Worship on Sunday December 10 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we gather for the second Sunday of Advent, a time traditionally associated with the theme of peace. But this year, there seems to be little peace in the world. This year, we hear many voices crying in distress. But we might hear the words of the gospel with greater urgency—the voice of John the Baptist calling in the wilderness to return to God. I’ll reflect on the meaning of these ancient words for our lives today in a sermon that I’m calling, “A Voice Crying.” I hope to see you for worship on Sunday.

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

ISAIAH 40:1-11

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 1:-2, 8-13

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.

Sunday School reminder that classes will be held on December 10th and 17^th and we will be working on the upcoming Christmas pageant!



Youth Group reminder that the 3^rd Annual Winter Solstice Gathering with FRS Youth is on December 19^th -  see Lauren for more details.

Reindeer Games: All ages are welcome to join us for the Annual Reindeer Games on Saturday, December 16th from 5-7PM in the Social Hall!

Cocoa & Caroling: Caroling will follow beginning at 7:00PM led by Lauren and the Central Band, and our Song Circle - all ages are welcome!

Blessings,

Lauren

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

Central Happenings

Community News and Events

Giving

The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross is an annual UCC offering that expresses our thanks to retired and active UCC pastors and lay church workers and their families facing financial need, providing direct assistance to supplement pensions, help with the cost of medical insurance, a thank you gift at Christmas, and funds to meet emergency needs. This year’s Christmas Fund theme is “Grace upon grace,” from John 1:16, “From Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

Special offering date this year will be December 24, 2023.

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.