Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

Saturday, May 18, 8 to 11 am

It’s time again for Scout Troop 28’s one and only annual fundraiser. It’s the popular and delectable “World’s Greatest Pancake Breakfast.”  Join us in Chapel Hall and bring your appetite. Scouting roots grow deep at Central.  We are the sponsoring organization for Cub Scout Pack 88 and Scouts BSA Troop 28, which offer young people adventure, camaraderie, and mentorship in character.

Ascension Day

Thursday, May 9

This year, take a few moments to contemplate Ascension Day, which is traditionally observed 40 days after Easter Sunday. Scripture tells us that Jesus spent these 40 days post-resurrection with his apostles, preparing them for his departure. On this fortieth day after Easter, Jesus blessed his disciples for the work ahead and ascended into heaven. We carry the legacy of that blessing today. How might you bear Christ in the world today?

A Reporter Remembers

Wednesday, May 8, 7 pm 

Central member Scott MacKay was a political reporter for the Providence Journal for more than 25 years before becoming a commentator for The Public’s Radio.  This week, he will reflect on “Journalism and Politics in Rhode Island – When Newspapers Mattered.” The lecture – sponsored by Barrington Preservation Society and Barrington Public Library – is free and open to the public – in the Salem Family Auditorium at the Barrington Public Library (281 County Road).

Join the Audio Reserves!

The Technology Committee is seeking volunteers who are interested in learning how to operate Central’s sound equipment during worship services and other special events – when our resident “sound engineer” Jim Silverthorn isn’t available. If you are interested, we will set up one-on-one training at your convenience. Contact Tom Viall, Bob Stout, or Don Wolfe to learn more!

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: A Staged Reading

Wednesday, April 24, 12:30 pm

Hamilton House presents a one-hour version of Tom Stoppard’s modern masterpiece “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.” This fascinating drama tells the story of Hamlet from the bewildered point of view of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters. Here, Shakespeare’s Laurel and Hardy take the lead roles, but do so in a world where reality and illusion intermix. A discussion and light refreshments follow the free performance.

Not Just Supper

Friday, April 12, 5:30 pm

Central’s singles’ group will attend the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s open rehearsal of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 at Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Tickets are $20. Reserve yours by calling the box office (401-248-7000) and mention you are part of Janet Harris’ party. After the concert – around 8:30 pm – we’ll have dinner at Gregg’s (1303 N. Main Street, Providence). RSVP to Janet Harris via text (401-952-5178), who will coordinate carpooling. If you can’t make the concert, please come for dinner!

Committee Fair

Sunday, April 7, 11:30 am

We have 18 committees to thank for the amazing things Central is able to accomplish. All of this work is run by members and friends who understand that “church” is a verb. How we use our talents and time makes Central more than just a special place of worship, but a wellspring of true community. You can be part of it. Join us in Chapel Hall and see how you can make a difference!

Easter Vigil

Saturday, March 30, 7 pm

The Easter Vigil is the church’s first official celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This meditative, candlelit service is traditional in every way except length. Lasting approximately 45 minutes (instead of all night), it includes a service of the light, service of the Word, service of baptism, and service of communion. Please join us in Wilson Chapel.

Reading Ruth

Sunday, Mar. 10, 11:30 am

In times past, early Christians gathered together to hear the Bible read aloud. That’s how we will encounter Ruth. In this, one of the shortest books in the Bible, Ruth, a Moabite woman, marries into a Jewish family, becoming one of Jesus’ ancestors: King David’s great-grandmother. Join us in the Fireplace Room for a soup and bread lunch as we listen to Ruth’s story of disaster, perseverance, and loyalty. RSVP to Claudia.

Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 4 pm

Central Congregational Church Choir – under the direction of organist/choirmaster Patrick Aiken – will present “A Sermon from the Mountain,” by Alice Parker (1925 to 2023). This powerful cantata – commissioned after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., integrates Dr. King’s texts with scripture. Accompanied by string quartet, bass, piano, and drums, the music is turbulent, jubilant, ethereal, and always profound – challenging and inspiring us to work for nonviolence.