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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Dear friends, I want to thank you with all my heart for the love and comfort you have all extended to me over the past week as I have been dealing with the death of my Dad. While I know that he is now resting by my mother’s side, free of pain and suffering, and basking in the eternal glory of God, it is still surreal to think of him being gone from my life. I know my heart will heal in time, because Jesus is my comfort and my hope.
I want to let you know that from February 17-23 I will be on study leave, getting caught up on some of my doctoral work. The Rev. Roni Beharry will be the guest preacher on February 23rd. From February 24-March 2 I am taking one of my allotted vacation weeks, and the guest preacher on March 2 will be Rev. Jacob Birch from the Canadian Bible Society. If you have urgent Pastoral Care needs during this time please reach out to Sharlene in the church office, or to Carole Beam, the chair of the Pastoral Care committee, and they will know how to best meet your needs.
These weeks were scheduled in advance, and while in one way it now feels like it’s not the best time for me to be taking time off, I think you all know that in addition to moving and settling into a new church right at Advent, I have also had to deal with a number of unanticipated personal issues that have left me feeling quite tired. A couple of weeks of study and rest might be exactly what I need to refresh my spirit and mind to prepare for the Lenten season ahead. Thank you for your understanding.
In the meantime, I hope you will all register to join us for the Lent Study that begins the first week of March!
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 Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1 and Luke 6:17-26. 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
2024 DONATION RECEIPTS
Your 2024 donation receipts are ready and available to be picked up in the narthex. If not picked up by this Sunday, February 16th, they will be mailed out to you.
SENTIMENTS
Sentiments is a greeting card ministry of Central United Church.
Cards are sent for significant birthdays and anniversaries, baptism, bereavement or even “Praying for you”. Special thank you to Joan Hubbert who has dedicated her time and talents to this ministry for the past 2 years (Shirley Thomson prior to Joan).
Effective February 17th, Diane Davies will be taking over the Sentiment ministry and if you have requests, you can send them to Diane at: bdrodac@gmail.com.
VALENTINES DINNER
Friday, February 14, 2025
We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow evening that has registered for the Valentines Dinner at Milestones. Should you require any information regarding the event please email Dennis Seeley at dennisseeley@hotmail.com.
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Sunday, February 23, 2025
On Sunday, February 23rd we will be having a book giveaway of some of Central’s library books. Books will be set up in the boardroom, have a look and if any of them are of interest to you, please feel free to take them home with 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, Feb. 26th – Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
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.
THE C.S. LEWIS FELLOWS PROGRAM
The C.S. Lewis Fellows Program offers a year of intensive discipleship that leads to significant life-change. Unlike many discipleship programs, the Fellows program focuses on discipleship of both heart and mind. It involves Bible Study, classic readings, lectures, group processing, personal spiritual mentoring and accountability – all in the context of a small group of like-minded believers. This year-long program is designed for those who want to live as fully committed disciples of Jesus Christ and make an impact for Him in the world.
This tuition free, in-person program is twelve months in length and has two phases. It is open for applications in February. If you like to learn more about the fellows program offered in Toronto, please join the information session over Zoom on Saturday, February 15 @ 10am. 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….
February 16th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Felicity Monaco
MUSIC: John Mole
POWER POINT: Thomas Black
GREETERS: Barb Davies
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Outreach
CHILDREN’S TIME: Anthony Cheung
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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