A few reminders for this week Sept. 14 – Sept. 20, 2020

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
In Christian iconography, Christ Pantocrator is a specific depiction of Christ. Pantocrator is, usually translated as “Almighty” or “all-powerful” in our English bibles. In the icon, Jesus is depicted as holding a sealed book—it tells the story from Revelation (5:5) that Jesus is the one worthy to open the scroll that brings about history’s conclusion. In an age when literacy was uncommon, our fourth and fifth century fellow believers memorized the story of the icon akin to the way we memorize scripture. When they contemplated the truth of the icon Christ Almighty, that Christ’s purposes to save would not fail, we experience something similar as we treasure the scriptures that assure us of the same. “So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING & TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
September 24th, 2020 at 7:00 pm
A reminder that you are invited to join in the Thursday Prayer Meeting followed by a Time of Fellowship 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
CENTRAL UNITED IN-PERSON WORSHIP
September 27th, 2020
Central United Church has resumed it’s in person Worship Services. In this first phase of reopening we are able to welcome people in the church building limited to 30% or our seating capacity and subject to social distancing and health guidelines. To view the guidelines at Central United please click here.
 
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.
ONLINE SUNDAY WORSHIP, September 27th
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 Exodus 17:1-7, Philippians 2:1-13 and Matthew 21:23-32. 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.
SMALL GROUP STUDY COMING THIS FALL …
Your small group team is planning a fall group study using Zoom technology. Participants will be able to connect online with Zoom and participate in break-out groups for discussion. Rev. Clubine will lead the study using content from RightNow media on Wednesday evenings starting October 21 and running till Nov. 25 at 7:30 to 8.45 P.M. Stay tuned for further details.
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 this Sunday, Sept. 27th and runs for six weeks until Sunday, November 8th. Shoeboxes, brochures and shopping lists are available at the church and can be picked up Sundays after church service or during the week. The church office is open all day on Mondays and 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.
RESUMPTION OF NURSERY SCHOOL
The Nursery School resumed using our facility on September 8th and has requested that we help them eliminate the possibility of unnecessary contacts. We can do this in several ways;
  • Contact the church office to schedule your visit to the church for whatever purpose.
  • Use the front door only while entering and exiting the church.
  • Do not enter areas occupied by the nursery school, particularly while it is in session.
Thank you for your cooperation during this time.
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.
FAMILY NEWS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mac Parsons, beloved husband and father and adored grandson of Dave and Marilyn Parsons. Mac passed away unexpectedly, while doing what he loved on Friday, September 18th.
A copy of the obituary notice can be found here.
We are grateful that our sorrows are borne in the hope of our Saviour’s love. Please remember Dave and Marilyn and the rest of Macs’ family in your prayers.
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.

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

Oct. 4th 2020
Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46