FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
When the Angel Gabriel arrives to bring to Mary heaven’s request, we are told that Mary is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting, not his presence. Most of us, I would imagine, would find the presence of the heavenly being enough to strike terror into our hearts. But no, Luke specifies that after Gabriel greets her with magnanimous words—”Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you—Mary “was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.” Mary struggles to believe that she is favored, and that God is with her. After the year we have had, we too may be perplexed by such a greeting. Keep in mind, Mary did not live under ideal circumstances either. At the heart of the carols and celebrations and prayers and readings of Christmas is precisely the promise that God comes to us in love for us.
CENTRAL UNITED IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUSPENDED
Effective December 14, 2020, York Region has moved to lockdown due to Covid-19. Central United Church will continue with it’s livestreaming of Sunday Services but in-person worship will temporarily be on hold until the end of lockdown, which is currently scheduled for Monday, January 11th. However, this date may change and 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.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT CENTRAL LIVESTREAM
December 24th at 7:00 pm
You can join the livestream shortly before 7:00 P.M. and a recording will be available for viewing throughout the rest of the evening on our YouTube channel immediately following the livestream service. Come Let us Adore Him.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
GIFT BAGS FINAL TALLY
The Gift of Christmas Gift Bags raised $1720.00 for the Markham Food Bank, and a BIG THANK YOU is extended to all who bought Gift Bags or made a donation.
DIRECTORY UPDATE
Updates have been completed as of December 2020. An electronic copy was emailed out to members. If you wish a hard copy, please contact the office and a copy can be mailed to you.
2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES
2021 Offering Envelopes are now available and can be picked up at the church. If you are unable to come in and pick them up please let Sharlene know in the church office and she will make arrangements to have them hand delivered to you. These new envelopes are to be used as of January 1st. (At that time, it is imperative that you discard any unused envelopes from previous years so that your givings are credited correctly.) Please note that this year your envelope number may have changed. If we have missed your name and you would like a set of envelopes, please speak to Sharlene and she will be pleased to look after that for you.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
December 17th, 2020 at 7:00 pm
Come and join the Thursday prayer meeting! You can listen to what participating is like here. 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
- Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8925458525 or click here
- 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:
- Call: 647 374-4685
- When prompted press: 892 545 8525 #
- Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, December 20th
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 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27 and Luke 1:26-38. 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.
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.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Klosler, dear brother of Kathy Hoy, who passed away on Sunday, December 13th. John was a great friend to many and his passions included boating and riding his Harley. John will be deeply missed by so many. The obituary notice for John can be found here.
We are grateful that our sorrows are borne in the hope of our Saviour’s love. Please remember John’s family in your prayers.
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.
