Pastor's Preview

“Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.”

On Sunday, we hear these well-know and cherished words from Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. Among the countless reflections written about love, these words stand out as an encomium to the virtues of love. Today, they are frequently used in weddings and even in funerals. But what did they mean to Paul’s original audience? Can they mean more to us today than beautiful words reserved for special celebrations? These are questions that I’ll try to address in a sermon that I’m calling, “Faith, Hope, and Love Abide.” I look forward to seeing you 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

JEREMIAH 1:4-10                                                          Page 609

1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13                                               Page 934

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 4:21-30                                   Page 835

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 s 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

Community News and Events

2025 Merrimack River Eagle Festival 

Saturday, February 15, 2025 - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Come to Newburyport on Saturday, February 15, 2025, for an exciting day packed with indoor and outdoor activities celebrating the return of Bald Eagles! Learn about these magnificent creatures and other amazing raptors while exploring the vital role our local habitat plays in their survival. 

Visit Eagle Viewing Sites Along the Merrimack River 

Head to the best eagle-viewing locations around Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury, where our naturalist guides will answer all your questions and teach you about these amazing birds of prey.  

Bring binoculars or a scope if you have one. Please consider carpooling, parking is limited. Appropriate footwear and clothing are advised, some sites may be snowy or icy. 

Registration is not required to join viewing locations and on-site activities.  

Free Family-Friendly Activities & Raptor Presentations 

On-site activities are free, open to all ages, and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Joppa Flats Education Center, 1 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport 

10:00 am - 3:00 pm  

Enjoy fun raptor-themed family activities, including crafts and tabletop science. Experience engaging live raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.  

 Parker River Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 6 Plum Island Tpke, Newburyport 

10:00 am - 3:00 pm  

Enjoy raptor themed crafts from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, as well as live raptor presentations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. 

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.