A few reminders for this week Apr. 24 to Apr. 30, 2023

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

The growing demand for mental health services seems to indicate these are anxious times for many people. Does the gospel have anything to say in such a time? I wonder if our collective turning away from God has contributed to an uptick in anxiety. Having been told that nothing is higher than ‘you,’ the discovery that the centre does not hold is unnerving, disconcerting. Long ago the Psalmist said of God, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you are with me.” Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Experiencing our Lord walking with us in all that we face is great comfort. The gospel is, indeed, good news for an anxious world.

 

SUNDAY 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 Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25 and John 10:1-10. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP

Please come and join the Thursday prayer meeting tonight at 7:00 pm. After the prayer time we have some time for fellowship to allow us to catch up with each other a little. The meeting is held using the Zoom technology. Please join 10 minutes before the 7:00 PM start time.

Here are the details for those that wish to participate:

Access to Join Zoom Meeting from your PC, Tablet or Smartphone

  1. Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8925458525 or click here
  2. If you are joining with the Zoom App the Meeting ID is: 892 545 8525 (Note that you can also download the Zoom Application and use the Meeting ID to join)

 

Quick access by phone:

  1. Call: 647 374-4685
  2. When prompted press: 892 545 8525 #
  3. Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call

FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS

Thanks to all that have increased their financial support of Central United Church in the first quarter.  As you recall, Church Council asked all donors to increase their givings by at least 5% this year in order to achieve a balanced budget for 2023.  

 

We asked – You Listened and Acted. We are pleased to report that 1Q donations in 2023 increased by $12,000 or 26% over 1Q 2022. 1Q 2023 Year-to-Date donations were $59,000, which is $10,000 over our Year-to-Date Budget.  

 

Bottom-line, our 1Q deficit (expenses greater than income) was $2100 versus a budgeted deficit in 1Q of $14,500. A strong result!

 

Thank you for your support and let’s keep this momentum going into the 2Q! 

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED TO ASSIST WITH ELEVATOR SERVICE FOR SUNDAY SERVICES

We are noticing that elevator service is required more frequently every Sunday. In order to assist the congregation, your worship committee is asking for a group of volunteers to ensure one dedicated person is available to assist each Sunday. Training on the elevator operation will be available. We would appreciate anyone who would be willing to help our fellow congregants. Please get in touch with Rev Clubine, Sharlene or Sharon with your availability.

ONLINE DONATIONS

Donations for the work of Central United Church can be made online.

  • You can donate to Central United by clicking here:
  • You can continue to specify how you want your donation to be allocated by either selecting the appropriate category on the website or by typing in your choice in the MESSAGE box.
  • Donation receipts will be issued directly by Canada Helps, so there is no need to include your envelope number.
  • If you have any questions, email [email protected].

In addition to the online donation option, your church offerings can also be mailed to the church.

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. Clubine at the church office 905.474.0183 or mobile office 416.358.4924 or by email [email protected].

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 30th, 2023

LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Sharon Gayman Laird

POWER POINT: Henry Wong

GREETER & WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee

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SCRIPTURE READINGS

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

May 7th, 2023

Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

1 Peter 2:2-10

John 14:1-14