CentralNEWS/November 2010

VOLUME 18 NUMBER 10

296 Angell Street  Providence  RI 02906  401-331-1960

FROM YOUR SENIOR MINISTER

Dear Friends,

One of you came to talk with me during a particularly tough time in your life.  As the conversation went along, you mentioned one of your children and one of those life-changing moments.  It went like this.

There you were, worrying about whether your car was going to die, whether you were going to be able to figure out where you were going to find a job, how your mother was doing, and all the other worries that come to us when the world seems dark. And you were driving along a not particularly inviting stretch of road in the city where you felt vulnerable and not particularly safe.  And your child piped up, “Look, Mommy, there is a bird’s nest in the e.”

Wishing to just get through this ride with everybody in the car intact and with the car itself not conking out, you said, oh, how nice.

“No, really, Mommy.  Look at the e…. there is a bird’s nest in the e.” And after this persistent piping up from the back seat, you turned the car around in the gritty intersection, drove back, looked up, and sure enough…in the broken sign reading “checks cashed here”, there was indeed a tiny, perfect bird’s nest in the e of the word checks.

And, you remarked to me…. and to yourself…. that moment made me realize, everything was going to be ok.  That bird had chosen that depressing storefront to begin new life… and you could too.

Using theological words, the phrase would be, to quote Paul, and all things work together for good to those who love God.

As we look toward the great festival of Thanksgiving, may we all find the bird’s nest in the e, wherever we may be.

Yours, in appreciation of God’s great creation, in the spirit of thanksgiving, and in gratitude for each of you who in your own way make a difference in this world,

Rebecca

Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is an important part of our worship life together. In an effort to uplift our celebration of Baptisms in our community of faith, we will be offering Baptisms during the following Sundays of the church year.

Sunday after Epiphany    January 9, 2011
Sunday after Easter                 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. For the January 9th Baptism, the parent meeting will be held on Saturday, January 8. 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.

Prayer and Sympathy

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

Plato H. Kangis, who died October 16, 2010.

A Memorial Service was held at Central Congregational Church on October 22, 2010.

Our thoughts and prayers are with:

Kim & Billy Greene Kim’s husband and Billy’s father, William Greene died on October15.

May God’s comfort surround all those who mourn.

Thanksgiving Festival Service

10:30 AM

On Sunday, November 21, we celebrate our faith in our traditional Thanksgiving Festival Worship.  You are encouraged to reach out with an invitation to friends and neighbors to join you on Thanksgiving Sunday–a Service that provides a wonderful opportunity in giving thanks to God for the abundance with which we have been blessed, to hear inspiring preaching, and to listen to fine music–and an experience that may enhance your friends own Thanksgiving traditions.

Preludes begin at 10:10 a.m. Music will feature selections from Mendelssohn’s “St. Paul” oratorio, as well as our traditional favorites:  our anniversary hymn, “We Gather Together,” and the Battle Hymn of the Republic, all accompanied by brass, organ, and timpani.

Thanks we bring!

Friends we bring!

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

Tuesday, November 23    7pm

St. Martin’s Church

50 Orchard Avenue, Providence

From Claudia

The famous 13th century Sufi mystic and poet Rumi wrote

King, saint, thief, madman—

Love has grabbed everyone by the neck

And drags us to God by secret ways…

How could I ever have guessed

That God, too, desired us?

We will be challenged in the coming months as we continue our process of learning about the Islamic faith by thinking about what it means to be “desired” by God.

For us as Christians we have the example of God’s desire for humanity to turn to God in the stories of the ancient prophets who were sent to recall the people who had turned away again and again.  And yet, God continued to call them back over and over again!  In the New Testament we see God’s loving purpose in the example of Jesus’ relationships with the disciples and all those whom he encounters.  Again and again Jesus calls people back to God.

During this season of Thanksgiving isn’t it appropriate that we remember that we are indeed God’s beloved children?  And to remember as well that God yearns for us to long for God?  And to give grateful thanks that love has “grabbed” us!

This month some of the offerings associated with my DMin are continued discussion of The Lemon Tree (on 11/18), a field trip to hear some of Rumi’s poetry and experience the music and dance of Sufi whirling dervishes (on 11/7), and a talk by the Rev. Ruth Edens on her work with Christian and Muslim youth in Beirut in 2006 (on 11/21).  In addition, the adult Sunday School will continue learning about Muhammad (on 11/7 and 11/14) and then move on to a study of Islam’s history after Muhammad’s death (on 11/21 and 11/28).  There are longer descriptions of all of these events in this newsletter.  I hope many of you will participate in one or all of these offerings.

One of the many things for which I give thanks in this wonderful faith community is the desire expressed by so many of you to learn about God and to strengthen your own faith through learning communities.  In addition, I am grateful for your desire to learn about another faith and in so doing to question and deepen your own faith as Christian people.

Gratefully Yours,

Claudia

From Kat

Despite the increasingly cold weather, it feels like our church is entering a Spring-like season of warmth and renewal. The established programs of the church are flourishing, and new membership and ministries are growing and blossoming. There seems to be a healthy congregational hunger for spiritual growth and enrichment across the board. Whether it is folks participating in worship, volunteering at one of our partner agencies, reflecting on the scriptures and sermon, reading the Bible, participating in an adult Sunday school classes, volunteering to teach, singing in the choir, attending book groups, participating in fellowship groups, or just asking tough questions of God and each other—it is clear that members and friends of Central are actively seeking God in worship, study and service!

The youth groups both reflect the congregation’s vibrancy. The youth rooms have been painted and refreshed, and we are now having to creatively rethink the way we do NEOS “Hang Time,” because the space we used last year is sometimes stretched to capacity with so many 6-8th graders. At our NEOS (6-8th grades) youth fellowship event at the Rock Spot climbing gym, we had a record number of young people participate. In addition to testing themselves on the indoor rock walls, students forged new friendships and strengthened old ties. The WORD high school fellowship, energized by Youth Mission Sunday, also continues to grow closer. Our retreat on non-violence at Irons Homestead and our Nov.13 lock-in should further nurture the group.

The 20s and 30s group is also attracting new members (some younger, some much older than 39!) and has already planned events for 2nd Fridays throughout the year. Intergenerational programs like the youth confirmation and mentor program, the adult confirmation class, the choir, book groups, the new men’s group, the supper club, and adult Sunday school classes (just to name a few!) are bringing new and experienced Christians together to learn from one another as they share their faith.

I am awed and inspired by the thoughtful faith and actions of our members. As winter creeps in, may we continue to bless God with our warm and vibrant Spirit!

Many Blessings,

Kat

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS!

“I give bread to the poor–and I am called a saint.  I ask why these are poor–and I am called a communist.”

-Dom Helder Camara, Catholic Archbishop of Racife, Brazil

We enter the month of November with a focus on ‘saints/holy people’ as we approach

All Saints Day (Nov. 7th) and our traditional Procession of the Saints in worship that morning.  On the last two Sundays of October, the Church School is busy with our annual ‘saints project’ — choosing and drawing/painting our ‘saint’ that we want to honor. A new tradition was added on the past couple years, in which we use a large, brown paper bag as the ‘canvas’ for our drawing, and after All Saints Day we take this home and fill it with canned goods and bring it back to church the following Sundays before Thanksgiving. In this small way, we get to practice one aspect of ‘being a saint’, by giving to others.

The guideline we use for our saints is: someone who lives a life of service/care for others; someone who embodies the essence of being Christ-like; who follows their inner conscience/God for their guidance; someone willing to put themselves in dangerous situations for the sake of helping others; someone we admire for their love and compassion for others; and/or someone who has touched our lives personally in transforming ways.  We end up with a most amazing collection of ‘saints’, from historical figures to favorite relatives, teachers, friends and parents. It is a wonderful exercise to think about and appreciate all the great people in our lives and world! ”Lord, I want to be in that number”, as the song goes!!

IMPORTANT DATES IN NOVEMBER FOR CHURCH SCHOOL:

Sunday, November 7th — All Saints Sunday: please arrive at 10:15 and go to Chapel Hall to line up with your teacher and classmates with your ‘saint’ drawing, for the Procession at 10:30.

Sunday, November 28th — The First Sunday in ADVENT: Pageant rehearsals begin for grades 2nd – 5th, during Church School time. The Pageant is performed during worship on Sunday, December 19th.

Love & blessings,

Cathy Clasper-Torch

Monday, November 8

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

This month wraps up our discussion of Messy Spirituality: God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People by Mike Yaconelli. We will discuss chapters 7 & 8 as we finish talking about this wonderful little book on spirituality for real people!  Questions?  Call Claudia at 331-1960.

MUSIC AT CENTRAL

ALL SAINTS BAND

On Sunday, November 7, we will celebrate All Saints Sunday with a procession to “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” performed with the Central Band!

If you play an instrument and would like to participate, please join us!  Skill levels ranging from being able to play the melody only to professional musicians are welcome.  We will rehearse at 10 a.m. in the church before worship.  Please let Patrick Aiken know if you are interested and we will get you the music.

CENTRAL AT PPAC

Our Adult Choir will sing in the Lobby at Providence Performing Arts Center before the Christmas Spectacular Show on Wednesday, November 24, for the 7:30 p.m. show.   Beginning around 7:10 p.m. our choir will sing carols in the lobby mezzanine to greet concert-goers.  Come and join in the fun!

A group discount of 30% is available to our church members for available tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.  Register for tickets by calling the church office now through Friday, November 5.   Tickets for this performance are selling fast so reserve early to avoid disappointment.

CHRISTMAS CD

Our Adult Choir will release our second CD this year, just in time for Christmas!   This CD features music just for Christmas and will be on sale for a $10 each in Chapel Hall during coffee hour beginning after our Thanksgiving Festival Worship on November 21.  You can also call or visit the church office after that date to purchase your CD.

Many of YOU are also on the CD!  Don’t forget that we recorded two congregational carols, “O Come, All Ye Faithful” an “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” back in May, so all you recording artists be sure to get your copies for you and your friends!   Take our choir home with you and enjoy some of your favorite Christmas music.

GUEST SPEAKER!!

The Rev. Ruth Edens

Sunday, November 21

12:00 noon  Fireplace Room

The Rev. Ruth Edens will be sharing her experiences working with Muslim and Christian youth in Beirut, Lebanon.  Ruth was in Lebanon during the 2006 Lebanon War.  She has a commitment to peace for the Lebanese people and their country which she grew to love.  All are welcome to hear Ruth’s remarkable story.

THE DEACONS’ BENCH

Imagine the experience of the Chilean miners being trapped thousands of feet underground for 67 days, unsure of their fate. As I was watching the remarkable footage of their rescue, I was moved by the statement from one of the miners, Jimmy Sanchez: “There were 34 of us, not 33, since God never left.”  It reminded me of something I heard in a speech by Ben Sherwood who spoke at a conference I attended earlier this year. Sherwood is a researcher and author of a book The Survivors Club. The book recounts some remarkable stories about individuals who have survived near-death experiences. In it, Sherwood identifies the common characteristics of the individuals who survive such experiences. His presentation was riveting but it was his introduction, specifically, that had a profound impact on me.

Sherwood began his speech to the large group of financial advisers assembled in the hall by saying that he considered himself an objective, scientific researcher. He continued by stating, “I’m not attempting to proselytize nor evangelize, but that my research identified a common characteristic among individual survivors I have interviewed—a belief in God.”

I wasn’t surprised by this but was surprised to hear it in this context and needless to say, he had my attention.

He proceeded to relate the amazing story of Brian Udell, an air force pilot who holds the record for surviving the highest speed ejection from a U.S. Fighter Aircraft at nearly 800 M.P.H. The experience dislocated or broke most of the bones in his body, yet he survived four grueling hours 65 miles off the Atlantic Coast in 60-degree water, 5-foot seas, and 15 M.P.H. winds at night. At the point where he realized he wouldn’t be able to pull himself into the life raft with the tether he held in his teeth and would probably drown, he called out to God. At that moment, he later related, a large wave, “which felt like a huge hand under his body” picked him up and carried him into the raft.  Eventually he was rescued and his condition (and what he survived) amazed the military doctors and others who saw him in the hospital.

In the context of Udell’s life and death story and that of the miners, the things that periodically cause me to call out to God seem to pale in comparison. However, they don’t seem trivial to me and can weigh heavily on my heart and mind. Other times there are “near-misses” that cause me to say, “Thank You Lord” when I realize the potential consequences had it not been for some divine intervention. As a commuter, these often seem to happen while driving—probably one of the most dangerous things I do.

It’s natural for me to ask for God’s help when I am in need. What is less likely is simply to praise God on a regular basis for his blessings and grace. For the last few months I have been consciously trying acknowledge and offer thanks and praise for the things that I might otherwise take for granted. Despite the fact that life is never perfect and there are so many problems and issues to be concerned about all around us, I feel as though God still offers myriad opportunities to express gratitude for that which he has a hand in that is good in some way. Unfortunately, there will always be painful experiences we must endure. God doesn’t cause these things to happen but he does help us to get through them.

For many, me included, the pace of life seems to ebb and flow through various levels of busy-ness. Hearing about something like the Chilean mine rescue causes a temporary paradigm shift and provides a different perspective.  The “Rat race” can make it easy to overlook the ability to apply our time, talents or treasure to the advancement of Christ’s kingdom and, at the risk of being cliché, take time to stop and “Smell the roses.”

I think I’m going to try and finish the year by inviting God into as many of the aspects of my daily life and that of my family as possible (perhaps even ride shotgun with me on my daily commute). I once heard about a list someone had put together of all the things they were thankful for. What a great idea. I should start one myself and add one new thing every day. Central Church would be near the top of my list.

–John Trevor

MUHAMMAD: LEGACY OF A PROPHET

CCC Adult Sunday School

9:00 a.m. on November 7 and 14

Fireplace Room

All are welcome as we continue to 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.  This documentary took 3 years to make, and it will take us not only to the ancient Middle East, but also to the homes, mosques and workplaces of our Islamic neighbors here in our own country.  This is a thought-provoking and important work, and a good beginning to Central’s exploration of Islam!  Questions?  Call Claudia at 331-1960.

In Celebration of Rumi

Music, Poetry, and Whirling Dervishes!!

Sunday, November 7

4:00 at Andover Newton Theological School

The Ruah Spirituality Institute presents this special afternoon of music, a traditional Dervish Zikr ceremony, and inspiring readings from Jalal al-din Mohammad Rumi, a Sufi mystic from the 13th century.  “Rumi’s passionate and powerful poetry is filled with a longing for God, the Friend and the Beloved. It ranks with the most popular and widely read poetry in the United States today.”  Tickets are $15 ($7 for seniors and students). Interested?  Call Claudia at 331-1960 to form carpools for this special “field trip.”

LAST CALL FOR ART SUPPLIES!!!

The Religious Education Committee of Central is sponsoring a drive for new art supplies for the Islamic School of RI.  This school suffered terribly in the spring floods with chest-deep water on the first floor.

Let’s help our neighbors by collecting art supplies for the children who range from Kindergarten through eighth grade.  Please bring in items like colored paper, drawing paper, tissue or other “specialty” papers, markers, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, and paints or other art supplies.  There will be a box to collect supplies on the stage in Chapel Hall. Questions?  Call Claudia at 331-1960.

New Members

New Member Luncheon &

Tour of the Sanctuary

Sunday, November 7

Luncheon: Please join the Membership Committee in welcoming new members of the Congregation at a luncheon immediately following the Sunday service on November 7. As is our custom, the luncheon will be a potluck, and members of the Congregation are requested to bring a salad, vegetable, side dish, or dessert; the Membership Committee will provide the main dishes. The New Member Luncheons are an enjoyable time of fellowship and a relaxing way to meet and welcome new members to our Congregation.

Tour of the Sanctuary: Have you ever wondered about the meaning and origin of the many symbols located throughout the Sanctuary or of the beautiful stained-glass windows that adorn the building? Jim Silverthorn has all the answers and will share them with us on a tour of the Sanctuary to follow the New Member Luncheon on November 7 (beginning about 12:30 pm and lasting about 45 minutes). The tour is a wonderful way to learn more about the history and beautiful artwork of the Church.

We hope you’ll join us for these two enjoyable events! (For additional information, please contact Paul Barlow or the Church office.)

Darrell West Lecture Series

THE REV. DR. JAMES A. FORBES JR.

Saturday, November 20 at 6 p.m.

The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. is Senior Minister of The Riverside Church and President of the Healing of the Nations Foundation. Forbes was the first African-American to serve as Senior Minister of this multicultural congregation. He is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches and the Original United Holy Church of America.

In national and international religious circles, Dr. Forbes is known as the preacher’s preacher because of his extensive preaching career and his charismatic style. In their March 4, 1996 issue, Newsweek magazine recognized Forbes as one of the 12 “most effective” preachers in the English-speaking world.

Dr. Forbes learned to preach and pastor in the parish. He has led numerous workshops, retreats, and conferences for the national Council of Churches of Christ USA, the National Association of Campus Ministry, the American Baptist Churches, The United Church of Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Episcopal Church, the Roman Catholic Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church. (USA). His sermons are aired weekly on WLTV 106.7 FM in New York City.

NEIGHBORS IN NEED

“A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Peace and Justice. As a recipient of the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for their outstanding efforts toward the furtherance of global peace, Whatcom Peace & Justice Center embodies a powerful witness for justice. Since 1966, the center has provided programming, leadership on legislative advocacy, and opportunities to resist injustice through public protest, writing, media reform, and organizing.

Fighting Poverty and Hunger. “Wage theft” is the crime no one talks about. Each year, millions of workers across the country are victims of wage theft when employers bread the law by paying than less than the minimum wage, failing to pay overtime, or in many cases not paying workers at all for days or even week’s worth of work. Understanding their mission as a witness for justice, Memphis Tennessee’s Workers Interfaith Network, has developed a reputation as the organization that assist workers in recovering monies when they have suffered wage theft by an unjust employer.

Neighbors in Need Helps These Agencies. Central will receive the Neighbors in Need offering for the UCC on Sunday, November 21.

Treasure

For where your treasure is… Matthew 6:21

My grandfather was a farmer most of his life, and he had a tremendous love of soil. As children, my brothers and I would laugh as he looked out a car window at a field and say, “That’s beautiful dirt!” As suburban kids, for whom dirt was something that got us in trouble with our mother, we didn’t really get it. But what Grandpa saw in the dirt was the promise of seeds sprouting and crops producing a hundred-fold. It was just dirt to us, but to him it was gold.

It’s all how you define treasure, I guess. Our churches are like that soil my grandfather loved. They are places where seeds get planted and nurtured. If the soil is strong, if we see it as treasure, then what grows in our churches are strong disciples, equipped to go in the world and live Christ. The treasure where our hearts are could refer to our individual bank accounts, or it could refer to the treasure that is Christian community which needs our work of tilling and planting and fertilizing and weeding and praying for a good crop.

Just as my Grandpa’s heart was in the soil, so mine is in the congregation I call my home, and in the wider church others call home. Treasure, gifts from God, gardens ready to grow.

(Rochelle A. Stackhouse is the Senior Minster of The Church of the Redeemer, UCC, New Haven, CT)

God is still Speaking, November 2010

www.uss.org/stewardship/stewardship-message/

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
• Dessert Mix
• Turkey gravy
• Canned Fruit

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?

1. Buy a turkey (12-16 lbs.) and bring it to Camp Street or to the church Friday 11/19, Sunday 11/21, Monday, 11/22 or Tuesday 11/23.

2. Bring food items to church on any Sunday.

3. Write a check to Camp Street Community ministries–Thanksgiving food–and place it in the collection plate or bring it to Camp Street.

4. Turn in Eastside Marketplace Receipts for our participation in their Friendship Fund.

Please bring your receipts to the Church before Monday, Nov. 15.

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FOR THE BLIND

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

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, 751-2763.

Attention all poets and story tellers!

The Poets Page needs poems and stories on the following topic:

“A Place I Love”

It is time to let your imagination fly high!

Please respond to IlseKramer@aol.com

For publication we would also need a very brief bio and an author photo.

Church Clean-up Day

Saturday, November 20

Please help clean the church building and grounds Saturday, November 20 from 9 am to 12 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 at 722-2357 with questions.

Here comes…. The Sandwich Brigade

The Mission & Action Committee invites you to come to the church kitchen at 9 am on Sundays, November7, 14 & 28 and on Saturday, November 20 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!

A Place at Your Table?

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.

Central Church Men’s Group

The first meeting of the newly formed Central Church Men’s Group was held on Thursday, October 21st in the Fireplace Room.  The group is open to men of all ages and will gather monthly at 7:30 am on the third Thursday of each month for coffee, food and conversation.

Discussion at the meetings may be oriented around a particular topic selected in advance and/or may be determined by the joys and concerns of the attendees on a given day.  The meetings will last approximately one hour.  There will be no requirement to participate and the primary purpose of the group is for men in the congregation to gather for fellowship.  Please contact either John Trevor  or Steve Dewitt if you are interested in attending or would like more information.

Step Forward

SAVE THE DATE!!! November 14

Join us for a congregational meeting and an update on our Step Forward Campaign after worship… and a family oriented discovery “Scavenger Hunt” before worship. Come at 9:45 am.

All are invited to join in this exploration of our building to see for yourself how we need to “Step Forward” to restore and maintain this building that serves so many.

For instance:

§  Can you find where the biggest puddles are?

§  Where is the stained glass window that leaks? Can you find the newly restored smallest organ pipe?

§  How about the largest?

§  Where do the 2nd and third grade church school classes meet and how much plaster do you think it needs?

§  Who has the most creative solution to the peeling wall problems in the Jr. High classroom?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Thursday, November 18

7:00-8:30 p.m. at Claudia Demick’s

As part of Claudia’s doctoral project we will be discussing chapters 5 through 9 of the remarkable book by Sandy Tolan called The Lemon Tree: An Arab, A Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East.  This book is particularly timely in light of the resumption of Israeli/Palestinian peace talks taking place.

“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.”

ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH

CCC Adult Sunday School

9:00 a.m. on November 21 and 28

Fireplace Room

Our study of Islam continues as we explore its history 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 the Muslim religion and the consequences that the expansion of Islamic civilization has had in the history of the world.  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.

NOLA Mission Trip Update

The New Orleans Mission trip was a great success.  Many thanks to all of you for supporting us in so many different ways!  We saw more improvement this year and were able to work on two houses doing drywall, grouting, carpentry, and much more.  We felt that we really made a difference in the lives of those two families and are looking forward to sharing pictures and more stories on the NOLA Mission Sunday around the time of CCC’s Mardi Gras!

CCC WOMEN’S RETREAT

February 11-13, 2011

St. Benedict Abbey, Still River, MA

It’s time to start thinking of our yearly time away for relaxation and renewal!!  Our annual retreat will take place February 11 – 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 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 the 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, reduced payment possibilities are available. To add your name to the women’s retreat list, contact Claudia, 331-1960.

TOP

(Theological Opportunities Program)

November 18

10-12 at University Lutheran Church, Cambridge, MA

The Reverends Claudia Demick and Janet Cooper-Nelson will be lecturing on the subject: “What are the spiritual issues in change, power and resilience?”  This mini-conference is open to the public for a nominal fee of $15 and all are invited. Questions?  Call Claudia, Martha Nielsen, or Kathy Jellision.

To all our Central Church friends,

I cannot fully express my thanks to all of you who have supported us throughout Plato’s illness, and continue to do so: prayers, cards, candle lightings, meals, calls, emails, running errands, as well s all the loving care and assistance that made Plato’s memorial service such a tribute to his life.

Christ’s light has shown through each and every one of you.

With a grateful heart,

Gwen Kangis