Ash Wednesday February 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Dear Friends,

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, we will gather at 6:00 p.m. to share a simple supper of breads and soups as we prepare for the Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Chris will share Reflections for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.

Scripture Readings

PSALM 51:1-17

2 CORINTHIANS 5:20b-6:10  

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW6:1-6, 16-21

Central Happenings

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 6:00 p.m. Bread & Soup

This year, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls on February 14, 2024.

You are invited to gather at 6:00 PM in the social hall to share a simple meal of soup and bread. Sign up sheets are available if you would like to bring a dish to share.

The Ash Wednesday service will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 PM.

PRAYER CONCERNS & CELEBRATIONS

After careful consideration, the Deacons and Pastor have decided to include pastoral care concerns of the congregation in the weekly bulletin. We are sharing this information so that members of the church can offer prayers or reach out to express concern and offer support in times of need. At the same time, we wish to respect everyone’s privacy and not share sensitive medical information. We will also seek your permission before publishing any information. If you have questions or concerns about any of this, please speak to the pastor or one of the Deacons.

LENTEN SERIES:

A TIME TO GROW IN FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Lenten Series with NOOMA, plus soup and bread supper

The word Lent comes from an Old English term meaning to lengthen. One interpretation is that Lent is a time that stretches us to grow in our love and knowledge of God. As Easter approaches, it is a time for our spiritual formation and growth. So you’re invited to participate in a special series for Lent at Central.

On Thursday nights 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 7, 14 and 21.

for more information or to register contact Rev. Chris or the church office.

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)   In the blue banner at top of page click on: ON LINE WORSHIP

3)   On the far right of the page click on the blue text link: Click here to contribute online.

4)   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

Per CDC guidelines, masks are optional during worship and other activities, but are highly 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. 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.