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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
If you have ever read the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:2-16 there’s a curious little detail you may have noticed, or you may have missed it! The genealogy lists the male ancestors of Jesus from Abraham to his father, Joseph, and other than Mary there are only four women named: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and “the wife of Uriah” (that is, Bathsheba).
These are all women who, for various reasons, were considered “outsiders.” They were either “improper” in some way, or not Israelites, or both! And yet, for some reason, in telling the story of Jesus’s ancestry, Matthew wanted to include these women, instead of including the proper Israelite women and hiding the women of dubious reputation.
It points us to the reality that the place of women has been a matter of debate since the very beginning of the church. We’re going to explore a bit of that 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 9th 2026
SCRIPTURE READER: Chris Diaz
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN: Judy MacSween
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 1 Corinthians 14:33b-35, Romans 16:1-4 and Proverbs 31:10-31. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
FOSTER CHILDREN
Back-to-School Backpack Drive
Once again, Central has set a goal of providing 40 school backpacks for foster children in York Region in time for the start of the new school year. Each backpack will be thoughtfully filled with essential school supplies, including a water bottle, lunch box, duotangs, crayons, highlighters, a Christian bookmark, and a personal note of encouragement.
Our youth will help pack the backpacks, making each one a bundle of encouragement and support. We warmly invite the congregation to join us in this mission by donating toward the cost of these school supplies.
Donations of any amount may be made to Central United Church and designated “YRCAS.” Donations of more than $20 to Central United Church will be included on your annual charitable tax receipt.
Deadline: Sunday, August 16, 2026.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, August 12th at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. August 12th 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.
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.
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
Thank you to all book club members for coming out & making this season of book club so thoughtful, engaging and enjoyable.
Book Club will resume on September 23rd & new members are always welcome.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Yuen Dick (Watson) Lee, father to Jane Lee. We ask that you keep Jane’s family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time, that they may know God’s presence, peace, and sustaining grace.
Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at Highland Funeral Home (3280 Sheppard Ave. E.) on Friday, August 7th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am. To view the obituary for Mr. Lee please click here.
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.
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