A few reminders for this week Apr. 27 – May 3, 2020

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
You may have received recent information from your financial institution advising you to be extra vigilant of scammers who use this current pandemic as an opportunity to do financial harm. You are advised on how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate institutional messages. When Jesus said that “the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep” he was advising people how to distinguish between the true shepherd and thieves. (John 10:2). Jesus claimed to be this true shepherd who comes that we might have life, and have it abundantly. Jesus indicates that you recognize the true shepherd because he enters by the gate, meaning that he is legitimate and can be trusted to be the one who will care for the sheep. Jesus assures us that God is the one who wants what is best for us.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS…
WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE
April 30th, 2020 at 7:00 pm
A reminder that you are invited to join in the Thursday Prayer Meeting at 7:00 PM. 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:
Join Zoom Meeting from your PC, Tablet or Smartphone
Meeting ID: 892 545 8525
(Note that you can also download the Zoom Application and use the Meeting ID to join)
 
For dial in from a phone (audio only), just dial one of the following numbers and enter the meeting ID when prompted:
    
647 374 4685
647 558 0588
Meeting ID: 892 545 8525
  
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, May 3rd
The Sunday 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 2:42-27, 1 Peter 2:19-25 and John 10:1-10. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
In these challenging times, the importance of maintaining spiritual well-being within our Central United community and through regular worship is magnified.
 
While we can’t gather physically, Central United is unique among many churches in the area with the ability to live stream Sunday services and our “virtual congregation” continues to grow!
 
Please join us each week. And spread this good word. Share our streaming information with family and friends, and via your extended social network – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.  
 
Hopefully, more and more people will hear about our live-stream services and join in each week.
Following the guidelines of the Ontario Government, there are no onsite services until further notice.
ONLINE DONATIONS
A new function has been added to the home page of the Central United Church Website. It is now possible to donate using the new “DONATE NOW” function on the website or follow the points below:
  • 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.
THE UPPER ROOM
The Upper Room hard copies are now available. If you would like to receive a copy please let Linda Patterson know via email: lme29patt@gmail and she will attempt to have it delivered to your home. Please include your address and choice of regular or large print. Limited quantities are available. Alternatively, use the link below to get your copy online. https://upperroombooks.com/home-2/?cn-reloaded=1

SCRIPTURE READINGS….
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week…..
May 10th, 2020
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14