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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
It has become a popular pastime in recent years to dismiss the modern Christmas classic, “Mary, Did You Know?” as “the man-splaining” carol.
“Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?”
“She’s a mother,” people say; “of course she knew!” That might humour our modern sensitivities, but the fact is she is a human being, and the truth about who Jesus was and what He would do for the world was beyond ALL human comprehension. Not even his disciples really knew. When I listen to the song and reflect on the significance of this little baby boy, it blows my mind.
Here’s my favourite version, sung by the one who wrote it:
https://youtu.be/bXmfkFoX-PE?si=__nAYMtDJxcqkD2P
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 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 and Luke 1:26-38. 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
SUPPORT OUR FRIENDSHIP ROOM REFRESH
We are delighted to announce that the long-awaited refresh of the Friendship Room is underway – a welcoming space where fellowship flourishes and hearts are uplifted!
The Design Team Members invested countless hours exploring options, touring showrooms and ensuring excellent value for every dollar spent. Each piece selected is commercial grade – built for constant use and designed to last. Even better, the upholstered items are made right here in Markham, supporting local business!
Items to be Funded Investment
- 10′ sectional Sofa / $5,000
- 2 Accent Chairs / $2,400 each
- Ottoman with Storage / $1,200
- 2 Tables (3′ x 4′) / $588 each
- 10 Chairs / $306 each
- 3 Portable Side Tables / $271 each
Some of the new furniture is arriving this week and you will have the chance to “kick the tires” and see how beautifully it looks and functions.
How You Can Help:
We invite you to consider a financial gift toward these enhancements. You might:
• Sponsor a chair or table
• Contribute toward the sectional or accent chairs
• Make a contribution of any amount toward the overall refresh
Donations can be made easily via Interac E-Transfer, Canada Helps, or Cheque. Please note “Friendship Room Refresh” on your donation.
Thank you for your support as we continue to build a thriving, welcoming community where all people are encouraged to accept and grow in the Christian faith. grow
OFFERING ENVELOPES
For those of you who use offering envelopes, your boxed set for 2026 is available for pick up in the narthex. If we have missed your name and you would like a set for your weekly offering, please speak to Sharlene or Sally Sandiford. Please ensure that at the end of 2025 you destroy your old envelopes and begin using the new set that has been assigned to you.
REFUGEE OUTREACH
This Christmas it gives us pleasure to buy Christmas gifts for a couple of refugee families who are struggling. Ahmed & Ghada have 3 children, a son Alabes (20), and two daughters Hawazin (18) and Hazar (16). Also a lady who has a high risk pregnancy. She is expecting a daughter in January. Please watch the church bulletin board for more specific information.
Many thanks to those of you who generously donated good used winter coats/jackets to the refugee homes run by ‘ The People’s Church.’ They were much appreciated. Contact: Éilis Wu message 416 889-6742 or email eilisannwu@gmail.com
NEW YEAR’S PRAYER SUMMIT
January 1, 2026
Start the year with purpose—join us January 1 at 10 AM for the New Year’s Prayer Summit and seek God’s guidance for your life, our church, and the world led by Rev. Lori and with worship music led by Sarah.
GRIEF SHARE
January 14 – April 8
If you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, you don’t have to walk through grief alone. GriefShare is a safe, caring support group where you can find understanding, comfort, and hope.
Starting on Wednesday, January 14 at 2 p.m. for 13 weeks in the Friendship Room, each week features helpful video lessons, group discussions, and personal reflection to help you navigate the journey of grief and healing. You’ll gain practical tools, hear from experts, and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.
Whether your loss is recent or years past, you are welcome to join us at any point during the series. Materials will be provided. Register here.
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE
January 14 – February 11
Join us for a 5-week online course on Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom designed to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and strengthen your faith. Together, we’ll explore the structure, history, themes and message of the Bible, looking at the cultural, social and historical context to make reading scripture easier to read and understand with greater clarity and confidence.
Whether you are new to the Bible or looking to grow in your understanding, this course provides a welcoming space to ask questions, learn, and discover how God’s Word speaks to our lives today. Register here.
FRIDAY DATE NIGHT
January 16 – February 27
Invest in your relationship from the comfort of your home!
Join us for Friday Date Night, a 7-session online series designed to help couples build a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling marriage. Based on The Marriage Course by Alpha, each evening includes practical teaching, guided conversations, and private discussions between you and your partner—no group sharing required.
Whether you’ve been married for six months or thirty years, this course provides a dedicated time and space to reconnect, communicate more effectively, and deepen your commitment to one another. Register here.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPERS
We need helpers in the Sunday School classroom. No teaching, singing, or crafting experience is required!!
We currently have 4 assistants rotating through the schedule, and we need to double this number in 2026. Please consider this way to serve. We would love to have you join our team!
Questions? Please speak to Pam Scarrow, or click here:
pam@thescarrows.com.
BOOK CLUB
Merry Christmas to everyone from the Central United Book Club members! Book Club will resume in January 2026! We hope to welcome new members in the new year!
Upcoming: Wednesday, January 28th – Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
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….
December 21st 2025
SCRIPTURE READER: Lindsay Duffield
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Alan Heighway
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird and Carole Beam
COFFEE TIME: Pastoral Care
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