The Broadcaster December 2020 - Warwick Central Baptist Church

The Broadcaster
 December 2020
 Monthly Newsletter of the Warwick Central Baptist Church
 3270 Post Road, Warwick, RI, 02886
 1-401-739-2828
 Email: wcbc01@verizon.net
 Website: www.warwickcentralbaptistchurch.org
 Rev. Jerrie Shepard Matney, Interim Pastor
 Cell phone: 518-331-0390, Email: revjsm@gmail.com

 Mission Statement:

 To Grow in Christ

 To Share His Love

 To Serve His World

From your Temporary Shepherd

Christmas in a Different Key

I was talking with other pastors recently about ideas for this special season, especially for our churches that are
worshiping online. One person advised that we put aside our ideas of how everything was done in the past, and
just start over, as if for the first time. Wow - I thought. Advent and Christmas are tradition-laden seasons, with
so many rituals that are sacred to us. How on earth do we just start over?

I've thought about this over the past couple of weeks. and decided to translate that into a slightly different
message - Christmas in a different key. When you play or sing a song in a different key, it is still the same song.
It may be higher, or lower, or even a bit of a different tempo. But the song is still the same.

There are many things different about this Christmas. Smaller gatherings, no close contact or hugs, few in-
person worship services, less travel and so many other adjustments are the order of the day. How do we honor
this season and tell the story in a different way? How do we preserve what is holy and be open to new ideas and
rituals? The story is the same - the story of God's greatest gift to the world. That hasn't changed and never will.
But the way of telling it - the connections, the venue, the images - may be different this year.

On other pages of this newsletter, you will see news of Advent programs and worship. I will be leading an
Advent study on Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wed. evenings (same lesson each time.) I hope you
will be able to join me for some of them. The Advent candles will be lit in a different way, with contemporary
readings to accompany them.

I have also included an Advent Calendar. I sometimes make my own, but found a couple others that are really
good. The full page one has good ideas and Scriptures for each day, that you may want to share with your
household, or a prayer partner or phone buddy.

I didn't fully print out the other one, a Reverse Advent Calendar. You set aside a big box and every day add one
thing to it. Some suggestions are - cans of soup or vegetables, boxes of crackers or pasta, games, toys, and
crayons, paper products, toiletries - one item a day during Advent. Then donate the contents to a local food
pantry or mission.

I encourage you to follow one or both of these during Dec. to enrich your Advent in a personal way.

We begin Advent with a special afternoon event at church on Nov. 29. Quiet Christmas will be observed on
Dec. 18, and Christmas Eve worship on Dec. 24. Different, but the same story. Together, not-together. Same
song, in a different key.

I am really excited about the things we have planned, and am looking forward to spending this sacred season
with you all!

Advent blessings,

Pastor Jerrie

1 December 2020

Dear Members and Friends of Warwick Central Baptist Church,

Our journey into the Advent Season has begun! This journey takes us from Thanksgiving into Christmas. The
Season in which Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love are God’s gift to us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.

It may be more challenging this year to recognize and see the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love of this Season as we
continue to be physically apart from each other, but please know that you, our church family are missed and
thought of and prayed for continually, especially at this most special time of year. Though we may be
physically apart, we are never truly apart from each other, for we are joined together in spirit by God, His Son,
and the Holy Spirit.

While we will be journeying through the Advent Season a bit differently this year than we are used to, please be
assured that WCBC church leaders and teams continue doing what they are called to do:

 The Worship Team and others work hard with our Pastor in assuring that Zoom Worship continues each week.
 The Missions Team finds new ways to support our local communities, missionaries, and retired ministers
 without missing a beat.
 The Finance Team keeps our finances flowing by diligently and carefully being good stewards of our tithes
 and offerings and all financial matters of the church.
 The Properties Team keeps the building in good repair and works on projects as they come up.
 The Caregivers Team cares for you through ‘visits’ by way of cards, calls, texts, and emails.
 The Women’s Council continues their mission work and finding new ways to fellowship together.
 The Search Team navigates through applications and conducts interviews, as God directs them and in God’s
 time as they continue the search process.
 The Reopening Team is monitoring the ongoing health situation in order to bring us back together again once
 it is safe to do so.

I pray that your journey through Advent is filled with all the blessings of the season - Hope, Peace, Joy, and
Love. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family!

Your sister in Christ,
Beverly A. Mason

A Quiet Christmas
 A Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness
 Friday, December 18th at 7:00 PM.
 via Zoom
For many, Christmas is a bittersweet time of year. It is a time for remembering
both persons and events that have been a part of our lives in the past, but are
now changed or gone. This year, especially, has been a challenging year for all
of us. So with this being the time of year with the longest nights, we offer a
quiet, meditative worship service that make time for remembering, sharing our
hurting places with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ.

Join us on Zoom Friday, December 18th at 7:00 PM for a time of special music,
scripture reflection, healing, and prayer.

During the service there will be opportunity for lighting candles as a time of
remembrance and reflection. Please have a candle and lighting implement ready
for the appropriate time in the service.

The Zoom Link information will be emailed out the week of the Service. If we
don’t already have your email address for the weekly Zoom services, please
email (wcbc01@verizon.net) or call (401-739-2828) the church office to receive
the Zoom link information to join in the Quiet Christmas Service on December
18th.

Observing Advent Together
 Our Advent Schedule for 2020

In addition to our regular team activities and worship, we offer additional meaningful events that
we hope will add extra warmth and meaning to our holiday season.

November 29 10:15 AM Sunday Morning Worship via Zoom

December 6 10:15 AM Sunday Morning Worship via Zoom
December 13 10:15 AM Sunday Morning Worship via Zoom
December 18 7:00 PM Annual “A Quiet Christmas” observance via Zoom (see Flyer)
December 20 10:15AM Sunday Morning Worship via Zoom
December 24 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship via Zoom

From the Fellowship: Dear Friends,
 Libby and I want to thank each of you for the kind and
Dear WCBC family, Tom and I want to thank you all generous gift you sent to us. We are deeply moved
for your cards, prayers and kind wishes upon our recent by your thoughtfulness. It's something you've always
marriage. We feel truly blessed to be part of this been good at: making people feel appreciated. And that's
wonderful group of Christians, one like no other! why even though separated by distance, WCBC will
Thank you! always hold a warm spot in our hearts. We continue to
 Linda (Knutton) and Tom Jenison have high hopes that the pastor search experience will
 have a positive result. Just wish we could've stayed the
 Address Change: course until completion. But I don't do that zoom stuff
 Linda (Knutton)Jenison and Thomas Jenison very well. We hope to be back that way come March,
14 Clearview Dr. keeping our fingers crossed that our trip to Israel will
North Kingstown, RI 02852 still take place. Gives us something to look forward
 to. We miss ya'll an awful lot. Sending love
 and prayers your way. Happy Thanksgiving to all our
 dear Rhodys!

 Br'er Dan & Miss Libby

 December 1- Lisa Archer
 December 3- Elizabeth Petrangelo
 December 4- Susan Aldrich
 Coralie Kraetzer
 December 10- Carol Myatt
 December 11- Ruby Creswick
 December 12- Linda (Knutton) Jenison
 December 14- Diane Bonenfant
 December 15- Joseph Orzechowicz
 December 16- Barbara Haines
 Marilyn Timperley
 December 18- David Rothfuss We have a limited number of Daily Devotional
 December 21- Beverly Miller Booklets (The Secret Place and Our Daily Bread)
 December 25- Carol DuBeau available in large and regular prints. Please contact
 December 26- Patrick Berthiaume the church office at (401)739-2828 or at
 December 29- Marjorie Rowell
 wcbc01@verizon.net to request a copy be sent to
 December 30- Gail Barnes
 December 31- John Thorpe you.

Dear Friends,
I wanted to let you know that Dorothy Godsoe, who
turned 98 on October 4th, is now in a nursing home and Pajama Drive
not able to read the Broadcaster. She was a long time As the holiday season approaches and our thoughts turn
member of the church and very active before moving in to celebrating the season, Foster Forward is asking for
with me. I know she would love to receive cards. Her help to create a memorable holiday for the youth in state
address is : foster care. Foster Forward is having a pajama drive
Mrs. Dorothy Godsoe event for the foster children and youth all over Rhode
West View Nursing Home Island. I recognize that this year has been challenging for
150 Ware Rd many, but if you feel able to contribute to this drive,
Dayville, CT 06241 there will be a collection box at church before and
Thank you for keeping her in your prayers, during the Advent Event on Sunday November 29th. If
Gratefully, you have any questions, please contact Heather Lindsay
Pat Hedenberg (Dorothy’s daughter) at 401-419-2569. Blessings to all.

Discipleship Corner- December
 New at the Church Library for December

 New Pamphlets from Our Daily Bread Ministries Discovery Series
 1. The Mystery of the Manger: Exploring the Whole Story of Christmas by John Greco
These pamphlets are 32 pages each and easy to read. They are brief overviews of a book from the OT or
NT or a topic of interest in Christian living.

 New Books for the Library:
 1. Stand Strong: 365 Devotions for Men by Men- Our Daily Bread Ministries
 2. God’s Mysterious Ways: Suffering, Grace, and God’s Plan for Joseph
 By Gary Inrig
 3. Commentary on Galations: New International Greek Testament Commentary by F.F. Bruce
 4. Six Hours One Friday: Living the Power of the Cross by Max Lucado
 5. The Gospel According to Paul by John MacArthur
 6. The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul by Adam Hamilton
 7. Science and the Mind of the Maker: What the Conversation between
 Faith and Science Reveals about God by Melissa Cain Travis
 8. Serving God/Saving the Planet: A Call to Care for Creation and Your Soul by J. Matthew
 Sleeth, MD (This is a DVD)

Any items from the church library are available for checkout. Please call or email Dave
Maine (398-8939) or DMaine@ric.edu to arrange a time to pick up or for a delivery.

 Adult Study- Sunday Mornings - 8:45- 9:30AM
Join us on Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:30 AM as we study scripture and other topics in the Christian life. We
have great fellowship and discussion is often lively, interesting, and helpful to your daily walk in the Christian
life.

During Advent, Pastor Jerrie will be leading the class in an Advent study. The time will be 8:45am –
9:30am. Please note: Pastor Jerrie will be offering this same study on Sunday evenings and Wednesday
evenings. See times listed. To sign up for one of these zoom studies, please call or email Dave Maine.

All are welcome!! Please join us on Sunday AM for study before Worship!! If you would like to be
included in the Zoom invite for class, please call Dave Maine (398-8939) or Joe O. (714-4048).

ADVENT STUDY, RI, 2020

Pastor Jerrie will be leading an Advent study during the 4 weeks of Advent. They will be
offered three times during the week (same lesson), on Sunday mornings, during S.S. time (8:45-
9:30), and also on Sundays at 6:00 and Wednesdays at 7:00. (If you are interested, and would
like an afternoon time, please let her know.)

You may attend as your schedule permits, and don't need to come to all of them. Each lesson is
self-contained. They will all be on Zoom, so please sign up with Dave (398-8939) or
dmaine@ric.edu.

The theme is "And His Name Shall Be Called" and the topics are: The names of Jesus. Week
1) His Name is Wonderful, Week 2) Mighty God, Week 3) Everlasting Father, and Week 4)
Prince of Peace. Each is self-contained, and you don't need to attend all. You may also go at a
different time each week, as the lessons will be repeated for all three sessions in a week.

We will begin on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 8:45, but will not meet that evening because of the
afternoon Advent gathering.

I hope to see you there, as we celebrate this most sacred season together!

Advent Program
Sunday November 29 (First Sunday in Advent) @2:30pm
Come join the Discipleship and Worship Teams as they host a little different spin on our traditional
wreathmaking program. This will be an outside event on the front lawn as well as in the back parking lot.
Come kick off the season of Advent with music, caroling and fellowship. Advent Devotionals will be
available to take, one per family.

Please Note: This Event will be Held Weather Permitting. It is also
subject to cancellation depending on current State of RI restrictions
for Covid 19 virus.

Women’s Ministries

I want to thank everyone who brought donations for the clothing drive for McAuley House and
Ministries.
It was overwhelming to see all the items and the beautiful hats and gloves, coats, sweaters,
sweatshirts, winter socks, and toiletries. I will be bringing everything to McAuley House on
November 24. I also received a check from Barbara and Marge Rowell who Live in Florida and
they wish to make a donation to our McAuley House mission project. Marge tells me that her
mother Barbara used to eat lunch there when she volunteered for SPNM and values the work they
do for people in need. They wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.
 The following is a brief description of the McAuley Ministries in Providence.

McAuley Ministries, based in Providence, Rhode Island, is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and rooted in the ideals of its founder, Catherine McAuley. Our ministry
provides the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, health services, emotional support and guidance to the most
vulnerable in our community.
While we minister to the immediate needs of those who seek our help, we also advocate for changes that better
address the needs of those we serve while working to create a caring community where people can connect with
one another. Through our work, we strive to treat everyone with respect and dignity, and build the self-esteem
of those we serve and encourage their self-sufficiency. The core values that guide McAuley Ministries are
rooted in charity and justice, as taught by the Gospel.

 McAULEY HOUSE
 A meal site and social service community center. We open our doors at 8am Monday through Friday and
 welcome guests to join us for a day of food, fellowship, program activities, and much needed social services in
 a safe and comforting atmosphere.

 McAULEY VILLAGE
 Safe, affordable, supportive housing for single homeless mothers and their children.
 McAuley Village offers comprehensive services, including educational support, housing advocacy, job
 readiness training, financial literacy, parenting classes, and more.

 THE WARDE-ROBE
 A volunteer-supported thrift store in
Central Falls, at 1286 Broad Street, offering quality used clothing and household goods to those in need. With a
 welcoming atmosphere, the store preserves the dignity of each person who walks through its
 doors.
I also want to let you know that Joanne Howe and I took a road trip to Meriden Ct and dropped off the four clean up buckets for Church
World Services. The Center Congregational Church in Meriden Ct is a drop off center here in the Northeast.

Date to remember:
December 15, 3-5 pm Rebekah Circle at Hilton Garden Inn Warwick. We are hoping to be able to hold our Christmas Party. This is
subject to change due to COVID and we will call everyone.

Blessings to all,
Carol Myatt

INTERCESSORY PRAYER
 December 2020
 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
 Psalm 55:22

 Please be in prayer for:

 Louise Aldrich Kathy Johnson Gwen Zangari
 Lisa Archer Chris Lord Bill
 Lisa B. Deb M. Chris
 Dana Bezus Fred Gavin
 Jeanne Boffi Gail Mutter Joanne
 Philip Cate Lucille Nelson KJ
 Michael Cavanaugh Stacey Newman Kelsey & Ryen
 Matthew Chase Keith Ryan Mary Jane
 Amanda Fanfara Susan Scott Melody
 Selina Figueroa Christina Shaw Miriam
 Carol Gallucci Richard & Ronnie St. Jean Pat
 Elaine Holly W.
 Lilia G. Beth Wait

 Prayers for Spiritual Strength and Guidance
Our covenant churches: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and St. Catherine’s Catholic Church; Tim and Patti
Long, our missionaries to Mexico; and for our national, state, and local leaders.

Our church family sympathy surrounds Cathi Johnson and family at the death of close family friend, Judith
Picard of Florida, who recently passed away.

Please be in prayer for our Pastoral Search Committee: Ed Diggle, Joe Orzechowicz, Elaine Thorpe, Sue
Place, and Lynne Linden.

As we continue journeying through the COVID-19 situation, let us be in prayer for ALL healthcare workers,
front-line workers, National Guard, first responders, and ALL people as we battle through these times together!

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt 6:33)

WORSHIP IN ADVENT

Nov. 29 - "How the Story Begins"

 Luke 1:5-25

Dec. 6 - "The Season of Waiting" (Communion)

 John 1:1-14

Dec. 13 - "The 'Real' Message of Advent"

 Luke 3:1-18

Dec. 20 - "Giving and Receiving is Serious Business"

 Luke 2:1-14

This is the plan - however, it may be altered by the work of the Holy Spirit, the whim of the pastor, or the
presentation of a pastoral candidate.

CHRISTMAS TRIVIA

I sometimes put trivia questions in the bulletin during Dec., which is kind of hard with Zoom worship. So I'll
just add them here. See how well you do. (Answers in the next newsletter.)

1. What two books of the Bible describe Jesus' birth?

2. What prophet predicted where Jesus would be born?

3. Where were Mary and Joseph traveling from?

4. According to the Scriptures, how many Wise Men were there?

5. When is Epiphany celebrated?

6. For what instrument was "Silent Night" originally written?

7. What President first brought a Christmas tree into the White House?

8. What country does the poinsettia come from?

And....do you recognize these Christmas carols?

Small city in Judea_____________________

Colorless Yuletide______________________

Far off in a feeder______________________

Delight for this planet___________________

Nocturnal Noiselessness________________

Initial Christmas_______________________

Array the Corridors_____________________