Sermon Preview

Dear Friends,

Join us on Sunday, November 16 with guest preacher, Rev. Philip R. Winders. This week's scripture captures Jesus’s chilling understanding of what the cost of discipleship looks like in a world that seems to be forever at war with itself. We are constantly confronted with bad news from every corner of the world and his words only seem to confirm our reality. What advice might Jesus have for us to keep our most precious asset- our peace of mind? This week we explore his advice in light of Veterans Day and the sacrifices made by those who once wore the uniform defending freedom. Join us Sunday as we examine the cost and joy of discipleship and the promise of spiritual strength in these troubled times.

In Peace,

Rev. Phillip R. Winders

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

ISAIAH 65:17-25                         Page 607

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 21:5-19      Page 856

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP

No Sundy School on October 12

Sunday School offers Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Youth Group for older students. Sunday School Classes resume on Rally Day! September 7. Registration is open for the Godly Play program.

Children are invited to sit with their families or to sit together in the sanctuary at the beginning of Worship Service. On Sunday School dates they proceed to their classrooms following the Children’s Sermon.

Watch for upcoming Youth Group activities and events.

For more information, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call the church office at 978-465-0533.

The annual Congregational Meeting to nominate the slate of officers for Treasurer, Associate Treasurer, Collector, and Assistant Collector and Delegates for SNECUCC conference to serve for the coming year will be held Sunday, November 16, 2025 during 10:30 AM worship service.

The purpose of the meeting is to present the nominations for candidates to serve in these roles for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2026.

Treasurer Suzanne Obuchowski

Associate Treasurer Carol Daigle

Collector Cindy Johnson

Assistant Collector Carol Powers

SNECUCC Delegates     Milly McElwaine

Voting to approve nominations will be by electronic survey, which will be sent to members following the meeting.

Central Happenings

SATURDAY MORNING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST is served from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St, Newburyport MA. Join us at the table or request your meal to-go. Breakfast is always free, and your good-will donations are happily accepted to keep the program operating and providing weekend meals to those in need. All are welcome. If you are interested in helping out or volunteering to cook or serve, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

Christmas Fair - Country Store

The Country Store at Central’s Christmas Fair welcomes donations of stocking stuffers, ornaments, home and seasonal decor, handcrafted candles, soaps, knit or crocheted goods, and wood shop items. Leave donations at church or contact Amantha for pickup. For questions, reach out at mooreamantha@gmail.com or call 978-518-2555(cell)

Country Store- Silent Auction Featured Item

Looking to refresh your Christmas decor this year? Be the top bidder on this festive wall hanging. his year's "Country Store" at the Christmas Fair will feature this hand-crafted silent auction item, pictured here. The auction will take place only during the fair, Saturday, December 6th. Bid early and often throughout the day!

Request for Jewelry and Accessories for This Year’s Christmas Fair

Now is the perfect time for Fall cleaning. We are looking for jewelry and accessories for Jewelry Wonderland at this year’s Christmas Fair. Items could include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, working watches, scarfs, purses, hats, etc. Please feel free to drop off your items at the Church office or give them to Betty LaBaugh or Corinne McKeown.

DONATE WITH VENMO

Central Church can receive donations through Venmo! Many people no longer carry much cash or use paper checks, as payment apps have become commonplace. Venmo is one of the most popular and is now available for contributions to support the ministry of Central Church. You can use the QR code to access Central’s account on Venmo. Please indicate how you would like to direct your donation with comments like “General” or “Outreach.” Special thanks to Jeff Gray for setting up this account.

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!

Prayer Concerns

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 at high risk. Masks and hand sanitizers are available in the Sanctuary. 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. We continue to monitor guidelines from the CDC, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and local public safety/public health officials to ensure the continued health and safety of all Central Congregational Church members, visitors and guests.