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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Theologian Henri Nouwen is correct in noting that we cannot force God into a relationship. God comes to us on his own initiative, and no discipline, effort, or ascetic practice can make him come. The truth is that prayer is “grace”— that is, a free gift from God, to which we can only respond with gratitude. But apostles and prophets are quick to assure us that this precious gift indeed is within our reach. God has come near in Jesus Christ for our sakes. In Jesus Christ, God has entered into our lives in the most intimate way, so that we could enter into his life through the Spirit.
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 are livestreamed 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 Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-23 and Luke 24:13-35. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
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
- Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8925458525 or click here
- 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:
- Call: 647 374-4685
- When prompted press: 892 545 8525 #
- Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call
FIRST QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS
Thanks to all that have increased their financial support of Central United Church in the first quarter. As you recall, Church Council asked all donors to increase their givings by at least 5% this year in order to achieve a balanced budget for 2023.
We asked – You Listened and Acted. We are pleased to report that 1Q donations in 2023 increased by $12,000 or 26% over 1Q 2022. 1Q 2023 Year-to-Date donations were $59,000, which is $10,000 over our Year-to-Date Budget.
Bottom-line, our 1Q deficit (expenses greater than income) was $2100 versus a budgeted deficit in 1Q of $14,500. A strong result!
Thank you for your support and let’s keep this momentum going into the 2Q!
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED TO ASSIST WITH ELEVATOR SERVICE FOR SUNDAY SERVICES
We are noticing that elevator service is required more frequently every Sunday. In order to assist the congregation, your worship committee is asking for a group of volunteers to ensure one dedicated person is available to assist each Sunday. Training on the elevator operation will be available. We would appreciate anyone who would be willing to help our fellow congregants. Please get in touch with Rev Clubine, Sharlene or Sharon with your availability.
CENTRAL’S BOOK CLUB
CENTRAL’S BOOK CLUB will meet next WEDNESDAY, April 26th at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom to review “Ordinary Grace” by William Kent Krueger. For further details contact Carole Beam at 647-226-8498 or by email at carolebeam@gmail.com.
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 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….
April 23rd, 2023
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Doug Stirling
POWER POINT: Serag Gadelrab
GREETER: Joan Hubbert
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
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