Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we hear two stories about making demands of God. The book of Hebrews describes Jesus as our high priest who prayed to God with loud cries and tears. In the gospel from Mark, the disciples demand that Jesus give them places of high status and honor. Together, these scriptures invite us to consider our own prayers—are they expressions of vanity or need? How do we pray—and why? I’ll speak to these questions in a sermon that I’m calling, “Prayers and Supplications.” I hope to see you in worship on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

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

ISAIAH 53:4-12                                                           Page 596

HEBREWS 5:1-10                                                     Page 973

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 10:35-45                             Page 823

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School offers Godly Play for ages 4-12. 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

In 2024, the Neighbors in Need theme is “Mental Health Justice For All!” This year’s focus is on Mental Health Justice. In 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution to become WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health.  

A just world for all is a world where the human rights and well-being of people with mental health challenges are respected, no matter who you are or where you are in life’s mental health journey.

Contributions to this offering will be collected on Sunday 10/13 and 10/20. We thank you for your support and generosity.

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

Now is the perfect time for Fall cleaning. We are looking for jewelry and accessories for Jewelry Wonderland at this year’s Christmas Fair. Items could include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, pins, working watches, scarfs, purses, hats, etc. Please feel free to drop off your items at the Church office or give them to Betty LaBaugh or Corinne McKeown.

We are looking for donations of gently used or new items for the Christmas Fair's Youth Fun Room shopping experience. Kids will be Christmas shopping for their families (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, sisters, brothers, etc) and we are looking for items for them to purchase. Once the children have picked out their items, we will be gift wrapping them so the children can take the gifts home. A bin is located outside of the church office for donations. Christmas decorations and ornaments are welcome, as well as games, puzzles, small toys, candles, decorative home goods, etc. If you have questions, please contact Kelly Palma at mkpalma@comcast.net or 978-387-7730.

Community News and Events

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!

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 high risk. 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. Masks and hand sanitizers are available in the Sanctuary. We continue to monitor guidelines from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and local public safety/public health officials to ensure the continued health and safety of all Central Congregational Church members, visitor and guests.