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Dear Friends,

On this second Sunday after Christmas, we revisit the images of light and dark that were a central part of our Christmas Eve services. We hear reflections on the identity of Jesus from the opening words of the Gospel of John and the opening of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Together, these words and images remind us of the gift of welcoming Christ into our lives. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “Rich in Grace.”

Peace,

Chris 

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

EPHESIANS 1:3-14                        Page 949

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1:1-18        Page 862

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP

Sunday School offers Godly Play for ages 4-12. Registration is open for the Godly Play program. Children are invited to sit with their families or to sit together in the front of the sanctuary at the beginning of Worship Service. On Sunday School dates they proceed to their classrooms following the Children’s Sermon.

SUNDAY January 4 2026

GODLY PLAY            Epiphany

GREETER:                 

STORYTELLER:       John Seamans

The new calendar for 2026 can be viewed below.

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 in the Sanctuary this week 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.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES IN JANUARY 2026

Sundays after worship

January 4, 11 and 18 at 12:00 pm

Join us to learn about Central Church and what it means to be a member of this community. For more information or to register contact info@centralnewburyport.org, call the office 978-465-0533 or see Rev. Ney. 

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.