Week of July 21 – July 27, 2025

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

We all love the hymn “Amazing Grace.” It is by far the most requested hymn at funerals, even by families of people who were “not overly religious,” and for very good reason: who else can ever truly offer us the 100% unconditional love that God does? When we don’t even love ourselves, we can lean into His unfailing love for us.

In 1997, Philip Yancey wrote the book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” in which he calls God’s grace, “the most powerful force in the universe and our only hope for love and forgiveness.”

Join us this Sunday as we think about God’s grace, and why it truly is so amazing!

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 Romans 8:1-11 and Psalm 119:105-112. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.

WORSHIP EXCHANGE WITH

BETHESDA LUTHERAN CHURCH

Annually, Central United Church and Bethesda Lutheran Church participate in a worship exchange. This Sunday July 27th, Central United will welcome members from Bethesda Lutheran and on Sunday, August 3rd, Central will join in worship at Bethesda Lutheran, 20 Union Street, Unionville at 10:30 amPlease keep in mind that there will be no worship or livestreamed service at Central United on Sunday, August 3rd.

WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING

The Weekly Prayer Meeting will resume on Thursday, September 4th.

FOSTER CHILDREN

School Bag Outreach

Did you know that over 12,000 children and youth are currently in foster care across Ontario? In fact, Markham is one of the areas most in need of foster parents, according to the York Region Children’s Aid Society (YRCAS).

This year, Central has set a goal to provide 20 school bags, each thoughtfully filled with essential supplies such as a water bottle, lunchbox, duotangs, crayons, highlighters, and more for foster children in York Region, just in time for September.

In August, our summer camp children and youth will lead this outreach, creating heartfelt cards and uplifting notes to include in each bag. With love and care, they’ll also help pack the supplies making each backpack a bundle of encouragement and support.

We warmly invite the congregation to join us in this mission by donating toward the cost of the school supplies. For contributions of $20 or more, YRCAS will issue a donation receipt. If you’d like to give or learn more, please contact Éilis Wu at (416) 889-6742 or via email here. Deadline is August 10, 2025.

SUMMER CAMP 2025: STEADFAST LOVE

August 11 – 15, 2025

Central will be hosting another year of Summer Day Camp in August! This is an incredible way to serve young families with children currently in SK through Grade 5. It also allows preteens and teens from Grade 6 and up to grow their faith, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience as volunteers (leaders-in-training) as they go through a one-week training prior to the camp from August 5-8. Please help spread the word in the community!

For more information and to register as participants, volunteers, or coaches, please register here.

ORGAN CONCERT

August 27, 2025 7:00 PM

Join us in the sanctuary for an unforgettable evening as Stephen Boda, acclaimed organist and holder of a Master of Music from Yale, shares his extraordinary musical gifts in a captivating solo performance.

The program will showcase familiar organ classics, beloved movie themes, and the debut of an original composition by the artist himself.

Following the concert, guests are invited to a complimentary wine and cheese reception, with a chance to meet Stephen in a casual meet & greet – a wonderful opportunity to connect with the musician behind the music.

Freewill donations are gratefully accepted. No registration required – bring a friend and experience the magic of live music in our sacred space.

Download the event poster 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.

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

A celebration of life will be held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home tomorrow, July 25th for Dorothy Wilson. Dorothy passed away in March of 2025 at the age of 96 and is sadly missed by her family and friends. We are grateful for our Saviour’s promise to welcome Dorothy home with Him. Please remember Dorothy and the members of her family in your prayers.

Visitation is from 12:00 – 1:00 pm with the Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm followed by a reception. Dixon-Garland funeral home is located at 166 Main St. N. in Markham.

To view the obituary for Dorothy, please click here.

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….

July 27th 2025

LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Ron Wyse

MUSIC: Sarah Wyse

POWER POINT: Alan Heighway

GREETER: Cynthia Yee

WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird

LEMONADE ON THE LAWN: Cheryl Neave and Ed Rourke

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Next Sunday, August 3rd, Central will join in worship at Bethesda Lutheran, 20 Union Street, Unionville at 10:30 am