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Your presence and input are crucial to Central’s Annual Budget Meeting. We’ll be reviewing – and approving – the proposed tentative budget for 2026/26, which determines what we can accomplish as a church during the next fiscal year. This is an opportunity for you to learn and voice your opinions about Central’s upcoming plans. Childcare will be provided so parents can attend the meeting. Please join us in Chapel Hall immediately following Worship.
The only downside of Central’s Education Wing is that it is physically removed from the rest of the church. This has caused issues when Worship has run late. The Religious Education Committee has decided to extend Children’s Church to 11:45 am. Volunteers will be able to finish each week’s lesson, and parents won’t have to rush to pick up their kids. Questions? Contact Cristina.
The Finance Committee is working on Central’s operating budget for 2026/27. Committee Chairs, please estimate your committee’s needs for the next fiscal year – May 1, 2026 to Apr. 30, 2027 – so they can create an accurate and meaningful budget. Requests must be submitted to Donna Chace-Larson, Finance Committee chair (drscl1@aol.com). The committee will review proposed budgets at a Zoom meeting that evening.
This month, Central’s women’s fellowship will enjoy its annual winter lunch and a movie. On the menu: a simple soup-and-bread repast and “Miracles” (1986), an action-filled romantic comedy starring Tom Conti and Teri Garr. Questions? Ask Claudia. We’ll be in the Fireplace Room.
Thanks to the Mission and Action Committee’s benevolence, the generosity of individual church members, and a contribution from Stop & Shop, Central was able to purchase more than $12,000 of $50 grocery gift cards – which were distributed to Providence schools and organizations that reach families with the greatest need. Seeing a need and responding is truly what it means to put our faith into action. Thank you for supporting our community!
According to Luke 2:6-8, Jesus was born at night, so we start our holiday celebrations on Christmas Eve in commemoration of His birth. This service is peaceful and contemplative as candlelight grows and glows throughout our beautiful sanctuary. Music – meditative and serene – is provided by the Central Congregational Church Choir, accompanied by Patrick Aiken on our glorious pipe organ.
At this early evening service of worship, Centralites come together with friends and family to celebrate and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. There will be moving and poignant moments as well as fun, upbeat elements as we take you through the wonder of the Jesus’ birth – through scripture readings accompanied by joyous, familiar Christmas carols.
No one is busier during the holidays than parents! With so much going on, many crave child-free “alone time” to deal with shopping and other Christmas preparations. So Central is hosting a Cookie-Decorating and Christmas-Movie-Watching Party. Just drop off the kids – their friends, too – for a merry old time in the Fireplace Room. Pick-up is at 4 pm, just in time for our Carol Service.
There isn’t a better way to start Christmas week than at Central’s inspiring and music-filled Carol Service, an East Side tradition and highlight of the Christmas season. You will hear the story of Jesus’ birth unfold in scripture and song, sung by the Central Congregational Church Choir and Children’s Choir – accompanied by harp, cello, and organ. Afterwards, please stay for our elegant Silver Tea in the festively decorated Chapel Hall.
Virtually all Central children and youth are participating in this wonderful holiday tradition. Each year, they reenact the Christmas Story as only children can! They’ve rehearsed every Sunday during Children’s Church, and now they’re ready to “bring up the curtain.” The dress rehearsal is Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 am, in the Sanctuary – with the performance the following day during Worship. Don’t miss it!
