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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:11-12) As far as the east is from the west. Call to mind what you know about these directions. If you turn and start travelling east you never come to the end of going east; the same with going west. Note the Psalmist did not use north and south to express the completeness of God’s forgiveness. The Bible’s call to forgive is predicated on the wonderful forgiveness of God. Forgiveness comes from God—we aren’t to put a crimp in the hose but let it flow through us.
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.
Central United Church welcomes you to join our Worship Service Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. In worship we proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour; God’s word is read and preached, sacraments celebrated, faith sung and prayers offered.
Sunday services are also livestreamed (and recorded) through the Church website or you can join here. A copy of the bulletin for this Sunday’s Service is attached here.
This Sunday’s Scripture readings are Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12 and Matthew 18:21-35. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
STRATEGIC PLAN
On behalf Council, let me first thank all those who supported, encouraged, and accepted the Strategic Plan and its recommendations last Sunday. You have chosen to take a new fork in the road. This means we need a new road map, (an implementation plan). Google maps or Wave will not help us.
As a first step, at Council on Monday night, we all agreed we need a coordinated implementation plan which will prioritize your ideas and initiatives in the strategic plan based on need, ease to implement, and investment costs, and that align with our vision, mission, and core values.
A nominating team was formed made up of Rev. Jim Clubine, Trevlyn Ganes and Mark Ono to search for a congregational champion as outlined in the strategic plan.
A second step that Council agreed to was to sit down with anyone to explore ideas you either brought up at the congregational meeting or have thought of since the Congregational meeting. More details on how this will be done will be coming out in the next week or so to schedule those chats.
In the meantime, if you know of anyone that you think would be a congregational champion to guide and coordinate all the initiatives recommended in the strategic plan, please send me an email at mpono@rogers.com.
BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP:
THE BOOK OF JOHN at CENTRAL
Central is pleased to continue offering the Bible Study Fellowship program for men which began this past Monday, September 11th. https://www.bsfinternational.org/
This year the study is on the Book of John titled John’s Gospel: The Truth. We will again be meeting on Monday evenings at 7 PM in person at Central, and with online meetings also available at that time.
This is open to all men in the community, not just those from Central. Please consider it and also invite others to look into it. The same program for Women and Youth is also available locally. Please contact Doug Stirling (dkstirling@gmail.com or 905 471-2604) if you would like more information or to sign up.
SMALL GROUP STUDY
Whether you are well versed in Scripture or just starting on the journey, The Bible Course, Explore the BIG Story offers a superb overview of the world’s best selling book. The study will show how the key books, famous characters and epic events form one BIG Bible story, from Genesis to Revelation. The course also provides tools and skills that help apply the Bible to and make sense of everyday life. The 8 session interactive course starts the week of Oct 8th. Each session includes video content, discussion, personal reflection and daily readings. Explore the BIG story and discover its relevance for today. Sign up in the Narthex for in person and online groups.
SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox
This year we will once again be participating in the Samaritan’s Purse initiative as one of our Christmas Outreach events. 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 official start date is Sunday, Oct. 1st and runs for six weeks until Sunday, November 12th. Once we receive the shoeboxes, brochures and shopping lists you will be notified and they will be available for pick 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.
ANNUAL MARKHAM PRAYER BREAKFAST
The Annual Markham Prayer Breakfast will be taking place this year on Friday, November 24th from 7:00 am to 9:00 am at the Angus Glen Golf Club located at 10800 Kennedy Road in Unionville. The Guest Speaker this year will be the Right Honourable David Johnston, former Governor General of Canada with music by Vanessa Hernandez. Please contact Rev. Clubine if you’re interested in attending. Cost is $45.00 per ticket and includes a full hot buffet breakfast.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
You are welcome to join the Thursday prayer meeting tonight at 7:00 PM for a time of prayer and fellowship. The meeting is held using Zoom technology.
Here are the details for those who wish to participate:
Access to Join from your PC, Tablet or Smartphone:
Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8925458525 or click here
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
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 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.
STAY CONNECTED…..
We want to help you stay connected so if you happen to be wondering “who’s doing what” in terms of duties, the list for this week is below….
September 17th, 2023
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Sharon Gayman Laird
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
GREETER: Cynthia Yee
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Outreach
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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