Dear Friends,



For several weeks, our scriptures have used the metaphor of food to describe God’s gifts and grace. This Sunday, we hear more variations on that theme including an invitation to a banquet from the Book of Proverbs and words of Jesus that describe our communion meal. Together, these scriptures invite us to be nourished by God’s wisdom. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “Come, Eat and Drink.”

Grace and Peace,

Chris

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!

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

PROVERBS 9:1-6

EPHESIANS 5:15-20 

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 6:51-58

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 info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

Central Happenings

NOMINATING COMMITTEE – CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Central Church members and friends, please consider the following needs. We need nine people to fill three separate roles:

• two people to join the Broadcast team, 
• three people for the Christmas Fair Team,
• up to four Deacons.

We will provide training and support for each of these committee positions. Please contact Nominating committee members, Don Little, Bob Gosse, Amantha Moore, or Patti Innes for more information. Contact Kathleen Melanson at the Church office 978-465-0533 or info@centralnewburyport.org

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.

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.

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

Community News and Events

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/ 

21^st 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/

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.