Week of August 17, 2026 to August 23, 2026

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

Our guest musician this Sunday is Toronto-based pianist, composer and singer Mike Janzen. In June, he released his eighth album of Christian songs, titled “The End of Myself”. Reviewing it, Clara Bajalan wrote on www.jubileecast.com; “Blending folk-pop, roots, jazz and soulful influences, the 12-track project draws from Janzen’s personal journey through hardship and recovery, offering listeners an honest look at how God often meets people in their lowest moments. Bassist George Koller will be appearing with Mike this Sunday.

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….

August 23rd 2026

SCRIPTURE READERS: Felicity Monaco / Chris Diaz / Doug Stirling

MUSIC: Mike Janzen

POWER POINT: Alan Heighway

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird

LEMONADE ON THE LAWN: Sharon & Winston Roberts

SUNDAY MORNING 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 Isaiah 51:1-6, Romans 12:1-8 and Psalm 138. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION

Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00 am

Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. August 26th at 10:00 am. Our purpose is to provide a place to connect with others and an opportunity for friendship and fellowship.

If you’d like more information or have any questions, please feel free to contact John Frotten at jfrotten@rogers.com.

LET’S GATHER WITH FRIENDS IN PRAYER!

Thursday, August 27th

7:00 – 9:00 pm

Unionville Alliance Church has invited us to join them for an evening to pray together for our churches and our community as we begin the Fall season’s programs. This will take place on Thursday, August 27th from 7-9PM at UAC, 4898 16th Avenue, Markham.

GRIEF SHARE

Wednesdays, September 16 – December 2

2:00 – 4:00 pm

If you’ve lost a loved one, you don’t have to walk through grief alone. GriefShare is a safe, caring group where you can find comfort, understanding, and hope.

Each weekly session features a video presentation, group discussion, and personal reflection to help you navigate healing.

  • Open to all: Join anytime, whether your loss is recent or years ago.



  • Materials: All course materials are provided.

Register by clicking here.

Know someone who could benefit? Please feel free to pass this invitation along.

THE JESUS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

Tuesdays, September 22 – November 24

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Discover a deeper, more intimate perspective of Christ in this transformative 10-week Bible study. Inspired by Dr. David Jeremiah’s insightful book, The Jesus You May Not Know, this course invites you to look past familiar stories and traditional preconceptions to encounter the true character, power, and heart of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. Whether you have been walking with the Lord for decades or are just beginning to explore your faith, this study will challenge, encourage, and renew your understanding of who Jesus really is.

A comprehensive study guide is highly recommended. It is available for $7 and will be provided at the course.

Please register to reserve your spot and study guide by clicking here.

ALPHA

Thursdays, September 24 – December 3

7:00 – 8:30 pm

Join us for a series of open, friendly conversations exploring the Christian faith. Each session features a short presentation on a different topic, followed by small-group discussion where you can share your thoughts—or just listen in.

Everyone is welcome, no matter your background or beliefs.

  • When: Evenings at 6:30 PM (refreshments served)

  • Format: Presentation + Small Group Discussion

Register by clicking here

BAPTISM AND RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

Sunday, Sept. 20th

On Sept. 20th we have scheduled a service of Baptism and Reception of New Members. There are four ways that adults can become full members of the church:

1. Baptism (if they were never baptized)

2. Affirmation of Baptismal vows (if they were baptized as infants but never confirmed)

3. Re-affirmation of Faith (if they were confirmed, but it has been many years since they were active members of a church)

4. Transfer (if they are currently members of a church but wish to transfer their membership to the church they are attending)

We also baptize infants and children who are presented for baptism by their parents (or, in some circumstances, by their grandparents), and those children are received as child members of the body of Christ until they choose to be confirmed, at which time they also become full members of our congregation.

If you have interest in or questions about membership or baptism, please email me at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com to set up a time for us to meet.

BOOK CLUB

Only weeks to go until Central United Book Club resumes on September 23rd.  We are excited to launch our 2026/27 season with: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans.

Whether you’re a longtime reader or have been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time to become part of the Central United Book Club! Come enjoy, good books, lively conversation, and great fellowship as we begin a brand new season together.

Happy reading!

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Morley on Monday, August 17th. We ask that you keep Louise’s family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time, that they may know God’s presence, peace, and sustaining grace.

Even in our grief, we hold fast to the promise of our Saviour, knowing that Louise has been welcomed home into eternal peace and joy. May this assurance bring comfort in the midst of sorrow.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Louise at a later date. Once we have details we will pass them on to the congregation.

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. Diaz at the church office 905-474-0183 or by email ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com.

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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

August 30th 2026

Matthew 16:21-28

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b