Dear Friends,

Last Sunday’s worship service left some people confused about the scripture readings. I made a mistake when contacting the reader, so I’m sorry for the mix up. 

This week we will hear the parable of the Wedding Banquet and the Exodus story of the golden calf—two stories that include vivid imagery and emotion. At a time when so many of us are heartbroken and reeling from the events in Gaza and Israel, we might want to approach high-powered scripture with extra caution. 

I’ll seek to address these challenges in a sermon that I’m calling, “Not Idols, An Invitation.” I hope to see you on Sunday, October 15 at 10:30 a.m. to worship together. Please stay to enjoy refreshments and fellowship offered by the Hospitality Team.

Grace and peace,

Chris

WORSHIP STARTS at 10:30 A.M.

In-person and broadcast Worship begins at 10:30 AM on Sunday morning. Services are broadcast on Facebook Live thanks to our amazing Broadcast Team of volunteers.

Sunday Worship 10:30 AM

Scripture Readings

EXODUS 32: 1-14

PHILIPPIANS 4: 1-9

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 22: 1-14

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School begins the morning in the Sanctuary for the first part of the worship service, and on Sunday School days we go upstairs to our classrooms following the Children’s Sermon. We are pleased to continue lessons for Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Grapple for middle schoolers.

Youth Group is helping with the Saturday Night Meals on October 21. Helpers arrive at East Parish Church in Salisbury at 12:30 until about 2:30 to prep food for the meal! Any youth (or families) wanting to help should check in with Lauren by 10/12 so she can help Saturday Night Meals team plan accordingly.

For more information or to register for Fall programs, please contact Lauren lauren@centralnewburyport.org (978)572-1423

NEW MEMBERS CLASS

We are offering a series of three classes, starting on Thursday, October 19 and continuing October 26 and November 2 at 7:00 PM in the Grimes Room. In the New Members class, we’ll have the chance to get to know one another while we explore some of the basics of Christian faith. We will share some of our traditions at Central, and our heritage in the United Church of Christ. But most of all, we want to hear from you: your hopes and joys, the passion and concern that you bring to the pilgrimage of faith. If you can’t attend all the sessions, that’s okay. The emphasis is on relationship building.

This class is offered as an exploration without any expectation that you will join the church at the conclusion. If you’re interested in being part of the class, please speak to me or one of the deacons or just drop in at the classes before worship services.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns at 978-465-1479 or by email at Chris@centralnewburyport.org.

Central Happenings 

PET BLESSING

Central Congregational Church is hosting the annual Pet Blessing on Sunday, October 22 at 10:30 AM, starting in the Central sanctuary and moving out to Brown Square. Each year church members, friends from the community and animal lovers gather with their pets and animals to receive this special blessing. All are welcome! Just a reminder that all pets must be leashed or in proper carriers and under control of owners at all times. We hope to see you and your beloved pets there.

It's a Holly Jolly Christmas Fair is back!

Saturday, Dec. 2^nd from 9:00 am -2:00 pm

All the old favorites PLUS new fun activities

֍ The 9th Annual Basket Raffle ֍ The Gorgeous Jewelry & Accessories Room ֍ Fresh Hand-Decorated Wreaths ֍ Our “World Famous” Cookie Walk; plus cookbooks for sale! ֍ Youth Fun Room for Face Painting, “Make & Take a Gift” and “Kids-Only Shopping Table” ֍ The Country Store: beautiful homemade items AND traditional baked beans and brown bread to take home! ֍ “Good Cause Gifts” to support charity ֍ Sweet Shoppe and Baked Goods ֍ Get your free Fair Passports with an opportunity to win a Raffle Prize! ֍ Delicious Fish Chowder and Sandwich luncheon. After all, shopping makes you hungry!

Please let me know if you can help the day of the Fair. It will be great fun! Contact Barbara Oswald at pelwald@comcast.net or call 508-265-6825

Community News and Events

ANNUAL DIAPER DRIVE FOR ANCHOR OF HOPE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4,

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Outreach Committee is hosting the annual Diaper Drive for Anchor of Hope on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10 AM - 1 PM at the Pleasant Street parking lot behind the church (across from Changing Tides Cafe). Donations of any size and any brand, including open packages, as long as you mark the size on any open packages or loose diapers. The greatest need for diaper sizes is 4, 5, and 6. Last year’s diaper drive collected more than 5400 diapers and more than 3000 wipes. You can drop off early donations until November 3 to the church office, or have your on-line purchases delivered directly to Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St, Newburyport MA 01950.

Giving

Special Donations - Afghan Family Support

If you are interested in making a special donation to support the Afghan family that Central Church is assisting, we have set-up a specific fund that you can donate to using our on-line giving system. Follow these easy steps through the Central Church website:

1)   Go to: https://www.centralnewburyport.org

2)   In the blue banner at top of page click on: ON LINE WORSHIP

3)   On the far right of the page click on the blue text link: Click here to contribute online.

4)   Complete the Online Donation form that appears

Your Support is important.

We continue to rely upon and appreciate your financial support!

If you have a prayer concern this week, please send an email to Chris at chris@centralnewburyport.org by the end of the day Saturday or complete a prayer request card available in the Sanctuary and give it to a Deacon before worship service begins. Your prayer concern will be mentioned in the Sunday Worship by first name only, for privacy concerns. Thank You!

Health & Safety Information

Per CDC guidelines, masks are optional during worship and other activities, but are highly recommended for those who are high risk. We encourage anyone who chooses to wear a mask to do so at any time. We ask that anyone who has symptoms of cold or flu stay home and participate in worship remotely. Masks and hand sanitizers are available. We continue to monitor guidelines from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and local public safety/public health officials to ensure the continued health and safety of all Central Congregational Church members, visitor and guests.