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Rhode Island State Council of Churches
Update Newsletter
October 15, 2026
Submissions for our next Update Newsletter are due in Wednesday, October 28 for publication Thursday, October 29. Please submit Events to EVENTS
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Reserve Your Tickets TODAY!
(cut off date October 24)
Heroes of Faith Award Breakfast
Partners in Faith Awards
October 29, 2026, 8:00 am to 10:30 am
Temple Beth El (Providence)
We are putting together an amazing program, as we honor our Heroes of Faith and Partners in Faith. This celebratory breakfast brings together Faith Leaders, Faith Communities, Social Advocacies and many more groups we work with throughout the year. Come and enjoy the Breakfast, Awards, Rousing Speeches, Uplifting Music, and Shared Partnerships.
This years honorees as Heroes of Faith are listed below.
Important Links:
Registration Information and Tickets
Heroes of Faith Poster
Partners in Faith Nomination Criteria
SUBMIT A PARTNER IN FAITH!
Partners in Faith
A key feature of that program is the recognition and lifting up of volunteers from our local faith communities.
The Partners in Faith program gives non-profit organizations such as houses of worship, faith-based non-profits, and other groups that work with the faith community, an opportunity to honor ONE member (or ONE couple) who has made a significant contribution to the life of their community.
Click here to learn more about this honor, and criteria for the award.
The deadline for submitting names for recognition is Friday, October, 23rd. We hope that this might be an important way to honor and recognize the hard work of a person (or two) in your faith community.
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New
Harrison Tuttle to Speak at First Baptist Church in America
Sunday, October 18, 11:00 am Service
All are Welcome!
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October 20
Kingston Congregational Church
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Click to Register
October 24
St. Martin de Porres Center
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Click to Register
October 25
Arnold Mills United Methodist Church
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Click to Register
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2610 Kingstown Road
South Kingstown, Rhode Island, 02881
United States (map)
160 Cranston Street
Providence, Rhode Island, 02907
United States (map)
690 Nate Whipple Highway
Cumberland, Rhode Island, 02864
United States (map)
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Get Out the Vote Postcard Event
Thgis event was held last Sunday at First Unitarian Church, Providence
Postcards were supplied by Common Cause RI, and "VOTE" Letters were supplied by the Womxn Project.
Rev Gene Dyszlewski (RISCC Social Justice Commissioner) was in the pupit for that Sunday Service. Rev. Cynthia Shukudo Bapties prresented the Invocation and led a meditation during the service. Senator Tiara Mack also joined Gene in pulpit.
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Thanksgiving Interfaith Service
Novemebr 24, 7:00 pm
St. Martin's Episcopal Church (Providence)
Speaker: Jeremy Langill, Executive Minister RISCC
More information to follow
(Click on the image to access a poster sized graphic. Please print and post wherever you can!)
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From the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
We understand that many churches and houses of worship in Rhode Island provide food banks and family assistance programs. We can imagine that unemployment and economic concerns are a common issue facing individuals. We wanted to make your members aware of our services, including job centers in Woonsocket, West Warwick, and Providence, as well as virtual appointments as well.
https://dlt.ri.gov/career-services
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Calander Event Listings
Please submit YOUR event to RISCC EVENTS
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Christian Buddhist Meditation Series
Save the Dates and Join Us!
Thursday, October 15th 11:00 am— 12:00 pm
Thursday, November 5th 11:00 am — 12:00 pm
Thursday, November 19th 11:00 am — 12:00 pm
Thursday, December 3rd 11:00 am — 12:00 pm
Thursday, December 17th 11:00 am — 12:00 pm
(A “Brown Bag” lunch following each sitting is optional.)
It is an ongoing event on the first and third Thursday of each month. We meet in-person at Phillips Memorial Baptist Church and there is a zoom option.
If you can’t actually remove the noise and turmoil from daily life, meditation may help mitigate the impact. If meditation is new to you, or if you wish to get back on track with your practice, we would love to have you sit with us. We meet in the Trickett Parlor on the first and third Thursday of each month at 11:00 am. There is no cost associated with this program. We appreciate the blessing of your presence. For more information, please contact Rev. Eugene Dyszlewski, rev.gene@icloud.com or 401-345-7291.
Read more about Christian-Buddhist Meditation HERE
Read more about the Lotus Cross Cross HERE
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Join us for this delicious delivery of surprising and little-known facts about African American innovators who shaped America’s pizza landscape, from deep-dish pioneers to civil rights activists.
In 2017, three HBCU graduates from Tennessee State University—EJ Reed, Clint Gray, and Derrick Moore—opened Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria in a North Nashville garage. They purposefully designed a fast-casual artisan pizzeria that celebrated urban culture and hip-hop, naming their pizzas after famous musical icons and deploying locations in historically Black neighborhoods to generate local jobs.
~The S&H Story~
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No More Hunger
October 17, 2026
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
111 W Shore Rd, Warwick, RI,
5 Years. $65,000+ Raised. 1 Community. Let’s Keep the Momentum Going!
Organized by:
Concordia Center for Spiritual Living
Lakewood Baptist Church
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Woodbury Union Presbyterian Church
Together, the No More Hunger Walk has raised over $65,000 to fight hunger right in our backyard and beyond. Every single step counts, and 100% of the funds go directly to incredible organizations providing essential food relief:
West Bay Marketplace
St. Mark's Food Pantry
Food for the Soul
Food Ministry at Lakewood Baptist Church
Woodbury Union Food Pantry
Spring Green Food Pantry
Haiti's Child
Join us again this year to make an even bigger impact!
Event Details:
When: Saturday, October 17th, 2026 (Rain or Shine!)
Times: Registration opens at 9:00 AM | Walk starts at 10:00 AM
Registration forms provided and monetary donations welcome!
Call Woodbury's church office at 401-737-8232 or email woodburychurchri@gmail.com
Route: St. Mark's to Donovan Park and back (~2.5 miles / 1 hour round trip)
Note: Not up for the full 2.5 miles? Feel free to walk halfway—every bit helps!
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American Baptist Churches of RI (ABCORI) Celebratedd 200 Years
October 18, 4 PM
Calvary Baptist Church
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Oktoberfest
October 18, 4 PM
Newman Congregational (Rumford)
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New
"Down to Earth"
Interfaith Power and Light
October 21, 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
While our world struggles with conflict and division, we at Rhode Island Interfaith Power & Light remain committed to unity, life, and light. What better way to champion those values than by gathering this autumn for “Down to Earth,” an evening of fellowship, nature, and dialogue about how we can work together to care for our corners of creation—hosted with our partners at Salve Regina University.
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2026 Festival of Meals!
Meals on Wheels
October 20, 2026
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Crowne Plaza, Warwick
Everyone deserves a place at the table.
Join us for the 2026 Festival of Meals, an afternoon celebrating the power of nutrition to build healthier communities across Rhode Island.
Guests will enjoy:
- A plated lunch and dessert
- Networking with community leaders, partners, and supporters
- An engaging program highlighting the impact of nutrition on health and independence
- Opportunities to help ensure every Rhode Islander has a place at the table
Your participation helps fuel this important work, supporting nutritious meals, social connection, and innovative programs that improve health outcomes across our state.
Early Bird tickets are available through September 21.
~Reserve Your Seat Today~
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Root Out Poverty Conference & Fundraiser
Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty
October 20, 2026
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Temple Beth-El
Mark your calendars for our Root Out Poverty Conference and Fundraiser on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 from 9AM-1PM. It will include an honest conversation about leading causes to the economic instability so many Rhode Islanders face. Poor healthcare access and a lack of affordable housing. Low wage jobs and few workforce development opportunities. Food deserts, rising costs, systemic education barriers, discrimination, and so many more. By getting at the real roots of poverty, we can together strategize a fruitful harvest.
More details, including how to buy tickets, to come. The goal is to raise $25,000.
~Purchase Tickets, Program Ads & Sponsorship~
Want to be a Sponsor? click HERE
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Homeless Memorial Service
October 22, 11 PM to 1 PM
Mathewson St. Church (Providence)
Join us October 22, 2026 from 11am-1pm at Mathewson St. Church, as we gather in a non-denominational, yet spiritual moment, individually honoring each life lost in Rhode Island over the last year.
The Homeless Memorial is free and open to anyone who would like to gather with community and honor the lives of those we lost this year.
A luncheon reception will follow the ceremony. For those in need, we will have clothing, toiletries and other supplies to give, separate from the luncheon and memorial ceremony.
If you had a loved one pass away this year who experienced homelessness, you can submit their name here to be read aloud and remembered tomorrow.
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New
St. Martin's Episcopal Church Annual Estate Sale
October 23-25, 2026
Join us the weekend of October 23rd for the Annual Estate Sale at St. Martin's Church!
Unique and interesting items for sale with proceeds going toward St. Martin's Church Outreach Programs.
St. Martin's Episcopal Church
50 Orchard AvenueProvidence, Rhode Island, 02906
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New
Greek Food Fair & Christmas Bazaar
November 7, 8
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation
175 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston
Join us for a festive weekend of delicious Greek food, holiday shopping, and community fun!
Nov 7, 10am-7pm
Nov 8, 11am-3pm
Greek Food & Pastries | Coffee Shop | Raffles & Crafts | White Elephant
Proceeds benefit the charitable work of our Philoptochos Society, supporting individuals and families in need throughout the community and beyond.
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Bit O'Sweden Fall Fair
November 7, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Beacon Covenant Church
814 North Main St, Attleboro
The Bit O' Sweden Fall Fair is returning to the Beacon Covenant Church on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Fair will run from 9am - 1pm and will include a Swedish Pancake Breakfast, Swedish breads, cakes, and cookies, along with frozen meals to go. Explore our Grandpa's Attic, Vintage Treasures, or Jewelry Table for some unique finds.
Swedish Imports, and handmade knitted, sewn and craft items will be available along with a kids’ book sale and scavenger hunt.
For more information, please contact the church at 508-226-6221.
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New
Mahler Ryder: Interrupted Inheritance Opening Reception
November 12, 4 pm to 7 pm
Rhode Island College: Bannister Gallery
330 Rhode Island College RoadProvidence
This exhibition presents the work of Mahler B. Ryder alongside reflections by his daughter, Ulli K. Ryder, in a dialogue between visual and written expression, between parent and child, and between the living and the dead.
Mahler Ryder was the first Black faculty member in the Illustration Department at Rhode Island School of Design.
Click here to download the flyer.
Click here to contact the host or here to visit the event website.
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Suicide Prevention
Brown Health
November 13
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
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Resources for Clergy and Faith Communities | | | |
Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence (RICADV)
NO MORE recently released “The Lighthouse,” a fantastic new guide for survivors, victims, and their loved ones. This essential guide offers detailed information on recognizing various forms of abuse, finding counseling services, legal aid, and more, serving as a beacon of hope and guidance toward a brighter future. A huge shoutout to the brave survivors and amazing organizations who helped shape this guide.
Check it out here, nomore.org/survivors-guide
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Grace Note Singers
And a reminder that this wonderful organization is available to help!
GraceNoteSingers is a group of women called to sing as comfort for individuals nearing death or receiving hospice or palliative care. We gather 3 or 4 members at a time to sing gently for those in transition. Our intention is to hold all those present at bedside with care and support as we sing to create a loving and peaceful environment for the patient, their loved ones, and those who care for them.
GraceNoteSingers has been called to this service for over 10 years, supporting people in a variety of settings: long-term-care facilities, private homes, and hospice centers. We offer our services to your faith community, and we would be honored to gather with you to share songs and examples of our practice for people to get a sense of what we do. We welcome conversations about our mission.
Our group is also expanding, so if our mission has meaning for you, let us know. We’d like to be more reflective of the people we sing to, so we’re hoping to fill available spots with compassionate singers who reflect the diversity of our community.
To schedule a visit to your community, or to learn more about our group and possible membership, find us at gracenotesingers.net. You can email us at info@gracenotesingers.net. A group member will be in touch to answer your questions and/or arrange a visit to your community.
Thank you,
GraceNoteSingers
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Rhode Island State Council of Churches
1520 Broad Street
Providence, RI 02905
401.461.5558
email: riscc@councilofchurchesri.org
www.councilofchurchesri.org
Jeremy Langill, Executive Minister
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Rhode Island State Council of Churches
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