Worship on Sunday February 11 at 10:30 AM

Dear Friends,

On Sunday, February 11, 2024, we celebrate the Transfiguration, a strange story about the transformation of Jesus appearance on a high mountain with his closest disciples, Peter, James, and John. The story marks that transition into the season of Lent and it reminds us of Jesus’ transformation on Easter. It’s a reminder to all of us that life is filled with many moments of change and transition, moments that are also full of God’s grace. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “Coming Down the Mountain.” We hope to see you at worship at 10:30 a.m. Then stay awhile for refreshments and fellowship presented by the Hospitality committee.

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

2 KINGS 2:1-12

2 CORINTHIANS 4:3-6   

THE GOSPEL OF MARK 9:2-9

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 school students.

Godly Play:     Sunday Morning

Grapple:          I wonder if anything could be different?

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

• February 25
• March 17
• April 7
• May 5

COMMUNION CLASS : Communion Classes continues February 11 from 11:45 am - 1:00 pm. Reminder: there will be a meeting with Rev. Chris and the parents of communion class students on February 11 while the class is held. The bread baking class will be on Saturday, March 2 at 12:00 pm. followed by the traditional climb to the bell tower to add their names to all who have come before them! On Sunday, March 3^rd, Communion class participants will gather to worship, share communion and receive commemorative Bibles.

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

Central Happenings

ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 7:00 PM SERVICE

This year, Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, falls on February 14, 2024.

You are invited to gather at 6:00 PM in the social hall to share a simple meal of soup and bread. Sign up sheets are available if you would like to bring a dish to share.

The Ash Wednesday service will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 PM.

PRAYER CONCERNS & CELEBRATIONS

After careful consideration, the Deacons and Pastor have decided to include pastoral care concerns of the congregation in the weekly bulletin. We are sharing this information so that members of the church can offer prayers or reach out to express concern and offer support in times of need. At the same time, we wish to respect everyone’s privacy and not share sensitive medical information. We will also seek your permission before publishing any information. If you have questions or concerns about any of this, please speak to the pastor or one of the Deacons.

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.

Community News and Events

Merrimack River Eagle Festival 2024

Saturday, February 17 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The 18th annual Merrimack River Eagle Festival is back in 2024!

Come to Newburyport, Amesbury and Salisbury on Saturday, February 17, 2024, for a full day of fun indoor and outdoor activities celebrating the return of the Bald Eagles! Learn more about these magnificent birds, as well as other amazing raptors, and why our local habitat is so important to them.

Presented by Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center & Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Click link below to learn more.

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.