A few reminders for this week May 11 – May 17, 2020

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In the face of this pandemic, what is God up to or where is God in all of this?  I see questions like these popping up in various places. The gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—asserts that God’s purposes and presence do not change with world circumstance. What is God up to? The Apostle Paul wrote “that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” The Apostle was careful not to say that everything that happens to us is good, rather that God is weaving that tapestry of his loving purposes to redeem in all that we face. Where is God? The risen Jesus said, “Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you.” Jesus is present in the midst of our lives ever calling us to believe.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE
May 14th, 2020 at 7:00 pm
A reminder that you are invited to join in the Thursday Prayer Meeting at 7:00 PM. 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://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 17th
The Sunday 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 1:1-2:4a, 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 and Matthew 28:16-20. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
In these challenging times, the importance of maintaining spiritual well-being within our Central United community and through regular worship is magnified.
 
While we can’t gather physically, Central United is unique among many churches in the area with the ability to live stream Sunday services and our “virtual congregation” continues to grow!
 
Please join us each week. And spread this good word. Share our streaming information with family and friends, and via your extended social network – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.  
 
Hopefully, more and more people will hear about our live-stream services and join in each week.
Following the guidelines of the Ontario Government, there are no onsite services until further notice.
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
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Couperthwaite on May 7, 2020. A private service took place this week at Bethesda Lutheran Cemetary and a Celebration of Life will follow when conditions permit.
We are also saddened to announce the passing of Aubrey (Al) Saunders on May 9, 2020. A private graveside service was held this week at Elmwood Cemetery.
 
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Couperthwaite and Saunders families.
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 to 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@centralunitedchurh.com.

SCRIPTURE READINGS
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week…..
May 24th, 2020
Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11