7th Sunday of Easter Worship May 12

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, May 12, we join together to worship and to celebrate and honor all Mothers.

James Leahy will preach a sermon called 'Choose Instead the Crook’.

We hope you can join us on Sunday, May 12 at 10:30 a.m. to worship then stay for hospitality and refreshments.

James Leahy

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

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 26:36-46                      Page   808

GOSPEL OF LUKE 22:47-53                               Page  858

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 MAY 12 NO CLASS TODAY

We hope to see you on Saturday, May 18th at Saturday Meal preparation at First Parish Salisbury and at Metro Rock 4:30-6:30 PM and at Sunday School on May 19th!

Youth Group is invited to help out with the last Saturday Meal until next Fall on Saturday, May 18th, and we also have an outing planned to Metro Rock in Newburyport later that day from 4:30-6:30 PM. Please sign up for either or both events with Lauren no later than Wednesday, May 15th!

We are close to setting a time for our next Acolyte training - please reach out to Lauren if you are interested in joining us!

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

Recognition of our Graduates

On June16, 2024 we will recognize and honor our high school and college graduates during worship and a Luncheon reception during Coffee Hour. Let us know if your student is graduating from high school or college this spring so we can include them in the celebration. If your graduate is unable to attend worship on June 16 to celebrate with us, please plan to have a family member attend to represent them. Contact the office (978) 465-0533 or Lauren Olson-Sidford (Lauren@centralnewburyport.org) by June 7 with this information.

Central Happenings

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.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP RETREAT – save the date!

On Saturday, June 1, Central Church will host a Leadership Retreat to start at 11:00 a.m. UCC pastor Linda Hirst will be our facilitator. She brings experience in helping congregations understand how God is calling them and how to engage the larger community/neighborhood in ministry. One of the topics we will discuss is church life after the COVID disruptions. Watch for registration information.

Central Trustees Call for Student Scholarship Applicants

First year and returning college students are invited to apply for Central’s educational scholarship. The criteria for being granted a scholarship is being an active Central Church member or the child of a member and being enrolled in an undergraduate or post-graduate degree program. Scholarships may be awarded to entering or returning college students. Award amounts are based on the number of applicants. Please contact the church office for an application or .download at https://www.centralnewburyport.org/2024-trustees-scholarship/  

Completed application must be submitted to the office no later than Friday, June 7. Scholarships will be awarded on Sunday June 16, 2024.

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.