A few reminders for this week May 10 – May 16, 2021

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Today is Ascension Day in the church calendar—forty days after Easter. The gospel writer Luke tells us that when Jesus ascended to heaven the disciples “returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” It is apparent that the disciples did not take this as being abandoned by Jesus. They do not consider Jesus to have disappeared far away into an inaccessible heaven. They are convinced of a new presence of Jesus. “Ascension” does not mean departure to a remote region of the cosmos, but, rather, the continuing closeness that the disciples experience so strongly that it becomes a source of lasting joy. Keep in mind that space comes into existence at the behest of God’s creative word. Therefore, God stands in relationship to all space in his ever present reality. So when Jesus ascends to the right hand of the Father he takes up his place in this same ever present reality. May the joy of Jesus’ presence be yours this Ascension day.
CENTRAL UNITED IN-PERSON WORSHIP SUSPENDED
Under the current York Region lockdown due to Covid-19, Central United Church is continuing it’s livestreaming of Sunday Services; in-person worship services are on hold. 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
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
May 13th, 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
  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, MAY 16th
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 Acts 1:1-11, 1 John 5:9-13 and John 17:6-19. 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.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
Congratulations to Rick and Amanda Garel on the birth of twin baby girls, Olivia June and Zadie Janice who were born on Tuesday, May 4th bringing twice the blessings to proud grandparents, Janice and Patrick Garel.
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.
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.

May 23rd 2021
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15