FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In the Christian calendar Ascension Day is today (Thursday, May 21); accordingly, we will be reading the story of the Ascension of Jesus (Acts 1:6-14) on Sunday. In that story we read that ‘a cloud took Jesus out of their sight;’ the way to understand the significance of the cloud is to look to the imagery of the cloud in the older testament. In Psalm 68 we read of God “who rides upon the clouds” and of when God “went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness.” The reference is to the cloud of God’s presence that went in front of Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). The cloud is the cloud of our Lord’s presence with us. The disciples do not experience Jesus ascending to the cloud as absence from them, but his presence with them in a new way. A good way to celebrate Ascension Day is to hear the Hallelujah Chorus again; “and He shall reign forever and ever.”
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE
May 21st, 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
- Copy this address into your web browser https://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, May 24th
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 Acts 1:6-14, 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 and John 17:1-11. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
In these challenging times, the importance of maintaining through regular worship is magnified. While we can’t gather physically, we can gather virtually through our live stream of Sunday services. And with this technology is the possibility for many others to join with us.
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.
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.
THE UPPER ROOM
We still have four copies of both the large and small print Upper Room editions available for May/June 2020. If you would like to receive a copy please let either Linda Patterson (lme29patt@gmail.com) or Sharon Gayman Laird (sharon@centralunitedchurch.com) know via email and they will be happy to get them to you. Please include your address and choice of large or small print. Alternatively, use the link below to get your copy online. https://upperroombooks.com/home-2/?cn-reloaded=1
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.
