A few reminders for this week Apr. 26 – May 2, 2021

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
If you have friends who belong to churches of Eastern Orthodox confession I remind you to greet them with “Happy Easter” this weekend. Sunday, May 2 is Easter in their tradition that marks dates according to the Julian calendar. The Western church—that includes Central United—follows the Gregorian calendar for dating events; there are helpful online resources if you are interested to know more about the different calendars. The world may think it curious that these two major church traditions celebrate Easter on different days. Can the message of Easter be announced too much? I encourage you to acknowledge Easter with our Orthodox neighbours. Such acknowledgement, as the Apostle John noted, is to ‘testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world.’       
CENTRAL UNITED IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUSPENDED
Under the current York Region lockdown due to Covid-19, Central United Church is continuing it’s livestreaming of Sunday Services, but in-person worship services are on hold until the end of lockdown. We will keep you posted as to when in-person services will resume.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we endeavor to work together to make our worship both safe and meaningful during this unusual time.
PARKING LOT AND DRIVEWAY PROJECT
FUNDRAISING
As approved at the Annual General Meeting in February we will be replacing the parking lot and driveway this summer. The total cost is expected to be between $80,000 and $85,000. Special donations to the Parking Lot Project are welcomed and donations received directly for the project will help to preserve our other funds. Thanks to all those who have generously donated to the project.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
April 29th, 2021 at 7:00 pm
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
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, MAY 2nd
This Sunday’s service will be available to watch via live streaming at 10:00 am and is recorded for later viewing, through the Church website. To watch live or view a recording later, go to the Church website, scroll down and click on Central United’s Live Stream Page or click here. A copy of the bulletin for this Sunday’s Service is attached here.
We suggest, for joining the live stream, that you tune in early. You are encouraged to have your bible handy and please note that the text of this Sunday’s Sermon will be available on our Church website prior to Service time. This Sunday’s Scripture readings are Acts 8:26-40, 1 John 4:7-21 and John 15:1-8 You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
Please join us each week and spread this good word. Share our streaming information with family and friends, and via your extended social network, hopefully, more and more people will hear about our live stream services and join in each week.
 
THE UPPER ROOM
Copies of the Upper Room May/June 2021 edition are now available. If you would like to receive a copy please let Sharlene Wilson-Bennett (admin@centralunitedchurch.com) know via email and she will be happy to get a copy to you. Please specify if you would like the small or large print copy and be sure to include your address. Alternatively, use the link below to get your copy online. https://upperroombooks.com/home-2/?cn-reloaded=1
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 finance@centralunitedchurch.com.
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.
During this time of limitations on in-person visits, Rev. Dr. James Clubine is available for a telephone or video conference pastoral ‘visit’ and prayer. If you would like to book a visit, please contact Rev. Clubine at the church office 905.474.0183×228 or mobile office 416.358.4924 or by email jclubine@centralunitedchurch.com.
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.

May 9th 2021
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17