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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Of all the names given to Jesus in the Bible my favourite is “Good Shepherd,” the servant leader who lays down his life for his followers; who knows his sheep by name; who leads them beside still, calm waters. Shepherd imagery also makes good fun for sermon-writers, except that at some point a preacher must address the likeness of people to sheep, which doesn’t always sit well, since most of us think of sheep as slobbering, dirty, dumb animals. I’ve learned, however, that sheep are not dumb animals at all, that this might just be a nasty rumor spread by cattle farmers, because sheep do not behave like cows. While cows are herded from behind – often with whips or prods – sheep will not respond to that, because they prefer to be led. While you push cattle, you lead sheep, and they will not go where someone else hasn’t gone first – namely their shepherd, who goes ahead to show them that everything is alright.
The good news of Easter is that, although Jesus went the way of the cross in His life, we can follow Him, because we know He is leading us to the Resurrection.
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 John 10:1-10 and Psalm 23. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
“GIVING FROM THE HEART”
Growing in Christ through the path of Generosity
On Sunday, April 19th, during the worship service, we successfully kicked-off our Stewardship Initiative, Giving from the Heart.
For many years, we have spoken about “Stewardship” in terms of meeting operating budgets and funding capital repairs. While those things matter, we believe God is calling us to something deeper. We are shifting our focus away from the Church’s need for your resources, and toward the transformative joy that comes when we give from the heart.
Giving from the heart is the recognition that our Time, Talent, and Treasure are gifts entrusted to us by God. When we share them, we aren’t just “paying the bills” or “contributing for the sake of contributing”—we are participating in the very life of God. Our stewardship initiative presents each of us with an opportunity to grow in our Faith and to further focus on our Mission – “To Grow In Christ and help others grow with us.”
What to Expect:
In the coming weeks, we will be hearing stories of how spiritual gifting has changed lives in our midst, learn what it means to give from the heart and gathering in small groups to remind ourselves of Central’s mission and the impact of generosity.
Pledge packets will be distributed early next week as well as information on how and when you can sign up for a small group gathering.
We are excited to embark on our Giving from the Heart initiative. This is more than a call for support but rather an invitation to celebrate the abundance of our Congregation and to invest in the spiritual life we share.
With peace and gratitude,
The Stewardship Steering Committee:
Scott Wetmore, Ros Chu, Rev. Lori Diaz, Lindsay Duffield, Winston Roberts, Mark Scarrow, Doug Stirling
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
“A cheerful heart is a good medicine….”
Proverbs 17:22a NRSV
There is a cheerful group of ladies in the congregation (and a few of their friends) who in joy and love knit (or crochet) beautiful Prayer Shawls and Blessing Blankets.
Prayer shawls are given to anyone who needs to feel the warm presence of God surrounding them in times of fear, or of illness, or of loss. Many who have received one of these lovely pieces, have told us that they have been a welcome blessing. The request for a Prayer Shawl can come from anybody; let us know because we like to keep track of the numbers that are gifted.
Knitters are always welcome and there is assistance with cost of the wool if needed. A simple pattern is available. Click here to access the pattern.
Blessing Blankets are presented to all who come to Central for the sacrament of Baptism (child or adult). They are similar patterns to the prayer shawls, smaller for an infant or child).
Occasionally all the pieces are blessed by Rev. Lori during a worship service.
CPR/AED Training
Monday, May 4th / 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
CPR/AED training by Rescue 7 Inc. will be held at the church on Monday, May 4th from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm. Two spots are available for any member of the congregation interested in taking this life saving training (at no cost). If interested, please contact Mark Ono at markono88@gmail.com. It will be on a first come, first served basis.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, May 6th at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. May 6th at 10:00 am. Our purpose is to provide a place to connect with others and an opportunity for friendship and fellowship.
If you’d like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact John Frotten at jfrotten@rogers.com.
MOTHER’S DAY FLOWER VASE
Sunday, May 10th
Do you have a special woman in your life that you would like to remember this Mother’s Day? Guests are invited to bring a fresh flower for inclusion in a communal bouquet on Sunday, May 10th to honour all the loving mothers in our lives. Celebrating their strength, sacrifices, selflessness and love.
WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Central United Church has a table at the Whitchurch-Stouffville Prayer Breakfast, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. at Station Creek Golf Course, located at 12657 Woodbine Avenue.
Guest Speaker this year is Christ Tomkins, CEO of Muskoka Woods, with music offered by the Toronto District Christian High School Choir.
This year’s Prayer Breakfast will also feature a special tribute to Dennis Seeley, long-time Chairman of the WSPB.
Tickets are $30. To reserve one email Rev. Lori at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
Beginning Sunday, May 17th
Summer is coming and Lemonade on the Lawn will resume for the Sundays late May through to the beginning of September this year.
However, the only way this can happen is if you, our congregation, supports this by signing up for the weeks you are able to assist with set up, pouring and clean up each week. This is a very easy task as all supplies will be available at the church. Sign up sheets are located in the Narthex. Please consider this, so that we can all enjoy the physical reconnection with old and new friends in our church.
Please check your calendars and commit to a week or two that will work for you! If you have any questions you may contact Kathy Hoy by email at kathyhoy5@gmail.com. Your service to the church will be appreciated by all!
BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 27th from 10:00 – 11:30 am
Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 10-11:30am, to discuss books in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Upcoming: Wednesday, May 27th - The Jazz Club Spy by Roberta Rich!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
5K Run/Walk for Lynn
Saturday, July 18th 8:00am
Join us for our very first 5K run/walk on Saturday, July 18, in support of groundbreaking research at Sunnybrook’s Brain Sciences Centre aimed at helping eliminate ALS. The event is held in honour of Lynne Pulenzas, a longtime member of our church.
This special event brings the community together to raise awareness, fund critical research, and move us closer to finding a cure for ALS.
Learn more: https://centralunitedchurch.com/…/5k-run-walk-for…/
Register to run/walk, volunteer, or donate:
https://raceroster.com/…/2026/118012/5k-runwalk-for-lynne
Should you have any questions (e.g., how to set up your personal fundraising page), please don’t hesitate to email us at cares@centralunitedchurch.com or speak with Christina.
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….
April 26th 2026
SCRIPTURE READER: Doug Stirling
MUSIC: George Arnold
POWER POINT: Thomas Black
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird & Kathy Hoy
COFFEE HOUR: Outreach
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