Week of Sept. 1 – Sept. 7, 2025

FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK

  

One of my favourite books is “The Cost of Discipleship” by German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I read it in the Spring of 2004, and it transformed my faith. It marked the moment when I decided I truly wanted to commit my life to following Jesus and to learning to be more like Him. That second part is a lifelong process!

This Sunday’s scripture passage from Luke 14 continues where we left off last Sunday, and it’s a call for us to honestly consider the cost of being a follower of the way of Jesus. The ways of Jesus are not always easy, but as the apostle Peter knew, it is the way to eternal life.

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 Luke 14:25-33 and Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18. 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

AN UPDATE FROM YOUR

FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

A YTD Donations Statement has been emailed to all donors on file. Check your Spam Filter if you do not see this in your Inbox. It will show as from “Central United Church” with an Attachment Statement. 

 

Gratitude for Your Generosity

Thank you for your donations to Central United Church from January 1st through July 31, 2025. Your ongoing support is deeply valued as we continue to fulfill our mission together.

Reviewing Your Donation Progress

Now that we are past the midpoint of 2025, it is an opportune moment to reflect on your past and current contributions. We encourage you to review your givings and maintain or increase your generosity to help us meet our financial objectives for the year.

Many Exciting Developments at Central United

This is a vibrant time for our church, with the launch of new programs, strategic initiatives and enhancements to our worship and music ministries. We are also proud of the ongoing Refresh Project, which is revitalizing our beautiful facilities.

Looking Ahead Together

Thank you once again for your commitment and generosity. As we continue to grow in Christ, may we inspire others to join us on this journey.



CHILDREN’S CHURCH REGISTRATION

2025/2026

Big News! Central is launching a brand-new Children’s Church program—DIG IN—this September! DIG IN isn’t just another curriculum; it’s an exciting new way for kids to experience God’s Word. Through fun, hands-on activities, children will ask big questions, discover real answers, and see their faith come alive. It’s simple for teachers, thrilling for kids, and designed to inspire lasting heart change. We can’t wait to see how God will move as our children DIG IN!

Here’s how you can help:

  • Parents: Please register your child(ren) for our programs in advance here.

  • Grandparents: Please share this news with parents so they can authorize you to bring your grandchildren to our programs at Central.

Starting in September, children will not be admitted to our programs without proper parental or legal guardian consent.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Children’s Church Coordinator, Pam Scarrow, via email here.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH LORNE SMITH

Official Historian for the City of Markham

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 10:00 am

Friends and neighbours in Unionville are invited for free coffee and conversation with Lorne Smith who is the official historian for the City of Markham on Wed., Sept. 17th at 10:00 am at 20 Union Street, Unionville. Come with your questions about the history of Markham and Unionville. This event is sponsored by Unionville BIA, Markham Historical Society and Bethesda Lutheran Church.

SENIORS SAFETY!!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Information Session

Join us for an informative evening focused on senior safety put on by York Regional Police, the Unionville Community Centre for Seniors and Central United Church being held from 6:00 – 7:30 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 17th at Central United Church.

Come and learn important tips about staying safe in our community! All seniors are welcome – bring along a friend! If you require any additional information, please contact Sharon.

CHRISTIAN JOURNEYS

Lands of Bible Tour to Greece & Turkey – Oct. 2026

Information Session

Join us for an information session on Sunday, September 21, 2025 to hear more about the Christian Journeys, Land of Bible Tour to Greece and Turkey in October of 2026. To access the registration link, please click here.

The session will take place in the Main Hall following our worship service on September 21.

FAITH AND HEALTH:

Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure

Tuesday, September 30 at 6:30 PM

High blood pressure—often called the silent killer—affects nearly half of adults, yet many people don’t know they have it. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and more.

Learn what causes high blood pressure, how to measure it, and practical ways to manage it. For more details and to register, please click here.

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.

CHURCH CENTER APP

Stay Connected Anywhere!

Did you know the Church Center App is now available for CUC families?

It’s a convenient and secure way to stay connected with church life—right from your mobile device!

With the Church Center App, you can:

  • Easily sign up for events, programs, and study groups
  • Update your contact information
  • Access the church directory to stay in touch with others (for members who opt in)

The app is completely free to download!

  1. Get your phone ready and download the Church Center App from your App Store.
  2. Steps are available on our website under the Media tab, or simply click here.

Prefer a Web Browser Instead?

No problem! You can access all the same features without downloading the app. Simply click here and follow the setup steps.You can select to log in via email.

Updating Your Profile

Once you’ve logged in (through either the app or web browser), you can update your contact information and choose what to share by going to My Profile & Settings under your name.

  

  • If you’ve changed any contact information since the last taxable season, please also notify the church administrator at admin@centralunitedchurch.com.

Privacy Matters to Us

We will no longer publish a printed directory containing personal contact details.

The new Church directory will be online and include three levels of security:  

  1. You have full control over what you share
  2. Access is limited to subscribers verified and approved by church administrators
  3. Members are protected from scams through a secure Contact button—no phone numbers or email addresses are shown publicly.

Your privacy and safety are our priority.

Need help?

Christina will be happy to assist you—just set up an appointment via email!

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….

September 7th 2025

LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Sharon Gayman Laird

MUSIC: John Mole

POWER POINT: Henry Wong

GREETER: Cynthia Yee

WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird

LEMONADE ON THE LAWN:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

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

September 14th 2025

Luke 15:1-10

Psalm 14