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Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we enter Advent, a season of watchful waiting and anticipation of the birth of the Savior. The mood stands in a stark contrast to the message of the holiday shopping season—Buy Now! I’ll reflect on how we navigate these conflicting impulses of this season in a sermon that focuses on the theme of hope for the first Sunday of Advent. I look forward to seeing you in worship.

Grace and peace,

Chris

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

ISAIAH 2:1-5                                        Page 550

ROMANS 13:11-14                              Page 923

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 24:36-44  Page 806

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP

We begin this coming Sunday, 11/30 with our Godly Play Advent Series. We hope your child will come and help all of us remember the "reason for the season" through Storytelling and follow up exploration in our classroom. The multi-age classroom is something special!

We will meet after the Children's Sermon as always on 11/30, 12/7, 12/14 and on 12/21 we will celebrate with our Brown Bag Pageant in the sanctuary, immediately following church.

On 12/21, during the Godly Play time, we will coordinate speaking parts and such.  

In the meantime, blessings for a wonderful time for family gatherings and maybe we will see you at the Central Church Fair!

On 12/28, the Storytellers will rest and there will be no S.S. that week. 

A new calendar for January is coming soon!

Best, 

Patti and the Godly Play team

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.

Women of Central and friends are invited to the annual Greens Workshop and Dinner. 

Monday December 15th at 6pm in the Central Congregational Church Social Hall. We will enjoy a nice catered meal and then work on our arrangements. All of the supplies are provided, all you need to bring is a pair of clippers. 

Please rsvp to Sarah before December 10, so we can order the food and have enough supplies. (we don’t usually have a limit, but with space and supplies, we can accommodate 20 this year so rsvp right away if you are interested) The cost of the dinner and workshop is $20 per person paid that evening either by cash, check or Venmo to Sarah Seamans

sbseamans@icloud.com or 978-273-1512

We look forward to a festive evening 🎄

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.