FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
New Testament professor Klyne Snodgrass, in his comprehensive book on the parables of Jesus, noted that Jesus’ parable of the prodigal and his brother is one of “the most influential and best loved of all the parables. (Luke 15:11-32) For some it is the gospel within the gospel, or even the most beautiful story ever told. This parable has been painted by a host of artists, most notably Rembrandt, made the subject of plays—or provided the theme for plays, most notably those of Shakespeare—been set to music, and made the subject of movies.” Rembrandt’s famous painting titled ‘Return of the Prodigal Son’ brings the emotional return of the son to life. According to the gospel—using the imagery of Jesus’ parable—we humans have all travelled off to a distant country and we don’t belong there. We need to come home. The essence of Jesus’ message is “the time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe the good news.” Repentance means to turn around; in the imagery of the parable, to decide to go home. A joyous homecoming awaits.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP
Capacity limits on religious services, rites or ceremonies have been lifted. Effective March 21st mandatory face mask requirements as well as passive screening requirements have also been lifted. To view the guidelines at Central United, please click here.
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 10th 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
LENTEN OUTREACH PROJECT 2022
The Outreach Committee has chosen “The Salvation Army” as the 2022 Lenten Project. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that gives hope and support to vulnerable people. They provide housing, shelter, and other social services to those in need in our community. 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.
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
- 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, March 27th
Sunday’s service will be available to watch via livestreaming 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 Joshua 5:9-12, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. 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.
SMALL GROUPS LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Easter by J.D. Greear
Wednesdays at 7:00 pm
March 9th to April 6th
This 5 week study looks at Jesus’ life, death and resurrection in the Gospel of Matthew. All are welcome to join us in study and fellowship. Registration is required and can be done by clicking here.
Please sign in by 6:45pm. Below are the details for joining the session:
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: 860 5866 3464 (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: 860 5866 3464 #
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 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.
If you would like to book a pastoral 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.
.
