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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Our Guest Minister this Sunday:
Rev. Roni Beharry
Rev. Roni Beharry will be our guest minister at this Sunday’s service. Rev. Beharry is passionate about preaching the gospel in ways that enhance our personal relationships, relates to culture and addresses current issues. She has served the United Church of Canada as a lay accountable leader for over fifteen years and as an ordained minister since 2017. In an ordained capacity, she has served in North Bay, Guelph and Brampton, ON. She resides in Burlington with her spouse, Lorne Robertson. She is thrilled to be a guest preacher at Central United Church.
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 45:3-11 & 15, Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 and Luke 6:27-38. 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
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.
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Sunday, February 23, 2025
This 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.
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….
February 23rd 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Doug Stirling
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Thomas Black
GREETERS: Linaire Armstrong
WORSHIP HOST: Linda Patterson
COFFEE HOUR: M & P
CHILDREN’S TIME: Rev. Roni Beharry & Christina Ng
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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