Sermon Preview

This weekend, we remember the history of Newburyport and Central Church with celebrations to mark the 250^th anniversary of the events of the Revolutionary War and the contributions of Rev. Samuel Spring, former pastor of this church.

We also hear scriptures that reflect how God’s people have struggled to know and follow God’s purpose for our lives. My sermon will focus on what all of this means for us today. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “A Quiet and Peaceable Life.” I hope to see you on Sunday, September 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Grace and 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

JEREMIAH 8:18-9:1                           Page 619

I TIMOTHY 2:1-7                              Page 963

THE GOSPEL OF Luke 16:1-13            Page 851

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

Change of date, time and venue

The MA250 program that was originally scheduled at Central Church for Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 has been changed.

This presentation kicks off the events commemorating the1775 Quebec Expedition from Newburyport this September. "Following in their Footsteps" with Jack Santos, will be held at St Paul's Church, High Street at 7 pm Friday, September 19th.

To register for this event, please go to https://newburyport250.org/event/the-1775-quebec-expedition-from-newburyport-following-their-footsteps/

SATURDAY MORNING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST is served from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Central Congregational Church, 14 Titcomb St, Newburyport MA. Join us at the table or request your meal to-go. Breakfast is always free, and your good-will donations are happily accepted to keep the program operating and providing weekend meals to those in need. All are welcome. If you are interested in helping out or volunteering to cook or serve, please contact info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

PET BLESSING – SEPTEMBER 28

On Sunday, September 28^th, Central will offer a “Pet Blessing” worship service. This service celebrates the relationships that we share with special animals in our lives and our connection to all of nature. It is usually scheduled close to St Francis Day, October 4, in recognition of Francis’ care for creation. Stuffed animals and photos of pets are also welcome and very appropriate. Animals should remain leashed or kenneled at all times for everyone's safety and comfort. As we have done in the past, everyone is invited to bring their pets to worship in the sanctuary. Then we will recess outdoors to continue our worship in Brown Square. Join us on Sunday, September 28 at 10:30 a.m.

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

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 – Help Ring the Bell!

Central Congregational Church – Bell Tower

All are welcome! 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.

Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 pm – "Following in their Footsteps" with Jack Santos

St Paul's Church, High Street

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.

Free for Central Church Attendees To register for this event, please go to https://newburyport250.org/event/the-1775-quebec-expedition-from-newburyport-following-their-footsteps/

Saturday, Sept. 20 at 10:30 am - Attend this special service reenactment

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. “Central’s own” 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.

DONATE WITH VENMO

Central Church can 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.