24th Sunday after Pentecost November 12 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

This Sunday we’ll hear the parable of the ten bridesmaids from Matthew’s Gospel. To its original audience, the parable offered words of comfort and warning to those waiting for Christ’s return. What might it mean for us to “keep awake” in this modern context?

Please join us Sunday, November 12 at 10:30 AM

Rev. Alex Shea Will

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

FIRST THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 25:1-13

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.

We will have our regular Sunday School programs this week.  

No Sunday School on November 12^th due to the holiday weekend.

Youth Group will meet Saturday afternoon on November 18^th to visit the Heroes Among Us art exhibition at the PEG in Newburyport.

We will meet at church, walk to the exhibit and then return to church for a snack and share our thoughts and impressions of this project which is touring across the country!

Looking ahead to December!   We need helpers for the CE table at the Christmas Fair on December 2nd;  and for Reindeer Games on December 16^th.

Blessings,

Lauren

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

Central Happenings

Sunday November 12^th All Church Potluck

On Sunday November 12th, our Northeast Area Conference Minister, the Rev. Alex Shea Will, will be our guest preacher. Following worship, the deacons invite the congregation to bring a favorite dish to share for an all-church potluck where we will be able to talk with Rev Shea Will as we gather in community. Plan to join us in worship and fellowship that day. If you have any questions or to RSVP with your dish to share, please contact Jeannie Copelin copelinmoore@yahoo.com or Sarah Seamans sbseamans@icloud.com, Co-Chair Deacons

ANNUAL ELECTION OF FINANCIAL OFFICERS

The annual Congregational Meeting to nominate the slate of officers for Treasurer, Associate Treasurer, Collector, and Assistant Collector and Delegates for SNECUCC conference to serve for the coming year will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 during 10:30 AM worship service.

The purpose of the meeting is to present the nominations for candidates to serve in these roles for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2023.

Voting to approve nominations will be by electronic survey, which will be sent to members following the meeting.

SNOW SHOVELING TIME IS ALMOST UPON US!

As we get into winter, Central Church needs your help with clearing snow and ice from walkways and entrances.

We are looking for volunteers interested in assisting with snow shoveling this winter. For students grades 9-12 who are looking to complete community service hours, this is a great way to earn hours since it is a winter-long program!

To volunteer or if you have questions, please contact

Jim Robinson robbinsj9@comcast.net       (610)306-2492 or

Church Office info@centralnewburyport.org      (978)465-0533.

Leaf Rakers Unite!

Can you spare a couple of hours to help the Central Church Raking Crew? Continuing a long-standing tradition, we would like to offer leaf raking for Central Church Members and friends who could use some help. If we can assemble a team of rakers, we will offer our services (FREE).

Possible raking times:

Saturday, November 18 at 9:00 am or 12:30 pm

Saturday, November 25 at 9:00 am or 12:30 pm  

Weather Dependent

Contact Don Little   dacsii@verizon.net

Community News and Events

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.