New Play Group

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 10 am

Central is forming a play group for toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten-age children.  We’ll play games, do some art, sing songs, and enjoy some snacks together. This will also be a great opportunity for parents to get to know one another.  If you would like more information, please speak with Judy Martowska.  We’ll meet in the Church School Wing, on the second floor.

Coming Up In The New Year

After the busy-ness of the Christmas season, the winter months will bring some welcome calm and time to leisurely enjoy family and friends.  Stay tuned for details from the Stewardship Committee regarding Family Trivia Night and Central’s annual Community Dinner.

Share Your Talents

Do you paint, samba, or love to bake? Would you like to lead a class or spend time with people who have similar interests? Let us know! We’re planning to organize several small groups of like-minded individuals – to learn new skills, share favorite pastimes, or simply enjoy a little in-person camaraderie. If you are interested in participating, contact Antonia Greco, church administrator, at antonia@centralchurch.us or 401-331-1960 and share your interests, talents, and hobbies.

WORD

Sunday, Dec. 26, at 11:30 am

On the day after Christmas Day – the second day of Christmastide – WORD will enjoy a Boxing Day celebration.  The British holiday originated as a day to give gifts to the poor.  It is believed that the name references the Alms Boxes placed in the narthex of Christian churches to collect donations to the poor.

Christmas Worship Service

Saturday, Dec. 25, 10:30 am

Central is one of very few churches in Rhode Island to offer a worship service on Christmas morning.  Ours is an intimate celebration of the birth of Christ.  There’s no sermon, just a wonderful Christmas story. Communion is served.

Decorate Our Christmas Tree!

Friday, Dec. 31, 12 midnight

Only two-thirds of our Christmas tree is decorated – because the Campaign to Reimagine Chapel Hall has only raised two-thirds of its $1.25 million goal. You can help! We need pledges and donations of all sizes from all Central members and friends.  And when you contribute, we’ll hang an ornament, bearing your name, on the tree. Please give what you can, so we can reach our goal this year!

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday, Dec. 12, 10:30 am

Advent – a word that means “coming” – challenges us to look backward and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and remember the real meaning of Christmas. It also asks us to look forward to the Christ who continues to come into our lives and our world. We will celebrate this Third Sunday of Advent with the lighting of three candles – hope, peace, and joy – in our Advent wreath.

Memorial Poinsettias

Sunday, Dec. 12, 12 noon

If you would like to donate a Christmas poinsettia in memory of a loved one, please contact Antonia Greco, church administrator, at antonia@centralchurch.us or 401-331-1960. 
A donation of $40 is requested. Names received by Sunday, Dec. 12, will appear in the Dec. 19, Carol Service, and Christmas Eve service orders of worship.

Family Advent Packets

Judy has created special Advent Packets designed to help families stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas.  There are suggestions for new Advent and Christmas traditions – like singing Christmas carols at dinner, activity and craft ideas with instructions and supplies, devotions for family Advent candle lighting, and prayers for occasions throughout the season. Pick up your packet in the church school on Sundays and in the church office during the week.

Angel Tree

Monday, Dec. 13

Help create a Merry Christmas for children in DCYF care. Our Angel Tree is up in the coatroom, filled with of names of children and teens who are in need this Christmas. Choose a tag from the tree; each bears a name, age, and gender. Select a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift. Wrap your gift, write the contents on back of the original tag, and attach it. Then, deliver your gift back to the Angel Tree by Monday, Dec. 13.