Week of Oct. 13 – Oct. 19, 2025

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

  

In our mid-week small groups this past week, one of the questions was, “In what way is the Bible different from other books?” At Amica on Wednesday afternoon there were some great responses. One person commented on the diversity of backgrounds and experiences of the authors; another pointed to the authority of the Bible and its True Author.

For me what makes the Bible unique is that it’s the one book that, when we read it, it also reads us. It holds up a mirror to our souls and shows us who we are, both the good and the bad.

The Bible is the primary way that we hear God speak to us, and this Sunday we will dig into how He does that. Hope to see you there!

“Beloved Bible teacher Beth Moore is coming to Whitby November 14-15, and I still have tickets available. Beth’s thought-provoking and uplifting teaching is infused with wisdom and humour. Worship music will be led by award winning Christian artist, Travis Cottrell. Tickets are $85. If you’d like to join me for this exciting event email me at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com

SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.

Central United Church welcomes you to join our Worship Service Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. In worship we proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; God’s word is read and preached, sacraments celebrated, faith sung and prayers offered.

Sunday services are also livestreamed (and recorded) through the Church website or you can join here. A copy of the bulletin for this Sunday’s Service is attached here.

 

This Sunday’s Scripture readings are 2 Timothy 3:10-17 and Psalm 19:7-14. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

You are welcome to join the Thursday prayer meeting tonight at 7:00 PM for a time of prayer and fellowship. The meeting is held using Zoom technology. 



Here are the details for those who wish to participate:

 

Access to Join from your PC, Tablet or Smartphone:

Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81293996881 or click here.

 

Quick access by phone:

1.   Call: 647 374-4685

2.   When prompted press: 812 9399 6881 #

3.   Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call

HEARING GOD

October 5 – November 16, 2025

The midweek Fall study, Hearing God, is underway! We’re delighted to have over 65 participants signed up for the study.

If you missed the first few sessions, it’s not too late to join and catch up with us! You can register through the Church Center app or by clicking herePlease make sure to sign up so you can receive all the study materials.

If you can’t make it in person, our hybrid group on Tuesday nights is always open to welcome you. Click Join Zoom Meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

OCTOBER FOOD DRIVE

“Help Families in Need”

The Markham Food Bank serves over 1,000 individuals each month, providing much-needed food supplies to support families’ nutritional needs. This October, we are collecting non-perishable food donations at the church, and every contribution makes a difference. Financial gifts are also welcome—please designate them as “Markham Food Bank.” Thank you for your generous support!

SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox

This year we are once again participating in the Samaritan’s Purse initiative as one of our Christmas Outreach events. You can participate by packaging a shoebox yourself or if you’d prefer Samaritan’s Purse to pack a box for you, you can do so with a $44.00 donation, just visit their website here. They also ask for a $12.00 donation per box which is applied towards collection, processing and international shipping.

Shoeboxes, brochures and shopping lists are now available for pick up Sundays after church service or during the week. The church office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. The initiative will run for six weeks ending Sunday, November 16th.

Let’s support this great initiative again this year to bring joy to a needy child. What a wonderful way to share Jesus’ love.

CENTRAL’S 185TH ANNIVERSARY!

Join us on Sunday, November 2 at 10:00 A.M. as we celebrate 185 years of God’s faithfulness at Central. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Charles Price as our guest preacher, bringing a message titled “To Me To Live is Christ” from Philippians 1:21–27.

Following the service, we will gather for a time of refreshment and fellowship. This is a special milestone in our church family’s journey, and we would love for you to be part of it. Bring your family and friends as we give thanks together for all that God has done and continues to do through Central!

MARKHAM PRAYER BREAKFAST

Friday, Nov. 21st 7:00am

Angus Glen Golf Course

The Markham Prayer Breakfast is a time for the community of Markham to gather for Breakfast and pray for our community leaders.  The keynote speaker will be Cyndi Wilkins. Cyndi was a successful business manager and new Mom when necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease) entered her life and altered it forever. She woke up 5 weeks later to find her hands and feet had been amputated in an effort to save her life and wondered “why did God allow this to happen to her?

Special music will be provided by vocalist Dawn Caswell, recently retired Music Teacher at MDHS who enjoys singing on the worship team at Springdale Baptist Church. A table has been purchased for our Church, tickets are $45 each. To secure a place at the table, please contact Ruth Duffield at regduffield@gmail.com.

HONOUR A LOVED ONE

THROUGH A MEMORIAL GIFT

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you.” — John 14:1-3

Donating to Central United Church in memory of a loved one is a meaningful way to celebrate their life while supporting the ongoing work of our Church.

Memorial gifts may be directed to a ministry close to your heart—such as Music, Children’s Church, Outreach Program, Small Groups etc. Each donation becomes a lasting tribute and helps sustain the programs that matter most to you and your family.

We will gratefully acknowledge these gifts by sharing the donor’s name, the name of the person being honoured, and the chosen area of support—never the amount. Anonymous donations are also respectfully honoured.

To make a Memorial Donation, simply indicate your intent when giving via EFT, Canada Helps, cheque, or cash.

For assistance, please contact Sally Sandiford at sally_sandiford@hotmail.com. 

CHURCH CENTER APP

Stay Connected Anywhere!

We know that using new technology can feel a little overwhelming—please don’t worry! You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. We’re encouraged to see more congregants using the Church Center App to sign up for events and stay connected with one another.

If you’d like help getting started, bring your phone on Sunday, October 12 or 19. Volunteers will be in the Boardroom (just outside the sanctuary) after service to guide you step by step.

Prefer to try it yourself? Step-by-step instructions are available anytime on our website: centralunitedchurch.com/church-center.

BOOK CLUB

Calling all book lovers – people of all ages! Everyone is invited to join Central United Church’s Book Club every 4th Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30am. We meet both in person & virtually. Good company, great books, compelling conversation & yummy treats!

 

Upcoming: Wednesday, October 22nd - The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann! 

 

Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!

PASTORAL CARE

Should you become aware of any illness, bereavement, hospitalization, etc., among people of our church, please notify the church office as soon as possible.

If you would like a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Diaz at the church office 905-474-0183 or by email ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com.

STAY CONNECTED…..

We want to help you stay connected so if you happen to be wondering “who’s doing what” in terms of duties, the list for this week is below….

October 19th 2025

SCRIPTURE READER: Susan Liu

MUSIC: Sarah Wyse

POWER POINT: Alan Heighway

GREETER: Wilma Inkpen

WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird and Pam Scarrow

COFFEE HOUR: Worship

SCRIPTURE READINGS

If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.

October 26th 2025

John 17:1-8

Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35