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The Central Connection
Central Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ
Newburyport, MA
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Ney, pastor
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Dear Friends,
The title for Sunday’s sermon comes from an interview with C.S. Lewis where he said his faith is less about his decision to choose God and more about God’s decision to choose him. He said, “I was decided upon.” As we continue to hear scripture stories about Jesus as the bread of life and about crumbling and complaints among God’s people, I’ll reflect on what C.S. Lewis’ words might mean for us today. I hope to see you in worship on Sunday, August 11 at 9:30 a.m..
Grace and peace,
Chris
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WORSHIP STARTS at 9:30 A.M.
In-person and broadcast Worship begins at 9:30 AM for the summer. Services will continue to be broadcast on Facebook Live throughout the summer. Cool beverages and refreshments will be served in the Narthex following worship. We hope to see you bright and early!
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Sunday Worship Scripture Readings
1 KINGS 19:4-8
EPHESIANS 4:25-5:2
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6:35, 41-51
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SUMMER HYMN RAFFLE
Starting in July, we will choose the middle hymn by pulling a card from a basket, like a raffle. Each card will contain the name of one hymn suggested by members of the congregation. Through the summer, you are invited to pick up an index card, print the name of a hymn with the hymnal title and hymn number, and drop it in the basket for a chance that your suggestion will be drawn.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP
Sunday School is on summer break. Classes will reconvene in September, with Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Grapple for middle school students. Watch for details for summer events and Youth Group activities.
Registration for Sunday School and for Confirmation class is open. For more information, to learn how to volunteer, or to register for programs/activities, please contact Lauren lauren@centralnewburyport.org (978)572-1423
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COUNCIL MEETING – RALLY DAY PLANNING
The Central Church Council will meet in-person on Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 PM to plan activities for Rally Day, Central’s annual celebration to kick off Sunday School and launch a new year of ministries. There will be food, games, special activities and the ministry fair. Rally Day welcomes people back to church after the summer, encourages them to get involved in church committees, invites and welcomes new people to the church, and builds enthusiasm for the church community.
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NOURISHING THE SPIRIT
Nourishing the Spirit is an inter-generational dinner ministry and worship service. We share a meal, participate in worship, hear a children’s story and a Bible story, and then ask ourselves questions about what it all means for us today. It’s a fun and interactive time together to build friendships, eat healthy, learn about God’s love and care for our bodies and spirits.
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Everyone is welcome. Please join us on Wednesday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m. Central Church provides the meal and beverages, so please RSVP to the church office so we have the right number of meals prepared. | | |
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY DINNER OUT in SEPTEMBER
Dinner Out will not gather in August. We look forward to gathering in September at Alice Gosse’s home in West Newbury for a pot luck on Thursday September 12 at 6pm More details to follow.
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Summer Reads @ Central
This summer, all members of Central Church are invited to read Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry By Elizabeth Mae Magill. The book will be of particular interest for anyone involved in our food-related ministries but there are lessons for all of us about the value of building relationships through ministry. The author is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and ran the Worcester Fellowship for many years—a ministry very similar to Common Cathedral in Boston. She gave a presentation at Central in 2017 as we were considering whether to begin an in-person food ministry during the weekend, now the Saturday Morning Breakfast.
The book is available to borrow or purchase. Purchase price is a sliding scale from $12-$20 with the higher price providing a subsidy for others to read the book. It will be available, with a sign up sheet, during Sunday worship and in the church office.
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Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day
The Central Church Band has registered to join in the 2024 Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day. We will be playing at the top of the steps in front of the church starting at 3:00 PM on August 31. We invite all musicians and singers in the church to join in, either as solo acts or to sing a few songs with the band.
The exact timeline of the day will be clearer when we know how many folks plan to join us for this event. Watch for updates and if you are interested in participating as a performer or as support staff for the event email Stuart Proctor at stuproctor@comcast.net
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Community News and Events | |
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AFGHAN WOMEN’S WORSHOP (AWW) @ NEWBURYPORT FARMERS MARKET
The Afghan Women’s Workshop (AWW) will have a booth at the Summer Newburyport Farmers Market 9-1, on Sundays: 8/25,and 9/22. Our Afghan mom (Shagufa), as part of the AWW, will be selling her pillows, napkins and other hand crafts at the market, so check out their booth.
https://thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org/
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21st ANNUAL CHOCOLATE TOUR
Be Part of a Sweet Tradition: Volunteer for the Newburyport Chocolate Tour!
Join us in making this milestone event a success by lending your time and enthusiasm. Let's create chocolate-filled memories together. 21 years of eating chocolate, being happy and doing good! Everyone is invited to help make this year’s tour happen – all hands are welcome. Sign up to volunteer now! https://newburyportchocolatetour.com/
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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
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Your Support is important.
We continue to rely upon and appreciate your financial support!
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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!
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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.
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Central Congregational Church
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
14 Titcomb Street, PO Box 372, Newburyport, MA 01950
978-465-0533
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