Central News
April 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 8
IT’S HOLY WEEK! • COME WORSHIP WITH US!
Download the PDF version of the April Newsletter
A Good Word from Patrick
Hey folks, We are a people of resurrection. The Christian story is rooted in the fundamental idea that the light of dawn always pushes back the darkness of the most bleak and long night. This is the kind of faith statement that can feel insubstantial or overly simplistic. But, this year, I am really feeling this as good news.
In the simple rhythms of nature, I feel it more strongly this year. I am still getting used to New England seasons. Spring seems to be so close – the birds are returning, the flowers are starting to push through the soil, buds are just beginning to swell on the trees. Everything is almost here … but not here yet. I keep peeking at the weather in North Carolina where my family is; temperatures are already consistently stretching into the 80s. And here I am, tossing on my winter coat to walk the hundred yards from my home to my office.
There is something sacred about the extended in-between season that we are in. The light comes earlier and lingers longer, but it takes some time for warmth of the sun to drive away the cold impact of a season turned away from it. The warmth feels earned in ways that are still new to me.
The more I look at weather in other places that I have called home, the more I find myself anticipating what is coming. I know now that spring in Rhode Island is uniquely beautiful. It is as if creation itself is poised on the edge of song, ready to burst into praise of a God who delights in the full palette of life.
Maybe that is what resurrection faith actually looks like – not just celebrating what has come to life, but learning how to live in the space where new life is on its way. We are people who trust that something is happening beneath the surface, even when the air still feels cold. We are people who believe that God is at work in the waiting. Resurrection is not only a moment we celebrate. Resurrection is a way of seeing the world as it is becoming.
So, perhaps the invitation in this season is to pay attention. Notice the small signs of life. Tend to what is growing. Trust that God is at work in your life. Because resurrection doesn’t arrive all at once. It unfolds quietly and persistently until one day, almost without realizing it, everything is alive again.
I’ll see you Sunday – Patrick
Refugee Restart Kits
In March, Central members and friends contributed enough home, hygiene, cleaning, and school supplies to assemble 22 Refugee Restart Kits to help refugees begin new lives in Rhode Island! Pamela O’Hara, Kristin DeKuiper, and Caroline Johnson delivered the kits to Dorcas International. (See the pdf newsletter for a photo.)
The Deacon’s Bench
I have had an interesting year, to say the least. In the face of one of the most challenging times in my professional career, something pretty great happened to me personally: I found my way to a discipline of meaningful daily prayer. Prayer has always been part of my life, but this year I made an intentional decision to approach it with greater focus and purpose. I began reading scripture daily and learning about prayer itself – and I established a routine of setting time aside each morning to pray.
Honestly, when I started, I struggled to focus, and my efforts felt mechanical – like starting a workout regimen to get in shape. It was a great idea, but the immediate benefit was not apparent: form and function, without much sense of connection to what I was doing. But as I stayed with it and read about how to approach prayer, this discipline transformed into a dependency of sorts. I began looking forward to the time I set aside for prayer. I came to rely on it to keep me focused on what mattered most, especially during a season when I seemed to have little control over much of what was happening around me.
My reading led me to Augustine, a first millennium theologian, who in one of his directives on prayer pointed to the study of the Lord’s Prayer as a guide to how we might approach prayer. He suggested we focus our daily prayers with the elements of the Lord’s Prayer in mind: adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and petition.
As I made my way through the most difficult of years, I began to pray this way each day – praising God, giving thanks for the blessings He has bestowed upon me, confessing my shortcomings and failures, and entrusting my challenges to His care. And yes, my prayers were answered – in a very unexpected way – but answered just the same. – Mary Maran
Still Time to Pledge!
I have been on the Stewardship Committee for 15 years now, and I am still amazed at the generosity of Central members and friends. Dedication Sunday was a tremendous success because of you, and I am overjoyed with your passion and devotion to Central.
As of Mar. 22, we have received 102 pledges totaling $344,280. Our budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year, which begins on May 1, calls for us to generate $438,318, so we are just over three-quarters of our goal. It is never too late to make your pledge, so please contact the Church Office or visit Central’s website if you would like to do so.
I am honored to do the work I do for Central, so we can “Grow and Strengthen” our bright future. You have become my friends and family over the years, and I am truly grateful for your financial commitment to our beautiful church. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to the next 15 years together. – Jeff Baran, Stewardship Committee Chair
MissionWorks
The Mission & Action Committee has planned Central’s Second Annual Week of Service for May 11 to 16, 2026. They have lined up all sorts of volunteer opportunities, so at least one will surely fit into your schedule. You can sign up in Chapel Hall after Worship beginning Apr. 12, when more project details will be available.
Monday, May 11, 8:30 to 10:30 am: Help Better Lives Rhode Island sort and organize food pantry items. 5 to 7 pm: Assist with various projects at Sophia Academy
Wednesday, May 13, 10 am to 12 noon OR 1:30 to 3:30 pm: Package personal hygiene products at Amenity Aid
Friday, May 15, 10 am to 12 noon: Help prepare materials for summer activities at Rochambeau Library
Saturday, May 16, 9 am to 12 noon: Work on the Garden Project at Knight Memorial Library. 9 am to 3 pm: Work on outdoor projects at YMCA Camp Fuller; lunch provided
Mission Partner Spotlight
Loaves and Fishes Rhode Island brings together diverse churches and volunteers to deliver 50,000 meals, clothing, and hygiene products to the homeless and less-fortunate.
Youth Pride, Inc., supports the ongoing needs of LGBTQIA+ youth, offering advocacy, counseling, education, and basic necessities. Its downtown drop-in center provides a safe haven, welcoming community, and resource center for these youth.
Seeking a Church Home?
If you are looking for a church – or know someone who is – we would love to talk with you about it at our Inquirers’ Meeting. It’s very informal. You’ll meet with our senior minister Patrick Faulhaber, and others like you who think Central may be the right church home. No commitment necessary. To join us, fill out a pew card during Sunday Worship or call the Church Office at 401-331-1960, and Patrick will get in touch.
Inquirers’ Meeting: Sunday, May 17, 11:30 am
New Member Sunday: Sunday, May 31, 10:30 am
MidWeek at Central
MidWeek is back! Senior minister Patrick Faulhaber invites Centralites of all ages – and their friends – to join him for fellowship, food, and faith-filled conversation! Adults will share a meal at 6 pm and then dive into the previous Sunday’s scripture reading. Kids and youth will eat dinner at their own table and then enjoy crafts and games. RSVPs (not required) are helpful so we have enough food. Wednesdays beginning Apr. 15, 6 to 7:30 pm, in Chapel Hall
Spring Church Clean Up
It’s time to spruce up Central’s building and grounds for spring! Projects range from polishing and dusting to raking leaves and moving furniture. Choose the task you want to tackle. Remember, many hands make light work. Plus, we’ll have coffee, doughnuts, and lots of good cheer! Please join us Saturday, Apr. 11, from 9 am to 12 noon – or whenever you can stop by.
Adult Sunday School
This month, Adult Sunday School will begin “A Celtic Pilgrimage,” discussing the works of the late John O’Donohue – Celtic poet, author, former priest, and philosopher – who popularized Celtic spirituality and the reclamation of that ancient wisdom. Questions Contact Claudia. Sundays beginning Apr. 12, 9 am, in the Fireplace Room
Amos House Breakfast Volunteers
Please join Central’s Amos House Breakfast Volunteers as they assemble pre-packaged breakfasts. Even if you can only come occasionally, we welcome every extra set of hands. Questions Contact Tracy Baran. Wednesdays, 6:30 am, in the Amos House Kitchen (460 Pine Street, Providence)
Special Training at RISCC
Rhode Island State Council of Churches is hosting “Immigration Observer and Legislative Training” – designed to support and protect our immigrant communities. For more information or to register, contact Scott Spencer or log on to the website. Sunday, Apr. 19, 4 pm, at Temple Sinai (30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston)
From Claudia
As you read this Palm Sunday is just over, and we are now immersing ourselves in the events of Holy Week. From the hosannas of Palm Sunday, to the quiet implications of Maundy Thursday, to the sobering reality of Good Friday, we move inevitably toward the joy of Easter. As you may know, the cries of hosanna that greeted Jesus on Palm Sunday were not cries of joy, but rather cries for help, literally meaning “Save us now!” The crowds were begging Jesus to save them. That is how the events of this week began.
In their book “The Last Week,” John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg wrote, “Two processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30 … one was a peasant procession [on a donkey], the other an imperial procession.” Jesus rode in on a donkey, and Pontius Pilate came in leading the imperial cavalry, which was always present during Passover to keep the peace in Jerusalem. Jesus exemplified the peace of God; Pilate, the enforced “peace” of Rome. In other words, Crossan and Borg found that “Jesus’s procession proclaimed the kingdom of God; Pilate’s proclaimed the power of empire.”
By the time Friday arrives, Jerusalem’s Via Dolorosa – Latin for “a painful path” – is living up to its name. And, we remember. Historian Diana Butler Bass wrote, “We cry out for healing, for freedom. A different way. A way of peace and love.” That was true then and is still true today. And when Holy Saturday intervenes, there is deep silence. However for Christians, death does not have the last word. There is hope because life is always waiting in the wings, emerging with the joy of Easter.
The Easter season is not a single day, but rather 50 days long. We need at least 50 days to let what God has done for us – and all humanity – sink in, don’t we? And so we sing our alleluias. You may know that alleluia is Greek for the Hebrew word hallelujah. Both mean “Praise God!” On Easter morning, we often greet one another with a 2,000-year-old greeting: Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed!
Amen and amen! – Claudia
Save the Date: Community Care Conversation
On Monday, May 4, at 6 pm, Central’s Mission & Action Committee will host the third Community Care Conversation: “Media Literacy in the Misinformation Age.” Journalist / author Philip Eil will discuss the current state of news media, how we arrived at this complex and chaotic moment, and what we can do to maintain a healthy information diet. In addition, senior minister Patrick Faulhaber will lead table discussions about how we can grapple with the tension between facts and fiction. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us in Chapel Hall. Please register with the Church Office (so we have enough food)!
Shape the Future: Join a Committee
Central thrives when we share our diverse gifts, perspectives, and passions. Whether you have a knack for organization and administration, a heart for outreach, a love of mission work, or a vision for our educational programs, there is a place for your talents here.
Serving on a committee will deepen your connection to and directly influence the life and mission of our church. When you join a Committee, you:
- Impact the decisions that shape Central’s future, engage with its mission, and serve as a steward of the church’s resources.
- Connect with fellow members in a collaborative environment.
- Grow as you discover new ways to live out your faith through service.
If you are curious about where you might fit in or want to learn more about the specific needs of Central’s various committees, please reach out to Tracy Baran, Nominating Committee chair to start a no-pressure conversation.
Musical Notes
On Sunday, Apr. 5, during the Festival Service of Worship, the Central Congregational Church Choir will debut a new Easter anthem composed by organist / choirmaster Patrick Aiken. Commissioned by the choir, it is titled “Ye Shall Not Cry in Vain.” Musically, the piece mirrors the final days of Holy Week. It begins in a dark setting, crying out for salvation – and then transforms into a jubilant celebration, confident in the conviction that we are loved, saved, and forgiven. The text is taken from the poem “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ, with Penitential Cries,” written on Christmas Day 1760 by Jupiter Hammon (1711 to 1806). Born into slavery on New York’s Long Island, Hammon – a well-known preacher – was the first African-American poet published in North America and is considered a founder of African-American literature. His words read like a hymn:
We cry as sinners to the Lord, / Salvation to obtain;/ ’Tis firmly fixed God’s holy word, / Ye shall not cry in vain. / Salvation comes from Christ the Lord / our great victorious King; / His holy name be well adore’d / Salvation surely bring.
Art as Sanctuary
Art offers a quiet, creative sanctuary for reflection, exploration and renewal. In this new group, led by artist Robert Ramspott, people of all skill levels are invited to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with their inner lives by creating art – without judgement or pressure – so creativity can become an act of faith, presence, and shared humanity. Saturdays, 10 am, location TBD
Food For Thought Book Group
This month, Claudia’s book group will discuss “Beneath the Poet’s House,” by Providence author Christa Carmen. It’s about grieving novelist Saoirse White, who moves into a historic home in … Providence! Luanne Rice of the New York Times wrote, “The novel shimmers with questions of what is real and what is imaginary, in the setting of the writer’s house.…” Thursday, Apr. 9, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room
Central Men’s Group
Open to all ages, Central Men’s Group is a monthly breakfast gathering – held on the third Thursday of each month – for fellowship and spirited conversation on topics ranging from current events and ethics to trends and shared experiences. If you have questions, contact John Trevor. Thursday, Apr. 16, 7:30 am, in the Fireplace Room
Sewing Circle
Central’s sewing circle repairs, upcycles, and repurposes items – for themselves and charity. There are mending projects, sewing machines, ironing board, and supplies – or bring your own. All skill levels welcome. A seamstress is on hand to help. Questions? Contact Amy Hebb. Saturday, Apr. 18, 10 am, in the Fireplace Room
Toward Better Christian Politics
Central’s popular discussion group not only explores the Christian response to political polarization in America, but also how we can turn Christian views into action. Contact Paul Armstrong or Kristin DeKuiper for more information. Sunday, Apr. 19, 12 noon, in the Fireplace Room
Women Gather
Come join Central’s women’s fellowship group at Stewardship’s annual trivia competition! We’ll make up a table or two – and try to win this year! Questions Contact Claudia. Sunday, Apr. 26, 12 noon, in Chapel Hall
Fourth Thursday Book Group
This month, the Fourth Thursday Book Group will discuss “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. This historical fiction novel reimagines the life and death of William Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son Hamnet and the profound grief of his parents in 16th-century Stratford-upon-Avon. . Email Ann Scott for a Zoom invitation. Thursday, Apr. 23, 12:30 pm, via Zoom.
REconnect
As we near the end of Lent, we can look back and see that this season has been about reconnecting with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Together, as families, we have practiced slowing down, paying attention, and making space for what matters most. Lent gives us a chance to notice when we have gotten a little off track. Maybe life felt busy. Maybe we forgot to listen well. Maybe we needed a reminder that God is always near. This season gently invites us back, not with guilt, but with love. And now, Easter is almost here.
Easter is not only full of joy, celebration, and new life, but also an invitation to keep that reconnection going. The small moments you have created during Lent – praying together, sharing meals, having meaningful conversations, and showing kindness – are the very things that help us stay close to God and to one another. For kids and grown-ups alike, reconnection can look simple. It can be taking a moment to say thank you to God, choosing kindness even when it is hard, listening to each other with care, and remembering that we are never alone. Resurrection reminds us that new life is always possible. Every day is a chance to begin again, to love better, and to grow together.
As we enter this Easter season, may your home be a place where connection continues to grow, where laughter is shared, grace is given freely, and God’s love is felt in both big and small ways. Because the heart of Easter is not just a story we remember. It is a way of living together. – Cristina
Easter Volunteers Needed
All hands on deck for Easter! We are seeking volunteers – kids, teens, and adults – to help us get ready for the Easter Breakfast – which benefits CCC Youth’s summer Mission Trip – and Easter Egg Hunt. These events are always more meaningful when the Central community is part of making them happen! Sign up in Chapel Hall or contact Cristina! Saturday, April 4, 11 am: Breakfast Set Up and Easter Egg Fillers
Sunday, April 5, 8:45 am: Side Dish Delivery, Easter Breakfast Servers / Workers, and Easter Egg Hiders
Easter Breakfast / Fundraiser
As we celebrate that Christ has risen, start off your Easter with a delicious breakfast prepared by CCC Kids & Youth! Donations of $10 per person, $30 per family, will be graciously accepted. All proceeds benefit CCC Youth’s summer Mission Trip. Sunday, Apr. 5, 9 am, in Chapel Hall
Easter Egg Hunt
Central’s annual Easter Egg Hunt, held out on the West Lawn, is for children of all ages. But everyone will want to come and watch the fun! Sunday, Apr. 5, 9:45 am. We’ll meet in the Fireplace Room before heading outside.
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
Through the end of May, the Children’s Choir will rehearse on Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, in the Choir Room.
A Gift for Dorcas
A huge thank you to all the kids and families who helped make Maker’s Day such a success! Through the sale of the bookmarks, keychains, and chocolates we made that day, Central kids were able to raise $290 – which they decided to donate to Dorcas International. Your creativity, generosity, and willingness to help made a real difference and are such a gift to our community!
Family and Friends Trivia
Hosted by the Stewardship Committee, Family and Friends Trivia is an annual event that is fun for all ages – and a chance to kick off our new fiscal year. Let’s see which team wins this time! Sunday, Apr. 26, 12 noon, in Chapel Hall.
Friday Film Fare
In Stand by Me (1986), the year is 1959 in a small woodsy Oregon town. The boys are 12 years old. There are four of them: sensitive Gordie (Wil Wheaton), tough guy Chris (River Phoenix), flamboyant Teddy (Corey Feldman), and scaredy-cat Vern (Jerry O’Connell). They’re looking for adventure. And they find it in an unforgettable two-day trek to find another boy who’s gone missing, a journey that becomes an odyssey of self-discovery, friendship, and growing up. Director Rob Reiner fashioned an indelible portrayal of a way of life and a time in life. “I never had any friends later on like the ones I had when I was twelve … Did anyone?” [89 minutes; color; Rated R] Join host Jim Silverthorn Friday, Apr. 17, 7:30 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
In the Gallery
In April, the Gallery at Central will present the paintings of artist Caroline Anderson. Caroline’s paintings operate within the tension of “hypernormalization,” a concept that offers a framework for understanding how contemporary life continues to feel stable despite the presence of multiple, overlapping crises. Her tactile, layered surfaces are marked by technical and pictorial discrepancies, reinforcing the normalization of crisis. Offering recognition rather than resolution, Caroline’s paintings invite viewers to reflect on shared anxieties and the challenge of living attentively in a time of ongoing crisis.
Caroline’s work is exhibited and collected internationally. She is also a founding member of “Climate Artists” (climateartists.net) – a collective of five artists from across the U.S. – who in 2026 will be in Alaska for a two-week residency featuring workshops, exhibitions, raku firing, and ceramics installation. Meet the Artist! Reception: Friday, Apr. 17, 5 to 7 pm. Gallery Talk: Sunday, Apr. 19, 11:30 am, in Chapel Hall
Poetry Corner: “Opening Shutters”
Overnight blizzard
Round starlings, pagoda trees.
The whiteness floods in.
– Jon Wolston
April Events
| 1 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Gallery Committee | 9:30 am | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 2 | Board of Deacons | 5:45 pm |
| Maundy Thursday Dinner / Communion | 7 pm | |
| 3 | Good Friday Service of Music | 12 noon |
| Good Friday Service of Tenebrae | 7 pm | |
| 4 | Flower Committee | 10 am |
| Art as Sanctuary | 10 am | |
| Easter Breakfast Set Up | 11 am | |
| 5 | Nursery Opens | 9 am |
| Easter Breakfast | 9 am | |
| Easter Egg Hunt | 9:45 am | |
| Easter Preludes | 10:10 am | |
| Easter Sunday | 10:30 am | |
| Children’s Church | 10:30 am | |
| 8 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 9 | Food For Thought Book Group | 7 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 11 | Spring Church Clean Up | 9 am |
| Art as Sanctuary | 10 am | |
| 12 | Nursery Opens | 9 am |
| Adult Sunday School | 9 am | |
| Worship / Communion | 10:30 am | |
| Children’s Church | 10:30 am | |
| 15 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| MidWeek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids’ Table at MidWeek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 16 | Central Men’s Group | 7:30 am |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 17 | Gallery Reception | 5 pm |
| Friday Film Fare | 7:30 pm | |
| 18 | Art as Sanctuary | 10 am |
| Sewing Circle | 10 am | |
| 19 | Nursery Opens | 9 am |
| Adult Sunday School | 9 am | |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Children’s Church | 10:30 am | |
| Gallery Talk | 11:30 am | |
| Membership Committee | 12 noon | |
| Toward Better Christian Politics | 12 noon | |
| 20 | Central Newsletter Deadline | 3:30 pm |
| Mission & Action Committee | 6:30 pm | |
| Technology Committee | 7 pm | |
| 21 | Plant, Properties & Design Committee | 5:45 pm |
| Prudential Committee | 7 pm | |
| 22 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| MidWeek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids’ Table at MidWeek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 23 | Fourth Thursday Book Group | 12:30 pm |
| Music Committee | 6:30 pm | |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 25 | Art as Sanctuary | 10 am |
| 26 | Nursery Opens | 9 am |
| Adult Sunday School | 9 am | |
| Worship / Heritage Sunday | 10:30 am | |
| Children’s Church | 10:30 am | |
| Membership Committee | 12 noon | |
| Family & Friends Trivia | 12 noon | |
| Women Gather | 12 noon | |
| 29 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| MidWeek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids’ Table at MidWeek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 30 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm |
The Church Office will close at 12 noon on Good Friday, April 3.