Worship on Sunday December 31 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we gather on the last day of the year and the First Sunday after Christmas. We hear a different Bible stories about Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah. The month of December is full of annual rituals and these last days of the year remind us of the never-ending cycle of time. To see these events in the light of our faith is to recognize the wisdom of our scripture—that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise. I hope you’ll join us for worship, when I’ll reflect on one of our Christmas traditions, the Bidding Prayer from Lessons and Carols, and invite us to reflect on God’s abiding presence with us in a sermon titled, “When the Fullness of Time Had Come.”

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

PSALM 148                 

GALATIANS 4: 4-7    

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 2:22-40

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 no classes will be held on December 24th and December 31st. Classes will resume on January 7 - all are welcome!

Happy New Year,

Lauren

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

Central Happenings

Central Church will be hosting an Epiphany dinner on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 6:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, intention setting and worship together! A menu of Pork Tenderloin, roast vegetables and salad dinner with desserts will be served. Tickets are $20.00 per person ($60.00 family max). Funds collected will be donated to an international peace organization.

RSVP is required by Thursday, January 4, 2024.

To make your reservation or for more information contact he church office info@centralnewburypor.org or call 978-465-0533.

  14 Titcomb St, Newburyport MA

www.centralnewburyport.org

978-465-0533

Community News and Events

ORGAN CONCERT

Featuring David M. Kenney, Sr.

Hampton United Methodist Church’s Organist & Director of Music

Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 2 P.M.

at the Hampton United Methodist Church,

525 Lafayette Road, Hampton, NH

(snow date: February 4, 2024 at 2 P.M.)

Admission is free, and an offering will be taken to raise funds for organ chimes. Please come, and bring your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers! 

For more information, contact the church office at 603-926-2702.

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.