FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
It may be that we wish one another “Happy New Year” cautiously as we look to 2021—hoping that a vaccination will lead to brighter days. British poet Minnie Louise Haskins published a small volume of poetry titled The Desert in 1907 to raise funds for her work with the Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society in India. Included in that volume was a poem she titled “God Knows;” a poem made famous in 1939 when England’s King George VI read a portion of it as part of his Christmas radio broadcast. I commend her poem to you as we look forward to the year 2021, which reminds us that our Lord walks with us in all that will unfold.
“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year.
Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.
And he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.’
That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.”
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
ZOOM Call for the Women of Central –
Wednesday, January 13th at 7:30 pm
Join us for a relaxed time of conversation on Wednesday, January 13th at 7:30 pm. Imagine seeing your friends and not having to dress up. Have a cup of tea and dessert ready!! Join us by sending an email to admin@centralunitedchurch.com and the Zoom details for the call will be sent to you. This event will be hosted by Diane Stouffer.
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
Next meeting January 7th, 2020 at 7:00 pm
We will be resuming the weekly prayer meeting on Thursday, January 7th, 2021.
Please plan to join in the prayer time as well as the following time of fellowship to allow us to catch up with each other a little. The meeting is held using the Zoom technology which supports on-line or call in access.
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, January 3rd
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 Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12. 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.
THE UPPER ROOM
Copies of both the small and large print Upper Room editions are now available for January/February 2021. 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 or make arrangements for you to pick one up at the church. Alternatively, use the link below to get your copy online. https://upperroombooks.com/home-2/?cn-reloaded=1
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kersap Bhesania, beloved husband of Ruby, who passed away on Monday, December 27th. A family service for Kersap was held yesterday at Chapel Ridge. He will be deeply missed by so many.
We are grateful that our sorrows are borne in the hope of our Saviour’s love. Please remember Kersap’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.
