FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Last Sunday, we heard a powerful message from Rev. Lori on Jeremiah’s call, urging us to examine our readiness to step out of our comfort zones and follow God’s lead to change. Today, due to a family emergency, Lori asked me (Christina) for a favor—to write something meaningful for the Minister’s Desk this week. My quick response to her was, “Me? I’m not the Minister of the church!” Yet, despite my questions and doubts, how could I say no to Lori? It was not so much an act of obedience as it was an act of love. I’m sure all of you would do the same if she reached out to you.
When Jesus invited Simon (Peter) to put his fishing boat out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch, Jesus was not teaching Simon where or how to fish to generate greater profits. Simon, being very honest about his feelings toward this mission, answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5) How often do we feel that catching people, reaching lost souls, is an impossible task? Can Jesus not catch and multiply people by his sovereignty? Of course, he can! However, Jesus is more interested in seeing our faith grow, our love deepen, and our joy overflow! Perhaps this week, we can take some time to reflect on our present contexts and personal mission: How are we growing in Christ and helping others grow with us?
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 Luke 5:1-11 and Psalm 138. 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 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).
Please contact Joan at hubbert@sympatico.ca if you know of someone who would be blessed by a card.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
February 9, 2025
We welcome and encourage your participation in this yearly event. Enjoy a light lunch following this Sunday’s morning service and then join us for the Annual General Meeting. You will have the opportunity to welcome in the 2025-2026 Council and even nominate new members
Equally important, you will see what projects are being planned and their estimated costs and review how your givings are to be used.
Come, join us this Sunday, February 9th following the Sunday morning worship service.
UCW MEETING
February 11, 2025 – 12:30 pm
The UCW will be meeting February 11th at 12:30 in the lower hall. Please join us for a time of fellowship and snacks. We will also be having a fun afternoon as we explore different card games.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Feb. 12th at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. Feb. 12th 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.
VALENTINES DINNER
Friday, February 14, 2025
If you are interested in joining us this year for our Valentines Dinner at Milestones, please email Dennis Seeley at dennisseeley@hotmail.com. In the past we have enjoyed the fellowship and a good three course, set menu meal for about $65. Please let Dennis know if you plan on attending as he needs to have an idea as to how many might be attending in order to make a reservation. There are currently 32 people who have registered to attend.
BOOK GIVEAWAY
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Mark your calendars. On Sunday, February 23rd we will be having a book giveaway of some of Central’s library books. More details to follow.
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.
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 9th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Felicity Monaco
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Alan Heighway
GREETERS: Doug & Vicki Carson
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Council
CHILDREN’S TIME: Sharon Gayman Laird
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Cheryl Neave
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