Dear Friends,



On Sunday, we hear stories of God’s abiding and universal love and Jesus’ healing power which extends beyond human limits and boundaries. I’ll reflect on these qualities of divine grace as we celebrate the conclusion of Pride month and the commitment of Central to be an open and affirming congregation. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, Jesus Extravagant Healing Power.

Grace and peace,

Chris

TIME CHANGE

WORSHIP STARTS at 9:30 A.M.

In-person and broadcast Worship begins at 9:30 AM for the summer. Services will continue to be broadcast on Facebook Live throughout the summer. Cool beverages and refreshments will be served in the Narthex following worship. We hope to see you bright and early!

Sunday Worship Scripture Readings

LAMENTATION 3:22-33 

II CORINTHIANS 8:7-15 

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 5:21-43

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School is on summer break. Classes will reconvene in September, with Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Grapple for middle school students. Watch for details for summer events and Youth Group activities.

If any youth are interested in earning community service hours this summer please reach out to Lauren – especially anyone who loves taking inventory and organizing as I have a few projects I am working on!

Blessings, Lauren

For more information or to register for programs, please contact Lauren lauren@centralnewburyport.org (978)572-1423

Central Happenings

CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

“Open and Affirming” Policy Statement

“We, the congregation of Central Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation. With the grace of God, we commit ourselves to being a congregation that includes all persons, embracing diversity and not restricting participation because of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic and socio-economic background. We welcome all persons, whether members or non-members, to share in the full life and ministry of this church including fellowship, worship, sacraments and ceremonies and celebrations; in the shared responsibilities of stewardship and living in a covenantal relationship; in the shared blessings of the right to marry or celebrate a commitment to a person of one’s choosing, in the right to celebrate a loved one’s life in a memorial service; and to receive pastoral care.”

May 7, 2006

In honor of Pride Month and Central’s commitment as an Open and Affirming church, Rev. Ney invites anyone interested to read Walter Wink’s essay, “The Bible and Homosexuality.” Originally published in the 1990s, it was one of the first texts on this subject written for a general audience. Today, many aspects of the essay may seem dated—he wrote before any state had enacted marriage equality—but the enduring value of his writing is on the role of scripture in our community and individual lives as Christ’s disciples. Copies of the essay are available in the sanctuary. On June 30th after worship, Rev. Ney will lead a discussion about Wink’s essay.

Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day

The Central Church Band has registered to join in the 2024 Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day. We will be playing at the top of the steps in front of the church starting at 3:00 PM on August 31. We invite all musicians and singers in the church to join in, either as solo acts or to sing a few songs with the band.

The exact timeline of the day will be clearer when we know how many folks plan to join us for this event. Watch for updates and if you are interested in participating as a performer or as support staff for the event email Stuart Proctor at stuproctor@comcast.net

Community News and Events

AFGHAN WOMEN’S WORSHOP (AWW) @ NEWBURYPORT FARMERS MARKET

The Afghan Women’s Workshop (AWW) will have a booth at the Summer Newburyport Farmers Market 9-1, on Sundays: 6/30, 7/28, 8/25,and 9/22. Our Afghan mom (Shagufa), as part of the AWW, will be selling her pillows, napkins and other hand crafts at the market, so check out their booth.

https://thenewburyportfarmersmarket.org/  

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.