Dear Friends,

On Sunday we celebrate our relationship with Christians all over the world as we gather around Christ’s table for World Communion Sunday. To guile this ecumenical celebration, we hear the word of Paul written to the church in Phillippi. This letter reflects a tone of warmth and friendship, revealing Paul’s pastoral affection for the church. In these words, he encourages the church to have the same mind and show the same love as Jesus Christ. That’s still a challenge for us today and is the title of my sermon - The Same Love. I hope to see you on Sunday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. to share communion.

Grace and Peace, 

Chris

WORSHIP START TIME IS 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 awesome Broadcast Team of volunteers.

Sunday Worship 10:30 AM

Scripture Readings

EXODUS 17: 1-7

PHILIPPIANS 2: 1-13

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 21: 23-32

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 schoolers.

Parent Meeting is Sunday, October 1, following worship. Please join CE director with other parents for a conversation about your hopes and expectations for Christian Education at Central Church.

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

Central Happenings 

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 1

World Communion Sunday offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. The first Sunday of October is when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, we recognize that we are part of the whole body of believers. Whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or a storefront, Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations. World Communion Sunday can be both a profound worship experience and a time for learning more about our wider community of faith. Please join us on October 1, as we share communion.

BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS are BACK !!!!

Sign up to make up a Birthday Blessing Bag to be delivered to Pettingill House in Salisbury. This is a simple and worthwhile endeavor to add to a child's birthday that the parent/s may not be able to budget. You can build your Birthday Bag contribution to include:

• A Birthday Gift Bag
• A cake mix
• Frosting
• A $25.00 gift card to either Target or Walmart

One good idea is to include this in your shopping for supplies for your child's birthday. The complete Birthday Bags can be dropped at the church office. They will be picked up for delivery to the Salisbury location of Pettingill House, once a month by someone from the Outreach Team. There will be a sign-up sheet at Coffee this week or stop by the office. Any questions - please call or write or see me in church - Diane Gronbeck 978-387-1551 dgronbeck@comcast.net

The Central Christmas Fair is right around the corner. All the wonderful holiday activities of the Fair will kick-off Friday, December 1 for the Invitation Night Basket and Jewelry sneak-peaks and Saturday December 2 to enjoy all of the shopping, activities and food festivities!

If you are interested in helping this year, please contact Barbara Oswald at pelwald@comcast.net or call 508-265-6825

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!

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.