Sermon Preview

Dear Friends,

After three weeks away on study leave and vacation, I am excited to see you and worship together again. On Sunday we gather for a service of Thanksgiving on a special Sunday designated as “Christ the King.” It’s a time to remind us of Christ’s sovereignty over our lives and the world. My view of this language was challenged by some of my experiences in New Zealand/Aotearoa and I’ll share some of those reflections and experiences with you in a sermon that I’m calling, “Which King?” I look forward to seeing you.

Grace and peace,

Chris

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

JEREMIAH 23: 1-6                            Page 633

COLOSSIANS 1: 11-20                     Page 956

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 23:33-43    Page 859

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.

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.

Memorial service for Linda Dahlberg

Friday Nov. 28 at 10:00 a.m.

Linda Dahlbergs’ family and friends will gather at Central Church on Friday November 28 to remember Linda’s life. The family will have a receiving line in the Narthex between 9:30 – 10:00 and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m. In lieu if flowers the family request donations be made to Central congregational Church in Linda’s name.

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.