Sunday, Jan. 23, 11:30 am

Central’s annual Trivia Spectacular, hosted by the Stewardship Committee, has been rescheduled. We’ll meet in the Fireplace Room immediately after worship on Jan. 23.  It’s a fun event for all ages and a great way to get to know each other. Plus, you’ll experience the fellowship and inner peace that come when we get together as a community of faith – something we’ve all missed since the onset of COVID-19. Pizza and beverages will be served! RSVP to Jeff Baran, co-chair of the Stewardship Committee, so we have enough food for everyone (jeff@wakefieldliquors.com).

If you have recently changed your address, email address, telephone number – or have any modifications or updates to your entry in Central’s annual directory, please send them to Church Administrator Antonia Greco (antonia@centralchurch.us).  With your help, we’ll stay in touch!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.