3rd Sunday of Easter Worship April 14

Dear Friends,

Easter is more than one day. For the church it is a season when we hear the stories of Jesus’ resurrection. This Sunday, we hear a story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples and the promise of peace that he offers them. They are terrified and think that Jesus might be a ghost, but Jesus assures them that he is real. It can be difficult for us to believe that Jesus is real, especially when we are afraid, so the story of the disciples resonates with many of our own experiences. I hope you’ll join us for worship on Sunday April 14 at 10:30 a.m., and a sermon that I’m calling, “Not A Ghost.”

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

ACTS 3:12-19

1 JOHN 3:1-7 

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 24:36b-48 

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP

Sunday School begins the morning in the Sanctuary for the first part of the worship service, and on scheduled 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.

Thank you to all who helped and participated in our Spring Fling on April 6th, and a huge shout out to Elizabeth Proctor who leads us in the most creative and fun games!

There is NO Sunday School on April 14th, but we will resume with regular classes on April 21st and 28th. On Sunday, May 5th we will have guest visitors Amantha Moore and Jill St. Onge lead us in a special “step back in time” interactive presentation!

Children’s Sunday is scheduled for June 9th - it is not too early to be thinking ahead of how you might like to participate in creating this annual celebration of youth in our church community! There are many ways to participate: being a Greeter, helping the Deacons, being a reader, or sharing your musical talent! Please reach out to Lauren with your interest and availability!



Special note to the Communion Class of 2024 that we will be presenting Bibles to those who missed us on March 3rd, and we will be presenting the beautiful class quilt Liz Little created to the congregation on Children’s Sunday!

Blessings, Lauren

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

_______________________________________________________

Central Happenings

Community News and Events

An EVENING WITH JOHN DEAR

Central Congregational Church hosts an evening with Fr. John Dear on his new book ‘The Gospel of Peace’

on May 9, 2024, at 7:00pm

Peacemaker, author, and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Father John Dear, will be at Central Congregational Church on May 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to talk about and sign copies of his new book, his life's work: The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence. It is the first ever commentary on the Synoptic Gospels from the perspective of active nonviolence in the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. King. In this original work, Fr. John walks us through every line of the three synoptic Gospels pointing out Jesus' practice and teachings on nonviolence, peace, and universal love and invites us to follow him. Copies of the book are available for advance sale at the Central Church office and will be available at the event. Join us!

For further information, visit www.johndear.org and www.beatitudescenter.org where he is the executive director and offers online programs.

If you would like to purchase books in advance or have questions, please contact the Central Church office at info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

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)   Click the Donate to Central button at the bottom of the home page

3)   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

Masks are optional during worship and other activities, but are 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 in the Sanctuary. 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.