A few reminders for this week May 3 – May 9, 2021

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Jesus said, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” It is wonderful to think that God wants his joy to be ours. It is instructive to remember that Jesus said this as he was on his way to the Garden of Gethsemane where he would soon be arrested. Clearly the joy that Jesus gives is not conditioned by circumstances. Today’s news included a report on a new poll by Maru Public Opinion that found that Canadians’ views toward the pandemic have turned bleak in recent months. The executive vice-president said that “people are rightfully gloomy.” Circumstance can make us feel gloomy. Jesus insists that the joy he gives is not subject to these changing circumstances. I am reminded to ever look to Him.
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, but in-person worship services are on hold until the end of lockdown. 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 6th, 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 9th
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 10:44-48, 1 John 5:1-6 and John 15:9-17. 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.
 
THE UPPER ROOM
Copies of the Upper Room May/June 2021 edition are now available. If you would like to receive a copy please let Sharlene Wilson-Bennett (admin@centralunitedchurch.com) know via email and she will be happy to get a copy to you. Please specify if you would like the small or large print copy and be sure to include your address. Alternatively, use the link below to get your copy online. https://upperroombooks.com/home-2/?cn-reloaded=1
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 Erin & Trevor Gardner on the birth of their new baby girl Josephine Elizabeth Ruth who was born on April 29th and welcomed home by big brother Remy and proud grandparents, Lynn and Brian Randall.
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 16th 2021
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19