Dear Friends,

On Sunday, we hear another parable of Jesus about the kingdom of God that uses agricultural images. Last week, we heard the story of the sower and the seed and the different soils. I preached about the challenges of weeds in the garden and the need to be attentive and mindful. This week, we hear another story of a sower and seed and this time the weeds take on special meaning. I hope you’ll join us to learn from the wisdom of Jesus and listen for God’s word in a sermon that I’m calling, “Another Sower, More Seeds and More Weeds.”

Grace and Peace,

Chris

REMINDER -

SUMMER WORSHIP TIME CHANGE

Sunday worship will begin at 9:30 AM each week through and including Sunday, September 3. Services will continue to be broadcast on Facebook Live throughout the summer.

Sunday Worship 9:30 AM

Scripture Readings

ROMANS 8:12-25

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 13:

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School lessons will resume on Sunday, September 10th, 2023. Stay tuned for additional youth programs to be offered during the summer months!

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

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED

If you have ever considered helping out with Sunday School at Central Congregational, now is a great time to share your time and talents with our wonderful group of students! Teaching is fun and does not need to be a yearly commitment - the more the merrier! Reach out to Lauren for more information regarding helping with Grapple (middle school ages) or Godly Play (ages 5-12). Contact Lauren lauren@centralnewburyport.org (978)572-1423 to learn how to help.

Central Happenings 

FAMILY SUMMER EVENTS

FAMILY DINNER AND WORSHIP

You are invited to the third in our summer series of Tuesday evening family meals and worship on July 25 at 5:30 PM. This time we are gathering at the meetinghouse of First Church Ipswich (just across the street from the church) at 1 Meetinghouse Green, Ipswich MA. The meal this time will be Mediterranean (ie hummus, tabouleh, grilled chicken) and the theme will be ‘Hospitality’ and how we take care of/serve each other. Come join us for a lovely evening, nourishing our bodies and souls through experiencing and learning about hospitality and how this relates to our Christian faith. Please RSVP so we have the right amounts of foods on hand. Contact stacey@centralnewburyport.org.

Community News and Events

Theater in the Open invites you to enjoy another year of Open Puppets in the Spring, Oscar Wilde in the Summer, a Tragedy in September, Poe in he fall, and your favorite Holiday tradition in the Winter - four seasons of fun and entertainment!

Be sure to see Lady Windemere's Fan -- opening July 22nd - directed by Obie Award Wining Director and Newburyport native Rory Pelsue. The cast has been rehearsing right here in Central Church in preparation for the performances. Get all the details at https://www.theaterintheopen.org/

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!

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.