Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we gather for worship on the fifth Sunday of Lent as we continue our pilgrimage with Jesus to Jerusalem and the events of Holy Week. In the gospel reading from John, Jesus describes the suffering that he will endure during this time to reveal God’s love for creation. The story begins with a curious visit by some Greeks who wish to see Jesus. Their visit raises a question for me about how we hope to see Jesus in our own time. I’ll explore this question in a sermon that I’m calling, “We Wish to See Jesus,” so 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

JEREMIAH 31:31-34      

HEBREWS 5:5-10

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 12:20-33

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 school students.

Sunday School March 17:

Godly Play - Who is the Greatest?

Grapple - I wonder how this child feels?

Youth Group:   Movie Night is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd! Join Elizabeth Proctor & Lauren upstairs for popcorn and a movie- all are welcome to come in their pj’s or comfortable clothes.

CE Spring Fling - Games and fun for the whole family will be held on Saturday, April 6. Watch for details.

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

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Central Happenings

LENTEN SERIES:

A TIME TO GROW IN FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Soup & Bread supper

followed by Lenten Series with NOOMA

On Thursday night during March, we will offer a time of fellowship and faith conversation as part of our observance of Lent. We will gather for a simple meal of soup and bread at 6:00 and then watch a short video from the NOOMA series created by Rob Bell. These videos address different aspects of faith in a creative and thought-provoking way. After each film, we’ll have time for conversation, prayers, and faith formation exercises. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us on Thursday March 21 for this final meeting in the series.

To register or for more information please contact the church office infor@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533

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)   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.