Pastor's Preview

On Sunday, we hear stories about conflict and division and Jesus’ admonition to love our enemies, practice mercy and forgiveness. Sometimes these words seem easy to follow and sometimes they seem nearly impossible. I’ll reflect on what these words of Jesus—and an ancient story of family conflict—might mean for us today. My sermon title, “Love Your Enemies?” reflects the challenge we often face. I hope to see you for worship on Sunday, February 23 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

GENESIS 45:3-11,15                                     Page  37

PSALM 37:1-11, 39-40                                  Page 443

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 6:27-38                  Page 838

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.

Christian Education is hosting a Youth event on Sunday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. Students Grades 8 through 12 are invited to participate in the pizza night at Flatbread Company.

RSVP is requested – all are welcome! Please contact Rev. Chris, Chris@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-572-1479

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

This past summer, members of Central Church read Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry By Elizabeth Mae Magill. The book is of particular interest for anyone involved in our food-related ministries but there are lessons for all of us about the value of building relationships through ministry. The author is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and ran the Worcester Fellowship for many years, a ministry similar to Common Cathedral in Boston.

We will meet to discuss our thoughts on this book on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. in the Grimes Room.

For more information contact Rev. Chris.

PANCAKE BRUNCH - MARCH 2

What lessons or insights can we learn from ancient religious practices? That’s the question we will explore in our Lenten Series this year based on a book titled, Finding Sanctuary. I stumbled upon this book at the gift shop of the Durham Cathedral in England in the fall 2023. It’s written by Abbot Christopher Jamison of the Worth Abbey. The book was the inspiration of our theme for Rally Day, “Discover Joy.”

In 2005, the BBC produced a three-part series that followed the experience of five men who left their secular lives and committed to living in the monastery for 40 days, learning about what it means to follow the Rule of St. Benedict. The episodes play out like a reality TV show. But unlike most reality TV that depends upon shock and excess. This program reveals deep insight into practices of faith and what it means to be human. With each episode, we’ll discuss what we can learn from ancient spiritual practices to help us live more meaningful and happier lives today.

I hope you’ll join us for this Lenten Series on three Tuesday nights—March 18, 25, and April 1 1 at 6:00 p.m. for a simple meal of soup and bread, followed by the program and discussion.

Sign up in the social hall if you plan to attend or can bring soup or bread. For more information contact Rev. Chris.

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!

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.