September ’10 Newsletter
CentralNEWS/September 2010
VOLUME 18 NUMBER 8
296 Angell Street Providence RI 02906 401-331-1960
FROM YOUR SENIOR MINISTER
The last few days of rain and more rain have been a welcome respite from the gorgeous clear and sunny days of most of the summer. I can literally see my two new elm trees (2 out of 5 sprouted from seed!) growing side branches.
I hope they are indeed disease resistant, but only time will tell. I take a morning walk with coffee cup in hand and dogs underfoot and we survey the greening, even though I know in a few months all will take their winter naps. Since there is still a light mist, I don’t feel guilty about not weeding, and I think maybe I can finish another book today!
Summertime of vacation or sabbatical or just a different routine from the rest of the year is such a perfect time to contemplate our lives… what we have done, where we are going. Then September comes and even if you aren’t going back to school, you can sense a new rhythm in your days. Maybe we should even make fall resolutions rather than New Year’s ones. For at the end of November comes the Christian new year, the first Sunday of Advent.
One of the books that I did indeed finish this summer and one that has stayed with me, and from which I have quoted to many of you already is the wonderful new biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas. For this beginning of our church year together, I wanted to share this excerpt from Bonhoeffer’s letters.
“When the confusion of accusations and excuses, of desires and fears, makes everything with us so obscure, God sees quite clearly into all our secrets. And at the heart of them all, God finds a name which God has already inscribed: Jesus Christ. So too one day we shall see quite clearly into the depths of the divine heart and there we shall then be able to read, no, to see, a name: Jesus Christ. So we would celebrate Sunday. One day we shall know and see what today we believe; one day we shall hold a service together in eternity…”
Then, this poem.
The beginning and the end, O Lord, are Thine,
The span between, life, was mine.
I wandered in the darkness and did not discover
myself,
With Thee, O Lord, is clarity, and light is Thy
house.
A short time only, and all is done;
Then the whole struggle dies away to nothing.
Then I will refresh myself by the waters of life,
And will talk with Jesus forever and ever.
Bonhoeffer’s writing makes me contemplate my days more clearly….As I walk I reflect on God’s creation differently. I seem to find new ways to put my life into a longer and deeper context. I look forward to seeing all of you in a new light when I return to our beloved sanctuary for worship together. And in these glorious green and golden days, I pray for your lives too, to be refreshed and enlightened by the One whom one day we will know and in whom now we believe.
With great affection,
Rebecca
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of….
Hamilton Davison – His mother, Lessie Davison, died on July 16.
Thomas Reed, member of our permanent diaconate, who died on July 21.
New Members
New Member Orientation*
Tuesday, October 26
Faith Exploration*
Wednesday, November 3
New Member Sunday
November 7
*These meetings are held
at the home of The Rev. Rebecca Spencer
15 Taber Avenue at 7 p.m.
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.
Children’s Sabbath October 17, 2010
Sunday after Epiphany January 9, 2011
Sunday after Easter May 1, 2011
Meetings to prepare parents for Baptism will be 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.
GATHERING SUNDAY
September 12th, 10:30 am worship service
The Rev. Rebecca Spencer preaching
From Claudia
Next month I hope to begin an incredible journey with all of you. In the August newsletter I talked a little bit about my doctoral project which basically asks the question: What happens when an entire congregation takes on an intergenerational educational process on a specific topic?
Now, intergenerational learning is a hallmark of Christian churches and Central is no exception. From our wonderful Church School through our youth through the most “senior” amongst us we are embarked as a community in learning about our faith and who we are as Christian people. Most importantly, we learn together in community about who God is. We don’t necessarily have the same perspectives, but we have a common goal—to be faithful and faith-filled people.
I thought long and hard about how we could enter an educational process on Islam—certainly a timely subject in light of all that is happening in our world today! I realized that I didn’t have to “reinvent the wheel.” We already have many groups in place that are diverse in terms of age and constituency.
Therefore I am proposing to my doctoral “readers” that we utilize our existing groups with the occasional formation of ad hoc groups. In this way there really should be something for everyone! In this way our learning will be like a spiral. If you attend all the different offerings you will have a big overview of the topic. If you attend only a few you will have learned more about one or two specific areas of Islam. It’s an opportunity to consider what our neighbors believe and through that learning opportunity to explore what WE believe.
Most of you know that I was a teacher for most of my professional life before my ordination. What I have in mind are setting up multiple learning communities which may or may not overlap. As we learn together about Muhammad and Islam part of our process is the actual experience of learning in community together!
One of my favorite quotes is “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire” (William Butler Yeats). Lighting the fire to learn more about our own faith and the faith of others is my larger goal. You’ve probably figured out that I am a life-long learner. I have a curiosity about…well, almost everything! I hope that like Michelangelo, I will always be able to say, “Ancora imparo” which is usually translated as “I am still learning.” By the way, Michelangelo was a mere 87 years old when he said this! May it be so for all of us…
Yours in Faith,
Claudia
From Kat
Welcome back and welcome home! This has been an exciting and busy summer for our church family!
I recently had the privilege of working with many of our youngest members during the Vacation Bible School program. We shared the story of Jonah through music, worship, outside games, art, drama, and fellowship. This week was put together in collaboration with Cathy Clasper-Torch, Claudia Demick, Andy Mazurkie, Eileen Medeiros, Amy Frazer, Karen Hopkinson, Nancy Jacobs, and Lindsay Farina. Royce, Ben, Amelia, Anna, Jack, Josiah, Madison, Emily, and Hannah also lent their energy, leadership, and creativity to what turned out to be an incredibly Spirit-filled week!
Another close-of-summer adventure was the youth trip to New Hampshire to see Skillet and Creed live in concert. We managed to arrive at the venue with plenty of time to get prime seats on the “Energy Lawn,” where we set up our lawn chairs and blankets. Jia even brought neon hair gel for those of us who wanted hot pink rocker streaks in our hair!
I think that when the Israelites experienced God speaking to them in thunder, lightning and fire from the mountain, it maybe felt a little like a Skillet concert. If you haven’t seen or heard Skillet–imagine the most hard-core heavy metal or rock band you can think of; then imagine them putting on a show with fire, smoke, and special effects; then imagine them stopping between sets and talking about their faith in God. The lead singer’s call for us to live into our call as Christians was particularly moving. Needless to say, the weekend with Skillet and our youth was a powerful God experience!
Energized by the summer, I’m looking forward to the start of Fall programs. This year, in addition to kicking off our youth confirmation program, we’ll also be offering a Monday-night adult confirmation program starting in October. The adult program is for members and non-members alike who are interested in learning more about their faith, the church, the Bible, and themselves. We also have a solid line-up of youth events that will start with a kick-off barbeque at my house on September 12.
Welcome home,
Kat
Rebecca’s Noon Book Group . . .
Empire of Liberty by Gordon Wood will be discussed on Thursday, September 30. All are invited to join this lively group.
MUSIC AT CENTRAL
NEW CHOIR MEMBERS WELCOME!
The Adult Choir meets Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. beginning September 16. We sing weekly on Sunday mornings starting with a 9:15 a.m. warm-up, 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 20. The Children’s Choir also sings weekly on Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. for a warm-up.
No experience is needed, and the choir is open to children entering grades 3 – 8.
FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND FUN
A Central Church Retreat for People of All Ages!
Friday through Sunday, Sept. 17, 18, & 19
Looking for a bargain!? Then, look no further. Imagine spending a weekend on Cape Cod with all-inclusive food and lodging PLUS the company of friends from your own church! Imagine all this, with the chance to grow in your faith and experience refreshment and renewal.
Come alone or bring a friend or family member(s). Our Central Congregational Church retreat weekend is reserved at the beautiful Craigville Conference Center. All that is needed to make it complete is—YOU!!
Cost: $175 for adults, $135 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.
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
Sunday, September 26
Many Christian churches participate in a ritual known as the Blessing of the Animals which is held on or near the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. He began life as the son of a wealthy merchant in Italy. In 1206 he renounced his family’s wealth and started a new life ministering to the poor. Following the Gospel’s teachings, he lived in poverty and preached simplicity and humility. St. Francis believed that all the creatures of the earth were his family. He is said to have preached to anyone who would listen, including the birds. It is for this reason that statues of St. Francis often depict him with birds.
For us the ritual of the Blessing of the Animals marks not only a remembrance of the teachings of St. Francis, but also a respectful recognition of the pets in our lives. This service is a reminder of God’s love through the love we give and receive from our pets.
AUTUMN IS FOR POETS!
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 poetlaureate@centralchurch.us
For publication we would also need a very brief bio and a photo.
CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS!
Greetings, Parents of Church Schoolers!
We’ve just finished a fun and full week of Vacation Bible School, with close to 50 children, engaging in the Story of Jonah through music, art, drama and play. Thank you to all of you who participated this year! VBS is a great way for us to get to know your children much more deeply and fully, and get to know a Bible story in-depth. A huge thank you to the parent volunteers and youth helpers we had!! We couldn’t have done it without you!!
Please mark your calendars for GATHERING SUNDAY, September 12th, when CHURCH SCHOOL BEGINS!!
As usual, we kick off the morning a ‘gathering meeting’ at 9:30 a.m. for ALL PARENTS/ TEACHERS/CHILDREN in the 2nd floor Gathering Space. This brief meeting is a chance for you to meet staff and teachers and to hear about the various children’s programs here at Central, from Church School, to choirs, to youth groups, etc. Breakfast munchies are provided by the Religious Education Committee.
Church School Registration forms will be mailed out to you in early Sept–Please bring them back on Gathering Sunday (or mail back beforehand). These need to be filled out anew each year, to keep yours and your children’s info up-to-date.
As you know, our Church School Program is a cooperative venture in which all parents with children in the program are expected to teach for one unit during the year (fall, winter or spring). Please think about the unit/grade you would prefer! I will be finalizing the teaching schedule in the next couple weeks. Please call me (Cathy Clasper-Torch) with any questions: #401-272-3942 or email me at: cathfiddle@hotmail.com
Summer joy to each of you!
Cathy Clasper-Torch
RETREAT INTO READING
Monday, September 13
7:00-8:30 p.m. in Hamilton House Parlor
We’re starting a new book: Messy Spirituality: God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People. All are welcome to come and discuss chapters 1, 2 & 3 in 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! Questions? Call Claudia at 331-1960.
Page 4 / September 2010
New Orleans Mission Trip!!!
October 10-16, 2010
Last month marked the 45h anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Between the devastation of Katrina and the BI oil spill, sometimes it seems that New Orleans and the Gulf just can’t catch a break, doesn’t it? If you have wondered what you can do to help, then consider coming with us on the life-changing mission trip this fall from October 10-16!
Join your friends at Central as we live out our faith rebuilding homes for our brothers and sisters in New Orleans who have seemingly had more than their fair share of suffering…
And, if you cannot physically join us, please consider being a sponsor of this important work. Any amount will help rebuild lives by sending OUR members to NOLA. All donations will be gratefully received by those who have made getting the people of NOLA back on their feet their personal mission.
When we were there last October, person after person said the same thing to us, “God bless you for coming to help us. Please don’t forget us…”
Be a part of changing lives—your own, as well as those whom you will help. . .
Questions? Call Claudia (331-1960)
High School Confirmation Class!
Confirmation at Central is an opportunity to explore and journey deeper in faith in partnership with others. It is open to all high school students in 9th grades and higher. Confirmation will include community service components as well as several exciting field trips! Come to Central on September 26 at 9AM to learn more and register for the program. Classes will begin on October 3.
Adult Confirmation Class!
Interested in learning more about the Bible? Your faith? The Church? Others’ faith? Wanting to ground yourself more in Christian community and outreach through service? Adult Confirmation may be for you! This year, Central is beginning an Adult Confirmation Program that will meet at 8PM on Monday nights, starting October 18. The class will explore theology, the Bible, faith, and faith-in-action through service. We will also take field trips to other places of worship and explore the ways God is working both inside and outside the walls of the church. Classes will begin on October 18, and the course will run from October – April. Speak with Kat Townes if you are interested in participating or in learning more!
FROM THE DEACON’S BENCH
As the Summer season ends and we return to our more normal routines, we reflect on our recent activities. Whether you vacationed in Provence or your backyard, visited family and friends, read a book or wrote a poem, it was a change of pace in our lives and we are better for it. It was a time to celebrate being outside, maybe on the water, because after all, we are the “Ocean State”. We are blessed with four seasons in Rhode Island which brings us closer to an understanding of the ebb and flow of life. How each season is different and how we seem to do different things in each season. What do you remember most about what you did this Summer?
Kat had her wedding celebration in the Church and honeymooned this summer. Claudia and Kat conducted Sunday services throughout the Summer. Rebecca, Tom and Ezra were on the farm when they weren’t traveling or hiking and camping at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. There was Vacation Bible School, and a gathering at the Crescent Park Carousel, and we were kids again. Camp Street Ministries handed out food and Central volunteers served breakfast on Tuesday’s at Amos House all summer, and most Tuesdays throughout the year. And the list goes on.
Now we are water sliding to Fall. We return to work, school, Church, the pursuits of Autumn. There will be leaves to rake and the harvest to gather. In the life of our Church, there is Gathering Sunday on September 12th and an all Church retreat beginning the 17th. There will be mission projects to support like Mission Day, the New Orleans trip in October and next year to Haiti.
Your Deacons and other Church officers and committees will be at work in early Fall in preparing activities for the Church year. Seek them out with your ideas and volunteer to help teach, sing, write, support a mission or a committee.
-Barry Bayon
Darrell West Lecture Series
Our next speaker in the Darrell West Lecture series will be The Rev. Dr, James Forbes, Jr., Senior Minister Emeritus of the Riverside Church, New York City and President of the Healing of the Nations Foundation.
Saturday, November 20 at 6 pm at Central.
GOT MISSION?
Join us for a church-wide day of service!
When: September 25, 8:00AM-12PM
Where: We’ll meet at Central for a quick breakfast in Chapel Hall before carpooling out to partner agencies across the city. Agencies include Amos House, Habitat for Humanity, Camp Street Ministries, Open Table of Christ, the Blessing Way, the Jonnycake Center, Irons Homestead, Mt. Hope Learning Center, Crossroads, and others.
Who: People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate!
How: Space is limited at some sites. Sign-up now for your site-of-choice in Chapel Hall!
