Week of Dec. 29 – Jan. 4, 2026

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

  

Rev. Lori and Chris wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

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 Psalm 147:12-20 and Luke 2:41-52. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

The weekly prayer meeting will return on Thurs., January 8th at 7:00 pm.

SUPPORT OUR FRIENDSHIP ROOM REFRESH

We are delighted to announce that the long-awaited refresh of the Friendship Room is underway – a welcoming space where fellowship flourishes and hearts are uplifted!

 

The Design Team Members invested countless hours exploring options, touring showrooms and ensuring excellent value for every dollar spent. Each piece selected is commercial grade – built for constant use and designed to last. Even better, the upholstered items are made right here in Markham, supporting local business!

Items to be Funded       Investment

  1. 10′ sectional Sofa / $5,000
  2. 2 Accent Chairs / $2,400 each
  3. Ottoman with Storage / $1,200
  4. 2 Tables (3′ x 4′) / $588 each
  5. 10 Chairs / $306 each
  6. 3 Portable Side Tables / $271 each

  

Some of the new furniture is arriving this week and you will have the chance to “kick the tires” and see how beautifully it looks and functions.

 

How You Can Help:

 

We invite you to consider a financial gift toward these enhancements. You might:

 

•         Sponsor a chair or table

•         Contribute toward the sectional or accent chairs

•         Make a contribution of any amount toward the overall refresh

 

Donations can be made easily via Interac E-Transfer, Canada Helps, or Cheque. Please note “Friendship Room Refresh” on your donation.

 

Thank you for your support as we continue to build a thriving, welcoming community where all people are encouraged to accept and grow in the Christian faith.

NEW YEAR’S PRAYER SUMMIT

January 1, 2026

Start the year with purpose—join us January 1 at 10AM for the New Year’s Prayer Summit and seek God’s guidance for your life, our church, and the world led by Rev. Lori and with worship music led by Sarah.

GRIEF SHARE

January 14 – April 8

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

Starting on Wednesday, January 14 at 2 p.m. for 13 weeks in the Friendship Room, each week features helpful video lessons, group discussions, and personal reflection to help you navigate the journey of grief and healing. You’ll gain practical tools, hear from experts, and connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.

Whether your loss is recent or years past, you are welcome to join us at any point during the series. Materials will be provided. Register here. 

UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE

January 14 – February 11

Join us for a 5-week online course on Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom designed to deepen your knowledge of Scripture and strengthen your faith. Together, we’ll explore the structure, history, themes and message of the Bible, looking at the cultural, social and historical context to make reading scripture easier to read and understand with greater clarity and confidence.  

Whether you are new to the Bible or looking to grow in your understanding, this course provides a welcoming space to ask questions, learn, and discover how God’s Word speaks to our lives today. Register here

FRIDAY DATE NIGHT

January 16 – February 27

Invest in your relationship from the comfort of your home!

Join us for Friday Date Night, a 7-session online series designed to help couples build a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling marriage. Based on The Marriage Course by Alpha, each evening includes practical teaching, guided conversations, and private discussions between you and your partner—no group sharing required.

Whether you’ve been married for six months or thirty years, this course provides a dedicated time and space to reconnect, communicate more effectively, and deepen your commitment to one another. Register here.

SUNDAY SCHOOL HELPERS

We need helpers in the Sunday School classroom. No teaching, singing, or crafting experience is required!!

We currently have 4 assistants rotating through the schedule, and we need to double this number in 2026. Please consider this way to serve. We would love to have you join our team!

Questions? Please speak to Pam Scarrow, or click here:

pam@thescarrows.com.

BOOK CLUB

Merry Christmas to everyone from the Central United Book Club members! Book Club will resume in January 2026! We hope to welcome new members in the new year!

 

Upcoming: Wednesday, January 28th – Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado 

 

Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!

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.

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….

January 4th 2026

SCRIPTURE READER: Doug Stirling

MUSIC: Sarah Wyse

POWER POINT: Alan Heighway

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird and Doug Stirling

COFFEE HOUR: Worship Committee

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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

January 11th 2026

Acts 10:34-43

Psalm 29