A few reminders for this week Mar. 20 to Mar. 26, 2023

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning (Psalm 130:6) The Psalmist urges us towards expectant trust, a hopeful waiting for the Lord. The scene is the temple and the comparison with ‘those who watch for the morning’ is likely the priestly watchers high on the walls, whose duty was to watch for daybreak and give the signal for the first offerings in the temple court. Where do we look for hope in an era of upheaval and uneasiness amidst the foment of societal divisions? The Psalmist guides us; “hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem.”

 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Central United Church welcomes you to our Worship Service Sunday morning at 10:00 am and we would love to have you join us. We rejoice that we can worship together and give thanks, offering prayer and lifting our voices in song.

Sunday services are livestreamed at 10:00 am 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.

This Sunday’s Scripture readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:6-11 and John 11:1-45. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

FROM YOUR STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

This Sunday, Dr. Ken Burton, our Strategic Planning consultant, will provide another update of where we are with the development of Central United Church’s Strategic Plan directly following our service. If you are able, please stay to hear his report.

EASTER BASKETS

The decorating committee will once again be delivering Easter Baskets to our shut-ins during Holy Week. Donations in support of this project are appreciated; just mark your offering envelope “Easter Baskets”. If you wish to make your donation in memory of a loved one please e-mail the church office or give a note to Sharlene by April 4th with the wording that you wish used for the Easter Sunday bulletin.

 

If you would like to help with delivery and a short visit please e-mail Maureen Dudley at [email protected].

UCW BAKE SALE

A big thank you to the congregation for the great support of the UCW bake sale. Every item was sold. We’re sorry some of you were disappointed that you didn’t have a chance to buy one of our FAMOUS FRUIT PIES but your support was greatly appreciated.

 LENTEN BIBLE STUDY 2023

Talking with God: A Lenten Study on Prayer

Our five week study continues this coming Tuesday at 7:00 pm.

If you are attending at the church, please join us at 6:30 pm for some social time.

If you are attending online, please sign in at 6:45 pm by going to the church website’s homepage and clicking on the big lavender button. Click here for the website homepage.

We look forward to joining together in study and fellowship!

LENTEN OUTREACH PROJECT 2023

The Outreach Committee have chosen “Ontario Christian Gleaners” as the 2023 Lenten Project. ’Ontario Christian Gleaners is an interdenominational Christian organization that seeks to visibly demonstrate God’s love by working with volunteers to collect, process and make available surplus agricultural produce for the relief of the hungry in overseas nations.’

Financial donations will be accepted throughout the season of Lent up to and including Easter Sunday. If you wish to donate, you can either drop off your donations at the Church or mail them to the church. Cheques should be payable to the Central United Church. Coin is also accepted – just drop it down the “pipe” set up in the narthex.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP

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

  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 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 [email protected].

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.

If you would like a pastoral visit, please contact Rev. Clubine at the church office 905.474.0183 or mobile office 416.358.4924 or by email [email protected].

.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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



April 2nd, 2023

Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Philippians 2:5-11

Matthew 21:1-11