A few reminders for this week May 16 to May 22, 2022

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Solitary confinement is difficult to endure. The Apostle John was in solitary confinement when he wrote Revelation. I could well imagine John, that Sunday morning, alone in the crush of exile praying, “Lord, Jesus what is going on?” I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, John tells us. John continues what he always does on Sunday—he worships. On this Sunday he brings the crush of exile to worship. When we come to church we bring the hurts and pains and anxieties common to our world. And then in the course of the service, whether through hymn, prayer, scripture, anthem, sermon or children’s story; in the course of the service it happens for us. Our Lord addresses the very thing we needed help with. John was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day. For him it meant a fresh vision of his Lord. In that instant John was oriented afresh to the truth and encouraged afresh in the midst of tribulation. Every bit as much will be given to us at worship. Yes, much of worship is repetitive; it has to be repetitive just because we repeatedly need to be oriented to the truth and encouraged in the midst of tribulation.
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 will also still be available to watch via livestreaming 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 Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:9-10; 22-22:5, and John 14:23-29. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
Summer is coming and we would like to reintroduce Lemonade on the Lawn for the Sundays June through to the end of August this year.
 
However, the only way this can happen is if you, our congregation supports this by signing up for the weeks you are able to assist with set up, pouring and clean up each week. This is a very easy task as all supplies will be available at the church. Sign up sheets are located on the bulletin board outside the Friendship room in the Narthex. Our outdoor fellowship after our service can ONLY happen if we have our full three months covered by volunteers. Please consider this, so that we can all enjoy the physical reconnection with old and new friends in our church.
 
Please check your calendars and commit to a week or two that will work for you! If you have any questions you may contact Kathy Hoy by email at krhoy@rogers.com. Your service to the church will be appreciated by all!
GREETERS
We are looking for greeters for our services. If you would like to be on a call list or would like to commit any weeks please sign up on the bulletin board beside the Friendship room or contact Cynthia Yee by email at cyee88@outlook.com.

ORGAN FUND
Most of us would agree that Organ music is a much valued part of our Worship services.
Unfortunately, our 1950’s pipe organ is on its last legs and the on-going maintenance and/or refurbishment costs would be more than a new organ. As such, Council has decided to replace our organ with a new maintenance free electronic one, looking very similar to the existing organ with enhanced pipe organ sound, as well as many other superior sound options. The cost of the new organ is ~$47,000.
 
We encourage all those who LOVE to listen to the richness of organ music and value its enhancement of our services to prayerfully consider a contribution to this worthwhile project. Donations may be made through our website or by cheque stating ORGAN FUND. We are very grateful for all donations which will continue to bless and advance our music ministry.
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 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 Dale Lyons on May 17th at the age of 89. Dale was a long standing member of Central United Church. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Cae. He was a devoted father and loving grandfather who will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.
Dale spent the majority of his life dedicated to teaching and coaching young adults and will be fondly remembered as a strong and enduring positive role model. The family will be having a private service at a later date.
We are grateful for our Saviour’s promise to welcome Dale home with Him. Please remember his wife Cae and the members of Dale’s family in your prayers.
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.
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.

May 29th, 2022
Acts 16:16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
John 17:20-26