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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, a celebration of the Holy Spirit’s presence with the Church. Some people refer to it as “the birthday of the church,” but the Holy Spirit was active and present in the world with the Father and the Son throughout eternity.
One of the things that the Holy Spirit does is give each Christian various “spiritual gifts.” These are special abilities, skills, and passions that are meant to be used for the strengthening of the church. These are not necessarily acquired skills and talents, or abilities related to our careers or our life’s work. Many people who have been very successful in their careers are surprised to discover that they have Spiritual Gifts that are totally unrelated, and using those gifts brings them great joy!
This Sunday, I’ll be handing out a “Spirit-Given Gifts” questionnaire to those in attendance who would like one, so that you can discover your own Spiritual Gifts if you have never done so!
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 12:1-13 and Psalm 104:24-34. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
“GIVING FROM THE HEART”
Growing in Christ
We are now three weeks into our Giving from the Heart initiative and have begun 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 have held 1 group meeting and the remaining 2 group meetings will be held immediately following our worship service on 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 the 2 remaining 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.
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
Lemonade on the Lawn has resumed 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!
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!
PRAYER SUMMIT
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Join us Thursday, May 28th from 6:30 to 8:30 in the sanctuary for our next 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.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, June 3rd at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. June 3rd 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.
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.
CANADIAN BIBLE SOCIETY TOUR
10 Carnforth Rd., North York
Tuesday, June 9th at 1:00pm
Join us as we tour and gain insight into the positive impact the Canadian Bible Society has had in sharing God’s word.
We will meet in the Church parking lot to carpool departing at 11am, followed by lunch in advance of the tour. If you do not wish to participate in lunch, you are free to join us at the CBS building for 1pm.
Please contact Sharlene Wilson-Bennett at: admin@centralunitedchurch.com or #905-474-0183 x1 by Friday, May 29th if you are interested in attending and indicate if you will be joining us for lunch in advance.
LADIES LUNCH
Tuesday, June 16th from 11:30am – 1:30pm
6 Woodside Court, Markham
Lunch will be provided. All are welcome to join us!
Please RSVP by June 12th by registering online by clicking here
or contacting Martha Stirling at 647-231-2604
or at marthastirling@hotmail.com
Diabetes Prevention & Healthy Living
Tuesday, June 23rd at 6:30pm
Join us for an informative community health talk on Diabetes Prevention & Healthy Living presented by family physicians Dr. Jing Cao and Dr. Bryan Fong. Learn practical strategies to help prevent diabetes, manage blood sugar, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and build healthier daily habits for yourself and your family.
Topics will include nutrition, exercise, weight management, stress, sleep, home monitoring, and common myths about diabetes. This educational session is designed for adults of all ages and backgrounds in our community. Questions and discussion are welcome.
This is a FREE workshop. To reserve a seat, please register here.
5K Run/Walk for Lynn
Saturday, July 18th 8:00am
The Early Bird Deadline is approaching!
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. 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 here.
The early bird deadline for registration is May 31st – price increases on June 1! Register to run/walk, volunteer, or donate, please click here.
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.
Let’s join together to show that Central UC cares for those who are sick and suffering!
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 24th 2026
SCRIPTURE READER: Chris Diaz
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Alan Heighway
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird & Eilis Wu
LEMONADE ON THE LAWN
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