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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Happy New Year to all! In a spiritual exercise I did last week the author invited readers to choose a single word that would focus our prayers for the year, and the word I chose was trust. I want to go much deeper into what it means to truly trust God in all the circumstances of my life. For that, I’m going to have to connect more intimately with the Holy Spirit.
The Trinity is a difficult doctrine of the Christian faith to understand. Most of us can get our heads around God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth; we can relate to Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, and we can recount the central details of His earthly life. For many Christians, though, the Holy Spirit is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. It can be difficult to understand and explain who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does, and yet trusting God is impossible without this third distinct person. What does it mean to you to have a friendship with the Holy Spirit, and to live by His power? What does it mean to you to trust God in all circumstances?
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 43:1-7, Psalm 29 and Acts 8:14-17. You can also find a daily scripture message at the top of our website.
WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING &
TIME OF FELLOWSHIP
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
GIFT OF CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who purchased a Gift Bag, as well as those who “just wanted to make a donation” to the Food Bank. $3,725.00 was raised and delivered to the Markham Food Bank.
REFUGEE OUTREACH
This Christmas it gives us pleasure to buy Christmas gifts for a number of refugee families who are struggling. Please watch the church bulletin board for more specific information.
Many thanks to those of you who have donated suitcases & good used winter coats to the refugee homes run by ‘The People’s Church’. This outreach will continue until the end of January. Please contact Éilis Wu at #416-889-6742, eilisannwu@gmail.com and she will arrange for pick up.
UCW MEETING
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Tuesday, January 14th the UCW will meet at 12:30 in the lower hall. We invite all ladies to join us for a time of fellowship. Christina Ng, our leader of Christian Education and Strategic Plans Coordinator, will be our speaker. We look forward to hearing about her faith journey and her vision for our future. As well, it will also be a chance to visit with Christina and get to know her and she us.
“OUR GOD WILL GO BEFORE US”
Celebration Lunch
Sunday, January 19th, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Join us for a special Celebration Lunch on Sunday, January 19th, after service at 11:30 AM in the Main Hall, as we come together to reflect on the remarkable journey God has led us through so far. This gathering is a moment for us to express our gratitude and to look ahead with hope and confidence as we continue to follow the Strategic Plan that has been laid out before us. Your presence will be a significant part of this joyous occasion, and we look forward to having you with us.
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, Jan. 22nd – The Women by Kristin Hannah!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
February 9, 2025
We welcome and encourage your participation in this yearly event. Enjoy a light lunch following the 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 on Sunday, February 9th following the Sunday morning worship service.
VALENTINES DINNER
Friday, February 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
As many of you know, thirty of so of us from the church have gone to Milestones for valentines day the past couple of years. We have enjoyed the fellowship and a good three course, set menu meal for about $65. This would be an opportunity to invite relatives and friends to join you and your church family. Singles are welcome.
If you are interested in joining, please email Dennis Seeley at dennisseeley@hotmail.com. This is a popular night for dinner out so 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. More details will follow.
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….
January 12th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Lindsay Duffield
MUSIC: George Arnold
POWER POINT: Serag Gadelrab
GREETER: Sandra Phair
WORSHIP HOST: Martha Stirling
COFFEE HOUR: Choir
CHILDREN’S TIME: Sharon Gayman Laird
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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