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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
It is so good to be home and back from the UK.
As many of you know, Christina and I were invited by Alpha Canada to attend a Leadership Conference, where we were taken to a number of churches in England that are experiencing exceptional growth, so that we can learn from what they are doing. It was quite an eye opening experience to see what is happening there!
While not everything we saw and learned there was applicable to our Central UC vision and mission, I came home with a clearer sense that we are on the right track in our strategic focus! I also came home with renewed focus and new ideas about how to tweak some of the things we’re currently doing (such as how we’re using Alpha) to share Christ with more people.
The conference was probably even more relevant for Christina’s work at Central, as there was a lot presented to us that had to do with sharing the gospel with the younger generations. Christina writes: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Tour, which was both inspiring and transformative for my personal and ministry growth. Through this experience, I gained greater clarity on key areas in which I hope to grow, including deepening prayer and fellowship life, cultivating joy and generosity, and fostering a healthy, sustainable church culture that influences three generations. The conference challenged me to lead by example with greater purpose, faith, and integrity.”
This was a great learning experience for both of us, but as they say, “there’s no place like home!”
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 Acts 1:6-14 and Psalm 68:1-10, 32-34. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
“GIVING FROM THE HEART”
Growing in Christ
We are now two weeks into our Giving from the Heart initiative and will soon begin the small group meetings.
Please note that this initiative is different than from past fundraising efforts designed to meet a budget. This initiative and the small group discussions are not primarily about attaining fundraising goals…….
The Heart of the Matter: Growing in Christ
Our mission statement is clear: To Grow in Christ and help others grow with us. These gatherings are designed as an OPPORTUNITY for us to discuss how giving from the heart—of our time, our talents, and our treasures—acts as a catalyst for our own spiritual development.
The goal of this initiative is not simply to collect pledges; it is to explore how we can, both individually and collectively, transform our commitments into a deeper, more vibrant faith in God.
A Revised Schedule
Recognizing the busy schedules of our members, we will now hold 3 group meetings immediately following our worship service on Sunday May 17, Sunday May 24 and Sunday May 31st.
Our Ask of You:
1. Read the FAQ: We encourage you to revisit the FAQ document attached to the pledge packets previously circulated. It provides important context on why this is a faith journey, not just a financial one.
2. Attend One Session: Please sign up for one of these 3 post-worship service sessions. Your participation is a vital part of our collective journey with Christ.
3. Sign Up Today: You can register online by clicking here or visit the sign-up table in the Narthex after worship this Sunday.
A light lunch will be provided for those attending each small group meeting.
THANK YOU!!
Mariam and I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the congregation of Central United Church for your joyous participation in the worship service that included our nuptials. We wish to express our sincere thanks for your many blessings offered to us through cards and good wishes. We were blessed by your joy for us. Mariam and Jim
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
Beginning Sunday, May 17th
Summer is coming and Lemonade on the Lawn resumes this Sunday through to the beginning of September this year.
However, the only way this can happen is if you, our congregation, supports this by signing up for the weeks you are able to assist with set up, pouring and clean up each week. This is a very easy task as all supplies will be available at the church. Sign up sheets are located in the Narthex. Please consider this, so that we can all enjoy the physical reconnection with old and new friends in our church.
Please check your calendars and commit to a week or two that will work for you! If you have any questions you may contact Kathy Hoy by email at kathyhoy5@gmail.com. Your service to the church will be appreciated by all!
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, May 20th at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. May 20th 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.
BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, May 27th from 10:00 – 11:30 am
Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 10-11:30am, to discuss books in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Upcoming: Wednesday, May 27th - The Jazz Club Spy by Roberta Rich!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
UNIONVILLE FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 6th from 11:00am – 3:00pm
One of our key initiatives this year is to be an outward-facing, welcoming, and engaging church. With the return of the Unionville Parade on Main St., are we ready to make a meaningful presence in the community by sharing what we do and why we (CUC) exist?
Children’s activities will be held on the lawn as usual, but we can certainly do more to engage adults as well. Let’s share how we serve the community through weekly programs and services. We’ll seize the opportunity to promote the 5K run/walk for Lynne, which will be held on July 18. And of course, we’ll serve lemonade!
If you can help out in any way, please click here to register or let Christina, Pam, or Sharon know.
LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, June 16th from 11:30am – 1:30 pm
6 Woodside Court, Markham
Lunch will be provided. All are welcome to join us!
Please RSVP by June 12th by registering online or contacting
Martha Stirling at 647-231-2604 or at marthastirling@hotmail.com
5K Run/Walk for Lynn
Saturday, July 18th 8:00am
Join us for our very first 5K run/walk on Saturday, July 18, in support of groundbreaking research at Sunnybrook’s Brain Sciences Centre aimed at helping eliminate ALS. The event is held in honour of Lynne Pulenzas, a longtime member of our church.
This special event brings the community together to raise awareness, fund critical research, and move us closer to finding a cure for ALS.
Learn more: https://centralunitedchurch.com/…/5k-run-walk-for…/
Register to run/walk, volunteer, or donate:
https://raceroster.com/…/2026/118012/5k-runwalk-for-lynne
Should you have any questions (e.g., how to set up your personal fundraising page), please don’t hesitate to email us at
cares@centralunitedchurch.com or speak with Christina.
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….
May 17th 2026
SCRIPTURE READER: Doug Stirling
MUSIC: Roger Cheng
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird & Martha Stirling
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
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