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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
St. Paul begins his letter to the Philippian church by saying this: “I thank my God for every remembrance of you, always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy…”
Praying for each other and for the world is one of the most important functions of the church. Without prayer, as Christians, we can do nothing at all.
I learned this about 10 years ago when I was observing two pastors who were considered “successful” in their ministries. They had both started with churches of about 150 members, had both been at those churches for about 15 years, and had both experienced significant growth. By significant, I mean that one pastor had seen his church grow from 150 to about 5 Hundred members; the other had seen his church grow from 150 to about 5 THOUSAND members! I wondered what the difference was.
The first pastor had a ton of charisma and energy, and had spent the 15 years studying and teaching leadership and growth strategies. The second pastor – the one whose church had grown to 5000 – had no charisma to speak of, but had spent 15 years on his knees. Everything they did was wrapped in prayer. Not just perfunctory opening and closing prayers, but regular, lengthy prayer sessions, both as a whole church and in small prayer groups.
That’s where I learned the Prayer Summit format that I have been using over the past few months. This church had a Prayer Summit every two weeks, and 2000 people would show up – men, women, young, old…even teenagers!
I know Prayer Summits aren’t on everyone’s radar yet, but I encourage you to come out and try it. Tonight’s Prayer Summit is at 7:00PM (If you got an email from me yesterday saying that it was at 6:30, I was wrong!). We’ll spend time together praying for our church, for our world, and for each other. I’d love to see you there.
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 20th 2026
SCRIPTURE READER: Doug Stirling
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
COFFEE TIME: Choir
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 Philippians 1:21-30 and Psalm 145:1-8. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
EYE GLASSES
We will be collecting eyeglasses for the Ghana Rural Integrated Development (GRID). This is an organization dear to our hearts at Central.
There is a need for any prescription. Take a look for glasses that may no longer meet your needs. Feel free to invite your friends to participate.
Please bring your glasses before Sunday October 11; we will be able to contribute to a scheduled delivery to Ghana.
Glasses may be placed in a basket inside the oak cupboard inside the front doors to the church and a basket on the second shelf of the wall unit on the west side of the lobby.
We pray for overflowing baskets!
GRIEF SHARE
Wednesdays, September 16 – December 2
2:00 – 4:00 pm
If you’ve lost a loved one, you don’t have to walk through grief alone. GriefShare is a safe, caring group where you can find comfort, understanding, and hope.
Each weekly session features a video presentation, group discussion, and personal reflection to help you navigate healing.
- Open to all: Join anytime, whether your loss is recent or years ago.
- Materials: All course materials are provided.
Register by clicking here.
Know someone who could benefit? Please feel free to pass this invitation along.
PRAYER SUMMIT
Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 – 8:30 pm
We will sing together and pray both personal prayers and community prayers for our lives, our church, and our world. The service will also include a brief time of quiet Bible meditation. Please join us for this special prayer service.
THE JESUS YOU MAY NOT KNOW
Tuesdays, September 22 – November 24
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Discover a deeper, more intimate perspective of Christ in this transformative 10-week Bible study. Inspired by Dr. David Jeremiah’s insightful book, The Jesus You May Not Know, this course invites you to look past familiar stories and traditional preconceptions to encounter the true character, power, and heart of Jesus as revealed in Scripture. Whether you have been walking with the Lord for decades or are just beginning to explore your faith, this study will challenge, encourage, and renew your understanding of who Jesus really is.
A comprehensive study guide is highly recommended. It is available for $7 and will be provided at the course.
Please register to reserve your spot and study guide by clicking here.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Sept. 23rd at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. Sept. 23rd 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.
WELCOME TEAM MEETING
Wednesday, Sept. 23rd at 7:00 pm
Our team is committed to make every person who walks through the door feel welcome, valued and comfortable at Central. We hope to connect people to us, to our church, and to God!
If you would like to know more about our new Welcome program, please join us for answers to your questions and orientation next week. We would love to see you!
Questions right now? Contact Martha Stirling at: marthastirling@hotmail.com
ALPHA
Thursdays, September 24 – November 26
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Join us for a series of open, friendly conversations exploring the Christian faith. Each session features a short presentation on a different topic, followed by small-group discussion where you can share your thoughts—or just listen in.
Everyone is welcome, no matter your background or beliefs.
- When: Evenings at 6:30 PM (refreshments served)
- Format: Presentation + Small Group Discussion
Register by clicking here.
BOOK CLUB
The Central United Book Club resumes next week, on September 23rd. We are excited to launch our 2026/27 season with: “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans.
Whether you’re a longtime reader or have been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time to become part of the Central United Book Club! Come enjoy, good books, lively conversation, and great fellowship as we begin a brand new season together.
Happy reading!
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.
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