A few reminders for this week Mar. 30 – Apr. 5, 2020

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”, chanted the pilgrims with Jesus that first Palm Sunday. This Sunday we will once again rehearse the story of Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The word “Hosanna” means “save us.” Then and now, this word bursts from our hearts that God would deliver us from something; something that sometimes makes us feel as if God has abandoned us. What does God do to save us? God, in the Son, pours out his life for us without remainder to rescue us from our sin. Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gives himself completely for us promises never to leave or forsake us. Keep your focus on Jesus; just as his steadfast love endures forever so too his promises are eternal.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS…
JOIN US FOR WORSHIP ONLINE
  • Sunday, April 5th Palm Sunday 10:00 am
  • Thursday, April 9th Prayer Service (Zoom) 7:00 pm
  • Friday, April 10th Good Friday 10:00 am
  • Sunday, April 12th Easter Worship 10:00 am
The Sunday services and Good Friday will be available to watch via live streaming at 10:00 am through the church website. We suggest that you tune in early. 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. 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 Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11 and Matthew 21:1-11. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
Your Church Executive Council, following the guidelines of the Ontario Government, have decided that we will cancel onsite services until further notice.
ONLINE DONATIONS
A new function has been added to the home page of the Central United Church Website. It is now possible to donate using the new “DONATE NOW” function on the website or follow the points below:
  • 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.
LENTEN OUTREACH PROJECT 2020
This year’s Lenten Outreach Project is “The Yellow Brick House”. The Yellow Brick House provides a safe and secure place for women and children escaping domestic violence in York Region. Financial donations are being accepted until the end of April. If you wish to donate you can mail your donations to the church. Cheques should be payable to the Central United Church. 
As we think of needs outside our Church family, please consider the Salvation Army which includes support for Markham & York Region https://www.agincourtcommunitychurch.com, the Markham Foodbank http://markhamfoodbank.ca/donate or the United Church of Canada Mission & Services Fund https://www.united-church.ca/donate.

SCRIPTURE READINGS….
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week…..
GOOD FRIDAY
April 10th 2020
Isaiah 53:1-6
John 11:45-53; 18:1-19:42
EASTER SUNDAY
April 12th 2020
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-18