PASTOR'S PREVIEW

Beloved Central Church,

As the season of Easter continues, we hear more stories of Jesus' appearances to the disciples after the resurrection. These stories are full of meaning and drama. On Sunday, two disciples encounter Jesus as they are walking. They have a lengthy conversation but don't realize that they are in Jesus' presence until one decisive moment. I'll reflect on this story and those moments that we have in our own lives in a sermon that I'm calling, Jesus Came Near.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Chris

View The Messenger for Easter 3 April 19, 2026

View Announcements for April 19, 2026

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.

Saturday May 2           1:30 PM 4:30 PM

When Breath is Sacred: The Intersection of Insight Meditation and Contemplative Prayer

"Attention to breath is a common starting point for insight meditation, which can expand to body, sound, mental/emotional experience and awareness of the present moment, just as it is."

These are the words of retreat-leader Ted Jones from the Insight Meditation Center. This workshop is offered to any member or friend of Central with a freewill offering of any amount. We are fortunate to be working with Ted to offer this workshop.

Ted Jones has been practicing Insight meditation since 1978, when he began sitting with his principal teacher, Larry Rosenberg. His spiritual journey has also been deeply influenced by his late uncle, Father Thomas Keating. Fr Keating was a Trappist monk who is widely recognized and respected for his work to revive the traditions of contemplation and for developing the practice of centering prayer.

You’re encouraged to explore these sacred practices to learn and experience the traditions of contemplative and centering prayer. Register below or through the church office.

https://northshoreimc.org/events/when-breath-is-sacred-ccc

https://northshoreimc.org/ted-jones

Central Happenings





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.