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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
The theme for the third Sunday of Advent is the ‘joy’ Jesus brings as he comes into the world. Theologian Henri Nowen wrote, “Joy does not come from positive predictions about the state of the world. It does not depend on the ups and downs of the circumstances of our lives. Joy is based on the spiritual knowledge that, while the world in which we live is shrouded in darkness, God has overcome the world. Jesus says it loudly and clearly: “In the world you will have troubles, but rejoice, I have overcome the world.” The surprise is not that, unexpectedly, things turn out better than expected. No, the real surprise is that God’s light is more real than all the darkness, that God’s truth is more powerful than all human lies, that God’s love is stronger than death.”
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 Isaiah 61:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 and Luke 1:46b-55 You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
OFFERING ENVELOPES
For those of you who use offering envelopes, your boxed set for 2024 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 2023 you destroy your old envelopes and begin using the new set that has been assigned to you.
MITTEN TREE
The Mitten Tree is now up in the Friendship Room. Should you wish to donate, please drop off hats, toques, scarves and gloves by this Sunday, Dec. 17th so that we can deliver them to the Salvation Army before Christmas. They can be dropped off at the church on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm or if you’re attending in person worship on Sunday morning and prefer to drop them off then, that would be fine as well.
CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS
Christmas Gift Bags – Are you looking for a meaningful gift with a charitable donation, that’s perfect for a hostess, the person who has everything, teacher gift, something for a co-worker/colleague and service providers who help you. Each gift bag contains a tree ornament made by an artisan in a developing country along with a message that the ornament symbolizes a donation was made to the Markham Food Bank. Suggested donation is $25 (cash or cheque), 100% of the proceeds go to the Markham Food Bank, with a tax receipt provided. If you would like delivery or porch pickup please contact Ruth Duffield regduffield@gmail.com to coordinate.
REFUGEE CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
This year we hope you can help support 3 refugee families for Christmas. The Toronto Peoples Church has 3 homes where refugees are welcomed, encouraged and ministered to. Refugees come to the homes by referrals from a central hub, direct from the airport or by word of mouth. They can stay up to 3 months, but with the housing crisis they tend to stay 4-6 months.
Information & suggested gift ideas for these families is posted on the church bulletin board. So if any of you need an excuse to check out the new toys at Mastermind here is your chance. Please could you have any gifts for them delivered to the church by Monday, December 18.
Winter coats/jackets are the most important thing on the need list for refugees, as many of them come from warm countries and are ill prepared for a Canadian winter. So with this in mind if you have any used but still fabulous winter coats/jackets that you no longer use please bring them to the church or contact Eilis Wu. (eilisannwu@gmail.com)
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Dec. 20th at 11:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. Dec. 20th at 11:00 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.
SAVE THE DATE
“An Evening of Women’s Fellowship”
Time: 7:00 pm
More details to follow after Christmas!
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING &
TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
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/8925458525 or click here
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
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 jclubine@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 17th 2023
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Ron Wyse
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
GREETER: Cynthia Yee
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Worship Committee
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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