4th Sunday of Easter Worship April 21

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday—a day when we hear together the beautiful and comforting words of God and Jesus as our shepherds. It’s a powerful metaphor that speaks to the human longing for care and comfort. As Christian, we look to Jesus to satisfy that longing, a gift that he can offer because he was incarnate as one of us. I’ll reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ presence as our shepherd in a sermon that I’m calling, “Laying Down and Picking Up.” I hope you’ll join us for worship on Sunday.

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

PSALM 23                                                       Page  435 

1 JOHN 3:16-24                                              Page  990

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 10:11-18                 Page  872

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.

Sunday School resumes this weekend on April 21st!  Join us upstairs following the Children’s Sermon for a special lesson on “Crosses”.

Godly Play - Crosses

Grapple - I wonder if you have a favorite one?

If anyone would still like to watch “The Prince of Egypt” at Central, please let Lauren know ASAP so we can try to get that scheduled before the end of the school year.

We would love to have a few more Acolytes join our group -  if you are 3rd grade or older and have not previously done the training with Don Little, please let Lauren know and we will find a time following a church service that works for everyone!

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: on Children’s Sunday 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!

Blessings, Lauren

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

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Central Happenings

Women's Ministry Spring Retreat

Saturday May 11, 2024        

Noon to 4:00 pm

In-Person in the Grimes Room

Lunch will be provided. Details to follow.

For more information or to register for programs, please contact Betty LaBaugh betty.labaugh@gmail.com

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.