Pastor's Preview

On Sunday, we hear the opening words of the Gospel of John and their description of Jesus. The beautiful images in these verses offer many different ways of understanding Jesus—preexisting Word of God, Light of the World, and Word Become Flesh. These words and images have shaped Christian faith for centuries and we hear them at important times during the church year. I’ll reflect on what they mean for us today in a sermon that I’m calling “A Light in the Darkness.” I hope to see you for worship on Sunday.

Grace and peace,

Chris

In-person and broadcast Worship begins at 10:30 AM. Sunday worship starts at 10:30 AM. Services will be broadcast on Facebook Live. Hospitality will serve refreshments in the Social Hall following worship.

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

PSALM 147:12-20                                                           Page 507

EPHESIANS 1:3-14                                                         Page 949

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 1:1-18                                      Page 862

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School offers Godly Play for ages 4-13 in the chapel following the Children's sermon.

Registration for Sunday School and for Confirmation class is open. For more information, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call the church office at 978-465-0533.

Central Happenings

Saturday Morning Community Breakfast serves meals in the social hall at Central Congregational Church on Saturday mornings; 8:00 am to 10:00 am. Guests are served meals at the table or they may request their meal to-go. Breakfast is always free, and donations are happily accepted to keep this wonderful program operating.

To learn how you can help or to volunteer contact Jeff Gray at jeffreyscottgray@gmail.com or Kelly Gray at kellygray@comcast.net

Central Church will be hosting Epiphany Dinner on Monday, January 6, 2024 at 6:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, intention setting and worship together! A menu of pork tenderloin, roast vegetables and salad dinner with desserts will be served. Tickets are $20.00 per person ($60.00 family max). Funds collected will be donated. RSVP is required by Friday, January 3, 2025. To make your reservation or for more information contact the church office info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

Community News and Events

Greetings to the churches and ministers of the Northeast Association,

You are hereby invited to attend a Service of Ordination for

Stacey Keane Blagg

 Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 3:00p.m.

First Church Ipswich

1 Meetinghouse Green

Ipswich, MA 

Stacey has been called as the Minister of Faith Formation.

Clergy are invited to robe and to wear red stoles. 

A reception will follow.  

Those attending should be aware that an offering may be received during the service to benefit the Northeast Association Scholarship Fund.

Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace,

Rev. Rona Tyndall, Moderator

Northeast Association

The Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ

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.