Central News
Sep 2024 | Vol. 33, No. 1
Join Us Gathering Sunday, Sep. 8, at 10:30 am!
Download the PDF Version of this newsletter
A Good Word From Patrick
Ours is a communal faith. To be Christian means to honor the simple notion that all of creation knit together forms the body of Christ. Each person is inherently unique and gifted to support the thriving of creation around them. You and I are essential to one another. When we are fully embodied and rooted in the trust that God is doing something through us, we become the Body of Christ. Paul talked about this in his letter to the community in Corinth. In a community where everyone was trying to isolate themselves, creating hierarchies and tensions around particular gifts, Paul reminds them that they are all equally precious as diverse representations of God’s sacred image.
When we isolate and focus our time and attention explicitly on people who look, sound, and act like us, we often end up ignoring and neglecting other essential aspects of God’s image, voice, and actions in the world. Even more than that: occasionally, we let those familiarities and comforts develop into biases, which can develop into prejudices.
We all do this. It is much more comfortable to be in a small affinity group than it is to be in a broad community where our comforts are stretched and our biases challenged – especially in a season where the common headline is about the polarization of our society. Ironically, another common headline is about the increasing tendency towards anxiety, depression, and loneliness across every age category.
Paul’s wisdom is essential for us to learn from here. In a culture that seems to categorize people by their affiliations – political, academic, industrial, or age – we may find a deeper health in honoring the diversity of affiliations in the expansive community that we call “The Church.” As a church, we are called to stand in tension with the norms of our cultural moment, reminding one another that we have inherent value – and that the differences between us only help us to grow in our relationship with the creator of the universe.
It is a simple truth that each of us was made in the image and likeness of God. When we start to lose sight of that – living in competition with one another about who is best, most valued, most correct, and most deserving of a full life – we may find that we are driving a wedge in the body of Christ. Ours is a communal faith. To be Christian means to honor the lives of people around us as though Christ may actually be represented in them.
On September 8, we will celebrate Gathering Sunday. It is a day in which we will gather back together at the end of a beautiful summer to rejoin our little piece of Christ’s body that resides here in Providence! I hope to see you! And, I look forward to growing alongside you in the next year! Be well, friends. – Patrick
Religious Education Renewal!
In August, Susannah Bales, Central’s new director of Religious Education (RE), held information sessions to update the congregation on her plans to re-energize the church’s children and youth programs. Her overriding message: This cannot happen in a vacuum. A vibrant RE program requires the support of everyone in the congregation.
Susannah has directed RE programs that served more than 50 children and volunteers. Her strategy includes generational communities, intergenerational community, curriculum and safe environment, and service and justice. So volunteers will be needed for one-time events, Church School teachers, small groups, assistants, and worship-bag coordination. Ideally, each situation / event will include two adults not related to the children or youth involved.
Susannah envisions five components for rebuilding the program – some of which she has already put in motion with massive clean-out days and CCC Youth Service Week. 1: Education Wing clean-up. 2. Connecting to the Mystery with the Story. 3. Connecting to community. 4. Connecting to each other. 5. Events and organization.
Susannah pointed out that if each person would volunteer for one hour each month, Central could fully staff all of the Church School classes as well as CCC Youth!
Please be part of Central’s Religious Education Renewal. Contact Susannah to volunteer!
The Deacon’s Bench
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25
I’ve been “stirred up” to another brief stint as one of your Deacons, and it is an honor. I cherish this community of faith on Angell Street.
Community matters. And in this community, we come from all over. No, we don’t have the same story, we don’t share the same heritage, we don’t experience everything the same way, nor do we agree on how to solve every vexing problem. But there is one thing that we all share in common: we choose to be here on Sundays.
Some friends say: “I believe in God, but I don’t need to go to church to worship.” That doesn’t jibe with my experience. Worship without community is … I don’t know … prayer?
On Sundays we gather in this storied church for relationships with each other and with God. We’re connected with the continuous line of people through the centuries and across the land who seek to improve themselves and better the community through the gift of God’s generous love. It is not always easy – but it is very worthy of our choice to be here.
We gather. We worship. We do good works. We give love. We share love. It is what we do.
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. – Acts 2:42-47
September is when the new church year begins, and now there’s a fresh breeze filling our sails. Patrick, our new senior minister, and Susannah, our new director of religious education, will be charting a new course toward destinations of faith both familiar and new.
I am refreshed. I am excited. I hope you are too.
See you in church – Bill Templeton
Women’s Retreat
Central’s annual Women’s Retreat is finally back after a long hiatus due to COVID-19!
Come away with friends for a time of relaxation and renewal at the spectacular Episcopal Conference Center in nearby Pascoag – 30 minutes northwest of Providence and just a few minutes from the village of Chepachet.
You’ll enjoy 180 wooded acres of hiking trails bordering Echo Lake. And, the sprawling original farmhouse from the 1700s has a large addition with bedrooms, meeting spaces, a dining room, and more.
Imagine! No cooking, cleaning, planning, appointments, or deadlines for an entire weekend! Just nourishment for your body, mind, and soul.
The cost is $175 for five meals, lodging, and materials. Payment is due October 6. To reserve your space, contact Claudia. October 25 to 27, at the Episcopal Conference Center (872 Reservoir Road, Pascoag, R.I.)
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: Tuesday, October 22, 7 pm
- Faith Exploration: Wednesday, October 30, 7 pm
- New Member Sunday: Sunday, November 3, 10:30 am
Gathering Sunday
Summer church hours are coming to an end, and Gathering Sunday is almost upon us. Morning worship will begin at 10:30 am. The Central Congregational Choir will sing, and Church School will be back in session. After worship, we’ll gather together to enjoy Coffee Hour in Chapel Hall. Please join us. Sunday, Sep. 8, 10:30 am, in the Sanctuary
Adult Sunday School
Jesus’ earliest followers faced obstacles like the political power of the Roman Empire and varied religious beliefs of those around them. Even through persecution, Christianity persevered and spread. The Adult Sunday School will start to explore how, in those early days, Peter and Paul led the way that became “The Way.” Questions? Ask Claudia. Sundays beginning Sep. 22, 9 am, in the Fireplace Room
Blessing of the Animals
This month, we will celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis with a blessing of the animals. The love we give to and receive from our pets is a valuable reminder of God’s love for us all. All interested pets, great and small, on leashes or in carriers – and their human companions – are invited. Sunday, Sep. 29, 2 pm, on the West Lawn
Save The Date
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 6, 10:30 am. Join us as we share in the sacrament with Christians the world over!
From Claudia
Paul’s letters to the Galatians, Ephesians, and Philippians were the focus of this summer’s Adult Bible Study. We learned about these peoples and Paul’s interactions with them through his own words. In Galatians 5:22-23, we encountered the gifts of the Spirit, also known as the fruits of the Spirit.
This fall we will all start to explore those fruits and what they mean to us almost 2,000 years after Paul listed them. To refresh your memory, they are love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. It is a concise and laudable list of human attributes. However, they were written to a specific people for a specific purpose in a specific time. What we will explore is not only what these fruits of the Spirit meant then, but what they mean to us today in our own time.
We have probably all heard of these famous fruits, but did you know that there is a counterpart to them in Paul’s letter? He calls them acts of the flesh! You may be able to guess what some of those are.
Reading Galatians 5 can help to put the fruits of the Spirit into context in terms of why the Galatians needed to hear what they are. You can probably guess what many of those acts to avoid were … and are. Anger, selfishness, immoral behavior, and much more are listed clearly for the Galatians who were formidable and feared mercenary warriors in that time.
Paul puts love at the head of the list of spiritual gifts – “agape love,” which is found through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Agape love is the very nature of God. It is love that is unconditional and sacrificial. It is the love of God for humanity. There’s a reason that it is first and foremost in Paul’s list.
I’m wondering. If we were to list the proofs of the Spirit’s presence in our lives and the life of Central Congregational Church, what might we list following love? Would we change anything? Would we add any other fruits? What do the gifts of the Spirit listed by Paul mean to us almost two millennia later? Most importantly, how would we describe agape love? How might we embody such love? How might we incorporate these fruits of the Spirit and more in these days? There is much for us to contemplate. Let’s do it together!
Yours in love and faith – Claudia
Fruits of the Spirit Gatherings
Claudia is launching a brand new group for September: Fruits of the Spirit! Each week, the group will gather at one member’s home to explore Paul’s fruits of the Spirit and what they mean for us today. Sign up in Chapel Hall on Gathering Sunday!
Brunch/Lunch at Not Just Snacks
Let’s meet after Worship for the homestyle tradition and warmth of Indian cuisine at this East Side eatery. Check out the menu (https://notjustsnacks.com/), and RSVP to Claudia. Sunday, Sep. 1, 11:30 am, at Not Just Snacks (833 Hope St., Providence)
Women Gather
Central’s women’s fellowship will gather on Hamilton House’s beautiful garden patio to catch up after the summer. Questions? Ask Claudia. Sunday, Sep. 8, 12 noon, on Hamilton House’s Front Patio
Food For Thought Book Group
Claudia’s book group will discuss “Strength in What Remains,” by Tracy Kidder. This brilliant testament to the power of will and second chances tells of Deogratias Niyizonkiza’s journey from Burundi to the U.S. and of the ordinary people who helped him. Questions? Ask Claudia. Thursday, Sep. 12, 7 pm, in the Fireplace Room
Looking ahead: “Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng, Thursday, Oct. 10, 7 pm
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, Sep. 19, 7:30 am, in the Fireplace Room
Toward Better Christian Politics
This group, led by Kristin DeKuiper and Barb Silvis, will continue to discuss political polarization and how Christians can respond – using a study / discussion guide entitled “The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics,” developed by New York Times columnist David French. A light lunch will be served. Previous attendance is unnecessary! Please join this meaningful conversation for what will likely be a rollercoaster ride to the November elections. Sunday, Sep. 22, 12:15 pm, in the Fireplace Room
Fourth Thursday Book Group
This month, the Fourth Thursday Book Group will kick off the new year – meeting in person instead of via Zoom – for a potluck luncheon and discussion of “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese. Thursday, Sep. 26, 12:30 pm, in the Fireplace Room
Coming up: “An Unfinished Love Story,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Thursday, Oct. 24, at 12:30 pm, via Zoom
Musical Notes: Central Choirs Resume for the Fall!
After a well-deserved hiatus this summer, our Adult and Children’s choirs will resume their weekly singing to once again enrich our worship – starting on Sunday, Sep. 8.
Our Children’s Choir welcomes young singers entering grades three through eight. Rehearsals are weekly on Mondays from 5 to 6 pm, starting on Sep. 9. We encourage them to bring a friend or two (even if they’re not affiliated with Central) since it’s more fun to sing with your pals. The children sing most Sundays and warm-up prior to worship.
The Adult Choir rehearses every Thursday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm – beginning Sep. 12 – and Sundays at 9:15 am before worship.
We welcome and encourage new members to join! Our music ranges from simple to sophisticated. You’ll be challenged, rewarded, and meet new friends. Adding your voice in chorus with others not only brings beauty to our Sundays, but you will also find it personally fulfilling, grow in musical knowledge, and find your part in a rich tradition that has inspired our hearts and minds since creation!
REimagining
Dear Friends, it’s hard to believe that by the time you read this it will be September already! School will be in session, temperatures will be cooling, and I am very excited to experience my first New England leaf-changing season!
Looking back at August, we spent most of our time gearing up for Gathering Sunday when Church School resumes. As part of this gear-up process, it has been a joy to sense the momentum and excitement for a new season at Central. To kick things off, we went back to basics, hosting two information sessions to introduce or reintroduce folks to what makes Religious Education (RE) important and what components contribute to helping create a vibrant and relevant ministry.
RE is such a powerful way for members from all walks of life to connect and explore their faith together. We got to see that intergenerational component in real time at August’s two Education Wing Clean-Outs! We had teens, kids, parents, and grandparents rolling up their sleeves to do a deep clean and inventory of the spaces and materials on our Education Wing. This is a subtle but important component of ministry work: Once we know what materials and space we have and clean them up, we can start to become a welcoming and creative space for kids and teens to grow and engage with each other, the church, and the world! It was a lovely thing to see veteran volunteers and newer families revisit the wonderful memories made – and imagine what is possible as we move forward!
That day, I heard multiple people use the words “inspiring” and “energized!” That is such a testament to the fact that Central is ready and excited to get this ministry going again. If you can find cleaning out a mouse nest in an air duct inspiring, you are poised to recognize the potential all around you! Which is good news, because any RE ministry is composed of folks like that, who are ready to give of their time, treasure, and talent to engage with the young people in this community.
Are you ready? I promise there are no more mouse nests to clean, so don’t worry about that! But you are welcome to drop in and volunteer! RE relies on volunteers to create a rich Church School program and for every event we host. If you are interested in learning more or in bringing your own energy to the mix, we would love to connect with you! Simply email me at susannah@centralchurch.us to get started! – Susannah
CCC Youth Blessing Bags
CCC Youth will continue to work with Better Lives Rhode Island (BLRI) – a community partner whom they served during Youth Service Week – by assembling hygiene kits that they’ve termed “Blessing Bags.” BLRI works in downtown Providence, helping those who are unhoused find shelter and much-needed wraparound services.
There are two ways you can support our youth in this endeavor:
Donate essential hygiene products. Just go to our Blessing Bags Wish List on Amazon.
Help assemble the Blessing Bags.
Contact Morgan Johnson or Cheryl Ludwig, CCC Youth volunteers, for more information. And please join our teens on Sunday, Oct. 6, after Worship, in Chapel Hall. Thank you!
Church School and Children’s Choir Registration
Church School at Central is a safe, loving, and fun place for children in preschool through eighth grade to begin and explore their journeys in faith. Children go to Sunday Worship with their parents and stay through the “Children’s Moment” before heading to the Education Wing.
Our Children’s Choir welcomes young singers entering grades three through eight. Rehearsals are weekly on Mondays from 5 to 6 pm, starting on September 9. And we encourage them to bring a friend or two (even if they’re not affiliated with Central) since it’s more fun to sing with your pals. The children sing most Sunday mornings and warm-up prior to worship.
Register your kids for the 2024/25 school year on Sunday, Sep. 8, 9:45 am, in the Labyrinth – just outside the church kitchen.
Back to School with Amos House
Amos House has 200 children living in its Emergency Family Shelter and Family Reunification Programs, many school age. As you can imagine, back-to-school looks quite different for children living in shelters or transitional housing. So Amos House is holding a Back-to-School Celebration. Every child will get a haircut or braids, a new backpack, and the supplies needed for success in school. You can help.
Make a cash gift to underwrite the cost of clothes, shoes, and supplies: $100 for an elementary school child, $150 for a middle schooler, and $200 for a high schooler.
Shop directly for commonly needed items on Amos House’s Amazon Wish List.
To help in other ways, contact Jessica Salter, Chief Philanthropy and Communications Officer (jsalter@amoshouse.com / 401.272.0220 ext: 210).
In The Gallery
This September, the Gallery at Central Congregational Church will present “Robert O. Thornton: Favorites – A Retrospective Exhibit in Honor of His 101st Birthday.”
Mr. Thornton’s early style, formed with a wry edge and cynical opinion of the human psyche, extends otherwise familiar forms of anatomy and places to create darkly humorous compositions in which two-dimensional design overrides accurate portraiture. His later investigations capture even darker political themes – or provide contrast in the softness of impressionistic Rhode Island seascapes.
After serving in World War II, Mr. Thornton returned to his home state of Rhode Island in 1945. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, married, had three children, and began to paint.
He took a day job to support his young family, working as the RISD Museum photographer – a skill he learned during the war. Mr. Thornton painted nights and weekends, developing his skill and approach to his work. During his 37-year career at RISD, his paintings were shown annually at the RISD Faculty Exhibition until his retirement in 1992. In addition, he had many private sales along the way. In recent years, his work has been shown primarily in the Bert Gallery located in Fox Point.
Come, meet the artist at the opening reception – and birthday celebration – on Friday, Sep. 6, 5 to 7 pm, in the Gallery.
Friday Film Fare
Jim Silverthorn, our resident cinephile, will once again host Central’s version of Friday Night at the Movies (7:30 pm in the Fireplace Room) –screening a different film each month, followed by a lively discussion. Here are the coming attractions:
Oct. 18: The Color Purple (2023)
Nov. 15: The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Dec. 13: The Holdovers (2023)
Jan. 17: August: Osage County (2013)
Feb. 21: The Shootist (1976)
Mar. 14: Living (2022)
Poetry Corner: September Return
All summer some of us
traveled, visiting family,
places familiar, new –
still being the Church,
carrying the Presence
wherever paths led.
Now we return – the Church
back in the building –
a full congregation
united in purpose,
worshiping, serving –
one.
– Ginny Bradley
September Events
| 1 | Worship | 10 am |
| Children’s Moment | 10 am | |
| Lunch at Not Just Snacks | 11:30 am | |
| 4 | Amos House Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| Gallery Committee | 9:30 am | |
| 5 | Board of Deacons | 5:45 pm |
| 6 | Gallery Opening | 5 pm |
| 8 | Registration: Children’s Choir | 9:45 am |
| Registration: Church School | 9:45 am | |
| Gathering Sunday | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Women Gather | 12 noon | |
| 9 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| Compassionate Friends | 7 pm | |
| 11 | Amos House Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| 12 | Food for Thought Book Group | 7 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 15 | Worship | 10:30 am |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| 16 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| Technology Committee | 7 pm | |
| 17 | Plant & Properties Committee | 5:45 pm |
| Prudential Committee | 7 pm | |
| 18 | Amos House Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| 19 | Central Men’s Group | 7:30 am |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 20 | Newsletter Deadline | 3:30 pm |
| 22 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Better Christian Politics | 12:15 pm | |
| 23 | Children’s Choir Rehearsal | 5 pm |
| 25 | Amos House Volunteers | 6:30 am |
| 26 | Fourth Thursday Book Group | 12:30 pm |
| Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 pm | |
| 29 | Adult Sunday School | 9 am |
| Worship | 10:30 am | |
| Church School | 10:30 am | |
| Blessing of the Animals | 2 pm |
The Church Office will be closed Monday, September 2, for Labor Day.