Week of Oct. 6 – Oct. 12, 2025

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

  

In the Bible, God spoke to Moses in a burning bush; He spoke to Balaam through a donkey; he spoke to Mary & Joseph and others through angels; He spoke to Peter in a dream and to Paul in a blinding light.

When God speaks to us, is it always this dramatic? Or does God even speak at all? If so, do you believe he speaks to YOU?

I believe God speaks to every single one of us, and we’ll continue throughout the Fall to look at the ways God speaks to us.

“Beloved Bible teacher Beth Moore is coming to Whitby November 14-15, and I still have tickets available. Beth’s thought-provoking and uplifting teaching is infused with wisdom and humour. Worship music will be led by award winning Christian artist, Travis Cottrell. Tickets are $85. If you’d like to join me for this exciting event email me at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com

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 John 14:15-31 and Psalm 85:8-13. 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

HEARING GOD

October 5 – November 16, 2025

The midweek Fall study, Hearing God, just started this week! We’re delighted to have over 65 participants signed up for the study.

If you missed the first session, it’s not too late to join and catch up with us! You can register through the Church Center app or by clicking herePlease make sure to sign up so you can receive all the study materials.

If you can’t make it in person, our hybrid group on Tuesday nights is always open to welcome you. Click Join Zoom Meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

OCTOBER FOOD DRIVE

“Help Families in Need”

We are organizing a Food Drive this October to put smiles on the faces of some needy families.

Food donations (non-perishable only) can be dropped off at the church for the entire month of October.

Every little donation helps and is greatly appreciated. All items collected will be donated to our local food bank. Thank you all for your support and for giving to those in need!

SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox

This year we are once again participating in the Samaritan’s Purse initiative as one of our Christmas Outreach events. You can participate by packaging a shoebox yourself or if you’d prefer Samaritan’s Purse to pack a box for you, you can do so with a $44.00 donation, just visit their website here. They also ask for a $12.00 donation per box which is applied towards collection, processing and international shipping.

Shoeboxes, brochures and shopping lists are now available for pick up Sundays after church service or during the week. The church office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. The initiative will run for six weeks ending Sunday, November 16th.

Let’s support this great initiative again this year to bring joy to a needy child. What a wonderful way to share Jesus’ love.

CENTRAL’S 185TH ANNIVERSARY!

Join us on Sunday, November 2 at 10:00 A.M. as we celebrate 185 years of God’s faithfulness at Central. We are delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Charles Price as our guest preacher, bringing a message titled “To Me To Live is Christ” from Philippians 1:21–27.

Following the service, we will gather for a time of refreshment and fellowship. This is a special milestone in our church family’s journey, and we would love for you to be part of it. Bring your family and friends as we give thanks together for all that God has done and continues to do through Central!

MARKHAM PRAYER BREAKFAST

Friday, Nov. 21st 7:00am

Angus Glen Golf Course

The Markham Prayer Breakfast is a time for the community of Markham to gather for Breakfast and pray for our community leaders.  The keynote speaker will be Cyndi Wilkins. Cyndi was a successful business manager and new Mom when necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating disease) entered her life and altered it forever. She woke up 5 weeks later to find her hands and feet had been amputated in an effort to save her life and wondered “why did God allow this to happen to her?

Special music will be provided by vocalist Dawn Caswell, recently retired Music Teacher at MDHS who enjoys singing on the worship team at Springdale Baptist Church. A table has been purchased for our Church, tickets are $45 each. To secure a place at the table, please contact Ruth Duffield at regduffield@gmail.com.

A SMART WAY TO GIVE

Did you know there’s a tax-savvy way to support the church that could increase the impact of your gift?

 

With the recent strong stock market performance, this is an ideal time to donate stocks or mutual funds that have grown in value, giving more, while receiving valuable benefits such as:

•             No Capital Gains Tax: When you donate appreciated securities directly to the Church, you won’t pay tax on the gains that you would have normally incurred by selling them.

 

•             Full Charitable Tax Receipt: You’ll receive a donation receipt for the full fair market value of the securities, which you can claim on your personal tax return.

 

•             Maximize Your Generosity: This method often results in a larger gift to the Church compared to selling the securities and donating the after-tax proceeds.

It’s a meaningful way to support Central United Church while being a wise steward of your financial blessings.

To learn more, please contact Finance Committee member Mark Scarrow (mark@thescarrows.com) and he will be happy to walk you through the simple and straightforward process. 

CHURCH CENTER APP

Stay Connected Anywhere!

We know that using new technology can feel a little overwhelming—please don’t worry! You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. We’re encouraged to see more congregants using the Church Center App to sign up for events and stay connected with one another.

If you’d like help getting started, bring your phone on Sunday, October 12 or 19. Volunteers will be in the Boardroom (just outside the sanctuary) after service to guide you step by step.

Prefer to try it yourself? Step-by-step instructions are available anytime on our website: centralunitedchurch.com/church-center.

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, October 22nd - The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann! 

 

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….

October 12th 2025

SCRIPTURE READER: Chris Diaz

MUSIC: Sarah Wyse

POWER POINT: Thomas Black

GREETER: Martha Stirling

WORSHIP HOST: Doug Stirling

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird and Eilis Wu

COFFEE HOUR: Council

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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

October 19th 2025

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Psalm 19:7-14