Pastor's Preview

I hear more and more people talk about the importance of community. We are hungry for trust-worthy relationships. On Sunday, we hear words from the Book of Hebrews that encourage people in Christian community to provoke one another to love and good deeds. I’ll reflect on what this means for us today with guidance from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. My sermon title comes from one of his books, “Life Together.” I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we gather for worship.

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

HEBREWS 10:11-18, 19-25                                        Page 976

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 13:1-8                                    Page 825

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

Annual Election of Financial Officers

The annual Congregational Meeting to nominate the slate of officers for Treasurer, Associate Treasurer, Collector, and Assistant Collector and Delegates for SNECUCC conference to serve for the coming year will be held on Sunday, November 17, 2024 during 10:30 AM worship service.

The purpose of the meeting is to present the nominations for candidates to serve in these roles for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2025.

Treasurer                        Suzanne Obuchowski

Associate Treasurer      Carol Daigle

Collector                          Cindy Johnson

Assistant Collector        Caroline McCarthy

SNECUCC Delegates

                                 Milly McElwaine

                                 Patti Innes

                                 Tom MacLachlan

Voting to approve nominations will be by electronic survey, which will be sent to members following the meeting.

Chocolate Tour Beneficiary Awards

The 21^st annual Chocolate Tour will distribute checks to the beneficiaries on Sunday November 17 during worship service. The Chocolate Tour was very successful, achieving over $16,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales, raffle proceeds and donations, and will be sharing 100% of the proceeds with the beneficiaries. This year’s beneficiaries will each receive $2,300.00: Councils on Aging from Amesbury, Newburyport, Salisbury, Newbury and West Newbury; Sweet Paws Rescue and Greenstone Gives of Amesbury.

Thank you to everyone who made this year such a success!

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

We decorate the sanctuary with seasonal greens after worship on Reign of Christ Sunday, November 24, in preparation for the first Sunday of Advent. Fro more information or to learn out how you can help, contact the church office.

Baked goods and confections can be dropped off at Central Congregational Church on Friday, December 6, between noon and 7pm. Please label your items with your name, item type, and any allergens. Items other than fudge should be individually packaged (we will have packaging available in the Social Hall if you need it!). Please do not package fudge- we will weigh it and pack it for you!

Thank you!

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.

Welcome to the 10^th Annual It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas Fair Basket Raffle!

Our annual Basket Raffle is so much fun that we figured out how to do it three ways: online at www.cc-baskets.com (or use the above QR code), through this catalog, or in person!

֍ Paper catalog sales: November 1 to December 7 at 11 am.

֍ Online sales: November 1 to Saturday, December 7 at 11 am.

֍ In-person sales at Central Church: December 6: 6-8 pm & December 7: 9am-2 pm.

Important Dates

֍ In-person Basket Viewing & Ticket Sales upstairs in the Grimes Room at Central Church, 14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport, MA

Invitation Night!     Friday, December 6  from 6 pm to 8 pm

Day of the Fair!      Saturday, December 7       from 9 am to 2 pm (ticket sales end at 2 pm)

֍ Drawing of Basket Winners begins Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 pm.

Winners will be notified by telephone. You do not need to be present to win!

֍ Winners Pick Up Baskets at Central Church

Saturday, December 7 from 2 pm to 3 pm

OR

Sunday, December 8 from 12 pm to 2 pm

Decorate-Your-Own Christmas Wreath Sale!

Advance Orders and Day-of-Fair Purchase Opportunities

Get some hot cider simmering and enjoy the fun of decorating your own wreath with the kits offered below. (All the fixings and instructions are included in the kits.) Or buy the plain wreath and create your own style. (Bows will be available for sale at the Fair, too.)

Taking advance orders starting November 1, until December 2nd at 5 pm!

• Use order form. (mail in or bring to Central Church’s address below.)
• Online orders at www.cc-decor.com or by using the above QR code.
• Purchase at the Christmas Fair on December 7^th from 9 am to 2 pm (while supplies last)

Advance Order Pickup: Wreaths must be picked up at the Church on Saturday, December 7th from 9 am to 12 pm.

Central Congregational Church,

14 Titcomb Street, Newburyport, MA.

Please call (978) 465-0533 or email CCBasketRaffle@gmail.com if you cannot pick up your order during that time-frame.

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.