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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to register to attend services at Central Baptist?

There is no need to register or sign up to join us for worship on Sunday mornings or to attend Small Group Studies. All activities and events are open to the public. You may be asked to sign up for special events where there is a cost or for events where there is a need to know how many people will be participating for planning purposes. 

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2. How do I make a contribution to the church?

There are donation boxes for your offerings at the parking lot entrance to the church and in the narthex (Front Hall). We also have some easy options for online giving:

  • Add CBC’s address (16 Elm St Westerly RI 02891) to your bank’s Bill Payment site and schedule the bank to mail your check to the church.

  • Text Giving is now available. Message the word “GIVE” to 401-414-4940 from your cellphone and easily send a donation.

  • Another option is to visit www.cbcwesterlyri.org, then click on Donations link at the top. The URL for the app is: https://app.easytithe.com/app/Giving/cbcw

  • You can give either directly from your bank account or ... (for a higher fee) use a debit/credit card. The app uses the same security as bank web sites, so your personal information is secure. Also, it allows you to schedule your donations in advance, so ‘once and it’s done’!

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3. Does the Church have a denominational affiliation?

Central Baptist is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA, a Baptist Christian denomination. It was established in 1907 as the Northern Baptist Convention, and from 1950 to 1972 as the American Baptist Convention. It traces its history to the First Baptist Church in America (1638) and the early Baptist associations dating back to 1814. Headquartered in Valley  Forge, Pennsylvania, ABCUSA is usually considered mainline, although varying theological and mission emphases may be found among its congregations, including modernist, charismatic and evangelical orientations.

 

4.  How do I become a church member?

At Central Baptist Church we welcome all new attendees to consider joining the church after being with us for a while. If you feel called to be a part of the community, you can join by one of four ways:

  • By believers baptism by immersion.

  • By a transfer of church letter.

  • By claiming a previous baptism with a profession of faith in Christ

  • By having a lapsed membership reinstated.

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If you'd like to be baptized or become a member of the church, speak to Pastor Cal.

 

 5. What is a family dedication service and how do I arrange one?

Whereas many churches practice infant baptism, we offer a service of family dedication. It is similar to infant baptism in that it is the parents who initiate the ceremony. The difference is that it is the parents who are making a promise to raise their child to know the love of God by;

  • Providing a home where Christ is spoken of and shared.

  • Raising the child so that they will feel the love of God in and through them.

  • Utilizing the resources of the church for Christian education and family worship.

At the same time the church promises to support and encourage the family in prayer and practice. As the family comes forward during a regularly scheduled worship service, a blessing is said over them by the pastor. It is a beautiful ceremony that brings blessing to every family.

 

6. Whom should I contact regarding wedding or memorial service arrangements at the church?

If you would like to request a wedding or memorial service, please contact the church office at 401-596-4929. Our Office administrator can confirm a date and pass along your request to our pastor, Rev. Dr. Cal Lord. Along with spiritual and emotional support, he can discuss preferences for the service such as readings, hymns, homilies and eulogies, etc. The office will also notify and coordinate arrangements with the organist, ushers, and custodian. The office also has a list of any honorariums and fees associated with the services.You do not need to be a member of the church to have your service here. 

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7. How do I get help if a fellow congregant, family member or I might need assistance due to health issues, personal loss, or spiritual need?

Central Baptist is a community of caring individuals committed to helping those in need. Please contact either the church office (401-596-4929) to get Pastor Cal or the Chair of the Board of Deacons, Geri Maloney, and one or the other will secure the necessary resources to assist you whether you require a visit from the Pastor or one of our Deacons, the delivery of a prepared meal, a ride to and from the hospital, a prayer from our prayer chain, or a telephone call from a friendly, assuring voice. We will be there for you please call on us if you need help.

Central Baptist provides the following services to its members in need:

  • Pastoral Care

  • Prayer Requests

  • Home visits

  • Help with Transportation

  • Provision of Meals

  • Odd Jobs and Simple Services

  • Assistance with home heating

  • A monthly food coop program

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