Worship on March 3 3rd Sunday Lent at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we celebrate the sacrament of communion and the work of our third and fourth graders to learn about this important aspect of Christian worship. As we continue our Lenten journey, our scriptures offer several reminders about the nature of true worship and the importance of avoiding things that might distract us from honoring God and our relationships to other people. In my sermon, I’ll also share a few stories from my recent trip to Chile. I hope you’ll join us to celebrate with our children and a sermon that I’m calling, “The Meaning of Communion.”

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

EXODUS 20:1-17          

I CORINTHIANS 1:18-25  

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 2:13-22

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 schoolers.

Sunday School: There is NO Sunday School class Sunday, March 3- all children and their families are welcome to sit up front on the right side near the piano for the recognition of the Communion Class of 2024 and remain for communion!

Sunday School classes resume on March 10

Youth Group:    Movie Night is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd! Join Elizabeth Proctor & Lauren upstairs for popcorn and a movie- all are welcome to come in their pj’s or comfortable clothes.

CE Spring Fling - Games and fun for the whole family will be held on Saturday, April 6. Watch for details.

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

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COMMUNION CLASS

Communion Class concludes on Sunday, March 3^rd, when Communion class participants gather at worship to share communion and receive commemorative Bibles.

Central Happenings

LENTEN SERIES:

A TIME TO GROW IN FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP

Soup & Bread supper

followed by Lenten Series with NOOMA

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. The meaning of Lent is about opening up. No matter what the weather is like, newness and new life are just outside the window. And in you. As Easter approaches, it is a time for our spiritual formation and growth. So you are 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.

To register or for more information please contact the church office infor@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533

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

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

https://sneucc-reg.brtapp.com/SuperSaturday2024

Onsite & Online options are available.

Saturday, March 9

8:00 am - 4:30pm

Location:

Wellsworth Hotel (formerly Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center)

14 Mechanic Street, Southbridge, MA 01550

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.