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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
The Paschal Triduum
“The liturgical year did not come into existence on a draughtsman’s table, nor does it owe its existence to shrewd thinking and careful planning, but rather…it emanates, and derives its growth, from a heart, a centre. This heart of the liturgical year is the passion and resurrection of Christ.”
~Adolf Adam
This weekend is the heart of the Christian year, the Paschal Triduum which means the three days of the passion of Christ. The “Great Three Days” begins at sundown on Thursday and concludes at sundown on Sunday, and the church’s services over these days – the progressive aspects of the observance of Jesus’ passion, from his betrayal, to his crucifixion and burial, to his resurrection – are meant to be observed together.
Maundy Thursday leads us to Good Friday, Saturday is a day of quiet vigil, with the glorious celebration of Jesus’ resurrection being all the more poignant and meaningful for having journeyed with Him through His suffering and death. Join us on Thursday evening at 7PM and Friday morning at 10am. I encourage you to spend some time on Saturday in quiet contemplation – I will be spending time in the church in prayer from 10am-12noon, if anyone would also like some quiet prayer time I will unlock the front door – and to bring your friends and family to celebrate Easter with us on Sunday morning at 10AM.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Paschal weekend and a Happy Easter!
Maundy Thursday Service, Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 pm
Good Friday Service, Friday, April 18th at 10:00 am
Easter Sunday Service, Sunday, April 20th at 10:00 am
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 Isaiah 65:17-25, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 and Luke 24:1-12. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING
There will be no Thursday prayer meeting this evening. Prayer meetings will resume next Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 PM.
2025 LENTEN PROJECT
Sleeping Children Around the World has been chosen as this years Lenten Project. They provide bed kits to children in need. Each $40 donation consists of a mat or mattress, bedding, mosquito netting, school supplies and clothing. Bed kits are manufactured or purchased by local organizations and individuals who pick the best items for children living in that area. Should you wish to donate, please label your donation to S.C.A.W., thank you.
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, Apr. 23rd – An Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
ALPHA 2025
“Wonder about faith?”
Join us and take part in a series of engaging group conversations that explore the Christian faith in an open and welcoming environment. Each Alpha session features an episode tackling a meaningful question about faith, followed by an opportunity to share your thoughts or simply listen to others. There’s no pressure—just come as you are.
Our Alpha program will be held every Wednesday at 7 PM, from April 23rd to June 25th, with light refreshments provided each week.
Click here to sign up, pray, and invite your friends and neighbors to join this meaningful journey with us.
UCCS/CHATS WELLNESS SEMINAR
“STROKE STOPPERS”
Wednesday, April 23rd, 2:10 pm to 3:30 pm
UCCS will be running a wellness seminar on stroke prevention at Central United Church on Wednesday, April 23rd from 2:10 pm to 3:30 pm. The cost to attend for members is $5.00 and for non-members $7.00.
Pre-registration is required and can be done by calling UCCS at #437-431-2831 or by emailing them at uccs@uhs.on.ca.
WOMEN’S EVENT
“Support Our Vulnerable Youth in York Region”
Tuesday, May 6th at 7:00 pm
Join us for an inspiring evening as we delve into the challenges of youth homelessness and sexual exploitation within our community and explore how we can be part of the solution. Our featured guest speaker, Karen Dean, Manager of the HOPE Program at 360°kids, will provide powerful insights into the efforts being made to uplift and protect vulnerable youth. In addition to attending, you can make a meaningful impact by donating essential items to support these young individuals in need. Learn more and register here today!
FAITH & HEALTH – “Seasonal Allergies”
Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30 pm
Good health is both a blessing and a responsibility. Join us for faith-centered educational health sessions as we explore ways to care for our bodies—temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Led by licensed family doctors with over a decade of experience, these quarterly sessions provide valuable guidance on wellness and disease prevention to help you live a healthier, God-honoring life. The first session, focused on Seasonal Allergies, will take place on Tuesday, May 13th, at 6:30 PM. RSVP is required—please register here.
WOMEN’S LUNCHEON
Wednesday, June 4th from 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Ladies, it’s time to get together in the garden! Please join us at 6 Woodside Court in Markham where lunch will be provided. Register here or contact Martha Stirling by May 28.
SUMMER JOBS
July 7-August 15 (6 weeks)
Central is hiring an Arts & Crafts Leader and a Media Coordinator this summer, funded by Canada Summer Jobs. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 30, 2025. For more information, please click here.
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….
April 20th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Lindsay Duffield
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse/George Arnold/Anthony Reyes
POWER POINT: Thomas Black
GREETER: Nancy Holmes
WORSHIP HOST: Randy Holmes
COFFEE HOUR: Staff
CHILDREN’S TIME: Rev. Lori Diaz
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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