Dear Friends,

In the aftermath of last week's snow storm, we will have communion this Sunday, January 14, and celebrate the baptism of Jesus from last Sunday’s cancelled service. After hearing the miraculous stories of Jesus’ birth and the reflections of Jesus as the light of the world, we return to ground in this ancient ritual that affirms Jesus’ humanity. Like all of us, Jesus experienced the corporeal earthiness of life with all of its messiness. That’s part of what we acknowledge when we remember his immersion in the murky water of the Jordan River. I hope you’ll join us for worship and a sermon that I’m calling, “From Starry Skies to Muddy Waters.”

Grace and peace,

Chris

Due to the storm cancellation of worship on January 7, we will use the Messenger and celebrate communion liturgy scheduled for that date on Sunday, January 14.

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

GENESIS 1:1-5    

ACTS 19:1-7

THE GOSPEL OF Mark 1:4-11

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.

No class scheduled January 14 in observation of Martin Luther King Jr day.

Youth Group: Youth Group Escape Room challenge is postponed. Watch for details of new date and time!

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

Central Happenings

As we enter the season of Epiphany which lasts from January 6 until Ash Wednesday, you are invited to take a star word from the basket at worship. A star word is a spiritually centered word that can encourage an intention or prayerful focus for the year. This word might be welcome or it might bring challenge, but see how this word speaks to you. Star words choose us instead of the other way round, so you are invited to sit with your word, look up the definition even if you know the word well, journal, or pray with your word and carry it with you for the year. Star words can be mailed to you if you contact the office.

The magi followed a star which ultimately led them to Jesus. May our star word bring us closer to Jesus and guide us through the year.

Consider using this prayer from Michelle Thomas Bush for praying with your STAR WORD:

God, we acknowledge that we are not always ready to receive your best gifts for us. You have given us an epiphany word in order that our searching will bring us to you. It is often our habit to turn aside, stumble over, or even reject experiences and encounters that we later understand to have been precious gifts. Help us to be open to the gift that you offer us now through our star words. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand what this word might mean for our faith, but we receive it from you with gratitude and pray that your Spirit will enable us to live into our word with intention and faithfulness. Amen.

Now that many of you have received your Star Word, what does your word mean to you? Think about this question as a prompt during the week as you journal, pray and sit with your word.

Central Congregational Church invites you to celebrate with us and our pastor, Christopher Ney, following his successful defense of his dissertation and completion of the PhD program at the Boston University School of Theology. In the field of education, a formal tea is often held to celebrate graduation. In Chile, afternoon tea is a daily ritual known by the Spanish word for eleven - once (pronounced ohn-sey). We draw upon these traditions for this special occasion. Chris entered the doctoral program at Boston University in fall 2014 with enthusiastic support from Central’s lay leadership, so this achievement represents an accomplishment of the partnership between pastor and congregation. During the tea, Chris will share some of what he learned about partnership through his research and how the concept is relevant for local church ministry. We hope you will join us on Saturday January 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Central Congregational Church (UCC).

Please RSVP to the church office at info@centralnewburyport.org or call 978-465-0533.

Notice of Annual Financial Meeting to the Members and Friends of Central Congregational Church, (UCC)



The Central Congregational Church Annual Financial Meeting will be held in person on Sunday, January 28, 2024. The quorum for this meeting is fifty members. A copy of the annual financial report will be sent on Friday, January 19, 2024, for review prior to the meeting. Printed copies will also be available in the church office. The Member voting survey will be sent via e-mail immediately after the meeting.

Community News and Events

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.