Central Church profile

The Central Connection

Central Congregational Church,

United Church of Christ

Newburyport, MA


The Rev. Dr. Christopher Ney, pastor

SERMON PREVIEW


Beloved Central Church,


On Sunday, we hear a story of Jesus’ healing a man who was blind since birth. The encounter provokes a discussion among the disciples about whether the man’s suffering is the result of sin. Jesus rejects their simple moralism and heals the man with a mixture of dirt and spit.


Even today, it’s easy to assume that suffering is the result of some error or fault. The story reminds us of God’s grace and those moments when we might be blind to the pain of other people.


I hope to see you in worship for a sermon that I’m calling, “Here’s Mud In Your Eye.”


Grace and Peace,

Chris


Links Below for the Messenger and Announcements


View The Messenger for March 15, 2026


View Announcements for March 15, 2026

Thursday Lenten Bible Study & Supper

March 19 at 6:00pm


During the sacred season of Lent, we take time to deepen our faith by nurturing our relationship with God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Our soup and bread suppers for Lent are one of the ways that we do that.

This year, the focus of our program is Jesus' teaching in Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount, and the theme of peace. Please join us in the Social Hall, next Thursday, March 19.

Saturday Night Meal - March 14

This month we are looking for 75-80 chicken & rice casseroles and 95-100 jugs of milk. Prep work and deliveries are made from East Parish Church in Salisbury.

If you would like to help contact Diane Hawkins-Clark.

Order Easter Tulips

To Honor Loved Ones & Decorate the Sanctuary

6 1/2" pots are $10 each. Plants may be picked up after the Easter Worship Service or you may donate them to be delivered to people on Central's visitation list. Order forms are available in the Messenger worship bulletin and in the social hall on Sunday

WORSHIP BROADCAST

In-person worship service in the sanctuary and live-stream broadcast begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. We share communion on the first Sunday of each month.


Great news! The technical problems with our broadcast equipment have been resolved



Central Happenings



Central Church profile
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SATURDAY MORNING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST is served from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St, Newburyport. 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.

Giving

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

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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.

Central Congregational Church
An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
14 Titcomb Street, PO Box 372, Newburyport, MA 01950
978-465-0533