Snow Storm Cancellation of Worship on Sunday January 7 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

Due to the snow storm and related difficulties with travel, worship at Central has been cancelled today. I hope that you stay warm and safe in the storm. Be cautious if you shovel, check on your friends and neighbors, and enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea.

Grace and peace,

Chris

WORSHIP STARTS at 10:30 A.M.

In-person and broadcast Worship begins at 10:30 AM on Sunday morning. Services are broadcast on Facebook Live thanks to our amazing Broadcast Team of volunteers.

Sunday Worship 10:30 AM

Scripture Readings

GENESIS 1:1-5    

ACTS 19:1-7

THE GOSPEL OF Mark 1:4-11

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School begins the morning in the Sanctuary for the first part of the worship service, and on Sunday School days we go upstairs to our classrooms following the Children’s Sermon. We are pleased to continue lessons for Godly Play for ages 4-12, and Grapple for middle school students.

Regular class schedules resume for Sunday, January 7, 2024.

Youth Group: Save the Date - Youth Group will meet on Sunday, January 14th at 6:00 PM for pizza and an Escape Room challenge!

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

Central Happenings

BOARD/COMMITTEE MEETINGS THIS WEEK

JAN 08    MON  7:00 PM   Endowment Committee         Grimes Room

JAN 09    TUE   7:00 PM   Church Council           Grimes Room

As we enter the season of Epiphany which lasts from January 6 until Ash Wednesday, you are invited to take a star word from the basket at worship. A star word is a spiritually centered word that can encourage an intention or prayerful focus for the year. This word might be welcome or it might bring challenge, but see how this word speaks to you. Star words choose us instead of the other way round, so you are invited to sit with your word, look up the definition even if you know the word well, journal, or pray with your word and carry it with you for the year. Star words can be mailed to you if you contact the office.

The magi followed a star which ultimately led them to Jesus. May our star word bring us closer to Jesus and guide us through the year.

Consider using this prayer from Michelle Thomas Bush for praying with your STAR WORD:

God, we acknowledge that we are not always ready to receive your best gifts for us. You have given us an epiphany word in order that our searching will bring us to you. It is often our habit to turn aside, stumble over, or even reject experiences and encounters that we later understand to have been precious gifts. Help us to be open to the gift that you offer us now through our star words. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand what this word might mean for our faith, but we receive it from you with gratitude and pray that your Spirit will enable us to live into our word with intention and faithfulness. Amen.

Notice of Annual Financial Meeting to the Members and Friends of Central Congregational Church, (UCC)



The Central Congregational Church Annual Financial Meeting will be held in person on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The quorum for this meeting is fifty members. A copy of the annual financial report will be sent on Friday, January 19, 2024, for review prior to the meeting. Printed copies will also be available in the church office. The Member voting survey will be sent via e-mail immediately after the meeting.

Community News and Events

Giving

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)   In the blue banner at top of page click on: ON LINE WORSHIP

3)   On the far right of the page click on the blue text link: Click here to contribute online.

4)   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

Per CDC guidelines, masks are optional during worship and other activities, but are highly 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. 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.