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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Our guest preacher this Sunday is Rev. Dr. Paul Wilson. Rev. Wilson is Professor Emeritus of Homiletics at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto, where he taught from 1981 until 2019. His degrees are from the University of Toronto and the University of London. He is known for his focus on the centrality of the gospel, especially God’s action in the Bible and today, and the poetry of faith.
A son of the manse, he is ordained in the United Church of Canada and has served several churches. A past president of the Academy of Homiletics, he has written many articles and books including: The Four Pages of the Sermon (2018); Preaching as Poetry (2014); Setting Words on Fire: Putting God at the Center of the Sermon (2008); The Practice of Preaching (2007); Broken Words: Reflections on the Craft of Preaching (2004); Preaching and Homiletical Theory (2004); and God Sense: Reading the Bible for Preaching (2001). He has edited fifteen volumes, won two international Book of the Year awards, and has supervised many doctoral students.
He received his denomination’s Davidson Award for Teaching Excellence in 2004 and in 2013 received a major research award from the Louisville Institute. He lectures, teaches, and preaches widely throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada. He is married to Deanna who is also ordained, and they have three grown children and two grandchildren.
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 Matthew 12:31-32 and Psalm 51:1-12. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING
You are welcome to join the Thursday prayer meeting tonight at 7:00 PM for a time of prayer and fellowship. The meeting is held using Zoom technology.
Here are the details for those who wish to participate:
Access to Join from your PC, Tablet or Smartphone:
Copy this address into your web browser https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81293996881 or click here.
Quick access by phone:
1. Call: 647 374-4685
2. When prompted press: 812 9399 6881 #
3. Then when prompted again press: # to enter the call
CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS ON RECOMMENDATIONS
The Strategy Implementation Team and the Vision Implementation Teams have recommendations for specific actions to take our mission forward together. Meetings have been arranged with the congregation to review these recommendations and gather feedback.
If you have not already responded to the email invitation from Rev. Lori Diaz to attend one of the scheduled special gatherings, please do so now, or ask Christina Ng if you want to join one of the meetings at the church:
1) Monday, November 24, at 7pm via Zoom here https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86969146758?pwd=AaoSxFEDvOltfQsAwMeFMf9ROI04qg.1
2) Friday, November 28, at 2pm in the Main Hall.
SOUP LUNCH
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025
The Christian Education Committee will host a Soup Lunch in the Main Hall on Sunday, November 30th right after worship service. Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate the beginning of Advent! (If you can make a crockpot of soup, please sign up at the bulletin board.)
SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox
We would like to say a great big THANK YOU to all those who participated in this year’s Christmas Shoebox project. Many participants packed their own boxes, others did it online, while some supported the cause with a monetary contribution. You’ve helped put a smile on the face of so many children this Christmas. Another wonderful achievement. God Bless you all!!!
MARKHAM FOOD BANK
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. The Markham Foodbank is very grateful to the members of Central United Church for their generous donations of food and financial aid at the recent food drive. Over 200 food items were collected during the food drive along with financial contributions of $895.00. Thank you all so much for your generous giving.
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY
Sunday, Dec. 7th we will celebrate White Gift Sunday during the morning worship service. Your donations of unwrapped nonperishable foods are appreciated. Cash gifts will also be received – special “White Gift” offering envelopes will be made available. Your gifts of food/money will also be used to assist the Markham Food Bank.
COMFORT SERVICE
Our Annual Comfort Service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7th at 7:00 pm. This service is offered to those who have experienced loss of a loved one and is a good opportunity to reach out to our congregation and community at large. All are welcome to attend and please invite family and friends who may benefit from such a service.
MITTEN TREE
With the Christmas season soon upon us, the Mitten Tree will once again be up in the Friendship Room. Should you wish to donate, please drop off hats, toques, scarves and gloves by Sunday, Dec. 15th so that we can deliver them to the Salvation Army before Christmas. They can be dropped off at the church on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm or if you’re attending in person worship on Sunday morning and prefer to drop them off then, that would be fine as well.
A YEAR-END DONATIONS REMINDER
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
As we approach the end of the calendar year, many donors take time to reflect on their charitable giving for the current tax year. To assist with this, a Year-to-Date Donations Statement has been emailed to all donors on file this week.
If you don’t see it in your Inbox, please check your spam or junk folder — it will appear as from “Central United Church” with an attached statement.
Gratitude for Your Generosity
Thank you for your donations to Central United Church from January 1 through October 31, 2025. Your ongoing support is deeply valued as we continue to fulfill our mission together.
A Thoughtful Moment for Review
As December 31st approaches, we invite you to take a moment to review your giving and consider how you might continue supporting our shared mission. Whether you maintain your current level or choose to increase your generosity, every gift helps us finish the year strong and plan confidently for 2026.
A Year of Growth and Renewal
2025 has been a vibrant year at Central United. We’ve launched new programs, strategic initiatives and enriched our worship and music ministries. The Refresh Project is revitalizing our facilities – with more changes to the Friendship Room before year-end!
Looking Ahead Together
Thank you once again for your commitment and generosity. As we continue to grow in Christ, may we inspire others to walk with us in faith, fellowship and service.
Should you have any questions on your donations record, please contact Sally Sandiford (sally_sandiford@hotmail.com).
BOOK CLUB
Calling all book lovers – people of all ages! Everyone is invited to join Central United Church’s Book Club every 4th Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30am. We meet both in person & virtually. Good company, great books, compelling conversation & yummy treats!
Upcoming: Wednesday, November 26th – How to Share an Egg by Bonnie Reichert!
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….
November 23rd 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Joan Hubbert
SCRIPTURE READER: Felicity Monaco
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Alan Heighway
GREETER: Nancy Holmes
WORSHIP HOST: Randy Holmes
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird and Doug Stirling
COFFEE HOUR:
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