Advent Lessons and Carols

Sunday, Dec. 3, 10:30 am

On the first Sunday of Advent, morning worship will include a special service of Advent Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion. In scripture and in song, we will take a closer look at prophecies and harbingers of the coming of the Messiah as we read and sing about the years of longing preceding Christ’s birth. “Let every heart prepare Him room!”

Daily Advent Devotional

Sign up before Thanksgiving

The Religious Education Committee is publishing a Daily Advent Devotional, so each of us can take a moment every day to reflect together and foster our Central community during the four weeks leading up to Christ’s coming. The committee will provide a lectionary passage for each day of advent, and is asking Centralites to contribute short reflections, poems, songs, or artwork based on these passages. Please sign up in Chapel Hall!

Rebecca’s Book Group 

Thursday, Nov. 16, 12 noon

Rebecca’s Book Group will discuss “Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America,” by journalist / historian Steve Inskeep. This book explores the political acumen of Abraham Lincoln via 16 encounters before and during his presidency, bringing to light not only the strategy of a great politician who inherited a country divided, but lessons for our own disorderly present. Join us in the Fireplace Room.

Community Festival Table

Deliver Nov. 6 to 13

 At our Festival Service of Thanksgiving, on Nov. 19, the Flower Committee will decorate the chancel and communion table with mums, gourds, pumpkins, fruits, and vegetables. They hope to make the festivities more meaningful by displaying items grown or contributed by Central members and friends. To help, contact Marilyn Edwards or Margaret Gardner. Please deliver items to the coatroom and place them in the boxes provided by Monday, Nov. 13.

Share Your Thanksgiving

There are two ways to share Thanksgiving this year. 1) Deliver a frozen turkey to Central’s kitchen by Wednesday, Nov. 15, 12 noon. We’ll donate it to a local food bank or soup kitchen. 2) Share Thanksgiving dinner with other Central members and friends. If you have extra seats at your table or will be without family this year, contact the church office and we’ll do a little “matchmaking.”

Christmas Ornament Painting Party

Saturday, Nov, 4, 10 am

This is a great opportunity to make wonderful gifts and keepsakes for your friends, family, and teachers – not to mention ornaments for the Central Christmas Tree as well as your tree at home! We’ll provide the fun, paint, ornaments, and of course some snacks. It may be messy, so bring an old shirt, apron, or painting smock to protect your clothes. RSVP to Antonia Greco.

CCC Youth:  “Piping Hot”

Sunday, Oct. 29, 12 noon

All middle- and high-schoolers are invited for a piping-hot time of food and fun with Patrick Aiken.  Meet in the kitchen, where you and Patrick will prepare and assemble his delicious sourdough scones. While they bake, you’ll head to the choir loft for some music and a close-up look at Central’s pipe organ. Then it’s back to the kitchen, where you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor while discussing music, baking, and life!

Guest Preacher

Sunday, Oct. 29, 10:30 am

 This Sunday, Central welcomes the Reverend Dr. David Mitchell, senior pastor of Mount Gilead Baptist Church in Durham, N.C.  Dr. Mitchell became a friend of Central when he was pastor of Providence’s Congdon Street Baptist Church from 2003 to 2009.  He is a counselor, teacher, community activist, and author of “Black Theology and Youths at Risk” (2001) – as well as religious education curricula and courses on spiritual growth, cultural awareness, and self-esteem.

Angell Society Reception

Sunday, Oct 22, 11:45 am

All are invited to a reception of Central’s Angell Society immediately after Worship in the Fireplace Room.  Our guest speaker will be estate attorney Paul A. Silver, partner at Hinkley Allen.  Paul’s practice is focused on trust and estate planning. He will discuss the incentives and benefits for planned giving and the options available. Please join us.  This is a great way to support Central’s future!

Meet and Greet The Rev. Patrick and Susannah Faulhaber

Friday, Oct. 13, 5:30 pm 

We are hosting a potluck reception in Chapel Hall so everyone can have a chance to meet and speak with senior minister candidate, The Reverend Patrick Faulhaber, and his wife Susannah.  Please bring finger foods, cheese and crackers, appetizers, or beverages to share.  Patrick spent his early childhood in Barrington, where his family attended Barrington Congregational Church, so this will be a bit of a homecoming celebration.