Newtown Congregational Church (NCC) will host a very special movie screening this weekend.

The community is invited to join NCC members in The Great Room of the church, at 14 West Street, for a free screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol. Attendees will be encouraged to sing along to the movie, which will begin at 7 pm.

In the 1992 feature film, the Muppets tell their version of the classic tale of redemption on Christmas Eve of Ebeneezer Scrooge (Michael Caine), an old and bitter miser who is held accountable for his dastardly ways during nighttime visitations by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future.

Kermit the Frog plays Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of Mr Scrooge. Other Muppets — including Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and Sam the Eagle — weave in and out of the story.

The Muppet Christmas Carol was the first Muppet movie made without Jim Henson. The creator of the Muppets, Henson had died on May 16, 1990. The film is dedicated to Henson and his longtime collaborator, the late Richard Hunt (1951-1992), who was the original voice of Scooter, Beaker, Janice, Statler, and Sweetums.

Additionally, a shooting star that streaks through the sky after Kermit sings “One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas” was a purposeful nod to Jim Henson, according to Brian Henson, son of Jim and the director of Muppet Christmas Carol. Four subsequent Muppet movies have also include a shooting star framing Kermit for the same purpose.

The family friendly dramedy runs 1 hour, 25 minutes, and is rated G. Guests on Saturday will also enjoy snacks and hot chocolate while celebrating the Christmas season.

Those planning to attend are asked to park in the lower parking lot located off Castle Hill Road (north of the church building; a walkway connects that parking lot to the church’s driveway). For additional information, call 203-426-9024.