What's New
CBC at the Movies
Join us during the first weekend of February to view and discuss the film The Help, an inspirational, courageous, and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project—one that breaks society’s rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a triumphant story about the ability to create change.
The weekend will include two viewing parties. The first will be at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, at the home of Jill and Dave Dolce, 30 Keel Avenue. The second will be at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, at the home of Maribeth and Jim Traer, 182 Intrepid Lane. Please sign up on the sheets in the church parlor or call the church office.
Our discussion of the film will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 5, in Clarke Hall.

Bible Study Group
Our Wednesday Bible study group is exploring Proverbs: Wisdom for Living during a four-week series. Each session begins at 10:00 a.m. in Clarke Hall.
January 25      Well Begun Is Half Done (Proverbs 2:1-11 & 3:1-18)
February 1      Live & Learn (Proverbs 14)
February 8      Easier Said Than Done (Proverbs 20)
February 15   If the Shoe Fits (Proverbs 25)

February Book Discussion
The February selection for our book discussion group will be God Has a Dream: A Vision of Hope for Our Time by Desmond Tutu. Long admired for the heroism and grace he exhibited while encouraging countless South Africans in their struggle for human rights, the Nobel laureate shares the spiritual message that guided him through those troubled times.
Drawing on personal and historical examples, Tutu reaches out to readers of all religious backgrounds, showing how individual and global suffering can be transformed into joy and redemption. With his characteristic humor, he helps readers to “see with the eyes of the heart” and to cultivate the qualities of love, forgiveness, humility, generosity, and courage.
This discussion will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23. Copies of the book are available to check out from CBC for individuals who plan to participate in the group discussion.

Worship Series: Opening Ourselves to Hope
Hope is a gift that comes to us in a variety of ways—some of which may surprise us. During this worship series, we will explore the importance of being open to the gift of hope—however it may come to us.
        January 8         Let’s Start in the Beginning (Genesis 1:1-5)
        January 15       Listening for an Unexpected Voice (1 Samuel 3:1-10)
        January 22      Things Can Change (Jonah 3:1-5)
        January 29      What the Future Holds (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)
        February 5       Don’t Give Up (Isaiah 40:21-31)
        February 12     A Risk Worth Taking (2 Kings 5:1-14)
        February 19    What We Want Most (2 Kings 2:1-12)

Guys Breakfast Group
The Guys Breakfast Group meets for food and study at 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays. The group is discussing Finding Darwin’s God: A Scientist’s Search for Common Ground Between God and Evolution by Kenneth R. Miller. For more information, please speak with Jim Traer.

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Supporting Our Church Community
2012-2013 Stewardship Campaign
February 26-March 18
Campaign Dinner:  6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10

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                                                Seeds of Hope
                                                Join us during Lent as we plant seeds of hope. Through
                                                this  special program, each interested person will receive
                                                $50 to “plant” in a way that will provide hope for others.
                                                The program will begin with gatherings at 7:00 p.m. on
                                                Ash Wednesday, February 22, and at noon on the first
                                                Sunday in Lent, February 26.

Upcoming Forums
Each of the following forums is to begin at 11:00 a.m. and is open to the public:

  • February 26:  Femina Militaris II
            Dr. Mary Raum, professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval
            War College, will return to present part two of Femina Militaris—with a
            focus on female prisoners of war since WWII.

  • March 11:  The Future of Our Food
            Rosemary Galiani, general manager of the Alternative Food Cooperative
            in Wakefield, will speak about the future of our food, including the
            grassroots movement to “grow our own” in Rhode Island.

  • March 25:  On Mission to La Romana
            Ashley Britton, granddaughter of Jim and Jean Britton, will share about
            her recent mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic.

  • April 15:  Inspirations for Art
            Anne Cordin, an award-winning Rhode Island artist, will speak about her
            art work and the inspirations behind it.

  • April 29:  Hometown of Baptists
            Dr. Stanley Lemons, emeritus professor of history at Rhode Island College
            and church historian for the First Baptist Church in America, will speak
            about the role that Rhode Island plays at the “hometown” of Baptists in
            America.

  • May 13:  The Green Plate & Camouflage Prayers
            Author Jill Connett will share about the experiences that led her to write a
            book about hospitality and another about prayer.