Central News

October 2026 / Vol. 35, No. 2

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A Good Word from Patrick

A few weeks ago, our church leadership – Deacons, Prudential Committee members, and committee chairs – gathered at the Providence Preservation Society for a conversation about Central’s future. Our consultant asked us to reflect on two challenging questions: What is Central Congregational Church here to do? And what do we hope Central might become?

Each group approached those questions differently, but the answers were aligned.… [Read More]

Central News

September 2026 / Vol. 35, No. 1

Gathering Sunday is September 13
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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! A few days ago, I went to a coffee shop around the corner from the church to get some writing done. I bought a cinnamon bun and a cup of coffee and found a small table beside the windows facing Wayland Avenue. The cinnamon bun disappeared before I’d finished unpacking my computer and notebook.… [Read More]

Central News

August 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 11

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks, in the last week of June, Susannah and I traveled to Quebec for our first vacation devoted simply to spending time together since moving to Rhode Island. We drove so we could bring our dog Mabel, stopping in Maine before settling into a small cabin north of Quebec City on a gravel road called Chemin du Porc-Épic – “Porcupine Trail.”… [Read More]

Central News

June / July 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 10

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks, last week, I attended a conference hosted by a coalition of nonprofit and civic leaders convened by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. The keynote speaker, civil rights leader Eric K. Ward, reminded us of the nature of covenant.

Throughout the day, we engaged in education, connection, inspiration, and empowerment aimed at dismantling the systems of hatred and prejudice that threaten to tear at the fabric of community life.… [Read More]

Central News

May 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 9

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks. Large language models, which mimic human capacity for thought, creativity, and intelligence through pattern recognition and algorithms, are radically altering our understanding of work, art, the creative process, and general expertise. As I write, I am sitting next to a marketing executive who is on the phone with his partner, reading ChatGPT feedback on code drafted by an employee. The comments are pretty critical.… [Read More]

Central News

April 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 8

IT’S HOLY WEEK!  •  COME WORSHIP WITH US!

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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.… [Read More]

Central News

March 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 7

HOLY WEEK BEGINS MARCH 29  •  COME WORSHIP WITH US!

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! It took the plows three full days to get to the side streets around the church. I know many of you were in the same situation. It was interesting to see how different people responded to the confining reality. Some folks dutifully shoveled their sidewalks and driveways to create a narrow lane for walking and prepare for the eventual arrival of snow plows.… [Read More]

Central News

February 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 6
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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! As a pastor in Decatur, I had the privilege of serving as a supervisor and mentor to seminary students stepping into their first official roles in local churches. Each of them challenged me with new ideas and expectations of what the church could be. Each brought a fresh perspective on congregational life. Each inspired me to see the world in new and hopeful ways.… [Read More]

Central News

January 2026 / Vol. 34, No. 5

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A Good Word from Patrick

Happy New Year! When I was in college, I had a professor who challenged us to intentionally choose productivity over consumption. His advice came in the early 2000s, when Facebook, YouTube, Netflix, and other social media and streaming services were just launching and cementing the home as a space crafted exclusively for consumption.

Since the Industrial Revolution, homes have increasingly been understood as safe havens from the demands of productivity rather than as places of work themselves.… [Read More]

Central News

December 2025 / Vol. 34, No. 4

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A Good Word from Patrick

Hey folks! At the beginning of the year, our Deacons approved an experiment. We had heard a real desire within the congregation to learn more about the Bible, but many felt that deep, lengthy Bible studies were simply too much of a commitment. So, we decided to host simple, MIDWEEK conversations about the scripture from the previous Sunday’s Worship service.

It has been an incredible success.… [Read More]