SERMON PREVIEW

We continue in the season of Epiphany and the celebration of Jesus as the Light of the World. Yet we know that the world is still clouded with the darkness of conflict and misunderstanding. Sometimes the lack of understanding even extends into the life of the church. The apostle Paul wrote about this concern in his letter to the Corinthians and he advised them to seek unity in Christ. I’ll reflect on what this means for us today in a sermon whose title comes from Paul’s words, “United in the Same Mind and Purpose.” I hope to see you in worship on Sunday.

Grace and Peace,

Chris

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

ISAIAH 9:1-4                                       Page 555

1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-18                   Page 926

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 4:12-23    Page 785

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 25, 2026

GODLY PLAY

Lesson: Parable of the Good Shepherd

Greeter: Lesley Kennedy

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.

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 will be 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

Matters to be considered:

·      Report on the Status of the Church Kitchen

·      Pastor’s Sabbatical

The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a small group of knitters who meet regularly to knit together and bless the completed shawls. We still hope to add another time on a weekend or the evening when more knitters are able to join us. We welcome knitters to knit at home if they can’t make our meeting times. The yarn and instructions are provided. We also have the pattern for prayer squares.

Please let us know if you know someone who could use an extra hug and some comfort from our prayer shawls.

Please join us in this important ministry.

Sarah Seamans & Carol Daigle

Ministry Co-Chairs

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.