5th Sunday of Easter Worship April 28

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, April 28, we hear the story of the baptism of a high court official from Ethiopia by one of Jesus’ disciples. It stands as an example of growth of the church and the strength of the gospel to cross lines of division within the human family. After a conversation with Philip the Evangelist about the meaning of scripture, the Ethiopian is baptized. The story offers a powerful example of transformation that often arises from spiritual curiosity, hospitality, and bearing witness to one’s faith. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “Look! Here is Water.”

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 8:26-40                                                         Page  892

1 JOHN 4:7-21                                                        Page  991

GOSPEL OF JOHN 15:1-8                                         Page  878

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.

Godly Play – Dorcas, Follower of Jesus

Grapple - I wonder how Dorcas feels?

Youth Group: Save the Date for a Youth Group outing to Metro Rock in Newburyport on Saturday, May 18th 4:30-6:30 PM - please sign up with Lauren by Wednesday, May 15 if you are interested and available! ?

If you are 3rd grade or older and have not previously done Acolyte 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 5^th, guest visitors Amantha Moore and Jill St. Onge lead us in a special “step back in time” interactive History of Central Church presentation!

Children’s Sunday is scheduled for June 9^th.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

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

To Members and Friends of Central Congregational Church (UCC)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

SUNDAY MAY 19, 2024

The Annual Organizational Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in the Sanctuary immediately following worship. The quorum for this meeting is 50 voting members.  The meeting is open to members and friends of Central.

At this meeting annual reports from committees and ministries of the church will be presented for review. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of candidates to serve on committees to be voted on by the congregation. 

We would especially like to extend an invitation to those of you are new to Central Church and would like to learn more about how we are organized and carry out the work we are called to do.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the office - 978-465-0533 or info@centralnewburyport.org.

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.