Christmas and Easter

Christmas and Easter are warm and wonderful times at Central - opportunities to give of our hearts, our lives, and our gifts in response to God's own generosity - and to deepen our spiritual lives through prayer, scripture, and music.  We welcome longtime family and friends, as well as first-time and occasional visitors, to join us in these profound and joyous holiday celebrations.

Check the calendar for specific dates and times.

Advent / Christmas

Sunday Worship:  During Advent, we prepare for the birth of the Baby Jesus - celebrating as a church family, sharing our many blessings, and contemplating a new beginning in Jesus Christ.  The lighting of the advent candles - hope, peace, joy, and love - is one of the highlights.

Christmas at Central:  Our annual holiday bazaar is a one-stop-holiday-shopping Mecca, featuring handmade crafts from local Rhode Island artisans, toys, books, gift baskets, homemade baked goods, and more.  (First Sunday in December)

Angel Tree:  Our gifts help create a Merry Christmas for children in DCYF (Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families) care.

Tree Trimming at Central:  Central’s is a truly homespun Christmas, where our church family comes together to decorate - and make decorations for - our two-story Christmas tree.  (Second Sunday in December)

Christmas Caroling:  Once the tree is trimmed, a band of Central carolers bring Christmas spirit to members and friends who are homebound.  (Second Sunday in December)

Christmas Cookie Swap:  Bake up your favorite cookies and take home an entire platter of homemade treats!

Church School Christmas Pageant:  Our first through sixth graders reenact the Christmas Story as only children can.

Carol Service and Silver Tea:  This candlelight service tells the Christmas story in words and music - and features the Central Congregational Church Choir and Children’s Choir accompanied by organ, harp and cello.  A traditional Silver Tea follows the service.  (Third Sunday in December)

Family Worship Service:  CCC Youth plan and conduct this wonderful Christmas Eve service tailored for families with children of all ages.

Christmas Eve Service:  This service, with music provided by the Central Congregational Church Choir, is peaceful and contemplative as candlelight grows and glows throughout the sanctuary.

Christmas Worship Service:  We are one of very few churches in Rhode Island to have a service on Christmas morning.  Ours is an intimate celebration of the birth of Christ.  There’s no sermon, just a wonderful Christmas story and communion.

Lent / Holy Week / Easter

Ash Wednesday:  On this first day of Lent, we share in communion, and those who wish receive ashes.

Sunday Worship:  Every week, we try to open the doors of our hearts and understand our Lord more deeply.

Lenten Meditation:  Every Wednesday, a member of Central’s congregation shares his or her faith journey.  It is a poignant way to learn about others’ lives and perspectives - and to share our own.

Lenten Mission Supper:  Following the Lenten Meditation, we come together for a simple supper and short presentation by one of our mission partners.

Lenten Study:  In this book group, we seek to deepen our spiritual lives through prayer, reflection, and Scripture.

Palm Sunday:  To remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the children of the church - with palm fronds and donkey in tow - lead the congregation on a joyous procession around the block.  We enter the church accompanied by our magnificent organ and choirs.

Maundy Thursday:  We gather for a Potluck Dinner prior to our Service of Tenebrae.  This solemn, contemplative service of communion recalls the Last Supper through scripture readings and a cappella music, ending in quiet and total darkness.

Good Friday:  We recall Jesus’ death on the cross with a special service of music featuring a major work or requiem performed by the Central Congregational Church Choir.

Easter Vigil:  This meditative, candlelit service is traditional in everything except length.  Lasting about 45 minutes (instead of all night), it includes a service of the light, service of the Word, service of baptism, and service of communion.

Easter Breakfast:  We gather for a delicious breakfast prepared by our church youth.

Easter Egg Hunt:  The hunt is for children 12 and under, but all are welcome to watch the fun!

Easter Festival Service of Worship:  This joyous, music-filled service - our choirs accompanied by organ, brass and timpani - reaches the mind and heart to acknowledge the faith that is so much greater than ourselves.