A few reminders for this week Oct. 10 to Oct. 16, 2022

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

For those of us who went to Sunday school as a child, mention of the prophet Jonah immediately calls to mind images of a whale depositing Jonah on a beach somewhere after three harrowing days in its belly. The ‘great fish’, however, only appears in three verses of the story. The story focuses on a reluctant prophet attempting to run away from God’s commission to bring a message from God to Nineveh. This Sunday we begin a study of the book of Jonah in conjunction with our fall small group study of this book. The author of the story challenges readers’ understanding about the mercy and judgement of God. Even though Jonah wants nothing to do with God’s commission, God does not abandon him.

CHURCH FINANCIAL UPDATE

 

The following provides a brief summary of the Church’s YTD Financial Status through August 31, 2022. Total Income is $164,000, down ~$2500 versus Budget. Specifically, Donations are down $10,000 versus Budget but offset with higher Other Income (rent etc.) of $7500. Expenses are $184,000 or $5700 lower than Budget, leaving a Net Deficit of -$20,000 YTD (Budget anticipated a -$23,000 deficit at the end of August). With year-end fast approaching, this is a good time to review your givings and support of the Church. Thank you for your support and prayerful consideration of our year-end need.

ANNUAL MARKHAM PRAYER BREAKFAST

The Annual Markham Prayer Breakfast will be taking place this year on Friday, November 25th from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at the Hilton Suites Conference Centre located at 8500 Warden Ave. in Markham. The Guest Speaker this year will be Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling, Ambassador of the Canadian Bible Society with music by Quisha Wint. Please contact Rev. Clubine if you’re interested in attending. Cost is $40.00 per ticket and includes a full hot buffet breakfast.

RETURN TO OFFERING IN SERVICE

AND SEATED COMMUNION

As our church is transitioning to our normal services after COVID, we are once again passing the offering plates during our services. Seated communion with bread and juice will commence on Remembrance Day Sunday.

 

As usual, we will require volunteers to pass the offering plates during the services as well as communion servers when applicable. Please consider helping with these important service activities. Sign up sheets are posted on the bulletin board.

 

We continue to thank all those who volunteer their services for the betterment of our church worship and members.

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 Jonah 1:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 and Luke 18:1-8. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

SMALL GROUPS FALL BIBLE STUDY

The Book of Jonah by Eric Mason

October 16 thru November 21, 2022

 

This six week study which begins this Sunday “reveals how God uses extraordinary circumstances to break our hearts of selfishness, convince us of His tender care, and unite our lives to His glory.”

 

In-person groups and virtual groups are being offered at various times through the week. Registration has begun with sign-up sheets in the Narthex for in-person groups and on-line registration for virtual groups only. We hope that you can join us in study and fellowship!

If you have any questions about registration, please contact Linda Patterson at 905-294-9016 or lme29patt@gmail.com.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox

Our Christmas “Shoebox” campaign is well underway. This is an opportunity to share our love and give joy and hope to needy children in the world. You can participate by packaging a shoebox yourself or if you’d prefer Samaritan’s Purse to pack a box for you, you can do so with a $40.00 donation, just visit their website here.

 

The campaign runs for six weeks ending on Sunday, November 13th. Shoeboxes, brochures and shopping lists are now available at the church and can be picked up Sundays after church service or during the week. The church office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings.

 

Let’s support this great initiative again this year to bring joy to a needy child. What a wonderful way to share Jesus’ love.

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.

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 or mobile office 416.358.4924 or by email jclubine@centralunitedchurch.com.

.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

If you are interested in reading ahead a little, below are the readings for next week.



October 23rd, 2022

Jonah 1:4-6

Psalm 65

2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18

Luke 18:9-14