Worship on Sunday December 3 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we celebrate the first week of Advent, a sacred time of preparation for the birth of Jesus. It’s also a time when the calendar of the church seems to be most out-of-sync with the calendar of the world around us. While most of the world celebrates Christmas long before it arrives, the church’s liturgy invites us to wait, to watch, and to hope. I’ll be preaching on these themes in a sermon titled, “Keeping Awake for Hope.” I look forward to seeing you 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

EZEKIEL 34:11-16, 20-24

EPHESIANS 1:15-23

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 25:31-46

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 3rd, 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.

Christmas Fair: The Youth Group and their families are invited to help with the CE table at the Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 2cnd!  Please let Lauren know if you can help out anytime during the Fair for an hour or two!

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

Calling All Gingerbread Bakers & Builders!!

Celebrate the holidays by making a gingerbread house! or trolley car, or spaceship! Go where your imagination leads you! Registration is now OPEN for the first Port Gingerbread Festival Contest & Exhibition: December 8-10 at Central Congregational Church in Newburyport. Please visit www.portgingerbreadfestival.org and click on “Create!” All ages and skill levels are welcome. Deadline to register: December 3. Deliver your creation December 7 or 8.

👉 Please follow and share Port Gingerbread Festival on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll be helping to promote the Festival and bring in plenty of visitors to admire your work! Thanks!

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.