SERMON PREVIEW

Beloved Central Church,

Last Sunday, we celebrated the joyous Good News of resurrection on Easter at sunrise at the beach and in our sanctuary with beautiful music, communion, and flowering of the cross. And yet, in the days that followed, the world seemed much the same. The disciples had a similar experience after the first Easter morning. By the evening of that same day, Thomas was questioning whether the resurrection really happened. That's the story we will hear this Sunday with a sermon that I'm calling, "Reach Out Your Hand. I hope to see you for in worship.

After church, there will be a special reception for Renee Spellman during coffee hour. Also, we'll offer a walk through of the kitchen to talk about the current status of the stove and future needs.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Chris

View The Messenger for Easter II April 12, 2026

View Announcements for April 12, 2026

Welcome Renee Spellman

The Christian Education committee is excited to announce that Renee Spellman has joined our church staff as the new Family Ministry Assistant. She has an impressive academic background, life experiences, and a deep sense of personal faith. She also has wide-ranging experience in teaching and care for children. Renee started on April 1. This Sunday April 12, we will hold a meet and greet during hospitality hour. Please join us in welcoming Renee to Central Church.

Patti Innes, Lesley Kennedy, Pam Armstrong and Rev. Chris Ney

Upcoming Events for Family Ministry

Mark Your Calendars Now:

Thursday April 23      7:00 PM

A Screening Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Join us for a showing of the 2018 American documentary film about the life and guiding philosophy of Fred Rogers, host and creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It received acclaim from critics and audiences and became the top-grossing biographical documentary ever produced. It was nominated for numerous awards, won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary Feature, and was chosen by Time magazine as one of its top ten films of 2018.

Thursday April 30      6:00 PM

Nourishing the Spirit Dinner

Enjoy an intergenerational dinner prepared for you, family, and friends. Hear a good story and take part in an informal worship experience.

Central Happenings



Women's Ministry Retreat

Weathering the Storm

How do we navigate the rough times of life? This retreat will offer time together to reflect on these topics with guided reflection and craft making.

Saturday April 18, 2026

Noon to 4:15 pm

Please sign up before April 14 by contacting Sarah Seamans or Betty LaBaugh or info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

FREE SATURDAY MORNING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST is served from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St, Newburyport. Good-will donations are accepted to keep our program operating providing weekend meals to those in need. All are welcome.

If you are interested in helping out to cook or serve, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

Donate With VENMO

To support the ministry of Central Church you may make donations through Venmo. Use the QR code to access Central’s account @on Venmo. Indicate how you wish to direct your donation with comments such as “General” or “Outreach.”

Special Donations to Support Afghan Families

If you would like to 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 send an email to Chris at chris@centralnewburyport.org by the end of the day Saturday.

On Sunday fill out a blue prayer request card (available in the sanctuary) and give to a Deacon before the service begins. Your prayer concern will be mentioned during worship by first name only, for privacy concerns.

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.