A few reminders for this week Oct. 4 – Oct. 10, 2021

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In an essay titled Strong Families, Strong Selves author Charles Chaput outlined what he called principles of life that build strong families. One of the principles is, Teach the habit of gratitude. Chaput writes, “Despite all of our modern material advantages, we live in a joyless world; a world soaked in the message that we don’t have enough things; that we need more things; that we deserve more things, and that we should get the things we want, right now. We need to refocus our hearts on gratitude, on being joyful with what we have; or more precisely, with what God has given to us. Gratitude, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, is the beginning of joy.” In the Apostle Paul’s Philippian letter (4:4-6) a connection is made between joy and thanksgiving; Rejoice in the Lord always; … Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Blessings to each of you for a joyful Thanksgiving.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP
We continue in Step 3 of the “RoadMap to Reopen”. In this phase there are no percentage capacity limits, but physical distancing and masks are still required. To view the guidelines at Central United, please click here.
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 SUNDAY WORSHIP, October 10th
Sunday’s service will be available to watch via livestreaming 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 Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, and Matthew 6:24-34. 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.
 
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.
SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox
Our first Christmas Outreach event, the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox is now 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 14th. 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.
SMALL GROUPS BIBLE STUDY:
The Book of James by Francis Chan
Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm
October 20th – November 24th
                  
The 6 weekly sessions will be offered virtually using Zoom technology. We hope that you can join us in study and fellowship!
 
Registration is required and can be done by clicking here, by clicking on the following link: https://centralunitedchurch.com/programs/faith-based-programs/small-group-studies/sgregistration/
or by contacting Martha Stirling by email at marthastirling@hotmail.com or by phone at 905-471-2604.
We look forward to “seeing” you!
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.

October 17th 2021
Isaiah 53:4-12
Psalm 91:9-16
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45