SERMON PREVIEW

On Sunday, we celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King is remembered as a leader for civil rights who inspired a nation with the power of his prophetic voice. One of the central themes of his preaching is the beloved community. I’ll focus Sunday’s sermon on what the beloved community meant for King and what it means for us today. I hope you’ll join us for worship.

Grace and peace,

Chris

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

PSALM 40:1-11                                  Page 446

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1-9                      Page 926

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1:29-42      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 18, 2026

GODLY PLAY            No Sunday School Class today.

                                    Classes resume January 25.

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 CLASS IN JANUARY 2026

Sundays after worship

January 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. 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL MEETING

TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH (UCC)

The Central Congregational Church Annual Financial Meeting will be held in person on Sunday, January 25, 2026 immediately following worship. The meeting will be broadcast on Facebook Live for those unable to attend in person.

The quorum for this meeting is 50 members.

A preview copy of the annual financial report was sent on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, for review prior to the meeting. Print copies of the final annual financial report are available at worship service or in the church office.

The voting survey will be sent via e-mail immediately after the meeting on January 25, 2026.

The congregation will consider and act on the following matters:

Report of the Clerk

·      Proposed By-Law Changes regarding Staff Supervision

·      Financial reports for the year ended December 31, 2025

from the Treasurer, Collector, and Endowment Fund

·      Proposed Operating Budget for 2026

·      Proposed Christian Outreach Budget for 2026

·      Annual Stewardship Report

·      Report on the Status of the Church Kitchen

CONFIRMATION CLASS – CITY REACH CLOTHING DRIVE

The Confirmation Class will be participating in City Reach, an overnight experience to learn about homelessness in Boston and to provide bagged lunches and clothing.

For the Clothing Drive we are asking for the following items by January 21st. Items can be dropped off at the Central church office.

⬥USED CLOTHING (clean and in good condition), including:

● Warm coats in Winter

● Sweatshirts and sweatpants (especially hooded sweatshirts)

● Sweaters

● T-shirts

● Long-sleeve shirts

● Jeans, khakis and other casual pants

● Waterproof boots, comfortable shoes, and sneakers

● Hats, waterproof gloves, scarves

● Belts 

⬥ All kinds of carrying cases such as backpacks, tote bags, fanny packs, small suitcases with wheels 

⬥ Travel-size toiletries such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, chapstick, toothpaste, and shaving cream in small sizes. Toothbrushes, disposable razors, and tampons. We cannot share aftershave or mouthwash containing alcohol. 

⬥ NEW WHITE SOCKS (there can never be too many of these)

⬥ NEW UNDERWEAR for both men and women, and bras (again, there can never be too many. All sizes, from small to XL needed.) 

⬥ Sleeping bags & blankets (clean and in good condition)

Questions? Contact Lesley Kennedy lesleyport@gmail.com or 978-852-2682

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.