Sermon Preview

On Sunday, October 5, we celebrate our unity in Christ and relationship with Christians in the global church as we gather at 10:30 a.m. for World Communion Sunday. Our worship highlights diversity in unity with breads from around the world. I’ll reflect on what these relationships mean for us today in a sermon whose title is the motto of the United Church of Christ: “That All Should Be One.”

If you’d like to learn more about Global Ministries and the worldwide relationship of our church, you can explore the information on this website. It contains short videos with words of prayer and greeting from several countries. https://www.globalministries.org/resource/world-communion-sunday-resources/

If you’re curious to learn more about breads from around the world, this link will take to you a booklet of recipes. https://www.globalministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-World-Communion-Sunday.pdf

And if you’d like to discuss the meaning of world communion and a global church with your children, here’s a link to a children’s activity guide. https://www.globalministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Childrens-Activity-WCS.pdf

I hope you’ll explore some of these resources and 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 Readings

1 Corinthians 12:12-27                    Page 933

Psalm 133                                      Page 501

The Gospel of John 17:20–26           Page 880

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.

The Neighbors in Need offering supports ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries. In 2025 the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy. Collection envelopes will be available in the sanctuary or ask a deacon. Thank you for your support and generosity!

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.

STEWARDSHIP HOUSE GATHERINGS

From the Nominating Committee

Central Church needs volunteers or nominations for people to serve as Deacons (2-3 persons) , Stewardship committee (2), Broadcast team (1-2), and the Nominating committee (2). We welcome any nominations for consideration.

Please contact Bob Gosse, Kelly Palma, Stuart Proctor or Don Little. You can contact us at Kellyp@klonelab.com. or 14robtgosse@gmail.com, or through the Church office info@centralnewburyport.org, call 978-465-0533   Thank you.

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.