Central News
April 2020
Vol 28 No 8
From Rebecca
Dear Friends,
I’m going to pick some daffodils today. (It is raining now as I write this, but I will wear boots and a good slicker and happily pluck them!) The little tete a` tetes have been up for awhile now, as they generally come early and ours are also nestled against a west facing wall. One of you and I have had a long running friendly competition as to whose daffodils arrive first each spring. We will continue our contest this year, in spite of social distancing. In fact, this week I’ve read that social distancing isn’t really the most accurate word for what we are doing now to protect ourselves and others… what we are doing now is physical distancing. We are still social creatures, and by dint of the internet and random acts of kindness, we can reach out to each other through physical distance to keep our social relationships close. This is really important for us all.
So, on with the daffodils, my friend! Let’s send photos and updates over e mail and let’s talk over the phone, and let’s celebrate Easter eventually no matter what the calendar may say in this year of Covid 19. We will come together again and it will be a time of rejoicing!
Yes, we need more testing kits and faster testing, and our hospitals need more face masks and ventilators, and ultimately an understanding of how to prevent future pandemics. Each of us needs food and shelter. And we also need daffodils and sunshine and friends who care. And prayers to share. And great books to read and music to listen to. (I just splurged on a new biography of Winston Churchill, by Erik Larsen, and one of you has loaned me an excellent book, The Empathy Exams, by Leslie Jamison.)
This world God has created has its share of joy and sadness, beauty and that which is not beautiful, people to love and care for and our needs to be loved and cared for. I am grateful for all the caregivers of every kind; from the custodians who keep our hospitals and clinics clean to the medical teams who save lives and the EMTS and the police and the firefighters who work for our common good; from those who pick up the phone to check on a neighbor to those who volunteer at our food pantries. It all makes a difference, and God’s grace shines through each and every one of these people.
The celebration of Easter will come to us and through us and for us, with the splendid miracle of Christ’s resurrection offering new hope and strength to a weary broken world and to each one of our tired souls.
May God’s grace shine through you, dear friend, as we work together, physically apart, but socially together, through this crisis.
Rebecca
Central Church Online
In response to recommendations from the White House and Disease Control, we are moving to completely digital services. You can watch these services at centralchurch.us or our YouTube channel (Central Congregational Church).
We’ve received questions on how you can continue to support the church from home. It’s easy! You can go to centralchurch.us/give and follow the step-by-step instructions from there. We look forward to praying with you and worshiping with you online. Your health and safety are in our prayers!
Church School News
Dearest Church families, to state the obvious, we are in some interesting times! While we are socially distancing from each other during this unnerving and chaotic time, I understand the feeling that it could potentially be very lonely and confusing to the children. A major part of being a Christian is coming together in fellowship, and the children (and let’s be honest, the adults) will all miss this time. While we may not be able to come together in large groups, we can come together as families and continue our fellowship and our Lenten journeys. In the spirit of keeping kids challenged and busy during this time, I have come up with a couple of ideas that we all can do together while home, and when we get back together. For the past few weeks, the children have been working on memorizing the bible verse John 3:16. Let’s have a memorization contest! Please encourage your child to see if they can have the whole verse memorized for when we come together again. This is not a requirement by any means, but there may be small prizes involved for those who can show they put in some (any!) effort! I’d also like to extend an art challenge. While we are all separated, Lent will continue on into Easter. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each child created an art project, in any medium they would like, under the title of “What Lent and Easter mean to Me”. These projects will be put on display in Chapel Hall when we return. More details to follow. Please know that I am available to you and your children during this time. Email, phone, snail mail- whatever you chose! If there is any way in which I can support you in keeping up with your children’s church school learning, and/or fellowship, please do not hesitate to reach out.
I’ll close with one of my favorite quotes, that I think is poignant as we isolate ourselves and things are “quiet”.
“Listen to the murmur of water and you’ll find Mother Nature. Listen to the stillness beneath, and there you’ll find God” – Donald L.Hicks
With Love and Gratitude, Beth
Join ARK!
ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) is a group of Central volunteers who provide meals and rides to church members in need of these services. Working with our ministers to identify needs, we deliver meals to members who experience illness, loss of a family member, or other difficult life experience. In addition, we provide rides to Sunday Worship for Centralites who no longer drive, when drivers are available. We use the “Take Them a Meal” website for scheduling.
To join ARK or for more information, please contact Maureen Whittemore, maureenwhittemore66@verizon.net or Barbara Bayon, bay30@verizon.net.
We are also “refreshing” our volunteer email list. If you have worked with ARK in the past and can no longer participate, please contact us.
Your Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee would like to thank everyone who has submitted a pledge for the upcoming fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. Did you know more than half of our over $1,000,000 budget comes from your pledges. Therefore, it is vital that each member of Central thoughtfully consider what you can give to our church in a pledge. Your pledge supports the salaries of our clergy and staff, the generous mission work locally and abroad, and keeps our beautiful sanctuary alive with worship and fellowship.
If you have yet to place a pledge, please prayerfully consider what you can give. We realize that these are extremely challenging times but our faith in God gives us hope and keeps us strong as a church community. While we are strongly encouraged to stay home, you may submit your pledge online at www.centralchurch.us by clicking on the “GIVE” button and filling out the pledge form.
If you would like more information regarding the pledge process and how you can help the mission of Central, please reach out to Jeff Baran, co-chair of the Stewardship Committee.
We thank you in advance for your commitment to Central!
Seeking a Church Home?
If you’re looking for a church – or know someone who is – we’d love to talk with you about it at our Inquirers’ Meeting. It’s very informal. You’ll meet with our senior minister, Rebecca Spencer, 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 phone the office at 401-331-1960 and Rebecca will get in touch.
We are hoping to be able to hold Inquirers and Faith Exploration meetings the following dates, but will keep you posted on this possibility. If not, we will combine those wishing to join Central Church in the spring with those making their commitment in the fall.
Inquirers’ Meeting: Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm
Faith Exploration: Tuesday, April 28, 7 pm
New Member Sunday: May 3
Photo Directory Postponed
A message from Bill Templeton, “Our April photography sessions for the photo directory are cancelled. We will do it all again in the fall. Thank you to all of you that showed up, signed up, and volunteered to help with logistics. You all understood the importance of a project such as this that helps each of us connect to our community of faith here on Angell Street. With gratitude and blessings for your good health.”
Flower Donations
Flowers on the communion table of Central can fittingly mark the anniversary of a birth, baptism, confirmation, marriage or death, or may be used as an expression of joy of thanksgiving at any time. Please consider a Sunday (or two!) when you would like to honor a special person or moment with a gift of flowers. You may request a date on the “Flower Donations” poster in Chapel Hall, or contact the church office.
One Great Hour of Sharing
By investing in One Great Hour of Sharing we are investing in communities worldwide by providing education, empowering communities through vocational training and empowering families with skills to support themselves and their neighbors. We are also participating in sustainability solutions that offer dignity to all. If you would like to make a contribution to OGHS, please use the enclosed envelope and return to the church office.
In Memoriam
Our prayers and sympathy are with the family of John Boyce, who died on March 7. A memorial service will be held at a later date, at Central. Requiescat in pace.
From Claudia
I am writing this to you on Saint Patrick’s Day. One of the verses in St. Patrick’s Breastplate, a hymn for protection called The Deer’s Cry,” states
Arise today through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun.
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightening,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
As I sit at my home computer I am aware that many of us are doing similar things. But, I am also aware that we “arise today through the strength of heaven.”
When Paul asked what could separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39) he said that nothing could separate us! Not life or death, not angels, not those in power, not the lowest depth or the highest height, not one thing can separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ.
In our own time nothing still separates us from God’s love. Not a virus called COVID-19. Not social distancing. Not runs for groceries and supplies. Not fear itself. Not the disruption to our normal lives.
So what can we do as we hunker in? Psychologist Gretchen Schmelzer wrote a blog called “This can be our finest hour.” She writes, “But the biggest work you can do is expand your heart and your mind to see yourself and see your family as part of a much bigger community that can have a massive—hugely massive—impact on the lives of other people…There have been times you have looked on and wondered how you could help. And now we ALL have that chance.”
We at Central know all about community as the Church, don’t we? This is our opportunity to shine. It might be something as simple as calling some of our members just to check in and connect with them. Or now that you may have spare time perhaps handwriting a note or sending a card via snail mail!
In the movie version of the 1970 Apollo 13 oxygen tank crisis, Kranz, the head of Mission Control played by Ed Harris, turns to the NASA director who was worrying about the effect this was going to have on the program. Kranz/Harris replies, “With all due respect, Sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.” I also believe this is going to be OUR finest hour. With the help of God we will make it so. Amen!!!
Yours in love and faith,
Claudia
From Joshua
Friends, this is a very unfortunate time for pestilence to strike! Our Easter programming, including two fundraising initiatives for the youth, is likely to be canceled for the safety and wellbeing of our congregation. I am working on creating virtual get-togethers and maybe even a virtual Easter youth service! It is especially important that folks check their email regularly for further communication.
In the meantime, I’m writing this on the feast day of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. We don’t spend a lot of time thinking about Joseph, probably because he is so overshadowed by Jesus and Mary, but he has a powerful lesson for us in this time.
Joseph overcame so much fear to serve his role in salvation history. He was hesitant to stick with Mary when he found out she was pregnant.
It must have been frightening when Herod’s decree went out to slaughter the innocent children. He was probably afraid to go down to Egypt to save the baby Jesus and just as fearful to return. All of this fear is overcome in Matthew 1 and 2.
Along the way, God is guiding Joseph through dreams, leading them through their fears to safety and to salvation. When it seems like everything is in chaos and society is falling apart, consider what Joseph’s story teaches us: this has happened before, God is working behind the scenes, God will guide us to safety.
– Joshua
Rebecca’s Book Group
Join us for a lively discussion of the award-winning book, “Rising” by Elizabeth Rush via audio conference call! We will be using Go To Meeting, an easy to use platform. All you need to do is dial in using your phone 1(646)749-3112 Access code: 844-172-861. Thursday, March 26, 12:30 pm, remotely.
Spring Church Clean Up
Come one, come all – young and not so young – to help clean the church building and grounds in preparation for Holy Week. We need help cleaning, dusting, washing windows, raking and weeding. There will be coffee, doughnuts and good company! Please call Ed Bishop or the Church office with questions. Saturday, April 4, 9 am to 12 noon.
Food for Thought Book Group
Join us for a lively discussion of this month’s book, “Molokai” by Alan Brennert Thursday, April 16, 7 to 8:30 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
Coming Up … May 14: “When All is Said “by Anne Griffin. June: “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond. July: “Unsheltered” by Barbara Kingsolver
Caring and Sharing
Did you know that women of all ages are invited to join in supportive fellowship and activities? If you have any questions or to get one the email list please speak with Martha Nielsen or Claudia. Join us for lunch at Gourmet House (takeout!) Friday, April 17, 12 noon. Coming up… May 21, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
CCC Adult Sunday School
Learn about Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program (UCAP) an amazing school right here in Providence asking, “Can 180 days change a lifetime?” NO CLASSES IN APRIL! Sundays, May 3, 17, 24, 31 at 9 am in the Fireplace Room. No class on May 10.
Spiritual Companionship Group
Through the companionship of others we find new possibilities in our spiritual life and practices. We meet on the first Thursday of the month. Thursday, May 7, at 6-7 pm in the Deacons Room. Please RSVP to Claudia.
Angellic Knitters
Whether you knit or just aspire to knit, join us for fellowship and share in the blessing of the prayer shawls we lovingly make for others. And, if you want to learn how to knit, we’ll teach you! Questions? Call Janice Libby or Claudia. Sunday, May TBA, at 11:45 am in the Deacons Room.
EASTER at Central
Potential Easter Events
Lenten Meditation
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 pm
Marilyn Edwards will be sharing her journey of faith with us this evening over live stream. Be sure to tune in from home to our YouTube channel, “Central Congregational Church”.
Wednesday, April 1, 5:30 pm
We’ll also be broadcasting David Mehl as he shares his journey of faith with us on our YouTube channel. Be sure to set a reminder!
Palm Sunday Procession
Sunday, April 5, 10:10 am
Join in our celebration as we lead an outdoor procession with Shiloh (the ‘beast of burden’), palms, choir, and children.
Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 5, 10:30 am
Maundy Thursday Dinner
Thursday, April 9, 6:00 pm
Maundy Thursday Service of Tenebrae
Thursday, April 9, 7:00 pm
Tenebrae means darkness, with all lights in the Sanctuary being extinguished to show a dark world without the light and love of Jesus. Families, please join us for dinner, there will be activities for children of all ages. The service afterward leading to total darkness is meant for those children who are ready to appropriately understand this profound experience.
Good Friday Service of Music
Friday, April 10, 12:00 pm
The Crucifixion (1887) by Sir John Stainer features words and music decidedly from the high Victorian era. Tenor and bass soloists tell the story of the crucifixion with the choir, along with congregational hymns that are part of the music. The whole work shows Stainer’s sense of drama and beauty, especially in the unaccompanied chorus, “God So Loved the World.”
Easter Vigil
Saturday, April 11, 7:00 pm
The Easter Vigil dates to the beginnings of Christianity. The candlelight service keeps the intent of such vigils – hearing the readings, remembering our baptisms and sharing Holy Communion together.
Easter Services
Sunday, April 12
Easter Sunrise Service – Swan Point Cemetery 6:30 am
Easter Breakfast 9 am
Easter Egg Hunt 9:45 am
Easter Preludes 10:10 am
Easter Festival Service of Worship 10:30 am
Jubilant music fills our sanctuary as we celebrate the resurrection with choir, brass, timpani, and organ. This year at the offertory the choir sings, “Alleluias, Intercessions, and Remembrances” of Julian Wachner.
Easter Flowers
Any member or friend of Central Congregational Church who would like to give Easter flowers in memory of a loved one is invited to do so. A donation of $40 per memorial name (couples count as one) is requested. Names received by March 31st will appear in the Holy Week and Easter program. Please feel free to get in touch with Jennifer Fallon at Jennifer@centralchurch.us or call the church office at 401-331-1960 for more information.
Staying Social
Many of you know that Central Congregation Church has a public Facebook page at facebook.com/CentralChurchRI. This is meant to be a place for members and friends to share information with each other. In these times of social isolation, it is also a resource to stay in touch and connected. If you are on Facebook, be sure to like our page to stay up to date on church happenings!
Friday Film Fare
If you take all the elements that make good television and do the exact opposite, you have ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ so remarked the producer of the 30-year children’s show phenomenon. Fred Rogers, the unassuming Presbyterian minister, writer, host and creative genius who took children’s TV repeatedly beyond limits seen before or since. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Is a masterful and moving documentary portrayal of a man with a mission – of kindness. [94 minutes; color; Rated PG-13]. Friday, April 17, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
All dates throughout April, including Easter are tentative. We are unsure at this time whether we will be able to worship together or will still be online, please know as soon as the directive for social distancing is ended, we will be celebrating Easter at Central Church.
April Events
| Apr. 1 | Gallery Committee | 9:30 am |
| Lenten Meditation | 5:30 pm | |
| Apr. 2 | Spiritual Companionship | 6 pm |
| Music Committee Meeting | 6:30 pm | |
| Adult Choir | 7:30 pm | |
| Apr. 4 | Egg Decorating | 9 am |
| Spring Clean Up | 9 am | |
| Apr. 5 | Stewardship Committee | 9 am |
| Confirmation Class | 9:15 am | |
| Palm Sunday Procession | 10:10 am | |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Membership Committee | 11:45 am | |
| NEOS | 12 pm | |
| Apr. 6 | Parent’s Social | 7 pm |
| Technology Committee | 7 pm | |
| Apr. 7 | Adult Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm |
| Apr. 9 | Adult Choir Rehearsal | 6 pm |
| Deacons’ Supper | 6 pm | |
| Tenebrae Service | 7 pm | |
| Apr. 10 | Adult Choir | 10:30 am |
| Good Friday Service | 12 pm | |
| Apr. 11 | Easter Vigil | 7 pm |
| Apr. 12 | Sunrise Service | 6 am |
| Easter Sunday Breakfast | 9 am | |
| Egg Hunt | 9:45 am | |
| Easter Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Apr. 13 | Religious Education Meeting | 7:30 pm |
| Apr. 14 | Deacons’ Meeting | 5:45 pm |
| Diaconate Dinner | 6:15 pm | |
| Apr. 15 | Mission & Action | 6 pm |
| Apr. 16 | Nominating Committee | 5:30 pm |
| Food for Thought | 7 pm | |
| Adult Choir | 7:30 pm | |
| Apr. 17 | Caring & Sharing | 12 pm |
| Film Fare | 7:30 pm | |
| Apr. 19 | Confirmation Class | 9:15 am |
| Worship with Baptism | 10:30 am | |
| NEOS | 12 pm | |
| Apr. 21 | Plant & Properties | 5:45 pm |
| Prudential Committee | 7 pm | |
| Apr. 22 | Inquirer’s Meeting | 7 pm |
| Apr. 23 | Adult Choir | 7:30 pm |
| Apr. 26 | Worship | 10:30 am |
| WORD | 12 pm | |
| 19-39 | 6 pm | |
| Apr. 28 | Faith Exploration | 7 pm |
| Apr. 30 | Rebecca’s Book Group | 12:30 pm |
The church office will be closed on Friday, April 10th for Good Friday.