Worship on February 18 1st Sunday Lent at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, February 18, we begin the season of Lent, a time of reflection and spiritual growth as we approach the joyous celebration of Lent. We hear stories of God’s promise and the assurance of God’s grace, even amidst the challenges and difficulties of our lives. I’ll reflect on these themes through the lens of God’s rainbow promise to Noah. I hope you’ll join us for a sermon that I’m calling, “After the Flood, A Rainbow Promise.”

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 9:8-17          

1 PETER 3:18-22    

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1:9-15

SUNDAY SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP



Sunday School begins the morning in the Sanctuary for the first part of the worship service, and on scheduled 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.

No Sunday School classes will be held on Sunday February 18

Youth Group: Escape Room Event is happening on Sunday February 25 at 6:00 PM 

We are also penciling the following Sunday evenings for Youth Group Events:

March 17

April 7

May 5

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

Central Happenings

LENTEN SERIES:

A TIME TO GROW IN FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Lenten Series with NOOMA, plus soup and bread supper

The word Lent comes from an Old English term meaning to lengthen. One interpretation is that Lent is a time that stretches us to grow in our love and knowledge of God. As Easter approaches, it is a time for our spiritual formation and growth. So you’re invited to participate in a special series for Lent at Central.

On Thursday nights during March, we will offer a time of fellowship and faith conversation as part of our observance of Lent. We will gather for a simple meal of soup and bread at 6:00 and then watch a short video from the NOOMA series created by Rob Bell. These videos address different aspects of faith in a creative and thought-provoking way. After each film, we’ll have time for conversation, prayers, and faith formation exercises. Mark your calendars and make plans to join us on Thursday March 7, 14 and 21.

For more information or to register contact Rev. Chris or the church office.

Women’s Ministry February Dinner Out

Women’s Ministry January Dinner Out! will meet at the upstairs lounge at Michael's Harborside, 1 Tournament Wharf, Newburyport, MA 01950, on Tuesday, February 27 at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to relaxing and spending time together.

Please RSVP by Friday, February 23. If you have any questions, please reach out to Sarah at sbseamans@comcast.net or call 978-273-1512.

It is time to order your Easter flowers

Order Tulips to honor loved ones and decorate the Sanctuary on Easter. Order forms are available in the church office, in the weekly digital newsletter and from the deacons. Orders must be in by Sunday, March 17. Dedications will be printed in the Easter bulletins.

Community News and Events

Firehouse Center, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA

Newburyport Documentary Film Festival 

Bathtubs over Broadway

Friday, 2/23 from 6 pm - 9pm

6:00 pm Reception with Steve Young

7:00 pm Film Screening

8:30 pm Q&A with Steve Young with a LIVE performance of Steve’s favorite corporate show tunes + BONUS screening

Sponsored by Dyno Records, this is the inaugural screening of the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival’s NBPT DOCU BEST Series celebrating their 20th anniversary, welcoming back an award-winning audience favorite that opened their 2018 festival.

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.