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.