FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In a fund-raising appeal, the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘for God loves a cheerful giver.’ Fear not, I am not about to ask for money, rather, I want to offer thanksgiving to God for the blessing of being among ‘cheerful givers.’ At our church council meeting this past week the year ending financial report revealed that Central United ended 2020 with an operating surplus of $15,030. Wonderful news! We rejoiced that, though things were very different for the congregation in 2020, your financial support of its ministry continued. Cheerful giving is to be celebrated because God loves the cheerful giver. The full details of these results will be shared in our Annual Report and reviewed at the AGM scheduled for Sunday, February 14 via Zoom technology. You will also be able to see that through your support Outreach projects were supported aimed at blessing those in need. The Apostle Paul went on to remind his hearers, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance.”
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 has now been extended until February 10th. However, there is a possibility that this date may be extended so 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
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmation, in churches that practice infant baptism, is to make a personal commitment to faith in Jesus Christ; it is to confess that the faith your parents raised you to believe is indeed yours. The confirmation class is an opportunity to explore what it means to be a Christian and consider making this commitment. Rev. Dr. James Clubine will be offering this class using Zoom technology beginning the last week of January. Anyone interested in joining please contact the church office or email jclubine@centralunitedchurch.com
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
January 21st, 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, January 24th
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 Jonah 3:1-5, 10, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 and Mark 1:14-20. 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.
BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, January 27th at 10:00 am
CENTRAL’s BOOK CLUB will meet on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27th at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom to review “The Last Train to London” by Meg Waite Clayton. For further details contact Carole Beam at #647-226-8498 or by email at carolebeam@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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 Jillian Elizabeth Stouffer, beloved daughter of Diane and Dave Stouffer. The sorrow of losing Jillian is met with the comfort and promise of God that she is home with our Lord.
We are grateful that our sorrows are borne in the hope of our Saviour’s love. Please remember Diane and Dave and their 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.
