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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Popular women’s Bible study teacher, Beth Moore, is coming to the GTA November 14-15, and Rev. Lori has purchased a group of tickets. There are 8 tickets available at the discounted price of $84. If you would like to attend this event with us or would like more information, please email Rev. Lori at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com.
Our Guest Minister this Sunday:
Rev. Jacob R. Birch
This Sunday our Guest Minister will be Rev. Jacob R. Birch. Rev. Birch is married to his highschool sweetheart Heather with whom they share 4 young adult children and 1 granddaughter Otilia. He’s been in ministry in and around the Greater Toronto Area and Atlantic Canada for the last 29 years with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He’s a graduate of Tyndale University, the University of Waterloo and Tyndale Seminary. He’s planted or helped plant 4 different churches. Since May 2023 he’s been The Director of Philanthropic Partnerships – Churches with The Canadian Bible Society. He helps churches, foundations and high-net worth individuals express their faith through giving. He loves the Word of God and helping people hear Jesus’ voice through reading it. His life verse is John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;”. That’s his prayer for the people of Central today… that we’ll together hear the Good Shepherd’s voice.
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 Genesis 1:3, Jeremiah 15:16, Psalm 99, John 10:27, 2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12 and Revelation 19:15. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 pm
Our Ash Wednesday Service will be held on Wednesday, Mar. 5th at 7:00 pm. This special service is offered to help prepare you for the Lenten journey to Easter and will include the Imposition of Ashes.
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
COMMUNION SERVERS
March 9, 2025 Service
Four communion servers are needed to help with distribution on Sunday March 9. Communion will be served at the front (with congregants coming up the aisle for the elements). Please let Kathy Hoy know if you are able to help. ( kathyhoy5@gmail.com )
FINANCE COMMITTEE 2025 BUDGET UPDATE
At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 9th, the Central United 2025 Budget was approved by the Congregation. This budget calls for an increase in offerings of 15% over 2024 levels in order to balance our Operating Budget. We will prudently manage our expenses, as we continue to invest in our Staff, Worship, Church Programs, Music, Capital Improvements, Strategic Initiatives and the Facility Refresh Project.
Please take time to review your 2025 givings and update your PAR, EFT, Canada Helps, or Cheque/Cash donation levels to assist in achieving our budget objectives for 2025.
To sign up or adjust your PAR donation amount, please contact Sally Sandiford (sally_sandiford@hotmail.com). Appreciated securities donations are another tax effective way to donate. Contact Scott Wetmore (swetmore@rogers.com) if you are interested in this option.
We plan to hold seminars on securities donations and legacy giving in the not too distant future.
Thanks for your time and financial support as “We Grow in Christ and Help Others Grow with Us.”
2024 CHARITABLE DEDUCTION EXTENSION
TO FEBRUARY 28, 2025
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has extended the 2024 tax year charitable donations deadline to February 28, 2025.
We will issue receipts for this extension on an exception basis only. If you choose to receive a receipt for donations made during this extension period, then your 2025 Charitable receipt will cover the period from March 1 – December 31, 2025.
If you would like a receipt for the January-February 2025 extension period, please contact Sally Sandiford (sally_sandiford@hotmail.com) by Friday, March 7, 2025.
LENTEN BIBLE STUDY
Tuesdays, March 4 to April 22, 2025
Join us for an 8-week Bible study based on The Chosen TV series—a heartwarming retelling of the life of Jesus and His disciples this Lenten season! Led by Rev. Lori Diaz, the study will be held at Central on consecutive Tuesdays, from March 4 to April 22, 2025.
Schedule:
• 6:00 PM: Light supper (optional)
• 7:00 PM: Engaging presentation and breakout groups
This is a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith, connect with others, and explore the teachings of Jesus in a supportive community. Each participant or family will receive a copy of the interactive study guide, What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?, after registering.
Please register online here. There will be no paper signups in the narthex. Should there be any technical issues, please reach out to Christina.
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, Mar. 26th – The Spoon Stealer by Lesley Crewe!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
SUMMER CAMP 2025: Steadfast Love
August 11 – 15, 2025
Central will be hosting another year of Summer Day Camp in August! This is an incredible way to serve young families with children currently in SK through Grade 5. It also allows preteens and teens from Grade 6 and up to grow their faith, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience as volunteers (leaders-in-training) as they go through a one-week training prior to the camp from August 5-8. Please help spread the word in the community!
For more information and to register as participants, volunteers, or coaches, please register here.
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….
March 2nd 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Joan Hubbert
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Serag Gadelrab
GREETERS: John Frotten
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Thursday Prayer Committee
CHILDREN’S TIME: Sharon Gayman Laird
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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