CentralNEWS/January  2011

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1

296 Angell Street  Providence  RI 02906   401-331-1960

FROM YOUR SENIOR MINISTER

Dear Friends,

Hard to believe, we are in the year 2011. The years, I find, and knowing each of you, deepen my appreciation for life itself in this community we find Central. This is really true.

Of course, we ministers are a lucky lot in this.  We don’t have many casual acquaintances… everybody we know, we meet around the things that matter. Family stuff mostly, good times and bad times.  We pray together for all kinds of intimate things – like upcoming surgeries or for comfort after the death of a loved one, or for sustenance during a difficult divorce, or when a child goes through a tough time, prayers for healing of mind and body and spirit, and for employment during these tough times.

I think I am at heart a Calvinist, with original sin and all that, so I am always surprised that most people really are a lot better than our theology prepares us to expect.

Take children for instance.  These are supposed to be such hard times for raising kids, with cyber bullying and the pressures of a fast paced life and contending with more of the TV and internet news disintegration of civilization than even their parents know, but innocence and spirit light up their eyes with no dimmed radiance.

I reflect on the 80 some children garbed in shepherds’ costumes and angel wings and wise men’s robes just the other Sunday gathered around a wiggly baby, and I listen to their excited chatter as Cathy calmly prepares them, and I think…there is such confidence and curiosity and beguiling charm there; no one is disappointed in what they are discovering in life; and I doubt that baby ever goes to bed feeling any day short changed him.

And so I say, a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you.  I read my hope for this in the children’s eyes, and that, as I read our Bible, is precisely where we are supposed to find the message.

To those of you who have fresh wounds to heal, or old to remember, know that in this old church, God loves you, and we do too.

Yours in Christ,

Rebecca

Capital Campaign Update

December was an exciting month for the Step Forward Capital Campaign at Central.  We received a very generous anonymous $50,000 matching gift challenge from a member. Many people made gifts to help us raise the extra $50,000 before the yearend deadline. What was very special is that we received several gifts from people who had already given to the campaign.

We still have a way to go to reach our goal of $3,000,000. We are entering our final year of the three year campaign and are excited that we have passed the $2,000,000 level. Please be generous and help us reach our goal in 2011.

Our prayers and sympathy are with…

The family and friends of Joseph Fernandez who died December 18, 2010.  A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on December 23.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Our thoughts and prayers are with…

Emily Maranjian, Coco & Phoebe, George & Rosy Maranjian. Their husband, father, and son-in-law, Joe Fernandez, died in December.

Rick Sasse, his father died in December

John Trevor, his step-father, J. Eugene Quinn, died in December

New Members

New Member Orientation*

Tuesday, January 25

Faith Exploration*

Wednesday, February 2

New Member Sunday

February 6

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

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is an important part of our worship life together. The next Baptism will be celebrated on Sunday, May 1, 2011

Meetings to prepare parents for Baptism are usually held in our Fireplace Room at 9 am on the Saturday of the preceding week. Please speak with The Rev. Rebecca Spencer if you would like to be included in this very important part of life at Central—The Sacrament of Baptism.

A CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

will be held immediately following worship on Sunday, January 30 to approve the proposed budget for the upcoming year. This meeting offers an opportunity for all to learn about and to participate in the plans for the coming year. This Finance Committee needs to hear from you! All members are urged to attend! Childcare provided.

From Claudia

T. S. Eliot’s words from “Little Gidding,” one of the poems making up his “Four Quartets,” often runs through my head at this time of year. As I wait for the old year to pass away and a new one to begin, I think of Eliot’s words as he reflects on our relationship to God and to time.

“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.”

As Christians we deal in the all ready/not yet of the Gospel storey—in ends that make a beginning, and beginnings that make an end. We hold them in tension with one another. And therein lies our hope, because ends and beginnings are part of our Christian faith and something to be anticipated. We can let go of some things even as we move into the unknown of the new because we know that God accompanies us. . .

Recently I came across another poem, this one by Lucille Clifton:

i am running into a new year

and the old years blow back

like a wind

that I catch in my hair

like strong fingers like

all my old promises and

it will be hard to let go

of what I said to myself

about myself

when I was sixteen and

twenty-six and thirty-six

even thirty-six but

i am running into a new year

and I beg what I love and

i leave to forgive me

I am struck by the image of “running into.” I’ve pondered whether Clifton means she is running INTO the new year—smack up against it, or whether she is RUNNING into/toward the new year! I hope she is running toward the newness of a new year, letting go of all the old years and old promises. And I hope each one of us is able to let go of the old and to run toward the hope and promise that new beginnings bring!

New Year’s Blessings for 2011,

Claudia

CHRISTMAS AT CENTRAL

The tinsel may be packed away for another year, but the glow of Christmas at Central has not faded!  We made over $4,000, 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 4th Christmas at Central a wonderful success!!!

From  Kat

Happy New Year! We are currently away visiting family, but we are already dreaming about the New Year back home in Providence. The kids are especially looking forward to the chance to play in the fresh snow. Our family flew out just ahead of the blizzard—we pray that you were safe and warm as you weathered the storm!

When the first big snowflakes of the year began falling, Madison and Royce literally jumped for joy. Madison has been monitoring weather patterns since July, and breakfast conversations starting in late October included her temperature reports and optimistic predictions of snow.

I have to admit that my own enthusiasm for snow is muted, especially as my body anticipates sleeping outside in a box during the Homeless Awareness Sleep out. A winter camper, snowboarder, and former resident of Colorado, I am not totally new to cold weather. However, even with one Homeless Awareness Sleep out under my belt, I still feel some anxiety about the upcoming event.

Every year, members of the youth group camp outside our sanctuary in cardboard boxes to raise awareness about homelessness in RI. In addition to studying statistics, reading personal stories, and talking with agencies that serve homeless people in Providence, students experience first-hand what it might feel like to spend a winter night without adequate shelter.

As I was walking between my office and home the other day, a sharp breeze cut into my skin and I remember saying out loud, “I really don’t want to sleep outside in this. I don’t even want to walk outside in this.” I then said a prayer for those people for whom there is no choice when it comes to walking and sleeping outside.

How terrifying it must be to look to the long winter ahead with no assurance of reliable food or shelter. The RI Coalition for the Homeless reports that this year, 53% of the people seeking shelter are homeless for the first time. People who have always had a roof over their heads are now having to learn how to survive the winter without a home.  In addition, with the increased numbers of homeless people in Rhode Island, shelters are full to capacity and nearly 300 people are literally left out in the cold each night. 25% of those people are children.

In this season of Christmas, when we remember the Christ child and his birth in the last-resort shelter of a barn, perhaps it is fitting that we remember those members of the living Body of Christ for whom resources and options are likewise limited.

I look forward to seeing you, snow or shine, at the Homeless Awareness Sleep out and the Witness to Hunger Event on January 22!

May the Word of God in the person of Jesus Christ continue to light your way, inspire you to act in faith, and lead you home.

Kat

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

Midwinter on Angell Street

Saturday, January 29, 2011

6pm – 10pm??

Presented by the Central Congregational Church Adult Choir

$45 per person

An evening of warm friendship, with song, dance, revelry, tomfoolery, games, jesters and other silliness, accompanied by wine, ale, appetizers and a pig roast (with vegetarian and vegan accompaniments) served in an atmosphere of firelight dining and followed by a time and talents auction to benefit Central.

Bring your friends, your family, your neighbors, your colleagues – Welcome all to the current middle ages, and a midwinter feast that warms the soul and body.

Presented with the help of the Barony of the Bridge, East Kingdom, The Society for Creative Anachronism.

Look for more information in your Sunday bulletins, e-mail and in Chapel Hall. Please consider how you can contribute time, services or other talents to our auction. For more information, contact Winn Catabia, Donna Chace Larson or Liz Viall.

Going On, A Mini-Retreat for a New Year

Thursday, January 13

Deacon’s Room, 6:00-8:30 p.m.

“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)

Start 2011 off well by giving yourself the gift of time for contemplation in the company of CCC friends!  At 6:00 p.m. we will gather together around the table for a soup and bread supper.  After supper we will scatter throughout the building to observe a time of contemplative silence.  At 8:15 we’ll gather again for a time of sharing and prayer…and be on our way refreshed and renewed by 8:30p.m. Call Claudia 331-1960 to RSVP.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, January 27

7:00-8:30 p.m. at Claudia Demick’s

As part of Claudia’s doctoral project we will be discussing chapters 5-9 of the remarkable book by Sandy Tolan called The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East.  “What began with a simple act of faith between two young people grew into a dialogue of four decades that represents the region’s hope for peace and self-determination.  Written with grace and compassion, The Lemon Tree is a reminder of all that is at stake, and all that is still possible.”

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS!

Goodbye Advent, Happy Christmas and Epiphany blessings to you!!

Many, many THANK YOU’s to all the church school children, especially the PEACEMAKER CLASS, who performed so wonderfully well in the Christmas Pageant on December 19th!   I think this was the first year no one asked me for a script at the dress rehearsal–you had all memorized your lines!   And thank you, wonderful parents, for your commitment and participation in all the various Advent events at Central:  the Christmas at Central bazaar; tree-trimming & craft-making; Advent Caroling; Pageant rehearsals and performance; etc.  What a rich season it has been!

We resume Church School classes on Sunday, January 9th.  For teachers of the winter unit, we have our “Teacher Training” session on Saturday, Jan. 8th, from 10:00 – 11:30 in the Gathering Space.

May light and understanding grow strong within you this season of Epiphany!

See you soon!

Cathy Clasper-Torch

ANGELLIC KNITTERS

January 9   12-1:30 pm   Deacon’s Room

Make it your New Year’s resolution to join us!  All are welcome: knitters, those who aspire to knit, and those who just want to experience fellowship and participate in the blessing of the prayer shawls that are lovingly made for others!  As an added bonus, if you’ve always wanted to learn how to knit we’ll teach you!  Questions?  Call Janice Libby or Claudia.

ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH

CCC Adult Sunday School

9:00 a.m. on 1/9, 1/17, 1/24, & 1/31

Fireplace Room

Learn about the history of Islam in the first 1000 years after Muhammad’s death.  One of the most important events after the fall of Rome was the rise of Islam.  In a few centuries there were vast Islamic empires across Africa, India, the East Indies, the Middle East, and Spain.  This class will explore this explosion of Islam and the consequences that the expansion of Islamic civilization has had in history.  Art and architecture are combined with interviews with scholars from all over the world contemplating the significance of these events.  Questions?  Call Claudia at 331-1960.

Important Spaces

The Care of the Interior Committee would like your input on projects that need to be undertaken in the church.  If you have any suggestions regarding spaces in the church that you use, please forward them to Mike Hopkins at MHOPKINS1125@yahoo.com

CCC WOMEN’S RETREAT

February 11-13, 2011

St. Benedict Abbey, Still River, MA

It’s time to start thinking about our yearly time away for relaxation and renewal!! Our annual retreat will take place February 11 through 13, 2011 at the beautiful St. Benedict Abbey in Still River, MA (just an hour from Providence). The cost is $165 for six meals, your own room and all materials.  Our theme for the weekend is Standing at the Threshold exploring the importance of being in touch with one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual surroundings.

No cooking, planning, appointments, or deadlines for an entire weekend! Just come, and find nourishment for the body, mind, and soul.

As discussed at the last retreat, there is the option of coming early on Thursday, February 10 for an additional cost of $65. Payment is due January 11th (and fully refundable if you cancel by January 25th). If cost is an issue, there are reduced payment possibilities available. To add your name to the women’s retreat list, contact Claudia, 331-1960.

Stewardship Plans 2011

This year the Stewardship Committee has planned for small-group discussions at members’ homes. These will offer members a time to socialize, to discuss what is happening at Central and to gain a better understanding of stewardship and our role as stewards of God’s gifts.  This time together will help you to make your own pledge decision later at home.  You will have the opportunity to bring your pledge to church on Dedication Sunday, April 3rd.

These small groups meetings will occur during late February and early March and will be held at different locations, days, and times.  After church on February 6th and 13th you will have an opportunity to select the time, day and location that is the most convenient for you.

We hope these meetings are helpful to you in learning more about stewardship and our church . . . and in connecting with other members.

Look for further details in the next newsletter and in the church calendar.

MUHAMMAD: LEGACY OF A PROPHET

A Special Adult Education Supper Event

Sunday, January 30

4:00-7:30 p.m. Deacon’s Room

Explore the beginnings of Islam through the story of the 7th century prophet who changed world history in only 23 years!  Muhammad’s story continues to shape the lives of over 1.2 billion people today—7 million alone here in the United States.

A soup and bread supper is included as we discuss this documentary which will take us not only to the ancient Middle East, but also to the homes, mosques and workplaces of our Muslim neighbors here in our own country.  Questions?  Call Claudia at 331-1960.

FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH

January, a Time of Beginnings

There are several ways that January represents beginnings for us. We have traditions such as New Year’s resolutions, an attempt to tell ourselves what new beginnings we will make in our lives.  And the choice of an infant draped in a banner with the numerals of the New Year on display would seem to equate the beginning of life with a new year.  In parts of the South, the menu on New Year ’s Day often includes cabbage symbolizing hoped-for wealth in the new year and black eyed peas symbolizing hoped-for luck in the new year.  Sometimes one will spend time practicing writing the numerals of the New Year so that checks and other papers will have the correct date at the beginning of the year.  Even the origin of the word January, from the mythological figure Janus, has an aspect of a beginning.  This figure had two faces, one on the back of his head – looking backward – and another face on the front of his head – looking forward – to a new beginning.

Even more important is the spiritual dimension of beginnings in January.  Christmas is just past and has brought the beginning of new life with the birth of Jesus – the beginning of his life on earth with us.  And Epiphany (from the Greek, meaning “shining forth”, “manifestation” or “revelation”) on January sixth, which we will celebrate at worship on January ninth, is the beginning of a new season of the church year.  It remembers the coming of the Wise Men bringing gifts to visit the Christ child, who by doing so, revealed Jesus to the world as Lord and King, God Incarnate. This beginning reveals that Jesus came into the world for all people, of all races, and that the work of God in the world would not be limited to only a few

The New Year is a time to look ahead with hope!  We can put aside the problems and concerns of the last year. The old year is past, and forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings is ours to receive. And at the same time there is the promise that the new year will bring new ideas, new thoughts, new plans, and a new beginning of faithfulness. The year 2011, this new beginning in our own lives, gives us the promise of hope and renewed faith.  God’s grace and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are ours to know.

Happy New Year!

-John Peters

RETREAT INTO READING

Monday, February 21

7:00-8:30 p.m. Hamilton House Parlor

“Go on a journey from self to Self, my friend… Such a journey transforms the earth into a mine of gold.”

The great Sufi mystic Jalal-ud-Din Rumi (1207-1273 C.E.) was born in Afghanistan and left behind an extraordinary collection of poems.  This month we will read Teachings of Rumi by Andrew Harvey and discuss Rumi’s search for divine truth and vision as experienced through his poetry and prose.  Join us for an evening of exploration of the wisdom of an 800 year old Islamic mystic who still speaks to us today!

From Beth Newberry…

Several of you were treated to a “cue” during pageant rehearsal. The cue was a high pitched squeal that sounds almost like a whistle- the young children were told that they were to smile at the audience when they heard it. Or you might have heard it during coffee hour and wondered why the parents of that child were letting him behave so badly and completely ignoring the noise and not reprimanding him.

Liam was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in March. The diagnosis was a relief for me- I could officially get Liam the accommodations that he needed in school. It was a relief for Liam- I showed him “That Darn Tic” a newsletter written by kids with Tourette’s, for kids with Tourette’s. He was so happy to know that he was not alone. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes a person to make repeated and uncontrolled (involuntary) movements and sounds (vocalizations) called tics.

Liam is not badly behaved, he’s not trying to be annoying, he has a neurological disorder. Shortly after Liam was born, I was standing at the front of the church with our family, Liam’s godparents, Rebecca, T. Michael and all of the children gathered around the baptismal font. Many of you were probably in church that day, and I took great comfort in the fact that Liam had his church family surrounding him and promising to help raise him in the path that God has chosen for him. God chose a tough path for Liam.

We’ve been working on techniques to quiet Liam’s tics on the bus to help make it easier for the bus driver to concentrate. When I asked her the other day if the gum chewing was helping, she told me that it was so much better and asked me if it helped at home. I told her that I wouldn’t know- we don’t expect Liam to try to hold in his tics at home, it’s really uncomfortable for him and our home is Liam’s sanctuary. Liam is free to tic without anyone batting an eye. My hope is that Central will be a sanctuary for Liam as well, that church is one place where he is understood and accepted.

For more information on TS, please visit the TSA website- http://www.tsa-usa.org/ .

I’d also like to invite you to read my blog http://beth-lifesatwitch.blogspot.com/

-Beth Newberry

Youth News

A New Year for NEOS!

NEOS Fellowship is our youth group for students in 6th-8th grades. With a huge group of students this year and a new after-church schedule that doesn’t allow for nearly enough “hang time,” we’re rethinking the way we do NEOS in the New Year. Parents and kids—please come early to church on Sunday, January 9 at 9:30AM to discuss activities, leadership, and meeting times. We’ll meet in the 6-8th grade classroom upstairs in the Sunday School wing.

Read about youth activities online!

Set your browser to http://www.centralchurch.us/index.php/youth and bookmark the page. Youth activities are updated weekly on Monday mornings.

Witness to Hunger Event, January 22

Low-income mothers in RI were given cameras to document their lives with the goal of widening awareness about childhood hunger and poverty. In partnership with the RI Community Food Bank, Central is now bringing this eye-opening exhibit to 296 Angell St. Come to Central on Jan. 22 from 7-8PM to hear participating mothers talk about their work and lives. Don’t miss this moving exhibit and chance to hear the mother’s stories first-hand. Children are welcome at the event!

Bring Donations to the Homelessness Awareness Sleep out on January 22

It is estimated that RI needs at least 300 new beds to accommodate the growing number of homeless men, women and children who are currently living in the woods, sleeping on the street or staying in abandoned buildings. To raise money and awareness about homelessness in RI, the youth will be sleeping out in boxes on the lawn of the church on Saturday, January 22. Throughout the night, they will be collecting donations of money for the RI Coalition for the Homeless and clothes, food, and toiletries for Amos House. Email Kat; kat@centralchurch.us if you are interested in helping by bringing soup or staying as an overnight volunteer.

NEOS and WORD Family Ski Trip

We’re going to Mt. Snow, February 11-12

Join us for the NEOS (6-8th grades) and WORD (9-12th grades) family ski trip! We’ll leave Friday afternoon, spend Saturday playing, and return Saturday night. Activities include skiing, hiking, snowboarding, tubing, sledding, and more. Parents, siblings, and friends are all welcome. Group-rate lift tickets will be purchased on Jan. 24, so contact Kat now with the number of tickets you’d like. Lodging provided by the West Dover Congregational Church for $20/person; include showers, a cot, and a kitchen. Space is limited, so email Kat ASAP for a cot with your name on it!

The Youth Group is going to Chicago this summer!

Join us for a brief meeting to learn more about the trip, Sunday, January 9 at 11:30AM in the Fireplace room. Parents, leaders and students are all invited to come learn more about the trip, including details about our philosophy, leaders, lodging, transportation, and activities. The Mission Trip will take place from June 25-July 3 and is open to all current 8th-12th graders. We are still looking for one male leader for the trip—email Kat: kat@centralchurch.us or call the church if you are interested in participating.

Join us for Central’s 20’s/30’s Group!

January 14—Providence Bruins (email Kat to reserve a $10 ticket)

March 11—Movie Night Out

April 8—Lazer Tag

May 13—BBQ in the Park

Email: kat@centralclhurch.us to get on the 20/30s mailing list and hear more about upcoming events.

The History of the Twelve Days of Christmas

The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol has a code word for religious reality which the children could remember.

The “True Love” one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.

According to Ann Ball in her book, “Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals”:

• Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
• Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.
• Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
• Five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man’s fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.
• Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
• Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit—Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
• Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
• Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit—Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Chastity.
• Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
• Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.
• Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostle’s Creed.  (from an area church)

Helpful Shoppers

Thanks to our members and friends who turn in their Eastside Market receipts. To date we have received $11,764 for our participation in their Friendship Fund. A special thanks to Frannie Gross who faithfully totals the receipts and turns them in to Eastside Marketplace.

A Thank-You

Dear Rev. Demick,

Peace be with you! (Assalamu Alaikum). Deep gratitude and thanks to you and your congregation for the wonderful art supplies given to us at the Islamic School of RI.  May you have a blessed Christmas!  God’s love and peace be with you.

Got Mission?

Have you Got Mission?  Be part of the numerous activities of the Mission & Action Committee.

Amos House Appeal for Toiletries: Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless men, women and children?  If so, Amos House has a critical need for toiletry items for its residents and walk-in guests.

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste (full size)
• Bars of soap (full size)
• Shampoo and conditioner (full size)
• Shaving cream
• Disposable razors (for men and women)
• Feminine hygiene products

Your in-kind donations mean so much. If you can help, please drop off your donated items at 413 Friendship Street in Providence, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

The next MISSION LUNCH will be held on Sunday, January 23rd immediately after church.  Dawn and Jim Hogan will speak on their experiences with global homelessness and hunger.  The mission lunch will follow the youth group Homeless Sleep-out, which is held that Saturday night.  At the same time, the gallery at Central will also be home to the “Witnesses to Hunger” exhibit from the Rhode Island Community Foodbank, a photo documentary depicting hunger and homelessness in Rhode Island.  The women who participated in that exhibit will come on Saturday night to speak at the sleep-out about their own experiences.  Please join us for these moving and powerful testimonials.  Contact Kat at kat@centralchurch.us or Tracy Baran at thebarans@cox.net for more information.

Opportunities for involvement in our Mission projects are on-going throughout the year.  Each Tuesday, members serve breakfast at Amos House from 6:30 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.  Contract Tracy Baran at thebarans@cox.net for more information.  On the first Saturday of each month, members serve with Habitat for Humanity for a half-day from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., no experience required.  Contact Sandi Seltzer for more information at sseltza@verizon.net.  On the second Saturday of each month, members assist with the Mount Hope Learning Center cooking club from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Contact Janet Anderson for more information at andersonjanl@cox.net.  Starting back up again in January, members participate in the Camp Street Neighborhood Ministries food distribution on the last Saturday of each month from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.  Contact Beth Taylor at Elizabeth_taylor@brown.edu for more information.

Mark your calendars for the spring Mission Day, to be held on Saturday, May 21st from 9 a.m. until noon.

Book Group

Rebecca’s Noon Book Group meets Thursday, January 27 to discuss Freedom by Jonathan Franzen. All are invited to join this lively group.