Sermon Preview

On Sunday we hear two of Jesus’ most comforting parable about God’s grace and desire for relationship with us—the lost sheep and the lost coin. During our service, we will celebrate a backpack blessing as a special reminder that God is always with us. Everyone is invited to bring a backpack, school bag, work bag, briefcase or purse to participate. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “God’s Relentless Searching.”

Peace,

Chris

In-person worship service in the sanctuary and live-stream broadcast begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. We share communion on the first Sunday of each month.

Sunday Worship Scripture Reading

PSALM14                                       Page 430

I TIMOTHY 1:12-17                        Page 963

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 15:1-10         Page 850

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP

Sunday School offers Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Youth Group for older students. Sunday School Classes resume on Rally Day! September 7. Registration is open for the Godly Play program.

Children are invited to sit with their families or to sit together in the sanctuary at the beginning of Worship Service. On Sunday School dates they proceed to their classrooms following the Children’s Sermon.

Watch for upcoming Youth Group activities and events.

For more information, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call the church office at 978-465-0533.

Central Happenings

Backpack Blessing – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

The backpack blessing is an annual tradition in which our congregation offers prayers and blessings for students, teachers, and their school year. The children bring their backpacks forward to receive a symbolic blessing and a commemorative tag. This is a way to celebrate and support those entering this new academic year, providing comfort to anxious students and connecting the community through faith and shared purpose. Please bring your backpacks to worship on Sunday, September 14 to participate in this blessing.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY – DINNER OUT! September 18 @ The Slip

After skipping the month of August, Dinner Out! returns on Thursday, September 18th at The Slip in Salisbury at 6pm. We look forward to catching up after a busy summer. Please rsvp to Sarah sbseamans@icloud.com or call (978) 273-1512 or Betty at betty.labaugh@gmail.com or call (978) 985-3371.

Please RSVP by Tuesday 9/16.

Stewardship Committee seeking hosts for small in-home gatherings.

Many of you recall fondly the series of small gatherings held in support of the Stewardship efforts at Central. Several folks signed up to host afternoon tea, mid-day luncheons or evening dinner gatherings. Hosts simply pick a date and time and determine the size and type of gathering they'd be comfortable with hosting. If you would be willing to host such a gathering or want to get more information, please sign-up in the social hall after Sunday Service or reach out to a member of the Stewardship Committee or the office.



Stuart Proctor: stuproctor@comcast.net

Andy Dear: andydear@msn.com

Alison Hardy: ahardy9@gmail.com

Deadline is fast approaching!!!

Share your favorite chocolate recipe: We’re bringing the community together one sweet bite at a time. The Official Chocolate Tour Recipe Book is in the works, and we’re inviting YOU to be part of it! Submit your recipe at https://chocolatetour.org/

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Take Notice!

History Central invites you to join in the

observances of the Revolutionary events of 250 years ago.

Save the dates:

Friday, September 19

Saturday, September 20

Sunday, September 21

Check out this website for community-wide events https://newburyport250.org/

Of particular note are these Central Church events

Friday, Sept. 19 at 11:45 am

Central Church – Bell Tower

Help ring the bell! Using the social media of 1775, the Bells of Central Church will ring out with the latest news of the Road to Revolution! The anticipation builds as Benedict Arnold’s troops assemble in Newburyport and prepare for a top-secret campaign to conquer Quebec.

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10:30 am

First Parish Congregational Church, 20 High Road, Newbury

Commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Quebec Expedition with a powerful reenactment of the 1775 dedication service for departing troops. Reverend Samuel Spring, portrayed by Edward Speck, delivers the historic sermon that inspired courage and faith, honoring the spiritual strength that sustained Newburyport’s patriots on their journey to liberty.

Sunday, Sept. 20 3:00 pm

Central Church - Social Hall

Join local historian Jack Santos as he recounts the stories of Newburyport’s patriots on this daring expedition through the wilderness. Jack has followed the trail and will share pictures of the challenges faced by the soldiers on this trek 250 years ago. See for yourself what Benedict Arnold, Aaron Burr and “our own” Reverend Samuel Spring encountered on the March to Quebec.

Join Marianne Vesey and Kat Preftes for this 3-part series about different ways to take action and develop tools against authoritarianism. Marianne and Kat are both members of the Newburyport Human Rights Commission and have much experience with advocacy and empowerment.

To register, please contact Marianne at mentalchatter@yahoo.com

Wed., Sept. 17^th, 24^th & Oct. 1^st from 6 - 7:30 pm

Newburyport Senior/Community Center

331 High St., Newburyport, MA

Computer room – 2^nd floor

WE HAVE VENMO

Central Church is now equipped to receive donations through Venmo! Many people no longer carry much cash or use paper checks as payment apps have become commonplace. Venmo is one of the most popular and is now available for contributions to support the ministry of Central Church. You can use the QR code to access Central’s account on Venmo. Please indicate how you would like to direct your donation with comments like “General” or “Outreach.” Special thanks to Jeff Gray for setting up this account.

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.