A few reminders for this week Jan. 3 – Jan. 10, 2021

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In a video speaking to a United Nations meeting last September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said, “This pandemic has provided an opportunity for a reset.” The drumbeat of daily news may have us thinking that a political reset is in order. Long ago, a rather dishevelled looking prophet preached a message calling people to a ‘reset’ with regard to their spiritual life; we know him as John the Baptist. When the gospel writer Mark describes this event of people streaming for spiritual ‘reset’ he is addressing Christians who are trying to survive in the city that was the pinnacle of power in the first century world, Rome. He writes to encourage people who have suffered terribly at the hands of the Roman Emperor Nero. Mark doesn’t point hearers to hope for a political reset for Rome. Mark’s focus is on Jesus who comes to this wilderness place of spiritual reset. In whatever happens in the course of a week, the routine of Sunday worship is that much needed reset pointing us afresh to Jesus Christ the world’s one true hope.
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 next Monday, January 11th. However, there is a very good possibility that this date may change 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
ZOOM Call for the Women of Central –
Wednesday, January 13th at 7:30 pm
Join us for a relaxed time of conversation next 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
January 7th, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Come and join the Thursday prayer meeting which resumes tonight! 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
  1. Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8925458525 or click here
  2. 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:
  1. Call: 647 374-4685
  2. When prompted press: 892 545 8525 #
  3. Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, January 10th
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 1:1-5, Acts 19:1-7 and Mark 1:4-11. 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.
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.
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
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.

SCRIPTURE READINGS
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.

Jan. 17th 2021
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51