introduce yourself to me and share with me what brings you joy!

Whether you are a young person, are a parent of a young person, know a young person, or are young at heart, I believe that you are a part of the youth ministry team at Central. No matter what your level of involvement in the high school WORD or middle school NEOS groups, you serve as a role model, example, and extended family member to the young people of this congregation.

There are a variety of ways to get involved with the youth program, including sponsoring someone on the mission trip, serving as an adult leader, participating in a hike, volunteering with the youth on a service project, speaking to WORD or NEOS about your own passion, or even just welcoming young people when they visit our church. Your insights, wisdom, and open hearts are assets to the ministry of the church, and I look forward to being your partner in ministry!

Thank you for all of your hospitality in welcoming our family, I look forward to continuing our journey with you and Central’s young people this year!

Kat

FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND FUN

A CCC Retreat for People of All Ages!

Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18th to 20th

There are still spots available for a weekend together at the beautiful Craigville Conference Center on Cape Cod!  Imagine a weekend filled with a chance to grow in your faith, enjoy good food (all meals are included and prepared for you at the Craigville Inn), with time to refresh and renew yourselves!  Come alone or bring a friend or family member(s)! Our retreat weekend is reserved.  All that’s needed to make it complete is—YOU!!

Cost: $172 for adults, $133 for youths, children under 6 are free!  (Price includes all meals and our lodging.)

(Please let Claudia know if you are planning to attend this special retreat.  Space is limited, but there is still room; We need to give the Conference Center a firm number!)

GREETINGS, CHURCH SCHOOL FAMILIES!

The fruit of the Spirit is:

love,

joy,

peace,

patience,

kindness,

generosity,

faithfulness

gentleness

and self-control.

There is no law about such things.

-Galatians 5:22

Hoping your summer has been restful and rejuvenating!! Looking forward to seeing everyone for another great Church School year!!

Some DATES to make note of:

Thursday, September 10 – 9:30-10:45 am

Central’s PLAYGROUP begins; parents, infants, toddlers. Music, art, snacks, with

Cathy; upstairs room

Saturday, September 12 – 10:00 – 11:30 am

TEACHER TRAINING—held in the upstairs Gathering Space, for fall teachers.

Sunday, September 13 – 9:30 am

GATHERING SUNDAY MEETING

• for ALL parents, teachers, children
• breakfast munchies provided by RE committee
• meet in the Gathering Space (upstairs)

Sunday, September 13 – 10:30 am

WORSHIP and Church School

Classes begin for the new year.

Sunday, September 20 – 10:00 – 10:20 am

CHERUB CHOIR begins for pre-school – 2nd graders (in the Gathering Space)

Please bring your registration forms in no later than Gathering Sunday. And please let Cathy know when you’d like to be on a Church School Teaching Team! (Fall, winter, or spring). As you know, our program is a ‘co-op’, with each family participating at some point in the year.

Thanks & peace,

Cathy Clasper-Torch, Dir of Christian Education

FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH

A Little Space, Please

The words to a hymn have been stuck to my refrigerator door since the Sunday last year when Patrick passed out copies to the choir.  The hymn starts by complaining and making excuses.

Behold us Lord a little space,

From daily tasks set free,

And met within this holy place

To rest a while with Thee.

Around us rolls the ceaseless tide

Of business, toil, and care,

And scarcely can we turn aside

For one brief hour of prayer.

We know that quiet meditation is too often missing from our lives.  We see that it is important, recognize that it is part of what God expects from us, and truly wish we did more of it—but who’s got the time?  The writer says—and I say with him, “Lord, I’d really like to pray more, but, you know, I’m busy.”  What’s interesting here is that the hymn recognizes being overwhelmed as our normal condition.  There’s nothing particularly sinful about it.  There’s only so much time in the day, after all, and that ceaseless tide is rolling.  The writer asks for “a little space”, but doesn’t apologize for his inability to find that space by himself.  It isn’t always simple, of course.  I’m often guilty of wasting time, getting my priorities wrong, or just being dishonest with myself about what I’m really doing.  The sense remains, though, that despite all that, sometimes I’m just too busy.

So what do we do about it?  If it’s legitimate—at least sometimes–that we’re busy, then the solution can’t always be to sign up for a weekend retreat or to join a Bible study group.  These can be wonderful, but they are clearly the sort of thing that would go into that “little space” if only we had it.  Instead, the writer makes a surprising proposal.

Yet these are not the only walls

Wherein Thou mayst be sought;

On homeliest work Thy blessing falls,

In truth and patience wrought.

Work shall be prayer, if all be wrought

As Thou wouldst have it done;

And prayer, by Thee inspired and taught

Itself with work be one.

The hymn suggests that it isn’t really time we need after all, but a change in perspective.  If we can only learn to work the way God wants it done, “work shall be prayer”.  That little space we need so badly might be found within the “business, toil, and care” that crowd it out of our lives.  I find this inspiring–and challenging.   It’s much easier to see faith and work as separate, but overlapping, departments in our lives.  Since I’m a Christian, I don’t lie and cheat and I’m generally nice to my coworkers.  This, however, is something much deeper.  It isn’t that my faith affects the way I work, but that the way I work is an important component of my faith.

J.S. Bach expressed the same idea, I think, when he said, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. “  Bach was special, but it’s important to remember that music was his job.  Reading his biography, we learn that he had his share of mean bosses, lazy colleagues, and tight deadlines, never mind the pressure that comes from having 20 children to feed.   My work will never glorify God as spectacularly as his, of course, but anything that’s “in truth and patience wrought” can be offered to the glory of God, I think, and I am trying to learn how to do this.  And hopefully, someday, I’ll understand what it means for work and prayer to be truly one.

-Steve Dewitt

Darrell West Lecture Series

November 8

Our next speaker in the Darrell West Lecture Series will be Washington Post columnist, E. J. Dionne

SPONSORS NEEDED!

Sponsors are needed for our mission trip to New Orleans this coming fall.  This is one way you can participate, by supporting those who are representing you in mission!  Any amount is appreciated.  Please speak with Claudia if you would like to help.

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

This group meets on Thursday, September 24 to discuss Orhan Pamuck’s “Snow” and on Thursday, October 29 they will discuss “Middlemarch” by George Eliot.  All are invited to join in these lively discussions.

Dates to Remember

NEOS Kick-Off Party

Sunday, September 13th 12-1:30PM

Stick around after church on September 13 for pizza and ice cream in the Fireplace Room. Come meet other kids and enjoy some fellowship!

NEOS Rock Climbing

Sunday, September 20 1PM-3PM

Rhode Island Rock Gym

Come join us for a rock climbing and rope-swinging adventure at the Rhode Island Rock Gym on September 20 after church. The rock-climbing trip is limited to 15, so please sign up soon by emailing Kat: kat@centralchurch.us.

Youth Visioning Meeting

Sunday, September 13

5PM-6PM

Come to the Fireplace Room and meet with others to share ideas about the upcoming year for the WORD and NEOS fellowships. Parents, youth leaders, church members, friends, volunteers, and idea people—all are welcome!

WORD Fellowship

Overnight Camping Trip

Friday, October 2nd – 3rd  5pm – 11am

There’s nothing like smores and campfire stories to bring a group together. WORD Fellowship will be traveling to George Washington Campground for a rustic adventure starting Friday evening October 2 at 5pm. We’ll grill food, share stories and music, play with a giant parachute, and sleep out under the stars (or a shelter). 15-person limit so sign up soon! Email kat@centralchurch.us.

WORD Potluck BBQ

Sunday, September 13

6 PM-7:30 PM

WORD members and their families are invited to the parsonage for a potluck barbeque. Come meet Kat’s family, including Jesus the dog, and enjoy some great food off the grill. Veggie options will be available! Email kat@centralchurch.us for more details.

Knitting Group

Sunday, September 13th

12:00-1:30 pm  Deacon’s Room

The nights are getting cooler, and it’s time to get out those needles and join your friends 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.

Messy Spirituality:

God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People

Sundays, 9/27 and 10/4 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!

Books will be available for $11.50.  Please call Claudia to reserve your copy so that you’ll have time to read it before the classes begin.

Food for Thought

Thursday, October 29th

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.

ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT

SAVE THE DATE for our annual women’s retreat:  February 5-7, 2010, on the beautiful grounds of St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA.  Look for details to follow later this year.  Any questions, call Gwen Kangis: 274.5253.

CentralNEWS/August 2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 7
296 Angell Street Providence, RI 02906   401-331-1960

From Your Associate Minister

I’m writing this article fresh from a week of theological discussion about spirituality.  Every year I help plan a theological colloquy around a different theme.  This year our theme was Spirituality and the Holy Spirit: A New Awakening for the Church?  People from all over the country attended this colloquy and the discussion was rich and full.

Spirituality can be a loaded word and we recognized that when we chose this topic.  Apparently, this is a theme that is near and dear to many lay and clergy hearts, though.  Almost 100 people participated in this weeklong discussion!

And so, I’m thinking about all the times I’ve had people say to me, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”  Mostly, that happens when they find out I’m a “woman of the cloth”!  But, what does this really mean?  Because I’m curious by nature I did a little research.  Did you know that this is a peculiarly American concept?  Many who have studied this believe it stems from the 1960’s, a time of rebellion against organized anything—including religion.  However, Americans were not ready to give up on religion altogether and so we created this category of spiritual but not religious.

In time in some peoples’ minds, all things religious were relegated to the “bad” category, whilst all things spiritual became part of the “good” category in that it is the only real way to reach God.  Hmmm…  Soon, there were other categories of ways to experience God.  There is Jewish spirituality, Islamic spirituality, as well as Christian spirituality. Within the realm of Christian spirituality there are many practices, many of them dating back to earlier, if not the earliest times of the Church.

What’s a poor Christian to do in this confusing bounty of riches?  We can practice Celtic spirituality, centering prayer, contemplative practices, and on and on.  According to David Stendahl-Rast, “Sometimes people get the mistaken notion that spirituality is a separate department of life, the penthouse of existence.  But rightly understood, it is a vital awareness that pervades all realms of our being.”

While spiritual practices are all well and good, this is all about our experience of and relationship with God.  We would do well to heed Stendahl-Rast again, “Wherever we may come alive, that is the area in which we are spiritual.”  We are—each one of us spiritual beings—people who are created to be in relationship with the God of all life!  And, we are not perfect…no, not us!  We are full of Messy Spirituality as expounded in Michael Yaconelli’s wonderful book.  We are people who are willing to give over our messy lives to God and through God’s grace are
completely in relationship with God!  This is spirituality that we can get our hearts around.  This is spirituality that is real and true.  May it be so for each one of us!!

Yours on the Journey,

Claudia

Our thoughts and prayers are with…

Bernie Buonanno – His mother, Martha, died in July.

Karin Robison – Her mother, Ruth Waldman, died in July.

Todd Hensley Weir – His former wife, Rosemary, died in June.
Todd served as our associate minister in the early 90s. If you care to send a card, his address is 102 Academy Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

NEW MEMBERS

New Member Orientation*
Tuesday, October 20

Faith Exploraiton*
Wednesday, October 28

New Member Sunday
November 1

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

THERE IS CHILDCARE EACH SUMMER SUNDAY DURING MORNING WORSHIP IN THE CHERUB ROOM.  CARETAKERS WILL TAKE THE CHILDREN TO THE PLAYYARD IF WEATHER PERMITS.

SPONSORS NEEDED!

Sponsors are needed for our mission trip to New Orleans this coming fall.  This is one way you can participate, by supporting those who are representing you in mission!  Any amount is appreciated.  Please speak with Claudia if you would like to help.

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

This lively book group meets on Thursday, September 24 to discuss Orhan Pamuck’s “Snow” and on Thursday, October 29 the group will discuss “Middlemarch” by George Eliot.  All are invited to join in these lively discussions.

Welcome Kat!

We welcome The Rev. Kat Townes, her husband, Royce Tevis, and their children, Royce and Madison.

Greetings, Church School Families!

A THANK YOU to the Richardson family (Julia and Curt, Colby and Emily) for the delightful Teacher Appreciation Potluck they hosted in July for teachers and R.E. Committee members! It couldn’t have been a more beautiful night, with the moon rising over the water on Newport and Jamestown–and no rain!  Thanks, Julia and Curt!!

A THANK YOU to all of you who have returned your Church School Registration Forms sent out earlier this summer–and a reminder to those who haven’t yet done so to send it in ASAP.   Also, a heads up that Cathy will be calling parents this month to firm up the Teaching Teams for the New Year.

Blessings to each of you!!  Looking forward to Gathering Sunday, which is on September 13th–beginning with our 9:30 meeting the Gathering Space (for all church school families, kids, teachers), worship at 10:30 and first day of Church School classes.

Peace & Joy,
Cathy Clasper-Torch
Director Religious Education

HELP  WANTED!

As you may know, the ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) Group has been working for over two years ministering to members of our congregation through short term times of need with meals, cards, calls or driving.  There have been three coordinators for the program.  Through members in the church or the ministers, we hear that someone has a need, and a coordinator contacts members who have offered their services to “shepherd” the person/family through this sometimes joyous (baby arrivals), sometimes sorrowful and sometimes short term illness.  The shepherd contacts the family, determines the need and contacts other members who have offered to volunteer to provide what is needed.

Already, we have a great list of potential shepherds and there will be another outreach for additional volunteers in the fall.  Right now, however, we need three new people to work as coordinators.  It is a job that is done primarily through phone calls and e-mails.  Very few meetings!  The coordinators are notified of a need, one takes over and calls/e-mails members to find a shepherd who will assemble the people and talents that are needed to address the need.  It is not a major time commitment – however one never knows when a need will arise.  Sometimes many come at one time and, blessedly; there may be no needs for a lengthy period of time.

If you would like to learn more about this, you can call Lora Spalt, 751-8588 or Janis Loiselle, 331-0337.  If you can volunteer, please contact Claudia Demick at 331-1960.  It is a wonderful opportunity to minister to our congregation and you don’t even have to leave your house!

FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND FUN

A CCC Retreat for People of All Ages!  Friday through Sunday, Sept. 18th to 20th

It’s never too early to plan ahead to join Claudia and other members of our Central Church family for a weekend together at the beautiful Craigville Conference Center on Cape Cod!  Imagine a weekend filled with a chance to grow in your faith, enjoy good food (all meals are included and prepared for you at the Craigville Inn), with time to refresh and renew yourselves!  Come alone or bring a friend or family member(s)! Our retreat weekend is reserved.  All that’s needed to make it complete is—YOU!!

Cost: $172 for adults, $133 for youths, children under 6 are free!  (Price includes all meals and our lodging.)

(Please let Claudia know if you are planning to attend this special retreat.  Space is limited and we need to give the Conference Center a firm number soon!)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT BOOK GROUP SUMMER READING!

August 23rd brunch at the Modern Diner,
364 East Ave, Pawtucket at 12:00 p.m.
NOTE CHANGE OF TIME  & LOCATION!
(Please RSVP to Claudia)

Remember the days of summer reading for school?  Come and read with us, and we promise there will be no book “reports” due!  Instead there will be wonderful conversation about a book with church friends and brunch…food for thought (and for our tummies!)  This month we will be discussing The Plain Language of Love and Loss by Beth Taylor with the author herself!

New Writer on Central’s Website, Welcome Ilse!

Beginning in early September 2009, our church’s website, http://www.centralchurch.us, will feature a new inclusion, the “Poet’s Page.” As the “Poet Laureate” of Central Congregational Church, Ilse Kramer, our long-time church archivist is devoting her time and talent to authoring poems displayed on this page. Among other topics, Ilse’s writing will explore the meaning of faith, the place of the Church, and the experience of her life as a Christian woman. As this new feature of our on-line church presence develops, Ilse will be asking members of Central who have an interest in creative writing to assist her with this venture. Expect to see this page launched before “Gathering Sunday.” Welcome all to The Poet’s Page!”

Congratulations to . . .

James & Rebecca Gorham. Their daughter, Hannah, was born in June
Andrew & Jenn Mazurkie. Their daughter, Annabelle, was born June 21
Jim & Ann Scott on the birth of their grandson, Evan James

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

CentralNEWS/February 2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 2
296 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906 401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

Someone came up to me after a funeral recently and said, in a thoughtful way. “Rebecca, I am so glad that I came to this service, not only to honor the person who has died, but to take the time to ponder in my mind just what it is we are all here to celebrate. And to hope that when my time comes, that my life will have mattered.” In that pithy statement lies so much.

We all want our lives to have mattered. Whether it is making a difference in our world, or our community, raising thoughtful and loving children, or influencing someone else, we follow in Christ’s way when we choose to be his disciples. And knowing Who and Whose we are means our lives matter. There is a poem that speaks of the important numbers in our life…the year we were born, and the year we die…and yet there is something even more important. The ‘dash’ that is in between.  What we do with that time in between that is given to us.

When you next have a moment, take the time to wonder about your ‘dash’…the years in between your birth and your death. What are you doing with it? Are you choosing to follow in Christ’s way? Would He call you His disciple?

Perhaps it is just me, but it does seem as though in these bitter cold days, there is the opportunity to enter into thin times. Times we can ponder how our lives matter–to ourselves, to others, to God. Times when the boundaries of time and space seem to converge. Times when the decisions we make seem especially poignant. Having just returned from a conference where we discussed the history and the practices of Christian baptism, I am pondering that particular moment of thin time. That moment of commitment and challenge.

Wishing you many of those moments of thin time, of discernment, of discipleship. I am, faithfully,

Rebecca Spencer

Prayers

Our prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends of:

Ronald Eastwood who died December 9.
A Memorial Service was held in Warwick on December 13 .

Kathryn Owen who died January 8.
A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on January 17.

B J, Janet & Cindy Carter
Their brother-in-law and uncle passed away in January

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY

Please join us on Sunday, February 1 for a potluck luncheon immediately following worship as we welcome our new members and begin our Stewardship letter writing campaign.

The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday, February 22. A pastor parent meeting will be held at 9 am in the Fireplace Room on Saturday, February 14.

If you wish to participate in this Baptism, please call the Rev. Rebecca Spencer, 331-1960.

New Members

New Member Orientation*
Wednesday, April 22

Faith Exploration*
Tuesday, April 28

New Member Sunday
May 3

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

From Your Associate Minister

So, what does a Bulgarian Christian theologian, a Turkish Sunni Muslim imam, a Shi’ite Muslim from Iran, a Jewish Reconstructionist rabbi, and yours truly have in common?  I know this sounds like it could be the beginning of a bad joke, but the answer is that we all were part of the Building Abrahamic Partnerships (BAP) course that I was immersed in for eight days in January.  We spent twelve hours per day learning about each other’s faiths with the help of a faculty of four and a variety of guest presenters.  The faiths that trace themselves to Abraham were well represented in this diverse group of Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

And, we were a very diverse group!  Among our Jewish participants were two rabbis, a cantor in training, two people who have created groups that explore peace from a faith perspective in Washington, D.C. and in Israel, the wife of a rabbi, and her mother.  Many of these people had lived in Israel for extended periods of time.  Among our Muslim participants were several converts to Islam from this country, women from Yemen and Turkey, an imam from Macedonia, a Muslim chaplain from a major U.S. university who was also a Turkish imam, a young woman from Iran, and another man from Turkey.  The Christian group included five UCC ministers, three lay people, one of whom is the head of Habitat in Hartford, a Reform minister from Indonesia, a Pentecostal Christian from Indonesia who heads a program for young adults to promote peace, and a Roman Catholic spiritual director.

We counted our languages one day and we spoke seventeen different languages!  Multiply that by all those different cultures, religions, and life experiences and we were quite a “soup” of humanity!  In the course of time we ate together, learned together, laughed together and sometimes disagreed.  Did we come to any conclusions from this experiment?  I think the point of such dialogue is that it really requires putting aside our own pre-conceived ideas in order to enter into the type of conversation that isn’t looking for validation of our own pre-determined answers.  There is a real humility involved on the part of those who endeavor to enter into that kind of deep dialogue.  We need to be able to agree to “not know” together which gives us common ground.  We need to be open to one another as human beings.

Think how hard that really is.  We were an international group gathered together who already had the desire to learn and listen and yet we found it very difficult.  How much harder it is to do this with those who have no desire to listen to each other!  Perhaps at the end we have succeeded if we can look at one another and say, “Because I’ve known you I have been transformed forever.”  I know that I have been changed by my encounters in BAP.  Perhaps that should be our prayer for the world: that we might look into one another’s eyes and experience transformation.

Shalom, Salaam, Peace,

Claudia

LIVING THE QUESTIONS is back!!

Part II: Reclaiming the World
Sundays on 2/ 1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1
9:00-10:00 a.m. in the Fireplace Room

Back by popular demand, LtQ part II will explore the next “flight” of topics in chapters 8-14 in this series as we continue to ask “the questions for which there are no answers.”  Come join us as we explore what it means to be people of faith in the 21st century.  Each class is complete in and of itself.

10.  Evil, Suffering & A God of Love (2/1)
11.  The Myth of Redemptive Violence (2/8)
12.  Practicing Resurrection (2/15)
13.  Debunking the Rapture (2/22)
14.  Reclaiming the World (3/1)

SECOND CHANCE!!!
LIVING THE QUESTIONS: Part I
Thursdays, 5:45-7:00 p.m. in the Fireplace Room

If you missed LtQ part one this past fall on Sunday mornings, here’s your chance to experience “loving” the questions that are part of all of our lives.  Faith is a journey, not a destination and LtQ explores the traditions, theologies, and significance of Christianity in the 21st century and what a meaningful faith looks like in today’s world.

1. Invitation to the Journey (2/5)
2. Taking the Bible Seriously (2/12)
3. Thinking Theologically (2/19)
4. Stories of Creation (2/26)
5. Lives of Jesus (3/5)
6. A Passion for Christ: Paul (3/12)
7. Out into the World: Challenges Facing
Progressive Christians (3/19)

LET’S GO TO THE THEATER!

“A Raisin in the Sun”  -  March 1 at 2pm
Trinity Repertory Theater

“From their tenement apartment, the Younger family believes an insurance windfall is about to change their lives — but poverty and prejudice stand in their way. When the odds are stacked against them, will this family collapse or will they stand tall?”  This classic drama “changed American theater forever” according to the NY Times.

Group tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for students.  If you are going you must let Claudia know by February 12th so that tickets can be purchased at the group discount price.

Step Forward!

Step Forward! is not to be confused with our annual Stewardship campaign which begins on February 1.  Stewardship gifts and pledges made are for the general operation of the church—salaries, mission, utilities, supplies, etc.
Step Forward! gifts will be used for the long overdue restoration of our historic building. All gifts are welcome. Please step forward to carry on the tradition of generosity to both campaigns assuring that Central Church is here for future generations.

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

Special Service of Music

Our Adult Choir will present a special service of music on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. featuring two works of start contrast.

The Chichester Mass of American composer William Albright sets the traditional text of the Latin mass to music that expresses its mystic meaning. Often scored for eight parts, or two choirs, the music uses striking harmonies and techniques for a captivating presentation.

The Missa Luba of Guido Haazen completely departs from the rarified sense of the Chichester Mass to bring us a setting of the same text, but this time in a style based on unaccompanied singing with African drumming!

A reception in Chapel Hall follows.

CHOIR GOES >ON THE ROAD=

The Adult Choir Atakes their show on the road this month when we sing at the Shabbat Shira or Sabbath of Song service, on Friday, February 6, at 7:30 pm at Temple Shalon in Middletown.
Cantor Fred Scheff, who sings as one of our tenor section leaders, has invited our choir to sing at their Friday night service. In observance of the special Sabbath of song, the choir will present selections we sang at the Krystallnacht concert back in November.

Rabbi Marc S. Jagolinzer has invited churches in Middletown to join in this worship, and of course Central is most especially invited to make the trip across the bridge to share in this service of music featuring our own choir.

You will find Temple Shalom on 233 Valley Road in Middletown and at templeshalomri.org. An Oneg Shabbat, or collation, will follow the service.

Be an Organ Donor

So many of you have expressed excitement over hearing just the small portion of the organ that has arrived back from restoration. Although the instrument speaks only modestly through minimal pipework, it once again leads worship and has inspired us in the season of Christmas. Work continues for completion by Easter.

One creative way to look at the cost of restoring our organ is to consider it on a cost per pipe basis. Taking the overall cost of the project divided by the 3,456 individual pipes yields a figure of approximately $200.

Perhaps you might know some friends of our congregation or family members who might wish to give to the campaign, but not at the more substantial level of gift that a capital campaign would imply. The cost of a pipe, however, comes to a modest and approachable $200, which might appeal to potential givers.

Please consider encouraging your friends and family who love music at Central but might not otherwise contribute to our capital campaign to consider sponsoring one or more organ pipes. Perhaps you, yourself, might consider an extra gift to show your support of our pipe organ and the inspiration it brings to so many week after week, and will continue to do so for many, many years to come thanks to generous Aorgan donors.

WORD & NEOS

Friday & Saturday, February 13 & 14
Combined Ski trip to Mt Cranmore. We leave Central at 7 pm and will stay overnight at the Center Harbor Congregational Church then drive to Mt. Cranmore to be at the ski area for 9 am.

Shrove Tuesday, February 24
New Orleans themed supper. WORD will combine with the NOLA Adult Mission Group to host a supper in honor of Mardi Gras/Shrove Thursday. All are invited to this fun event!

Please call Jim Gorham (885-0945) if you are able to help with either event.

MEMORIAL   FLOWER    REQUEST

Would you like to remember a family member or friend with memorial flowers in the chancel for Sunday worship? Please choose a date and call the church office with your request or return the following form. A donation of $35 is requested.

The flowers in the Chancel today
are given to the Glory of God
and in loving memory of
{Name(s)}

Signed__________________________________

Address________________________________

The Green Challenge Before Us

We all know that “Going Green” refers to a worthy endeavor intended to save fuel, save money and “save the earth”.    For Christians it is also — an act of faith.

For generations Christians held a view of the earth as God’s gift of an inexhaustible natural resource provided to sustain us.  But that view has changed dramatically within our lifetime.  Conservation of our precious resources is now an act of good stewardship that expresses our gratitude to God for providing the earth.  It is also a humble acknowledgement that the gift of the earth is ours to manage and preserve for our children.

“It is not enough for you to feed on the good pasture, but must you tread down with your feet the rest of your pasture? When you drink of clear water, must you foul the rest with your feet”? -Ezekiel 34:18

At a recent interfaith conference on developing a religious community response to climate change, called “Faith Lights our Way”, the Rev. Canon Sally Bingham of the Episcopal Diocese of California spoke of the role of religion.  She characterized the environmental challenges posed by global warming as “the single greatest challenge of our generation”.  Where do churches play a role?  Answer: In the lead.

In the struggle over civil rights in the 1960s, and over slavery in the century before that, the moral leadership of church was critical to: (1) changing the way the world viewed the problem; and (2) illuminating the difficult path out of the darkness of oppression and into the light of freedom.  Once again, religious communities need to lead.  How we treat the earth is more than an environmental issue, it is a moral issue.  The religious voice dictates moral authority and leads the way on issues that carry a moral obligation to act.  Our church must act and lead by example.

As you may know, we are actively engaged in the process of reviewing the “carbon foot print” of our Church.  Insulating, lighting, heating and water use are all a part of that ongoing effort.  But good stewardship of the earth requires that we do all that – and more.

Recently the Board of Deacons posed a challenge to each of our committees:  “Go Green.”  Meaning this:  contemplate how to make changes to the many ordinary and extraordinary acts that comprise the life of our church that will further conserve the earth’s resources devoted to sustaining our church, our church families, and our community.   And so, your committees are now engaged in a journey of deliberate reflection on the topic in order to challenge our assumptions about how we do everything in the life of our church.

This church that we think of as “ours” is “us”.   Our “Green Initiative” lives largely in our hearts and minds at the moment.  It will require a devotion of our time and labor to move the full scope of our intentions into actions in the months and years to come.  And once we do that, we must do it again, and again.  This is not a temporary project or limited campaign.  This initiative represents an ongoing commitment to consider how our stewardship of God’s earth must be considered in everything we do in our church, our homes, and our communities.

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it”
Psalm 24:1-2

To be good stewards of God’s earthly realm we must lead the way within our community of faith on Angell Street – and beyond.
-Bill Templeton, Senior Deacon

Welcome New Members

The following will unite with us in membership on Sunday, February 1. Please join us in welcoming them warmly into our church family.

Peter Heywood & Nancy Jacobs
Providence
Peter & Nancy are both professors at Brown whose interests include reading, world events, country living and family. They hope to grow in a church community and become involved with teaching here at Central. They are the parents of two young children, Wesley and Ela.

Brian & Lorraine Lalli
Providence
The Lallis are native Rhode Islanders who grew up on the East Side. Lorraine teaches at Roger Williams Law School and Brian at Rhode Island College. Much of their time centers around being with their immediate family. They find Central to be consistent with their personal beliefs. They have two small children, John and Serena.

Stanley & Martha Livingston
Providence
The Livingstons are retired. They have 5 children, 18 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Their interests include family and community service. They join their relatives, Paul and Adelaide Nicholson, in membership.

Benjamin & Mary Elizabeth Waite
Providence
Ben is an executive VP who enjoys skiing, golf, and mountain biking. Mary is a secondary school history teacher who currently stays at home with their young children, Sophie, Lucas, & Desmond. Mary enjoys history, parenting, animals, & mountain biking. Our children’s’ program, liberal explanation of faith & acceptance, and mission work brought them to Central. They hope to become involved in our children’s’ programs.

CentralNEWS January 2009

VOLUME 17 NUMBER 1

296 Angell Street Providence, RI 02906
401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

There is something about the turn of the calendar that is deeply invigorating. Sure it is just another page and some different numbers, but I really like the January effect. We have a chance to start over. To reorganize…Maybe to finally read those helpful books like the “What Can I Bring?” cookbook, or the “One Hundred Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life” book, or the Second Edition of Foreign Words and Phrases…(I am intrigued by this last one…did you know that ‘cul de sac’ means bottom of the bag in French? That cummerbund comes from the Hindi word for lion band? Or that ukulele means jumping fleas in Hawaiian? But to have that opportunity to begin again is central to our faith and to our lives.

We can take stock in our past. We can make our resolutions and begin once more to live more as we know we were meant to live. We can try to let go of what really doesn’t matter and live into what does. I know I make these resolutions with some regularity, but somehow with the new year, they seem more manageable. We are all in this together, the fresh calendar reminds us. Like a new snowfall, the slate is wiped clean. God gives us one more chance.

Whatever may be happening swirling around us, our center remains steady in God’s abiding love and forgiveness. Spring will come soon enough, with all its wonderful joys and surprises. For now, let us appreciate the cold starkness of January. It is here and now. Time to make those resolutions. Time to renew yourself…and to let God work upon you.

Happy New Year!

Rebecca Spencer

Our prayers and sympathy are with the family and friends of:

Ronald Eastwood who died December 9. A Memorial Service was held in Warwick on December 13.

David Evans who died December 31. A Memorial Service was held at Central Church on January 6.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH

I know that Christmas has come and gone for another year, but I’m thinking about something that happened over Thanksgiving (seems so long ago now).  I was at my parents’ home for the holiday and showing my father how to use Craig’s List.  We came across a posting in which someone had issued an invitation for six people to join him/her for Thanksgiving dinner at their home.  The offering was for someone who might not have enough money to put together a nice Thanksgiving dinner for their family, or someone who was just going to be alone on that day.

That offer really stuck with me.  I have wondered about how it turned out. The person who made the offer was not only generous, but also not fearful.  Some might say, perhaps not very smart; it is the Internet after all.  It’s one thing to be generous when you know what you are getting into and who is going to show up at your door.  But it’s another to just put an offer out there to the universe and see what happens.   Was it that the host(s) had a big house with space and food to spare at the table?  Maybe they discussed it as a family first.  Weren’t they worried at all about who might take them up on the offer?  After all, it could turn out to be a disaster.  But it also might not.

The first definition of generosity is “readiness or liberality in giving.”  Whoever made that offer was certainly both ready and liberal with their generosity.  It was really out there, in a whole other category than I am used to.   I felt envious at the readiness inherent in that offer.  I’m not ready in that way.  It made me bump up against the boundaries of my own generosity, quite legitimate ones of course, such as self-protection, caution, etc.  But coming up with legitimate reasons for why I couldn’t make such an offer myself is a way of dodging the real question, which is how can I go out of the established comfort zone of my own generosity, such as it is?  I don’t have to do the same thing as this anonymous benefactor in order to push the boundaries of what I can offer.

I was fortunate that day to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with my daughters, my parents, and my sister and her family, for which I am very grateful.  But I got something out of that offer too, the vicarious feeling that happens when we hear about the random acts of kindness done by others, gratitude for being able to witness grace in action.  And gratitude for the challenge such acts implicitly contain.

- Sherri Fitts

From Your Associate Minister

January is a time when many of us make resolutions for the New Year. Personally, I’ve always found the summer a better time for assessing my life and contemplating its direction, but perhaps that’s because I was a teacher for so many years and for me summer was always a time to assess and plan for the next year.

In a recent survey I read that 33% of the respondents said they would break their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January, while 75% said they would break them within three months. For those of us who follow the Christian calendar, that means most people will break their resolutions before Lent is over!

I began to wonder what others have said about the New Year. It turns out that many people have a lot to say, so here are some quotes to ponder:

An optimist stays up all night to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.
-Bill Vaughn

A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.
-Author unknown

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better person.
-Benjamin Franklin

New Year’s Day is everyone’s birthday.
-Charles Lamb

Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
-Hal Borland

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
-Alfred Tennyson

Some of these quotes are hopeful, some mildly humorous, but all contain truth in that this time of year (or any other time you may choose!) gives us permission to stop in the midst of our busy lives and to think about where we are heading. And, the truth is that we all need to take stock of our lives on a regular basis! Another truth is that this is a time of hope and promise. We have the opportunity to “ring in the true.” No matter what has happened in the past year we have the chance to move on with wisdom and courage. My favorite quote is the following:

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
-T.S. Eliot

As Christians, we can always begin anew, no matter what time of the year it may be. The end is always the beginning for we belong to God Who is making all things new!

With Thanksgiving,

Claudia

LIVING THE QUESTIONS is back!!

Part II: Reclaiming the World
Sundays from January 4 to February 15
9:00 – 10:00 am Fireplace Room

Back by popular demand LtQ part II will explore the next ‘flight’ of topics in chapters 8 – 14 in this series as we continue to ask “the questions for which there are no answers.” Come join us as we explore what it means to be people of faith in the 21st century. Each class is complete in and of itself.

8.    Restoring Relationships (1/4)
9.    The Prophetic Jesus (1/11)
10.  Evil, Suffering & A God of Love (1/18)
11.  The Myth of Redemptive Violence (1/25)
12.  Practicing Resurrection (2/1)
13.  Debunking the Rapture (2/8)
14.  Reclaiming the World (2/15)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, January 29th
7 – 8:30 pm at Janet Anderson’s house

January’s book will be The Shack by William Young. This is a book that has catapulted itself by word of mouth into the world of bestsellers. Mac, the main character in this novel, journeys through his grief about the murder of his daughter to an invitation from God to meet in “the shack.” That weekend as Mac experiences the Trinity, his live is challenged and changed forever…

Questions?  Call Jan Anderson or Claudia (331-1960).

KNITTING GROUP

First Sunday of each month
12:00 – 1:30 pm Fireplace 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 okay! We’ll teach you! Questions? Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

Christmas at Central

The tinsel may be packed away for another year, but the glow of Christmas at Central bazaar has not faded away! We made over $2,000 at the door, but more importantly, we shared ourselves with the wider community. Many, many thanks to ALL our chairpersons and to everyone who worked so hard to make our 2nd Christmas at Central a big success!

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

First of all, a huge THANK YOU to all who participated in the Christmas Pageant!! Costumes donned, lines practiced (even memorized!), and parents driving through the challenging weather conditions to get to church! I feel so immensely grateful for your time, energy, talents!

A special THANK YOU also to the fabulous string quintet that accompanies our Pageant each year, “The Angel Band”-Andrew and Patrick Gordon Seifert; Liam Maloney, Anne & Hope Williard. What a blessing to have these blossoming music masters in our midst!

The Church School Winter Unit/ begins on Sunday, January 4th. Teachers for the new unit, please note the change of date for the Teacher Training, which will now be on Saturday, January 10th from 10 – 11:30 am, in the Gathering Space.

Cherub Choir (pre-school – 2nd grade) will start up once again on January 4th, 10:00 – 10:20 Sunday morning in the Gathering Space. ALL are welcome!

Central Playgroup-our weekly gathering of babes, toddlers and up, and parents-will start again on Thursday, January 8th 9:30 – 10:45, in the upstairs Church School Wing. “Cathy-Banjo” eagerly awaits these delightful mornings of singing, play, art, snack and connection! Again, ALL are welcome!

With Hope & Joy, Love & Thanks,

Cathy Clasper-Torch, Dir. of Christian Education

Dear Central Church,

Thank you for allowing our organization to use your church. It represents a safe and solemn location for our bereaved parents to share their grief.

With much appreciation,
“The ComPassionate Friends”

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

A CAROL THANKS

Thank you to all the volunteers whose contributions came together to bring us another Carol Service this year! And a special THANK YOU to the Social Committee for braving a stormy Sunday to insure that the Silver Tea would be as lovely as always.

Our Adult and Children’s choirs spent many hours preparing the music for the service and we all enjoyed the rewards of their dedication.

Thank you to all!

A Sermon From the Mountain

Join us on Sunday, January 18 during our worship service as we commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend with a musical presentation of “A Sermon from the Mountain” by Alice Parker.

Accompanied by strings, percussion, and keyboard, the Adult Choir will sing words from sermons and speeches of the late Dr. King. Alice Parker set the text to many different genres including jazz, gospel, and traditional in this clever, inspiring work.

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

January 29, 2009

Our book group will discuss Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls”. Different books are discussed each month at noon in Rebecca’s study. Everyone is invited to join this lively discussion group. Feel free to bring your lunch.

SPECIAL PROJECTS FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM MISSION & ACTION COMMITTEE

Did you know that any member of Central Congregational Church can request funds for an organization from the Mission and Action Committee’s Special Projects line item?

The Mission and Action (M & A) Committee has designated $6,600 in budget year 2008-2009 for helping worthy groups and organizations with a specific project or need.  The recipient does not have to be incorporated.  To be considered, the organization, group and program must meet the following criteria, adopted by the M & A Committee last year:

1.  The organization/project must address one or more of the expressed areas of Central Congregational Church’s commitment to human services, child welfare, health care, educational and spiritual support;

2.  The organization’s services must address M & A’s priority of providing shelter, food or utilities;

3.  The project must provide varied opportunities for members of Central to actively engage in service work or activities;

4.  The applicant must be responsive to M & A request, provide feedback, and demonstrate how the funding will benefit clients/recipients;

5.  The group requesting funds must articulate a clear need with a rationale that shows the funds are necessary to have an impact; and

6.  A Central Congregational Church member must sponsor the request and be able to articulate a strong endorsement for the support requested.

Application can be made on a form, available from the Church office or on the website.  The questionnaire requires information about the applicant and a brief description of the project, including time frame and project budget.  The sponsoring Central member must also be listed, and is the person who submits the request.

An applicant needs to describe how Central Church members can and will be included in the project.  This furthers the Church’s mission, to reach out into the community, and will provide volunteer opportunities for interested members.  There are also questions on which of the mission priorities will be addressed; how the project impacts on the core focus of shelter, food and utilities; the number and demographics of the proposed beneficiaries; and what form of feedback/evaluation is contemplated.

In past years, the Mission and Action Committee has used Special Projects funds to provide start-up money to Mount Hope Learning Center for its cooking program, to buy a fishing boat for tsunami victims in Thailand in 2005, to fund a teaching position in Haiti at Mission Baptiste Bethesda, and to support the New Orleans mission trips in 2007 and 2008.

All applications will be considered and acted on by the Mission and Action Committee.

For further information, contact the Reverend Claudia Demick, to whom completed applications should be submitted.

What’s the WORD?

News on WORD & NEOS from the Youth Leadership Team

Greetings from the Youth Leadership Team!  You may have not heard yet what the Youth Leadership Team is, so I’ll tell you: it is a group of capable, caring, compassionate, and most of all, courageous people who have volunteered to lead youth ministry at Central this year with WORD Fellowship (our Sr. High Youth Group) and NEOS Fellowship (our Jr. High Youth Group) in the absence of an official youth minister.

Our group is comprised of some experienced adult leaders who have advised and helped out with the group over the years, alumni of WORD who love the group and want to bring about its continued success, youths in the group who have kindly agreed to add to their ever-growing list of homework and extracurriculars to take extra responsibility in the group, and some new faces of people who care deeply about having a thriving and vibrant youth program here at Central.
But there is someone missing from our group, and that is YOU!

We are actively looking for new people who want to be involved in leading youth ministry, ranging from folks who can act as a driver or an extra set of hands at youth group activities, all the way to those who can actively take a role in planning and leading our events and activities.

We are especially looking for anyone who is available to help lead our summer mission trip to Miami from  Jun. 28th  – Jul 3rd, so please check your schedules now and let us know if you can help!  We will be working with a great organization called Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (D.O.O.R.).  For more information about what kinds of work they do, see their website at http://www.doornetwork.org/miami.htm.   It promises to be a great week of service, spirituality, and fun with our youth group, and we would love to have you involved!

Just a few updates about some upcoming events in our youth program in Jan. and Feb.:

–On Jan. 3rd, WORD has volunteered to bring a workgroup to Habitat, meeting at church at 8:30 AM and working until midday (about 12:30 PM).  Please contact Sandi Seltzer for more details on this project.

–On Jan 11th, NEOS will be meeting for a fun gathering of pizza, games, and groupbuilding activities from 12 – 2 PM.  The meeting will be a big kickoff for the rest of the spring, so we are looking forward to seeing all of you NEOS kids there!

–On Sun. Jan 18th, there will be an informational meeting from 7-9 PM in the Fireplace Rm. for NEOS and WORD youths and their parents about the mission trip in Miami and the Homeless Awareness Sleepout.  We will have a slideshow on the upcoming trip and a Q and A session, and we will discuss packing lists, information, and preparations for both the mission trip and the upcoming sleepout, which will this year be held at Newman Congregational Church in Rumford.  We will also be distributing sponsor sheets for the sleepout.

–On Sat. Jan 31st, WORD and NEOS will be meeting in the evening at Newman Congregational Church in Rumford for the Homeless Awareness Sleepout.  As you are probably aware, this threatens to be the worst year in quite some time in terms of the crisis of homelessness in the state of RI.  We hope to have a large, well-attended event that will bring in media coverage and raise awareness about the plight of the homeless in our state.  We will also need the support of the entire congregation in terms of sponsorships for this very important fundraiser, proceeds which have traditionally been given to our annual mission trip as well as local agencies working to resolve the homelessness crisis in RI.  We will also be looking for donations of winter clothing. Deposits of $150 for all youths who are interested in attending the summer mission trip will also be due at this time.

–On Feb. 13-14, WORD and NEOS will combine for the annual ski trip.  This year we will be skiing at Mt. Cranmore in N. Conway NH.  All ability levels invited!  Mt. Cranmore has skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels as well as having one of the best tubing facilities in New England.  By the way, North Conway also has great shopping and restaurants for non-skiers!  We will be leaving Central at 7 PM on the evening of the 13th and will arrive at Ctr. Harbor NH around 10 PM., where we will stay overnight at the Center Harbor Congregational Church.  We will then drive to N. Conway after a quick breakfast early on Sat. morning to be there when lifts open at 9 AM.  Deposits of $50 will be due ASAP for all who are interested in skiing.  We are also looking for adult drivers who like skiing, so contact us if you want to sign up!

–On Tues. Feb  24th, WORD will combine with the folks from the NOLA Adult Mission Trip to do a New Orleans-themed Supper fundraiser in honor of Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday.  This has been a lot of fun in the past and is a great way to celebrate before the beginning of the Lenten season.  We will need everyone’s help and participation to make this a successful fundraiser and event!

We would love to have your participation in any of the above events as well as your help in planning out and staffing events for the remainder of the spring semester!   If you have any questions or suggestions, or if you think you would like to help out with youth ministry this year, please contact James Gorham (WORD), Amy Frazer (WORD and NEOS), or Terri Leander  (NEOS).  Thanks so much, and peace be with you!

STEP FORWARD! UPDATE

As we embark on a new year, we are challenged to successfully complete our Capital Campaign. The major repairs to our building have been accomplished and our organ is well on the way to full renewal.

Over one third of the monies needed for these projects and others (see wiring, sanctuary carpet, and Chapel Hall) have been raised.

In November 2007, Bill Templeton wrote this moving testament to our sanctuary and organ that bears repeating.

Thank you, Bill. It says it all!

-Eric Smith, Co-Chair Capital Campaign

“I admit it, I was lost in Church last week, as often happens to me. It’s a very pleasant journey though.  And I never left the pew of course, that would be rude.  No, I am a frequent traveler back in time, in my mind=s eye, to a time when the Church, our magnificent church, was under construction.  You see, its beauty enthralls me and I often find myself entranced B trying to picture the people who undertook to build it.  I wonder: who were the masons, the artisans, the smiths and the carpenters that chiseled stone, cut glass, wrought iron and shaped oak to bring forth a spiritual sanctuary.   Was it for them a labor of their faith — or just a job?

And what of the church members at that time, I wonder. What must they have sacrificed for its construction?  How much of their sweat, tears and tokens did they pour out for others devoted to a structure that many would not enjoy for long and some never lived to see completed?

And since its completion in 1893, how many have gazed up at its massive vaulted ceilings and marveled, and wondered, just like I do.  I think of all the people that have worshiped in my pew, all the choir members that have lifted their collective voice from the loft, all the scriptures read from the lectern and the sermons broadcast from the pulpit.  And I think of the members, for which it all stood, throughout the years at times grateful, moved and dismissed.

This legacy of the past places upon our shoulders the duty to maintain it, or not.  After Sunday service we walk out through its doors where A witness and service begin.  We are the church, not the physical structure.  Yet, it is a space with powerful spiritual meaning.  To gather under a tent in a field would be no less reverent, but it would lack the immediate connection to the church past and the implied message of the power of faith.  There is a legacy bequeathed to us in this structure, whether we desire it or not. Those members and laborers gave of their blood, sweat tears and tokens to us — their A future generations.

You’ve seen the staging outside and heard the presentations on the restorations.  Much work is ongoing and more will come, the sanctuary and the organ need significant attention.  It’s a fair question as to whether our resources should be devoted to mission or to bricks and mortar.  Mission work is so vital to the core of our beliefs.  But I also believe in the mission of the building itself.  It’s a silent reminder of the power of faith.  Our church body is growing and changing.  But our core Christian mission remains anchored in our past.  We can take our church sanctuary in whatever direction we need to go, but we cannot leave it behind.”

If you have not yet made your commitment to Step Forward, please join your fellow members and friends and help in this effort. If you need a commitment form or information on planned giving, please call the church office. Thank you.

CentralNEWS/November 2008

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 10
296 Angell Street  Providence  RI 02906  401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Dear Friends,

People are worried as I write this letter. There is a sense that our country is faltering, that our institutions have lost their way, and that our leadership is sadly lacking in vision and resources. Peggy Noonan writes that what we need most right now, at this moment, is a kind of patriotic grace…a grace that takes the long view, apprehends the moment we are in and eschews the politically cheap and manipulative. She is right, of course. But setting aside the interesting notion of patriotic grace, what surrounds us already as Christians, is God’s grace. Each and every one of us across this world has been given that gift. We just forget it.

In Marilynne Robinson’s new book, Home, she writes of a black sheep son, Jack, who returns to his elderly father’s home 20 years after he left. The father is a retired Presbyterian pastor…the son was going to go to Church that morning, but didn’t. Instead he just walked around and came back home…After a moment (the) father said, “Come here, son,” and held out his hands. Jack set his hat on the table and came to the old man and let him take his hands. “There is nothing surprising in this,” the old man said. “Not at all.” There was a quaver in his voice, so he cleared his throat. “Many people find it hard to go Church if they’ve been away for a while. I’ve seen it very often. And I’d say to them, it’s because it means something to you. The decision is important to you. As it should be! So, you see, there’s no reason at all to be disappointed. I used to say, the Sabbath is faithful. In a week she’ll be here again.” And he laughed, sadly, and patted Jack’s hands.

That is grace…God’s grace.  And so, dear friends, through all the worry and the fear and the commentaries and the truly depressing news, let us remember, God is with us.  And the Sabbath is faithful, week after week.

We look forward to Thanksgiving in just a few weeks. This has always been one of my favorite secular holidays. The thought of setting aside a day just to be thankful is such a wonderful thing. And then there is the day after Thanksgiving, one of those special gifts, like when you thought you had a meeting and it was cancelled and now you have the gift of a new pocket of time that you didn’t think you would have. Grace and thanksgiving tied together.

Perhaps it is true that grace is the ability to change. The ability to shift our perspectives. The ability to find new directions. The ability to say, “I was wrong”, or “Thank you, Lord, for this unexpected blessing”, or “I forgive you”…All grace filled moments.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. God is our refuge. Now and always. Here and wherever we go God’s grace waits for us. And I hope to see you in Church.

Rebecca

Our thoughts and prayers are with

Derek White
His grandmother, Nancy Dixon, passed away in October.

Thanksgiving Festival Service

10:30 AM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23

Sunday, November 23, we observe Thanksgiving in a Festival Service of Worship, a day when we make a special effort to reach out to our community. As members of Central, we are all responsible for spreading the Good News of Jesus Chirst and expanding the circle to fellow members of our community.  Please consider who you might reach out to…a friend, neighbor, colleague—invite them to join us for worship and coffee fellowship.

Music for this Festival will include both Adult and Children’s choirs accompanied by an orchestra to lead music in worship. Musical selections will include the “Te Deum” for Maria Theresa by Franz Joseph Haydn and we will close the service with a favorite of many “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. Preludes begin at 10:10 am, so come early!

Festival Sunday marks the day we launch our 21st Century Capital Campaign. A goal of
3 million dollars has been set to accomplish needed repairs to restore our beautiful building and magnificent organ. We invite all our members and friends to participate in this major effort.

DARRELL WEST LECTURE SERIES

Sunday, November 16  6 p.m.

Mara Laisson, National Political Correspondent for National Public Radio will discuss the 2008 Presidential election with a focus on the impact of Religion, Race, and Gender on the outcome.
Invite your friends! All are welcome to attend the lecture followed by a question & answer session.

From Your Associate Ministers

I recently saw a report on the news about the use of cell phones and cell phone texting. The survey found that 77% of those surveyed text messages on their cell phones while driving cars, 16% admitted to texting during a funeral service and 18% admit to having texted messages during a wedding ceremony. More astounding is 70% admitted to texting or using a cell phone in the bathroom. The survey projects by 2010 that 40% of the corporate work force will be text messaging. To quote Bob Dylan, “The times they are a changing.”

One of the biggest changes I have noticed in the last 13 years of youth ministry is how the cell phone has dramatically changed the way young people function. I can’t recall how many times I have asked students to turn off cell phones. I don’t want to single out just young people.  On our wedding day, Carolyn and I had a cell phone ring during the ceremony. It was the cell phone of our scripture reader who was at the lectern. She left her cell phone on in her purse sitting at her pew seat. There was no way to turn it off so we listened to Jimmy Buffet and smiled.

At the funeral service for my grandmother last week, one of my great aunts forgot about her phone and it rang during the eulogy. At just about all the recent funeral services I have attended, a cell phone has gone off. Just before the service of one of the weddings at which I officiated, the bride handed me her phone asking if I could help her friend with directions to the church. We ended up waiting an extra 10 minutes for the friend to arrive before starting the ceremony.

The week of my wedding, I recruited one of my closest friends to be my secretary and screen my cell phone calls. It was the best gift I could have received. On Sunday mornings, I leave my cell phone at home. I am so afraid someone will call or text message during a worship service.

Years ago when leading youth groups, students would often text or call each other during devotions. It was a funny game they liked to play knowing I would take the cell phones away if they rang. Trying to create space for quiet reflection and centering has almost become impossible. The ring or vibrating of a cell phone often fills us with a sense of urgency to respond immediately. The days of enjoying a sunset or a meditative walk in the woods are gone; silence is dead.

As most of you may know, Verizon is putting a cell phone tower in the church. I am particularly grateful for it. In order for cell phones to work, you need two towers for the signal to be triangulated. If you are too close to one tower, you lose the signal. I hope the sanctuary being under the tower will shield our sacred space from outside disruptions. Perhaps in the silence the voice of God speaking to all of us can be heard.

Derek

As I write this article, I’m sitting on a cooler on Vera Williams’ front porch in New Orleans East taking a break from “mudding” and sanding walls.  Some people have asked me when they learned that I was leading another mission trip to New Orleans (NOLA) why we do it.  And, that’s a good question, isn’t it?

Why, exactly, do we do this?  Why would anyone give up a whole week of vacation time to travel to NOLA, sleep on air mattresses in homemade bunk beds, rise early in the day to head to our work sites, and work in ways that many of us normally do not in the course of a “normal” day?  Why, indeed, would anyone—and the implication is anyone in their right mind—DO that?!  (Did I mention that it was in the 90’s and humid, too?)

Yet, “that” is exactly what D.B. and Sybil Hebb, Barb and Ralph Silvis, Roger and Ann Avery, Frances and Ralph Munro, Patti and Steve Calvert, Louanne Hodge, Tom Mack, Sandi Seltzer, and I did last month during Central Church’s NOLA mission trip.

I think that Ralph Silvis (Barb’s dad) summed up why on the first day as our work group gathered for our lunch break on Vera’s porch.  Sitting on coolers, buckets, and the cement floor we were asked by Rick, our UCC work site leader, why we’d come.  Ralph simply said, “I just want to feel useful.”

We see the devastation from storms like Katrina, and more recently, Ike and Gustav, and it would be easy to despair, wouldn’t it?  But our faith calls us to hope, as we help our brothers and sisters who have troubles caused by these storms.  Of course, none of us can do it alone.  We need one another.  And, we need the community of believers.  It’s interesting to note that it is the churches that are faithfully sending work crews to NOLA.  Everywhere you go folks from all different denominations are working on peoples’ houses.  There is a cooperation amongst the various groups that is inspiring.  We may not agree theologically, but we sure can work together when it comes to work of this magnitude!

And, when we make ourselves useful and work together things slowly begin to change.  There has been progress in NOLA.  And, there will continue to be progress.  Board by board, one nail at a time, and one volunteer at a time we are all making a difference.

While my group was working at Vera’s house, a woman stopped her car to ask if we were from the Presbyterian Church.  When told that we were from the UCC she said that the Presbyterian’s had helped rebuild her house.  Now, she has plans to go to Texas to help in their rebuilding process.  Nail by nail…one volunteer at a time…

Why do we do it?  We could say that it’s because it’s the right thing to do.  But eating our broccoli is also the right thing to do, and even presidents sometimes balk at that!  No, it’s more than just the right thing to do.  I would propose that it’s the ONLY thing to do!  When one of our sisters is hurting we bind her wounds.  When one of our brothers has fallen, we pick him up.  And, please God if it happens to us, may they do the same!

Yours in Hope and Faith,

Claudia

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

Organ Field Trip Report

At the beginning of the month, a group of 13 of us traveled to Waltham, MA to visit the Spencer Organ Company for a tour of the shop and a hands on look at our disassembled organ there for refurbishment.

Our tour began with generous refreshments provided by the shop and an introduction by our host, Joseph Rotella. Nearby we saw a workman washing individual pipes by hand and saw the dramatic difference between the before and after.

Next, Joe led us around the shop to the various stations where we examined the work in progress. First, to the skeleton of the console, then to a carpentry area where craftsmen removed the old leather pouches, then to a leather room where we learned of the different types of leather used in restoration and the animals from which they came! Following this, we learned about the restoration of the blower motor and the three sets of blades which supply wind to the organ, and finally to a room where craftsmen performed the actual releathering.

Everyone was impressed with the care and craftsmanship that went into the work. Even the screws themselves from the instrument were meticulously removed, labeled, stored, treated to remove corrosion, and lacquered! This care serves not only for the quality of the work, but also to make it possible for future restorations in the distant future.

We had a fascinating, illuminating afternoon followed by a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant. Many thanks to Chris Lee who procured a 15-passenger van and drove us to and from the shop!

“Shining Through Broken Glass”

Our choir has been hard at work learning repertoire for the upcoming Kristallnacht concert “Shining Through Broken Glass” at Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium Sunday, November 9  7 p.m.

Marking the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the night when extremist Nazis began their raids, the concert will feature a 200+ voice ecumenical choir including our own Adult Choir along with a full professional orchestra and guest star narrator, Leonard Nimoy.

You won’t want to miss this major musical and cultural event for our community. Tickets begin at $25 and are available at the VMA box office on line or by calling 421-ARTS.

Thanksgiving Festival Service

Our annual Thanksgiving Festival Service this year again promises joyful music, but this time without our organ! Instead, we will have an orchestra to lead the music in worship.

Musical selections will include “Te Deum” for Maria Theresa by Franz Joseph Haydn. This monumental work for choir and orchestra extols the glories of God in this traditional canticle of praise. We will close the service with a favorite of many, the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

“Thank You for giving me the morning!
Thank You for every day that’s new!
Thank You that I can know my worries can be
given up to you!” –Song sung by Central’s Cherub Choir

November is a month of Giving Thanks—from the first Sunday when we celebrate All Saints in our midst, and those who have gone before us, to the festive Thanksgiving service. Each Sunday marks a new opportunity to give thanks in a variety of ways. When we uplift those ‘saints’ in our lives, or those who’ve inspired us, we Give Thanks! Whatever we do with a grateful heart, we are doing with Thanks for the opportunity to serve one another!

Dates to remember:

Sunday, November 2: All Church School children should arrive early—by 10:15—to line up in Chapel Hall with their class for the ALL SAINTS DAY Processional thru the church. The Procession happens during the first hymn, so it’s important to line up (with your ‘saint’ drawing in hand) before worship begins.

Sunday, November 30: The first Christmas Pageant rehearsal (for grades K – 5). We have 3 Sunday rehearsals until we perform the pageant in worship on Sun, Dec. 21st (mandatory dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 20th.) Please let me know if your son/ daughter will not be able to be in the pageant.

Giving Thanks to you,

Cathy Clasper-Torch
Director of Christian Education

FOOD FOR THOUGHT RETURNS!

Thursday, November 24
7:00 – 8:30pm at Claudia Demick’s

We’re back by popular demand, and we’ll be reading a different book every other month. This month’s book is the best seller Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, a fascinating historical novel set during the Great Depression. It traces Jacob Jankowski’s experiences with a traveling circus called The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. This book that will be hard to put down, and even harder to forget once you’ve read it! (For those who like to plan their reading ahead, January’s book will be The Shack by William Young.)

Pastoral Care . . .

Is a priority of our ministers. Please let Rebecca, Claudia, or Derek know when a loved one enters a hospital or nursing home or is in need of a visit.

Interfaith thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 25   7pm
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Place, Providence

LIVING THE QUESTIONS 2.0 continues!

Sundays through November 16
9:15 – 10:00am Deacon’s Room

Living the Question continues to be a provocative and thoughtful way to start our Sunday mornings! As one participant said, “I’ve been thinking about what we discussed all week.” Feel free to join us for our last three sessions, as we continue asking the questions without answers!

1. Lives of Jesus (November 2)
2. A Passion for Christ: Paul (November 9)
3. Out into the World: Challenges Facing Progressive Christians (November 16)

Women of CCC…       Refresh Body, Mind & Spirit

What:        5th Annual Women’s Retreat
When:        January 23 – 25, 2009
Where:        On the gorgeous grounds of
St. Benedict Abbey
Still River, MA
Theme:        COMFORT and JOY
Cost:        $165
(Fri. afternoon – Sun.afternoon)

Further details will follow in the December newsletter. In the meantime, feel free to contact Gwen Kangis (274-5253; gwen.plato@cox.net) with questions. There are 15 spaces left.
Keep in mind that this could be a lovely apres-holiday gift.

WHEN GOD IS A CHILD

An Advent Mini-Retreat
Wednesday, December 3, 6 – 8:30pm   Deacon’s Room

Mark your calendars and join Claudia for an Advent mini-retreat! Immediately following the Advent Service, we will gather together for a mini silent retreat. At 6:00 we will enjoy a soup and bread supper as together we begin to explore what it might mean when God comes to us as a Child. After supper, we will find a quiet place in the church to observe silence in order to contemplate this mystery. At 8:15 we’ll gather together again for a time of sharing and prayer.
Please R. S.V.P. to Claudia.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

The Gallery Committee invites all local artists  to submit one work for a show entitled “Christmas at Central” November 20 through early January 2009.

All media welcome;

• Oil, acrylic; watercolor, fiber art;
• Sculpture, audio/video
• 2D art must be less than 2’x 3’
• 3D art must be less than 3’x3’x3’ & less than 100lbs.
• 10% of sales revenue will be donated to the church gallery committee. Please let Jim Scott or Peg Fletcher (331-1960) know of your interest in participating.

Books for Ghana

Pirkko Nurmikko, church member and flight attendant with Delta Airlines, has undertaken a project that brings books to Ghana.  In the past, we have requested children’s books that Pirkko takes on her flights to Africa. She has watched young and older adults eagerly await these books for their own learning experience.

We are now asking for GOOD books—encyclopedias, classics, educational works, or books that will help improve the quality of life for those less fortunate. The books are difficult to transport across the ocean, so we ask for books worthy of this long journey. A receptacle marked “Books for Ghana” is in the gallery.

Art Competition

“The Greening of Rhode Island” Introduces the Gallery Committee’s First High School Art Competition

This juried show will be presented April 2nd to May 1st with an Awards Reception on April 5. Schools included are Wheeler, Moses Brown, School One, Lincoln, Providence Country Day, Hope and East Providence High Schools. High School students from the church are also invited to submit works.

Membership

Our MEMBERSHIP Year at Central begins again! Join us to welcome NEW members at the traditional potluck luncheon following worship on November 2. Membership committee members will provide some main dishes, so feel free to add a salad, breads, dessert, etc. to the mix—and if you should forget—come anyway! These are always good times to welcome the new and refresh acquaintance with the regulars. And, by the way…this is the first Sunday we ‘fall back’ to Standard Time, losing all that extra daylight until next spring!

THE DEACON’S BENCH

“Let us take out of play the unproductive charges…that both sides hurl at each other”, a young priest who later became St. Augustine, implored both factions in a long and bitter political struggle between 4th century Christians. He continued, “The Lord’s threshing floor is not yet winnowed, there is bound to be chaff among us both—let us pray only and take steps that together we may be His wheat.”  While the language may be archaic, the message is not.

I am writing two weeks before what I believe has been the most acrimonious Presidential election campaign of my lifetime as a person who has contributed his share to the messy and largely unproductive exchanges, which have done nothing to heal the breech between Red and Blue Americans. It is likely that the unaffiliated, as well as many Reds and Blues, are wondering whether the winners and losers will manage to come together for the good of our nation at this time of burgeoning national and international crises.

As Christians, perhaps it is time to follow St. Augustine’s advice.

We will have an opportunity to gain insights into the Presidential election at 6 p.m. in our sanctuary on Sunday, November 16, when National Public Radio’s Mara Liasson will deliver the fifth Darrell West lecture. Ms. Liasson, a graduate of Brown University, is NPR’s national political correspondent whose reports are heard regularly on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. She has covered every presidential election since 1992. The subject of her talk will be “The Impact of Race, Religion and Gender on the Presidential Election.”

Dr. West, who provided the endowment for the lecture series, is a member of Central and until recently was a professor of political science at Brown. He is now a senior vice president of the Brookings Institute in Washington. He will introduce Ms. Liasson.

Admission to the lecture is free and members are encouraged to bring guests.

-Peter von Stein

Haitian Hoopla III

RIC-UCC Haitian Task Force presents HAITIAN HOOPLA III – “Raisin’a little cain for Haiti’s Clinics & Schools at the Providence Marriott

Friday, November 7 from 7 – 11 pm

A Caribbean evening of cocktails and entertainment featuring a live Haitian Band, Silend Auction, wine & food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres. French cuisine prepared by Jacques Corci, the Maitre Cuisinier de France, at the Ritz Carlton, NY. Call Lora Spalt for more information.

KNITTING GROUP

Sunday, November 9 Noon-1:30pm   Fireplace Room

Did you know that Dorothy Day, who founded the Catholic Worker movement and who tirelessly worked for justice for the poor, was a knitter? She said, “Knitting is very conducive to thought. It is nice to knit a while, put down the needles, write a while, then take up the sock again.” Come and think with us as we ‘knit a while’! We’ll even teach you how to knit if you don’t know how! Questions? Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP

Chapel Hall – November 30  4pm

We will be celebrating our 2nd annual Advent Craft Workshop. This is a fun event for families and people of all ages! Enjoy making Christmas decorations, advent wreaths, and many other fun craft projects. There will be food, hot chocolate and a carol sing-a-long! Last year’s workshop was a fun filled event and we hope this year will be even bigger. It is open to the community, so please help spread the word to your friends and neighbors. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite someone new to visit Central. We ask for a donation of $15 per person /$30 per family to help cover the cost of craft supplies and food. Mark your calendars and join us!

NEOS Bowl-a-thon

November 9  7-9 pm

NEOS will be participating in a fun fundraising event to help the homeless in Providence. Over the next few weeks, you may see students after church looking for sponsors for their upcoming bowl-a-thon. The bowl-a-thon works two ways. An individual may either sponsor a youth for each pin they knock down or for a flat amount. The proceeds will help PICA (Providence In-town Church Association). PICA provides professional counseling services to the homeless along with food, clothing, and toiletries. In recent months their client load has dramatically increased along with the services they provide. Funds faised from the bowl-a-thon will help purchase toiletries for the homeless.

IT’S TURKEY TIME AGAIN!

The volunteers at the Camp Street Community Ministries Food Pantry are beginning to make plans for the holiday. In the past, the Pantry filled 400 boxes with Thanksgiving appropriate food each year. This year they hope to be prepared to fill even more, if necessary. Therefore, we need our friends to work with us to make the distribution of Thanksgiving baskets possible. The items sought right now for the boxes are:

• Potatoes (instant mashed)
• Sweet potatoes (canned)
• Stuffing mix, Stove –Top stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Turkey gravy

All non-perishable items are always welcome, but the emphasis for the next six weeks is on holiday food. We hope you can help!

Thank you.

How can you help?

• Buy a turkey (12-16 lbs.) and bring it to Camp Street or to the church Friday 11/21, Saturday, 11/22, Monday, 11/24 or Tuesday 11/25.
• Bring food items to church on any Sunday.
• Write a check to Camp Street Community ministries–Thanksgiving food–and place it in the collection plate or bring it to Camp Street.
• Turn in Eastside Marketplace Receipts for our participation in their Friendship Fund. Please bring your receipts to the Church before Monday, Nov. 17.

Please call the office 331-1960 if you are able to share your Thanksgiving Dinner with a church member who is alone on this holiday. Or call if you are alone and would like to be part of a Central Church family Thanksgiving dinner.

Fall Clean Up

Saturday, November 22 is our Fall Church Clean-up Day

Please help clean the church building and grounds Saturday, November 22 from 9 am to noon.  We need expert or not so expert help cleaning, dusting, washing windows, raking, weeding…you will surely find an area of interest.  A list of jobs is available.  Coffee, doughnuts, and good company abound!  Call Wes Yando with questions.

Here comes…. The Sandwich Brigade

The Mission & Action Committee invites you to come to the church kitchen at 9 am on any Sunday in November to help make 200 lunches for Crossroads. This annual mission effort is a lot of fun and does a lot of good. Parents, bring your kids…Kids, bring your parents!

IMAGINE A WOLD

Free from Violence
Free from Poverty
Free from Hunger
Free from Discrimination & Oppression

Neighbors in Need Offering Helps in Many Ways!

The Children’s leadership & empowerment classes at First St. John UCC, Hamilton, OH are part of a martial arts ministry that dares to imagine a community free from violence. The children also learn self-protection, anti-violence, and anti-bullying techniques.

The Grace Street Ministry, an outreach ministry to the homeless and marginalized in downtown Portland, ME, focuses on the sacredness of life with people who have often been discarded or forgotten.

Churches United in the Quad City Area of Iowa served 29,966 meals from three sites within the Quad cities. Every night of the week, the Churches United welcomes all to an enjoyable and nutritious meal.

The Center for Artistic Revolution (CAR) works for fairness and equality for all residents. With CAR as the anchor group, a coalition of organizations defeated legislation that would have prevented lesbians, gays and unmarried heterosexuals from providing foster care or adopting children, even blood relatives.

With your help ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE. Central will receive the Neighbors in Need offering for the UCC on Sunday, November 23.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FOR THE BLIND

Thursday, December 11th

Central Church is one of several organizations sponsoring a monthly activity in cooperation with IN-SIGHT, an agency which helps visually impaired persons develop skills to make living with limited vision easier.

Traditionally, Central has chosen to provide the December activity and over the years has developed step-by-step plans to make it a memorable event for hosts and guests alike.

We need volunteers to prepare casseroles, (recipes & pans provided), act as greeters, coatroom attendants, and luncheon servers (9:00am-3:00pm). Sign-up sheets are available in Chapel Hall during Sunday’s Coffee Fellowship and in the church office during the week or you may call Marilyn Edwards.

Christmas at Central

“Christmas at Central” is coming Sunday, December 7 11:30 am – 2 pm

Plans are well and happily underway for our second annual “Christmas at Central” FUNraising event!  Please bring yourselves, your family and friends to enjoy a yummy lunch and an incomparable shopping experience.

Not only do we need your presence, we need your help! Donations are needed for the starred booths.  Please call or email the chairperson to volunteer your goods and/or your help with setting up and selling.  Chairpersons still needed for Ye Old Bookcellar. Find a friend and be a co-chair!  Wherever your talents lie, this is an opportunity for you to use them for our beloved Church.

Artists and Vendors— if you would like your own table for your arts/craft, please call Cathy Clapser Torch.

If you have any ideas for, or questions about, this event, please contact one of the three general coordinators –

Claudia in the office,  331-3160 or claudia@centralchurch.us;
Martha Nielsen
Cathy Clasper-Torch, cathfiddle@hotmail.com

The Lunch Room
Enjoy a delectable lunch while shopping!
Chair: Joan Harrison

Grandma’s Attic
Sharing items from our collections
Chair: Amy Hebb

Ye Old Bookcellar
New and gently read books
Chairs:

Toy Treasure Box
New and loved toys for all ages
Co-Chairs: Debra Moorhead
Donna Lizotte

Sweet Shoppe
Treats from our kitchens
Maureen Whittemore
Ilse Kramer

Gift Baskets
Themed with wide appeal.
Chair: Marilyn Edwards

Craft Workshop
Various venders selling hand made crafts
Chair: Cathy Clasper-Torch

The Gallery – Multi media art
Chair: Jim Scott

Bursting Pomegranate
Third world crafts
Chair: Janet Jagger

CentralNEWS/October 2008

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 9
296 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906   401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

Winston Churchill has always been one of my heroes. His personal courage throughout his life, his love for his country, his uncanny understanding of what leadership really is, his ability to rally hearts and spirits time and time again after defeats and discouragements, his wonderful marriage to his devoted Clementine, his pursuits of art and gardening in his beloved Chartwell…these have resonated with me. (Add to that that we are related through his mother who was a Spencer and it has an even closer connection!)

I confess that sometimes when I am procrastinating over some task that needs my attention, I pick up my Bartlett’s and browse through Churchill’s quotations. I always find something inspiring.

One of Churchill’s aphorisms was this. “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us,” he said to Parliament in 1943 after Nazi bombs destroyed the House of Commons.

I think of this as we look forward to restoring and rebuilding our beautiful sanctuary here on Angell Street. It is a daunting prospect indeed. But as I ponder the multitude of services held under its arches, as I consider all the music from organ and choirs and congregations that have inspired and comforted so many, as I recall scriptures and sermons shared, as I think of our children needing such a springboard and an oasis for generations to come, I conclude, we can do this. We must do this. The serenity of our space that urges us to help those beyond these walls, the beauty of the very walls themselves that bespeak of our wanting to praise and glorify the God of all creation…as we appreciate these, let us remember their true purpose…To spread the Good News, the Gospel of the living Christ, who loves us now and always.

If we are indeed shaped by this building on Angell Street, as I believe we are, we are fortunate. Let us carry on the Light of Christ-in our own lives and in our community, that all may know His love.

Faithfully,

Rebecca Spencer

Our prayers and sympathy are with…

…the family and friends of Elizabeth G. Scott who died September 11, 2008. A Memorial Service was held at Linn Health Care Center on September 19.

Philip Morse who died September 24, 2008. A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on September 29.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Our thoughts and prayers are with

The Reverend Caroline Patterson Her sister, Robin Munroe, passed away in September.

New Members

New Member Orientation*
Wednesday, October 22

New Member Faith Exploration*
Wednesday, October 29

New Member Sunday
November 2

*These meetings are at 7pm at the home of The Rev. Rebecca Spencer, 15 Taber Avenue, Providence

Darrell West Lecture Series

Sunday, November 16    7 p.m.

Mara Laisson, National Political Correspondent for National Public Radio, will be our guest speaker. She will discuss the 2008 Presidential election with a focus on the impact of Religion, Race, & Gender on the outcome. A question and answer session will follow.

From Your Associate Ministers

As I write this article, I am fresh from the Faith, Fellowship, and Fun retreat that I led on the Cape this weekend. It was a wonderful weekend, as those who participated grew closer together as members of Christ’s body here at Central.  We prayed together, played together, ate together, and wrestled with how we can each be God’s faithful people, no matter what our age.  We even had a renewal of wedding vows there in our cottage!  It was a very special time…a time to contemplate the wonder of God’s creation: whether you’re young, older, or in between.

We spent time on the beach, walking the village, playing on the Green and at night we gathered in our living room around the fireplace.  Some of us talked, while others read, and still others played a rousing game of Uno or Apples for Apples with the children. I was struck by how simple our pleasures can be.  And, those simple pleasures really are a gift. They allow us time to be with one another in a leisurely way, but more importantly, when we take time to just be present to one another and to the world around us without rushing, we find God waiting for us in those moments…Moments which are very special indeed…

Saturday night many of us walked to the darkened beach. Without the lights of the towns and cities we could see that the sky was filled with stars. The Milky Way was clearly present, as were many constellations and even some planets. Lying on the cool sand looking up at the vastness of God’s creation I felt a sense of awe.

I was reminded of the words of the psalmist, “Praise God, sun and moon; praise God, all you shining stars!”  (Ps. 148:3)  Even the stars are called upon to praise God!  It’s easy to forget to lift our eyes to the heavens, when we so often focus on what’s right around us all the time.  And, the heavens really do declare God’s glory.

Sunday we worshiped together in the outdoor chapel on the ridge behind the Tabernacle.There, in the beauty of God’s creation we paused to remember all of you worshiping back home at Central. As we sang the familiar hymns that have no doubt graced that place for well over a hundred years, I heard the birds singing along with us in the surounding trees.  I imagine that since 1872 when Craigville was established as a camp meeting ground, that the ancestors of those birds have been joining in the praise to God that has been sung and spoken by so many faithful voices in that place.

Finding ways to open ourselves to be in awe of God’s creation means that we have to stop in the midst of all of our busy-ness.  We have to stop all of our “doing” in order to breathe in the wonder of creation. While it may seem easier to do so on retreat, there is no reason that each one of us shouldn’t stop every day and just drink in the wonder of God’s creation that surrounds us at all times.  I would challenge each of you to stop today and delight in the people and the world around you and to praise God for all the gifts given to each one of us.  Drink it in deeply, for that is what sustains us in this life and what connects us to our Creator and to one another!  After all, we are ALL part of God’s amazing creation!

In grateful appreciation, your fellow creature,

Thinking about the ministry of Jesus-how Jesus loved people from all walks of life has been a profound influence on me in ministry. Several years ago, I made a concious decision to join the UCC. A denomination that welcomes people from all walks of life fit well with my personal theology. To me it is important to love all people no matter how they are categorized by society.
Jesus taught radical love; the ability to love even in the fear of being ostracized or persecuted. Jesus loved tax collectors, prostitutes, demon possessed people, Pharisees, Sadducees, politicians, fishermen, widows, children, and foreigners living in Palestine. The word Christian means to be Christ-like. How do we model the radical love of Jesus today?

This past summer a group from Central went to the National Youth Event. There was an amazing musical group there called Lost and Found. One of the songs that touched so many hearts at NYE was a song called “Baby”. It is a song about how we all need to be loved. I ask you to look at the lyrics and think about how we too can have radical love like Christ.

BABY by Lost and Found **

Her shaved head and her pierced nose,
Her big rotweillers and her tie-dyed clothes,
Her Dr. Martins with her biker tights,
Her long black leggings on a hot summer night.

And nobody calls her baby,
Nobody says “I love you so,”
Nobody calls her baby,
I guess she’ll never know.

His working boots and flannel shirts,
His sympathies buried as deep as his hurts,
Long lonely walks with nowhere to go,
His only appointment’s with a tv show.

And nobody calls him baby,
Nobody says “I love you so,”
Nobody calls him baby,
I guess he’ll never know.

Eighty pounds, she’s hardly whole,
Losing her body to gain some control,
Hours alone in some tanning salon,
Trying a smaller and smaller size on.

And nobody calls her baby,
Nobody says “I love you so,”
Nobody calls her baby,
I guess she’ll never know.

His Pin-striped suits and wing-tipped shoes,
His lap-top computer and his Wall Street news,
He makes his plane and keeps his pace,
He hides his pain behind a poker face.

And nobody calls him baby,
Nobody says, “I love you so,”
Nobody calls him baby,
I guess he’ll never know.

But somebody loves those babies,
Somebody loves what we can’t see,
And if somebody told them maybe,
Those babies would be free.

** “Baby, copyright  Lost And Fund, www.speedwood.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

Organ Update

On Monday, September 8, workers came to remove the organ console from the choir loft, completing the removal process.

In order to remove it, movers constructed two scaffold towers on the floor of the church in front of the choir loft. They then constructed a third tower between the two to install the crossbeam and electronic winch. The console itself had been prepared by disconnecting it from several electrical cables, removing the pedalboard, the cover, and several wood panels. Finally, the movers removed the middle tower and hoisted the console out of the choir loft and lowered it gently to the floor where it went on a dolly and into a waiting moving van on Angell Street.

The organ restoration project includes rebushing and replacing the springs for each key so they move up and down precisely, quietly and smoothly. It also includes releathering hundreds of tiny pouches that move the organ stop drawknobs in and out, resurfacing the pedalboard, refinishing some of the wood, cleaning all electrical contacts, and updating the solid-state electrical system that controls its memory.

When completed, the refurbished console will be a handsome “control panel” for our restored organ.

Pianos in the Church

When the movers installed the hoisting equipment to lift the organ console out of the choir loft, we took advantage of the their good nature, and they kindly lifted the spinet piano in the church up to the choir loft in the console’s place for no additional charge!

Several people have asked why, when we had two Steinway grand pianos in Chapel Hall, we didn’t use one of them for the church.  So once we moved the spinet to the choir loft, we hired movers to bring one of the Steinways to the church. This allows the organist to lead hymns with the fuller sound of a grand piano near the pulpit, while still accompanying and directing the choir at other times from the choir loft.

So while our organ takes a well-deserved rest, we are lucky to have pianos to lead worship in its place. We would like to thank once again, Gerald & Delight Immonen and Diane Briggs for donating the spinet and grand piano to the church.

Sunday Morning Adult Education

Fireplace Room   9:15 am

Sunday morning in the Fireplace Room there is an Adult Sunday School Class. We will begin a new series on October 12th looking at “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhard Tolle. All are welcome to join Derek on any Sunday for discussion.

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

Last year one of our Church School teachers asked this question to her 1st graders, when they were talking about Jesus, his life and ministry:  “Is Jesus still in our lives today?”

One of the 1st graders responded: “Yes, because if Jesus wasn’t with us we would never feel happy.  And there would be no such thing as love, and love is the most powerful thing.”

It’s a powerful thing to be working with children!  How refreshing and clear their minds can be!   We give thanks and recognition to the adults and teens who give so generously of their time and talents to be with our children.  A big thank you to our fall unit Church School teachers & helpers:

CHERUB Childcare:
Laura Frazer and Kathleen O’Hara

GABRIEL ‘S GANG Pre-school:
Donna Lizotte, Pamela O’Hara, Sue Azar

SHEPHERDS Kindergarteners:
Chloe Clasper-Torch, Janis Loiselle, Tori Lee

ROPHETS 1st graders:
Jennifer Cooke; Perry Buroker, Stephanie Mott

DISCIPLES/STARGAZERS 2nd/3rd grades:
Harriet Pappas; Emma Cotter; Ashly Seltzer; Julia Bush

PEACEMAKERS 4th/5th grades:
Sherri  Nelson; Bill Templeton; Beth Cotter

DREAMMAKERS 6th-8th grades:
Cathy Clasper-Torch

We start the month of October with World Communion Sunday.  In Church School, all the children and teachers participate in the communion meal/celebration with one another in our Gathering Time upstairs.  This year we thank Rev.  Derek  for officiating, and Deacons Faith Hutchison-Williard, Liz Viall, Kathy Mandel, and Barbara Bayon!

Our Church School theme this unit is about building community.  The scripture passages we read each week help inform us about how we relate to one another and to God, and how God listens and responds to us.  When Moses and the Hebrew people were in the desert, there was much complaining-but the wonderful thing is that God listened, heard, and responded.  Building the Beloved Community is all about listening, really hearing, and responding!

Blessings & Joy,

Cathy Clasper-Torch
Director of Christian Education

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group

Rebecca’s book group next meets on Thursday, October 30 to discuss “What Paul Meant” by Gary Wills.  All are welcome to join this lively group. Feel free to bring your lunch.

Habitat for Humanity

The Central Church Habitat for Humanity Group seeks volunteers on the first Saturday of October, November, & December. (You don’t need to sign up for all three). Our mission is to help low-income Providence families get one step closer to home ownership and living in clean, safe, affordable housing. Volunteers learn new skills and meet new friends from Central, in a half day experience that is always appreciated. Please contact Sandi Seltzer. Thanks so much, Sandi.

Save the Date!

5th Annual Women’s Retreat

Our annual women’s retreat will take place January 23-25, 2009 at St. Benedict Abbey, Still River, MA. Look for details in upcoming newsletter, but in the meantime, mark your calendars now! Contact Gwen Kangis, 274-5252 or gwen.plato@cox.net with questions.

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 at church, by phone-274-7930 or johnwater@verizon.net  if interested.

Central Church is grateful for a generous, anonymous donation sent by a non-member with heartfelt appreciation for our hospitality in allowing 12 Step programs to meet here.
The donor writes, “In making your space available, you have offered a safe haven to many looking for help with their addictions. The power of the 12 Step program is truly miraculous, but it would be greatly limited without the support and partnership of caring communities such as Central Church.”

Considering a Green & Sustainable Church

There is new lighting in Chapel Hall, the offices, kitchen, gallery & school wing-have you noticed? Perhaps not, which is good. We’ve switched all the incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. We did it to save energy, which saves on electric bills, but also because it is the right thing to do. By saving energy, we reduce the carbon emissions into the environment. We’re are all stewards of the earth and are responsible for the “carbon footprint” of our beloved church. Light bulbs are a good start, but there is more we can do. In the weeks to come, you will be invited to help us. So start thinking about ways that we can gather and worship in a more green and sustainable church and reside in homes which reflect our commitment to the sustainability of the earth’s resources.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

October 5    12 noon – 2 pm
Class Field trip to Borders at Providence Place Mall. We will be looking at Bibles and the many translations there. Students may bring $20 with them if they are interested in purchasing a Study Bible.

October 17    5:15 pm
We will meet at Temple Emanuel, 99 Taft Ave, Providence to attend the Shabbat Service and learn more about Judaism.

October 19    12 noon – 1 pm
Confirmation Class in the Youth Room. Students should read and have homework done up to page 35 in “My Confirmation”.

NEOS

October 4     1:30 – 5:00 pm
Apple picking &baking workshop

October 12    12 pm – 1:00 pm
NEOS in the Youth Room

October 26    2:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Concert, Dinner, and Haunted Hay Ride     1t Irons Homestead

APPLE PICKING & BAKING FOR ALL AGES

Saturday, October 4     1:30 pm

It’s the perfect time of year to pick fresh apples for pies, cider, and other wonderful desserts. We will meet at the church on Saturday, October 4 at 1:30 pm to go apple picking at Jaswell’s Farm, Swan Rd, Smithfield, RI. When we return to the church, Chef Carolyn White will help anyone who wants to make apple pie or other pastry desserts with the apples. Please call Derek to RSVP and let us know if you are willing to drive to carpool.

Haunted Hay Ride Concert & Dinner

Irons Homestead
October 26-2:30 – 7:30 pm

Come listen to great music, enjoy a good meal, and learn the history of Irons Homestead on a Haunted Hay Ride. The history behind Irons Homestead, our UCC Campground, is a fascinating tale of Quakers, Native Americans, and why you shouldn’t move rocks. Open to all ages. We will have a van to take those wishing to participate. Cost is $15 per person. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Derek.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS 2.0 is here!

Sundays though November 16

Harrell Beck once said, “Wisdom is asking the questions for which there are no answers.”
People know that Christianity has something good to offer the human race.  Faith is a journey, not a destination and Living the Questions 2.0 is a group study that explores the traditions, theologies, and significance of Christianity in the 21st century.  Please join Claudia in the Deacons Room at 9:15 am for this exciting study and together we will seek to understand what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world.

1.    Taking the Bible Seriously (October 5)
2.    Thinking Theologically (October 19)
3.    Stories of Creation (October 26)
4.    Lives of Jesus (November 2)
5.    A Passion for Christ: Paul (November 9)
6.    Out into the World: Challenges Facing  Progressive Christians (November 16)

KNITTING GROUP

Sunday, October 5
Fireplace Room     12 noon – 1:30 pm

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.

KRISTALLNACHT CONCERT

Our Adult Choir will join with Temple Emmanuel and other area choirs to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Kristallnacht in a concert Sunday, November 9 at 7:30 pm in Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

“Shining Through Broken Glass” will commemorate the night when Nazi extremists marched through streets in Germany to begin an attack on Jewish people and their property on November 9, 1938. Guest star narrator, Leonard Nimoy, will relate tales of the events of that night and move to a message of hope for peace and unity today.

Tickets range from $25-$100 and are available on line or at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium box office.

Central is proud to be part of this significant musical and cultural interfaith event in our community. Come remember this important anniversary.

THE DEACON’S BENCH

“Help us aid our suffering neighbor, unto all your mercies show.”

New Orleans, iconic mosaic of jazz, jambalaya, languid days and rain-falling-on-the-roof evenings, is also the city of my birth and childhood.

For me, it is a city of memory and love, the place my heart and extended family still call home. So you all can imagine the sadness and horror I experienced watching Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath from my home in Rhode Island.

Out of this darkness and suffering has come some peace; my family luckily had access to SUV’s and credit cards and was able to ward off the worst of the carnage at a motel in northeastern Mississippi. After 6 weeks, they were able to return to their home north of the city, which escaped with only minor damage.

But the poor sections of this ethnic and racial mosaic of a city still need the hand up that the federal and state governments have so miserably failed to lend.  Into this darkness have stepped volunteers from all over the country and especially those from United Church of Christ churches across the United States.

Last October, 15 members and friends of Central traveled to New Orleans and spent a week doing everything from installing insulation, straightening fences, painting, repairing gutters, and installing cabinets in houses all over the metropolitan New Orleans area, guided by the New Orleans Hurricane Recovery group of the UCC.  Amid hard work and days filled with reminders of both the devastation and hope of recovery in some of the hardest-hit areas of the city, we worshipped in a UCC church struggling to survive by hosting groups like ours every week, and we enjoyed the sights, sounds, smell and taste that is unique to New Orleans.

We left overwhelmed with the amount of work still to be done, grateful for the opportunity to have helped, and hopeful for another chance to return and live our calling as Christians to help those less fortunate than ourselves and to love one another.

As the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina has come and gone, one in three houses in New Orleans remain vacant and 16 members and friends of Central Church are preparing for another trip to Louisiana to continue the extensive work of rebuilding.  We leave October 12th and still have plenty of room for others.  You do not need any special expertise in the building trades.  Of course, any carpenters manqué are welcome!  My father, a great Creole cook, is again providing his famous gumbo, and Claudia will again lead us physically and spiritually.  Those who can’t make the trip can be with us in spirit by praying for the group and those still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives, or by supporting us by providing rides to the airport and donations to defray the costs of the trip.

Please speak with me, Steve or Patti Calvert, Ann or Roger Avery, Louanne Hodge, Frances Munro, D.B. Hebb, Barb Silvis, Kathy Ulrich, Sandi Seltzer, or Claudia if you have questions or are interested in participating.

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
And the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
Though its waters roar and foam
And the mountains quake with their surging Psalm 46:1-3
-Staci Fischer

“Christmas at Central”

Sunday, December 7    11:30 am – 2 pm

Plans are well and happily underway for our second annual “Christmas at Central” FUNraising  event!  Please bring yourselves, your family and friends to enjoy a yummy lunch and an incomparable shopping experience.

Not only do we need your presence, we need your help! Donations are needed for the starred booths.  Please call or email the chairperson to volunteer your goods and/or your help with setting up and selling.  Chairpersons are still needed for Lunch and Gift Baskets. Find a friend and be a co-chair!  Wherever your talents lie, this is an opportunity for you to use them for our beloved church.

Artists and Vendors- if you would like your own table for your arts/craft, please call Cathy Clapser Torch

If you have any ideas for, or questions about, this event, please contact one of the three general coordinators -

• Claudia in the office at 331-3160 or claudia@centralchurch.us
• Martha Nielsen
• Cathy Clasper Torch

Center State
Have lunch on “Center Stage” and watch all the shoppers.
Chair: TBA

*Grandma’s Attic
Sharing items from our collections
Chair: Joan Harrison
Email: joanwharrison@gmail.com

*Ye Old Bookcellar
New and gently read books
Chairs:  Margaret & Jim Gardner

*Toy Treasure Box
New and loved toys for all ages
Co-Chairs: Debra Moorhead
Donna Lizotte

*Sweet Shoppe
Treats from our kitchens
Maureen Whittemore
Ilse Kramer

*Gift Baskets
Themed with wide appeal.
Chair: TBA

Craft Workshop
Various venders selling hand made crafts
Chair: Cathy Clasper-Torch

The Gallery
Multi media art
Chair:  Jim Scott james

Bursting Pomegranate
Third world crafts
Janet Jagger

Bring your pet (or a photo) to Central on Sunday  September, 28th for the annual blessing of the animals during the worship service.  A pet free zone will be observed in the east transcept, under the Creation window.  Those interested in participating in the procession should gather on the west lawn by 10:25 and in case of rain gather in the fireplace room.  This is a Central tradition and is not to be missed by animal lovers and the companions that love us back!

CentralNEWS / September 2008VOLUME 16 NUMBER 8

96 Angell Street, Providence, RI 02906 401-331-1960

From Your Senior Minister

The cows are quietly dozing in the sun; the dogs raise their heads from their naps to be sure I’m still here typing. The cat opens one eye, and does not bother to shift his position. The breeze is so slight only the lightest blades and leaves ruffle. And as I reflect on all of you, my beloved friends of Central, I am grateful for this still August time.

I came across this poem by Elizabeth Jennings as I was browsing through one of my brother’s books. I had actually shared it with you in July of 1995…and he must have kept his copy tucked away.

I kept my answers small and kept them near;
Big questions bruised my mind but still I let
Small answers be a bulwark to my fear.

The huge abstractions I kept from light;
Small things I handled and caressed and loved.
I let the stars assume the whole of night.

But the big answers clamoured to be moved
Into my life. Their great audacity
Shouted to be acknowledged and believed.

Even when all small answers build up to
Protection of my spirit, still I hear
Big answers striving for their overthrow

And all the great conclusions coming near.

I ended that reflection in 1995 with this resolution…That I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Those words hold…and I mean to let the huge abstractions come to the light…to take the time to wonder and to do compassionate things with the time God offers.

I do look forward to seeing you in Church. I know that is a cliché, but I really mean it!! Let us pray together and praise God for all our blessings, and work together for God’s great purposes as they come near to us and become known to us.

Yours with gratitude & love,

Rebecca

Our prayers and sympathy are with Rebecca, Ezra, Tom & Eric and the friends of Charles B. Rice who died August 4, 2008.

A Memorial Service will be held at Central Congregational Church on September 6 at 10 a.m.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday, September 21.  A pastor-parent meeting will be held in the Fireplace Room, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 13.

Please call Rebecca Spencer if you wish to participate in this Baptism.

GATHERING SUNDAY

September 7    Worship Service  0:30 AM The Rev. Rebecca Spencer preaching

From Your Associate Ministers

William Butler Yeats once said, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”  I’ve always loved this perspective on learning, since although I did my share of necessary “pail filling” as a teacher, I was far more interested in fanning the flames of a desire to learn.  Like a wildfire, once those flames are ignited the fire of that desire to learn is hard to put out, and it can take us anywhere.

As I write this article, I have been immersed in working with our children in Vacation Bible School.  I have watched the desire to learn more about the stories of our faith be ignited in so many this week.  They are at the beginning of a journey that will last their entire lives.  What a privilege it is to accompany them along the way!

By the time you read this, the school year will be beginning.  Already plans are being made to “stoke” those coals that may have been lying somewhat dormant throughout these wonderful last days of summer.  Everywhere I look there are signs of “back to school” in the forms of sales in the stores and notices in the paper, as well as the activity that comes with planning for a smooth transition back to the classroom for so many.  My sons and I have been caught up in those preparations as we ordered our books for our respective classes that will begin this month.  Our Church School is gearing up for the beginning of our new Sunday School year. There’s excitement in the air…

However, I would like to set forth the premise that learning does not take a vacation.  Everything we do in every moment of our day is filled with potential for learning new things.  Our pails will never be full…even though sometimes it may seem that our fire is burning low…

So, I ask you, is your educational fire burning down?  What would it take to fan those embers and re-ignite those flames?  This fall I’ll be doing an amazing, flame-igniting adult Sunday School called Living the Questions (LtQ).  This unique group will look at our faith and the questions that we all have.  It is a chance to fan those flames in your heart and mind and to LIVE the questions of our faith.  It is a chance to learn and to grow together.  Whether your fire is burning brightly, or needs a little fanning, I hope that you will join us!

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching people.  Through such vehicles as parables, he encouraged people to question and wonder and to apply what they had learned to their daily lives.  At the age of eighty-seven Michelangelo said, “Ancora imparo.”  “I am still learning.”  Whether we are seven, or eighty-seven, or one hundred and seven, may it be so for each one of us!

Faithfully fanning the flames,

Claudia

In July, I attended the National Youth Event with several adults and youth from Central.  While at the National Youth Event I had a wonderful opportunity to meet with the Rev. John Thomas, President and General Minister of the U.C.C.  I asked Rev.Thomas, what are the future challenges for the U.C.C.?  He shared some of the challenges he has confronted as President and General Minister of the U.C.C. and what he sees as challenges for most mainline Protestant denominations.

Rev. Thomas said when he was ordained in the U.C.C. the model of leadership was to preserve the institution.  As he looks to the future of the U.C.C., the model of preservation needs to change and is changing.   It has a strong and vibrant spirit and under his leadership the U.C.C. has taken bold new steps.

One of those steps is the God is Still Speaking campaign.  It is a campaign effort to welcome new people into the U.C.C.  At the end of September, the U.C.C. will be launching a new 30-second ad on cable network television to raise awareness of the U.C.C. and welcome new people to look at U.C.C. churches.  The new commercial will have several people going through the hand motions of “here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people”.  The emphasis will be on all the people as the United Church of Christ is a Church that is welcoming to all.

At the National Youth Event, one of the main themes of the week was the God is Still Speaking campaign that promotes the U.C.C. as a body welcoming of all people.  I also spoke with Rev. John Thomas what that meant.  I shared with Rev. Thomas that I was a person who joined the U.C.C. several years ago.  I also shared how I grew up in an evangelical tradition, a progressive evangelical tradition. I shared with him that coming to the U.C.C. was not an easy move for me and in many ways I have felt unwelcomed.  Rev. Thomas responded that there are a lot of people in the U.C.C. who have been hurt deeply by evangelical Christians and there are legitimate reasons to be cautious of those who label themselves evangelical.  He also shared that part of who we are as the U.C.C. comes out of an evangelical tradition.  There are many U.C.C. churches that consider themselves to be evangelical.  It is unfortunate that what has gone on in the media and politics has tarnished the word evangelical.  The word evangelical means to share the good news, which is a good thing.

My final question to Rev. Thomas was how do we welcome all into the U.C.C?  That is one of the challenges for the U.C.C.  One of the ways Rev. Thomas said the U.C.C. is welcoming all is through the God is Still Speaking initiative.  We are also doing that through our commitment to issues of social justice.

I was very impressed with the wisdom of Rev. Thomas and enjoyed being able to sit down with him. I was encouraged to learn more about his role as President and General Minister of the U.C.C.

Derek

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS!

We have been having a most wonderful Vacation Bible School (or “VBS”) at Central this week! Over 50 children, nearly 20 adults and teens involved, and combined leadership from our Church, Providence Presbyterian, and Mathewson Street United Methodist have made for a fun and spirit-filled week together! A big thanks to our ministers, Derek and Claudia; youth helpers, Alan Loiselle, Emma Cotter, Ashly Seltzer, Chloe Clasper-Torch, Sam Adrain; and adult helpers from Central; Sue Kiniry, Barbara & Barry Bayon, Jennifer Cook, Cher Nelson, Judy Jamieson, Peg Fletcher, Carolyn White, Peter Thornton, and Susannah Hopkins.

As always, VBS is a great way to re-enter the new Church School year with intention and focus. This year’s VBS theme of “hospitality” and “welcoming stangers in our midst’, at the heart of so much of Jesus’ teachings, is a perfect theme for the start of a new year. We look forward to GATHERING SUNDAY, September 7th, and new beginnings.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

September 7th Gathering Sunday
Begins in the Gathering Space at 9:30 am with an all church school parent/teacher/child welcome back meeting (bring breakfast munchies to share!)

Thursday, September 11, 9:30 to 10:45 am
Central Playgroup starts up again-for waddlers, toddlers, parents & friends! (2nd floor, Church School wing)

Sunday, October 5, 10:00 to 10:20 am
Cherub Choir begins again-for all children 3 – 8 who love to sing and ‘make a joyful noise’! We meet in the Gathering Space (2nd floor)

Blessings & Joy,

Cathy Clasper-Torch, Director of Chirstian Education

Get Involved!

Knitting Group
Sunday, September 7
12 noon to 1:30 pm Fireplace Room

The nights are getting colder, and it’s time to get out those needles and join your friends as we knit our way into 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.

Faith, Fellowship & Fun Retreat
Craigville Conference Center Sept. 19 – 21

If you have signed up for the retreat, please send in your payment to Claudia’s attention as soon as possible. The cost is $165 for adults, $128 for youths, and free for those ages 5 and under.

Bible Study
Wednesday Evening 7:30 pm

Derek will continue our Wednesday evening Bible Study through the fall. We will look at the books of history in the Old Testament. All are welcome and visitors are encouraged to participate in the study as time permits. Any translation of the Bible is fine to bring. The first study begins on September 10 when we will study: 1st Samuel, chapters 1 – 3.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday, September 14
Fireplace Room 9:15 am

Adult Sunday School classes will begin Sept. 14. We will be discussing these books:

September 14 – October 5
“Living Buddha, Living Chirst” by Tich Nacht Han

October 12 – December 2
“A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle

December 9 – December 30
” How Good Do I Have to Be” by Rabbi Harold Kushner

January 4 – January 18
” Gospel of John” by John

LIVING THE QUESTIONS 2.0 is here!

Sundays September 28 to November 16
9:15 – 10:00 am  Deacons Room

Harrell Beck once said, “Wisdom is asking the questions for which there are no answers.”
People know that Christianity has something good to offer the human race.  Faith is a journey, not a destination and Living the Questions 2.0 is a group study that explores the traditions, theologies, and significance of Christianity in the 21st century.  Please join Claudia for this exciting study and together we will seek to understand what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world.

1.    An Invitation to Journey (September 28)
2.    Taking the Bible Seriously (October 5)
3.    Thinking Theologically (October 19)
4.    Stories of Creation (October 26)
5.    Lives of Jesus (November 2)
6.    A Passion for Christ: Paul (November 9)
7.    Out into the World: Challenges Facing  Progressive Christians (November 16)

From the Deacon’s Bench

As I sit here, looking out on a very rainy summer day, I feel sunlight filling me from the inside, as I think about our church family and the love and support I was shown, after my shoulder surgery, this past spring.  So many, here, at Central Church, demonstrated to me how they live out their lives according to the teachings of Jesus! So much warmth fills me when I remember the many kindnesses shown me in so many different ways from our congregation, during a very painful and confining recovery period.  I will be forever grateful to so many here for the love and sincere caring I was showered with.

Many thanks to Pastor Rebecca for her numerous calls expressing concern, love and support; to Pastors Derek and Claudia, for their calls, visits, laying on of hands and prayers for healing, along with yummy brownies and ice cream treats!; to Ann for the delicious and hearty meal she brought to me the day after my surgery that lasted me 3 days; to Alan and Janis for their treats to breakfast and dinner, when I was unable to drive and get out on my own; to Barbara for her weekly cards of support and caring; to the members of the Prayer Tree for their daily prayers, many cards and e-mails, along with the Calling Committee and ARK members, who also sent numerous e-mails, cards and offered rides or meals to me; and to numerous other church members who offered help and sent me encouraging messages through a very difficult, long and painful period.  I will never forget all these kindnesses expressed to me!

So, yes, Jesus does live here, at Central, in the hearts and souls of our membership!  I saw and felt His presence within every person who called, e-mailed, sent notes or cards or came to visit or to take me out.  Surely the members of Central Church live out the teachings of Jesus. We also find, in the book of James, the lesson that we must not only have ‘Faith’ but we also have to take ‘Action’ to express the Faith and Love that we feel for others, especially in their times of need.  I personally experienced this ‘Faith in Action’ and I sincerely and reverently thank all my fellow Christians, here, at Central for the kindnesses shown me that helped to speed my recovery during the past 5 months!

-Robert Iovino

Congratulations to Pam O’Hara  . . . She was recognized as a Young Professional of Excellence by the Providence Business News. Look for her picture in RI Monthly.

File Needed

We are in need of a 4 drawer file cabinet for our Archives. Please call the church office if you have one to spare.

YOUTH NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFIRMATION ORIENTATION (First Class)
September 7th 12 – 1 p.m.

NEOS YOUTH GROUP
September 7th 5 – 7 p.m.
Laser Tag in Swansea, MA

NEOS YOUTH GROUP
September 14th 12 – 1 p.m.

CONFIRMATION CLASS
September 21st 12 – 1 p.m.

WORD LOCK-IN
September 26th – 28th
(Focus on a new year)

NEOS YOUTH GROUP
September 28th 12-1 p.m.

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

ORGAN UPDATE & A FIELD TRIP

The work of restoring our organ has progressed well, and the craftsmen have completed the initial stage of removing all worn leather from wood, requiring a lot of scraping and sanding. They have also fashioned the new leather pouches to replace the old. The organ console was slated for removal in August, but due to a scheduling conflict at the church, it now comes out during the first week of September.

As promised, we will be taking a trip to visit the organ at the shop of the Spencer Organ Company, Waltham, MA. On Wednesday, October 1, a minibus will depart from Central at 3 p.m. to take us to the workshop where we will see firsthand the work in progress on the instrument with a demonstration from the craftsmen. Following the tour, we will proceed to an area restaurant for dinner, and then return home on the bus for a 9 p.m. arrival.

Depending on the number going and the size of the vehicle we need to hire, the price for the tour will be approximately $50 per person that includes transportation and dinner. Signup will begin in September. Call or stop by the church office to save your spot!

New Choir Members Welcome

Our Adult and Children’s Choirs invite you to join us!

The Adult Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30 p.m. beginning September 4. We sing weekly on Sunday mornings starting with a 9:15 am warm-up, and approximately once a month for a special afternoon service of music. Some experience is helpful, but we welcome everyone to come try us out!

The Children’s Choir rehearses weekly at 5 p.m. on Mondays beginning September 22. The Children’s Choir also sings weekly beginning at 10 a.m. for a warm-up,  followed by the service. No experience is needed, and the choir is open to children entering grades 3 – 8.