Central News
February 2025 | Vol. 33 | No. 6
Join Us For Sunday Worship at 10:30 am!
Download the PDF version of the February Newsletter
A Good Word From Patrick
Hey folks! The Church is many things: a place, a people, a body, a movement, and a calling. It is not just something we attend on a single day of the week – it is a community we belong to, whether we are gathered in the same place or not. The Church is also a body, a collection of interconnected members who rely on one another for life and growth. It is a movement that continues to shape public discourse, challenge societal norms, and work for the transformation of the world. And it is a calling – an invitation into a vision and identity far greater than any one of us.
Being part of the Church requires both humility and compassion. As the Church, we are called to elevate the voice of Christ in our words and actions. This often brings a mix of comfort and challenge – sometimes soothing our hearts, other times pushing us to see the world differently. Most of the time, it does both at once.
In our first Midweek gathering, we wrestled with a powerful and essential passage from Luke 4. Jesus, drawing on the words of Isaiah, articulates his mission statement: “to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
This bold declaration centers Jesus’ ministry and challenges us to align our lives with his. As we discussed, the passage reminds us that we are not always the subject of Jesus’ ministry. Sometimes God’s justice disrupts our expectations, challenging us to expand our vision and embrace those we might have overlooked.
Our conversation was lively and thought-provoking. We reflected on the ways Jesus challenges us personally, how we might respond if we heard such a teaching today, and the boundaries we often draw around our lives. It was a joy to see such rich and meaningful dialogue unfolding. I even found myself hesitating to ask the next question, because the conversation was already so full of insight. What a gift!
Not every Midweek discussion will focus on such weighty topics, but this one set a meaningful tone as we explore faith, scripture, and life together. I hope you’ll join us for future Midweek gatherings as we continue this journey – growing in compassion, humility, and our shared calling to live as the Church.
With gratitude and hope – Patrick
William Barber To Speak At Darrell West Lecture!
Called “the closest person we have to Martin Luther King, Jr., in our midst,” nationally known social activist The Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II will be the featured speaker at Central’s Darrell West Lecture on Religion and Politics. The event will take place on Saturday, Mar. 1, at 6:30 pm – with a book signing after. The lecture is free and open to the public.
His speech, “We Are Called To Be A Movement,” will address the intersection between religion and politics in 21st-century America. As Bishop Barber has written, “It’s time for everyone who cares about the state of our nation to heed the call and join forces to redeem the soul of America…. It’s time to lift up the common good, move up to higher ground, and revive the heart of democracy.”
Bishop Barber has spent his career advancing social justice and civic participation. As a moral leader engaging in non-violent civil disobedience, he has been arrested more than 15 times, standing with those marginalized by systemic racism, poverty, and injustice. He is co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, a revival of the 1968 movement organized by Martin Luther King, Jr., to fight poverty in the U.S.
Bishop Barber is also an Executive Board Member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Founding Director and Professor at the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School, and bestselling author of five books.
The lecture follows a welcome by series sponsor Darrell M. West, senior vice president of Brookings Institution, former Brown University professor, and Central member. The evening concludes with a question-and-answer forum and book signing.
Speaking Truth To Power
In the flurry of events surrounding the inauguration of the 47th president, it is easy to overlook the compassionate voice of Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde who leads the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C.
In case you missed her words at the inaugural prayer service, she began her sermon by making a plea for unity that promotes community even in diversity; for example, volunteers who aid the victims of natural disasters irrespective of their politics. Noting that Jesus called upon people to love their enemies and to embrace those that others viewed as pariahs, she praised the virtue of mercy and decried “the culture of contempt that has become normalized in this country.” Bishop Budde affirmed that the foundation of unity is the dignity of every person, the need for honesty in all our transactions, and the humility to recognize our fallibility.
Bishop Budde directly addressed the President, “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children … some who fear for their lives.” Speaking on behalf of undocumented immigrants, she said, “I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away, and that you help those who are fleeing war zones and persecution in their own lands to find compassion and welcome here.”
She concluded, “May God grant us the strength and courage to honor the dignity of every human being, to speak the truth to one another in love, and walk humbly with each other and our God for the good of all people.” Hear the entire sermon on YouTube. – Peter Heywood
The Deacon’s Bench
I am a lifelong librarian and was a “library kid” growing up, spending at least one afternoon per week at the Prosser Public Library in Bloomfield, Conn. I was a voracious reader, and in books I found good and trusted friends: Ramona Quimby (“Beezus and Ramona”), Meg Murry (“A Wrinkle in Time”), Margaret (“Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret”), and countless historical women in the “Childhood of Famous Americans” series.
Fast forward many, many years … one of the greatest pleasures of raising my daughter, Aster, was sharing bedtime stories. Stacks and stacks of them. My husband and I took turns with this precious ritual, reading until her breathing calmed, and she was asleep. Shared stories created family jokes and new friends (Ivy and Bean, the dog called Muffin, and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” – the first book we shared as a family of three on the floor of our guest house in Addis Ababa). I combed the library shelves for books that could be a mirror for her, and we fell in love with “Atinuke” by Anna Hibiscus, “Jamela” by Niki Daly, and “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats.
Stories are powerful, and a shared story builds community. Every year, I wait with anticipation for the Reading Across Rhode Island (RARI) book announcement; in 2025, it’s “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension” by Hanif Abdurraqib. I join with other readers to listen to the author talk about their process, their inspiration, their “why.” And, I attend programs led by community partners that illuminate the themes from the text. A few of these RARI books have been challenged due to language or content – like “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas about the fatal shooting, by the police, of an unarmed Black high school student named Khalil. Instead of running away from stories that illuminate a dark corner of injustice in our country, we should be reading them, talking about them, and using them to build understanding, empathy, and action.
So it is with our Bible, filled with life-altering, challenging, and confusing (true confession) stories that have endured thousands of years, generating weekly inspiration for sermons and study. Reading the Bible requires an understanding of history, culture, translation, literary styles, and so much more; I am just a beginner. In this spirit, I hope you will join me, as you can, on Wednesday evenings for Midweek at Central – when we will learn and talk together in community about the scripture from the previous Sunday, looking for its meaning in our 21st century lives. – Cheryl Space
Seeking a Church Home?
If you are looking for a church – or know someone who is – we would love to talk with you about it at our Inquirers’ Meeting. It’s very informal. You’ll meet with our senior minister, Patrick Faulhaber, and others like you who think Central may be the right church home. No commitment necessary. To join us, fill out a pew card during Sunday Worship or call the Church Office at 401-331-1960, and Patrick will get in touch.
- Inquirers’ Meeting: Wednesday, February 5, 7:30 pm
- Faith Exploration: Wednesday, February 12, 7:30 pm
- New Member Sunday: Sunday, February 16, 10:30 am
Midweek at Central
Our senior minister invites Centralites of all ages – and their friends – to join him Midweek for fellowship, food, and faith-filled conversation! Adults will share a meal at 6 pm (free-will donations accepted) and then dive into the previous Sunday’s scripture reading. Kids and youth will eat dinner at their own table and then enjoy crafts and games (see page 4). RSVPs, while not required, would be helpful so we have enough food. Questions? Contact Patrick. Wednesdays in February, 6 to 7:30 pm, in Chapel Hall
Amos House Breakfast Volunteers
Please join Central’s Amos House Breakfast Volunteers as they assemble pre-packaged breakfasts. (Amos House serves 400 every day!) Even if you can only come occasionally, we welcome every extra set of hands. Questions? Contact Tracy Baran. Wednesdays, 6:30 am, in the Amos House Kitchen (460 Pine Street, Providence)
New Member Potluck / Reception
Join us in welcoming new members to the Central family during Worship and then stay after for a New Member Reception and potluck luncheon in Chapel Hall. See if you can meet all of our new members! The Membership Committee will provide main dishes, but you can enliven the fare by sharing a favorite side dish, casserole, salad, or dessert. Sunday, Feb. 16, 11:30 am, in Chapel Hall
Poetry Corner: Nor’easter
Poems are windfall
of the orchards of my soul …
some bruised, some glowing,
all with secret seeds
ready to be swallowed up
when God is hungry.
– Jon Wolston
From Claudia
One of my Christmas presents this year was “Wholehearted Faith,” a book Rachel Held Evans was writing when she unexpectedly died at age 37. In pondering on faith and life, she mused about the word “chesed,” a word that appears 248 times in the Hebrew Bible. Who knew? Evans goes on to write that “chesed is a covenantal love, a profound and committed and long-term love, a kind love – but not a romantic love.”
That got me thinking. In our secular world, February celebrates romantic love. Christmas is barely over when stores put up Valentine’s Day displays. Chesed is so different. We certainly won’t find any cards wishing us a “Happy Chesed Day”! Evans writes that, “Among people it can take the form of charity; from God to human, chesed has qualities of mercy, of grace, and of long-suffering.” You can see why there are no chesed day cards.
Miles Coverdale, whose 16th-century translation of the Bible bears his name, thought of a brand new word for chesed: loving kindness. But that may tame the word because it doesn’t capture all of the facets of chesed. Evans reminds us that “more recent translations opt for “steadfast love” or simply “kindness.” She points out “that the latter one especially underplays things.”
By now, you are probably thinking that the meaning of chesed is quite nuanced, making it a hard word to define. You are so right. God’s love for us is impossible to define in words. I like to think it’s indefinably possible in ways that we discover in ever deepening understanding. Chesed connects God to us even as it connects us to God.
And so may we offer chesed to one another even as God extends chesed to us. May we understand such love in ever deepening ways. May we reach out with chesed, but may we also feel this love in our own lives with one another, as well as the threads of chesed that bind us to our loving Creator in every moment of every day.
May chesed abound within us and between us! – Claudia
Special Service of Music
This month, the Central Congregational Church Choir will present “Songs of Longing, Lauding, and Loving,” featuring musical selections – composed as recently as five years ago to more than 300 years ago – accompanied by organ and strings.
Songs of longing include “Seek Him That Maketh the Seven Stars” by British composer Jonathan Dove (1959- ) and two interpretations of “Sitivit Anima Mea” (My Soul Thirsteth for God), with text drawn from Psalm 42. The first by London-based composer David Nunn (1997- ) includes electronic tones derived from the sound of water. The second offers a renaissance setting of the same psalm by Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (1525-1594).
We’ll then move to songs of lauding: “Lobet Den Herrn” by J.S. Bach (1685-1750). This motet for choir and strings takes us back to the lively baroque era, praising God with words from Psalm 103. You may be familiar with one translation of this text from the hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.”
We’ll conclude the program with “The Hope of Loving” by American composer Jake Runestad (1986- ). Using a selection of writings inspired by spiritual mystics throughout history, this piece explores the idea of love and its manifestation in our lives. Sometimes playful, sometimes jubilant, and sometimes reflective, these texts come to life in delightfully captivating and uplifting music.
Come and join us on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 pm – and stay after for a reception in Chapel Hall!
Video Streaming Update
Central’s “Stream Team” continues to make progress capturing the Sunday Worship service on video. You can now find the link in the footer on every page of the church’s website, as well as under “This Week” on the drop-down menu.
However, the best way to watch the live stream or a previously recorded service is on our YouTube page. Successful live streams will appear under the “Live” tab. If, due to a technical issue, the live stream fails, we will upload a recording within one day of the service; it will appear under the “Videos” tab.
Other services and events will be recorded on a case-by-case basis. This will depend on volunteer staffing, suitability of the event, and availability of permission / licensing rights. In short – in person is still the best place to experience Central!
Now that we are streaming complete Worship services – including music – we will modify the weekly podcast. Our analytics and feedback indicate that people predominantly listen each week to hear the sermon. A sermon-only podcast will make each episode shorter and easier to consume. This ultimately should help expand our audience. After all, that’s the whole point of bringing video streaming and podcasts to Central!
Adult Sunday School
In February, Adult Sunday School will continue to explore “From Jesus to Christ,” learning the story of the first Christians as their new movement dramatically changed the Roman Empire in 300 years. Questions? Ask Claudia. Sundays in February, 9 am, in the Fireplace Room.
Tuesdays With Scripture
Our weekly community devotional resumes this month! Every Tuesday morning, we’ll discuss a short Bible passage. Each session is self-contained. Come to one, or come to all of them! Contact Claudia for a Zoom invitation. She’ll also send you the reading and questions to consider ahead of time. Tuesdays in February – 8 am, via Zoom
Women Gather
This month, it’s lunch and a movie. Our women’s fellowship will enjoy its annual winter lunch while watching “A Man Called Otto,” a movie that reminds us of the profound impacts our lives have on one another. Sunday, Feb. 9, 12 noon, Fireplace Room
Food For Thought Book Group
Claudia’s book group will discuss “The Ground Breaking: The Tulsa Race Massacre and an American City’s Search for Justice,” by Scott Ellsworth. This riveting book tells the long-suppressed story of 1921’s notorious Tulsa Race Massacre. Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room. Coming up March 13: “The Love Story of Missy Carmichael,” by Beth Morrey
Central Men’s Group
Open to all ages, Central Men’s Group is a monthly breakfast gathering – held on the third Thursday of each month – for fellowship and spirited conversation on topics ranging from current events and ethics to trends and shared experiences. If you have questions, contact John Trevor. Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:30 am, in the Fireplace Room
Fourth Thursday Book Group
This month, the Fourth Thursday Book Group will delve into “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom,” by Ilyon Woo. It is the remarkable true story of Ellen and William Craft, who escaped slavery through daring, determination, and disguise – with Ellen passing as a wealthy, disabled white man and William posing as “his” slave. Email Ann Scott (eannscott56@gmail.com) for a Zoom invitation. Thursday, Feb. 27, 12:30 pm, via Zoom. Coming up March 27: “In The Garden of the Beasts,” by Eric Larson
Join our Sewing Circle
At Central’s new sewing circle, there will be tea, snacks, and good conversation as we repair, upcycle, and repurpose items – for ourselves and for charity. We’ll have mending projects, sewing machines, ironing board, and other supplies – though you can bring your own. All skill levels are welcome … whether a lot or none. An experienced seamstress will be on hand to help. Take your mended items home, or give them to someone in need. And feel free to bring your friends. Questions? Contact Amy Hebb or Carolyn Kolesar. Saturdays, Feb. 8 and 22 and March 8, 10 am to 12 noon, in the Fireplace Room.
Central Women’s Retreat
Please note the corrected dates for Central’s annual Women’s Retreat at the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag: Oct. 24 to 26, 2025.
REdiscovering
Dear friends, this month, rather than attempting to wax poetic about the awesome things that have happened with Central Kids and Youth (like Confirmation Sunday!), I want to highlight this summer’s most exciting: the 2025 Youth Service Trip to Appalachia!
Who Can Go? Anyone who has completed sixth grade and is at least 11 years old is welcome to join. Kids are also encouraged to invite their friends to participate in this incredible experience!
What Is the Appalachia Service Project? ASP offers one of the most rewarding structured service opportunities in the nation. Since 1969, ASP has brought thousands of volunteers to rural Central Appalachia to repair homes for low-income families, making them warmer, safer, and drier. This transformative service experience also fosters personal growth and connection for the volunteers.
Each year, more than 15,000 volunteers help provide critical repairs for more than 350 families. Central Kids and Youth will contribute to impactful projects such as:
- Roofing: Replacing or repairing roofs to prevent leaks and improve home conditions
- Drywall: Fixing or installing drywall to enhance living spaces
- Siding: Weatherizing homes with new or repaired siding to reduce utility costs
- Floors and Foundations: Strengthening floors for safety and functionality
- Porches and Ramps: Building or restoring porches and ramps to improve accessibility
To learn more about the ASP summer program, watch this two-minute video, check out the at-a-glance details below, and plan on attending our Youth Service Trip Information Session on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11:30 am in the Fireplace Room.
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in the lives of Appalachian families while growing your skills, faith, and friendships. We can’t wait to see you there! – Susannah
Youth Service Trip at a Glance
When: July 5 to 13, 2025
Where: West Virginia (exact location TBD)
Cost: $375 per participant – includes travel, lodging, meals, supplies, building materials, staff oversight, educational programming, and faith-based activities.
Payment Due: June 15, 2025. If cost is a concern, please reach out. We’ll work together to ensure that everyone who wants to go on the Service Trip can participate in this life-transforming experience.
Chaperones: No charge!
Information Session: Susannah will host a second information session for all interested kids and youth (sixth graders and older), along with their parents. Come learn more about the trip and how you and your friends can be part of it. We’ll discuss everything from project details to logistics – and answer any questions you may have. Sunday, Feb. 23, 11:30 am, in the Fireplace Room
Ready to register now? Just email Susannah to get started!
Kids Table at Midweek
Midweek at Central is NOT for adults only (see page 2). Kids and youth – including the Children’s Choir – are also invited to hang together for dinner at their own kid-friendly table in Chapel Hall. At 6:30 pm, choristers will move to the Choir Room for their weekly rehearsal – while the others remain in Chapel Hall for crafts, games, and other fun activities. Contact Susannah with questions. Wednesdays in February, 6 pm, in Chapel Hall
Children’s Choir Rehearsal
This month, the Children’s Choir will rehearse on Wednesdays, so they and their parents can enjoy Midweek at Central. Choristers can join other kids and youth for Kids Table at Midweek and then go to their usual weekly rehearsal. Wednesdays in February, 6 pm: Dinner in Chapel Hall / 6:30 pm: Rehearsal in the Choir Room
RISD Museum
CCC Kids and Youth will explore the RISD Museum, which houses 100,000 works of art, from ancient times to present day. This event is free. However, children must register beforehand or be accompanied by an adult. Please RSVP to Susannah (470-223-0337). Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 to 4 pm. Meet at the Museum entrance (20 North Main St., Providence).
In the Gallery
This February, the Gallery at Central Congregational Church will present “Wendy Ingram: Scenic New England.”
A painter and hand papermaker, Wendy began her career in a studio at the Boston Center for the Arts – first weaving tapestries and later creating artwork of handmade paper and collage. She started painting when she moved to Providence in 2008, studying at Providence Art Club and Hamilton House.
Wendy’s exhibit – primarily water and pastels – highlight New England’s environment and activities. “Hiking on trails and wildlife preserves is a great source of inspiration, a continual revelation, and a great way to make friends,” she said.
Originally from Lynn, Mass., Wendy graduated from Rhode Island School of Design. She has worked as a textile conservator, landscape architect, landscape designer, and city planner. In 2011, she co-founded The Art Connection-RI, which provides artwork at no charge to community service nonprofits in Rhode Island.
Come, meet the artist at the opening reception on Friday, Feb. 7, 5 to 7 pm.
Friday Film Fare
In The Shootist (1976), John Bernard Books (John Wayne), is a celebrated gunfighter – known in those days as a shootist – who is aware that he is dying. As the new century dawns in 1901, he seeks to spend his final days in peace in a boarding house run by a widow (Lauren Bacall) and her young son (Ron Howard) in Carson City, Nev. But peace is not to be Books’ fate. Old scores mean one last battle remains. This was Wayne’s last film. In sad irony, the actor’s actual condition matched that of his character, giving this Western tale an aura of peaceful acceptance and a moving farewell for a true screen legend. [100 minutes; color; Rated PG] Join host Jim Silverthorn on Friday, Feb. 21, at 7:30 pm, in the Fireplace Room.
Save the Date
Saturday, March 30, at 10:30 am is Dedication Sunday. Please prayerfully consider your 2025/26 pledge and keep Central alive with worship, music, fellowship, mission, and outreach.
Events
| 2 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Stewardship Committee | 9:15 am | |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Flower Committee | 12 noon | |
| 4 | Tuesdays with Scripture | 8 am |
| 5 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Gallery Committee | 9:30 am | |
| Midweek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids Table at Midweek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| Inquirers’ Meeting | 7:30 pm | |
| 6 | Board of Deacons | 5:45 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 7 | Gallery Opening | 5 pm |
| 8 | Sewing Circle | 10 am |
| 9 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Women Gather | 12 noon | |
| 11 | Tuesdays with Scripture | 8 am |
| 12 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Midweek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids Table at Midweek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| Faith Exploration | 7:30 pm | |
| 13 | Food for Thought Book Group | 7 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 16 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Worship / New Member Sunday | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| New Member Potluck Luncheon | 11:30 am | |
| 17 | Technology Committee | 7 pm |
| 18 | Tuesdays with Scripture | 8 am |
| Plant, Properties, and Design Committee | 5:45 pm | |
| Prudential Committee | 7 pm | |
| 19 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Midweek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids Table at Midweek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 20 | Central Men’s Group | 7:30 am |
| Newsletter Deadline | 3:30 pm | |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 21 | Friday Film Fare | 7:30 pm |
| 22 | Sewing Circle | 10 am |
| 23 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Membership Committee | 12 noon | |
| CCC Kids and Youth: RISD Museum | 2 pm | |
| Special Service of Music | 4 pm | |
| 25 | Tuesdays with Scripture | 8 am |
| 26 | Amos House Breakfast Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Midweek at Central | 6 pm | |
| Kids Table at Midweek | 6 pm | |
| Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 6:30 pm | |
| 27 | Fourth Thursday Book Group | 12:30 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm |
The Church Office will be closed Monday, February 17, for Presidents’ Day