Sermon Preview

On Sunday, we celebrate creation and special members of our family with a Pet Blessing. You are welcome—encouraged—to bring your pet to worship on Sunday. The service begins in the sanctuary with our pets and then we recess to Brown Square for the animal blessing. This service celebrates the life and legacy of St Francis whose ministry honored God’s gift of nature. Dogs and cats must be leashed and other animals under control of their people. You are also welcome to bring a photo of your pet or a stuffed animal. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

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

GENESIS 1:1-2:4                                        Page     1

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 6:25-34             Page 787

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.

No Sunday School on September 18 - children join the Blessing of the Animals & Pets

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

Central Happenings

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.

STEWARDSHIP HOUSE GATHERINGS

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/

The New England Tenors will perform a Fall Concert at Main St Congregational Church 145 Main St. Amesbury, Mass on Sunday October 26^th at 3pm. The program includes songs made famous by the three tenors, songs of inspiration; and beloved broadway classics! The tenors are John Middleton-Cox, Ethan Bremner and Amesbury’s own Damien Corcoran! Special Guest Soprano April Foley will also be featured.

Tickets Adults $20 Students $10 Tickets available at the door or purchase online at: tinyurl.com/5yj4cbd (fee applies). To reserve tickets by email to: coachmikefay@gmail.com.

Cash or checks made payable to “TTS” or pay using Venmo Mike-8F.

This event is open to the public, handicap accessible and free parking behind the church.

For More Information:

Contact Host Mike Fay at (978) 476-6053 or Email coachmikefay@gmail.com

Visit us on Facebook:  The New England Tenors

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.