FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
I hear the complaint sometimes that aspects of Christian worship—like lines of the Apostles’ Creed or sentences from hymns—are not immediately clear or understandable; not readily accessible. Most of us think that our cell phones are intuitive, accessible. It is my experience that I had to learn the language of apps and features before the technology became somewhat intuitive. In our creedal confession, for example, we say we believe that Jesus ‘suffered under Pontius Pilate.’ Some may wonder who is Pilate? Pontius Pilate was the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea, serving under Emperor Tiberius from the year 26/27 to 36/37 AD. This is noted in the creed because the gospel asserts that God entered human history in Jesus of Nazareth; it tells us, among other things, that our world is the theatre of God’s activity to save us. I can say that knowing Jesus is worth learning the language of worship.
CENTRAL UNITED IN-PERSON WORSHIP
RESUMES SUNDAY, FEB. 28th at 10:00 am
Central United Church has resumed it’s in person Worship Services. In this first phase of reopening we are once again able to welcome people in the church building limited to 30% or our seating capacity and subject to social distancing and health guidelines. To view the guidelines at Central United please click here.
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
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY – “Discipleship Explored”
March 3rd at 7:00 – 8:30 P.M.
Week 2 of our Bible Study “Discipleship Explored” by Barry Cooper will take place on Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 pm via Zoom technology. For this week’s study, which is based on the book of Philippians, we will be reviewing video #2 “Living in Christ” which can be found at RightNow Media. If you are already registered with RightNow Media, you can access the bible study directly by clicking here. If you have not yet registered for RightNow Media you can register here. The study will continue on Wednesday evenings until March 24th, takes a break for Holy Week, then resumes Wednesday evenings (April 7 – 21). For those that would like a copy of the participants guide please send an email request to Bob Davies at bdrodac@gmail.com and you will be sent an electronic copy.
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
2. If you are joining with the Zoom App the Meeting ID is: 943 5615 7111 (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: 943 5615 7111 #
3. Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call
LENTEN OUTREACH PROJECT 2021
This year’s Lenten Outreach Project is “Covenant House”. The Covenant House is a crisis shelter for youth in Toronto. You can read more on the work of “Covenant House” here. Financial donations will be accepted throughout the season of Lent up to and including Easter Sunday. Simply mark your offering envelopes “Covenant House”. Cheques should be payable to the Central United Church. Donations can either be dropped off or mailed to the church.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
February 25th, 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
- 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, February 28th
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 Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Romans 4:13-25 and Mark 8:31-38. 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.
THE UPPER ROOM
Copies of the Upper Room March/April 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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