25th Sunday after Pentecost November 19 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,



How do we use the gifts God gave us? How do we invest our resources? On Sunday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m., we hear Jesus’ parable of the talents from the gospel of Matthew—a story that helps us reflect on these questions. But it directs us to questions that are deeper than finances or time or return on investment. The parable leads us to consider how we live all aspects of our lives. These are some deep considerations, but we can explore them together. I hope to see you for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “Talents, Fears, and the Adventure of Faith.”

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

FIRST THESSALONIANS 5:1-11

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 25:14-30

ANNUAL ELECTION OF FINANCIAL OFFICERS

The annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 during 10:30 AM worship service to nominate the Slate of Financial Officers and SNECUCC Delegates for 2024

Treasurer                  Suzanne Obuchowski

Associate Treasurer Carol Daigle

Collector                    Cindy Johnson

Assistant Collector    Debbie Aldrich

SNECUCC Delegates (Until December 31, 2024)

                                   Milly McElwaine

                                   Patti Innes

The purpose of the meeting is to present 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.

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 26^th due to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Christmas Fair: The Youth Group and their families are invited to help with the CE table at the Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 2cnd!  Please let Lauren know if you can help out anytime during the Fair for an hour or two!

Reindeer Games: All ages are welcome to join us for the Annual Reindeer Games on Saturday, December 16th from 5-7PM in the Social Hall!

Cocoa & Caroling: Caroling will follow beginning at 7:00PM led by Lauren and the Central Band, and our Song Circle - all ages are welcome!

Blessings,

Lauren

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

Central Happenings

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). 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.