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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
Ephesians 4:11 says, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…” This verse has given rise to the acronym APEST to refer to the variety of spiritual gifts that people are given when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Spiritual gifts are different from natural talents in that the Spirit gives us the ability to make a difference for the Kingdom of God far beyond what we could ever do on our own. I’ve done a few different Spiritual Gifting tests, and I consistently come out strongest in Teaching and Shepherding, and not so strong in Apostleship, Prophecy and Evangelism. It has helped me to know the areas where I should direct my efforts, and where I should defer to the gifts of others.
This week’s Bullseye topic will be “Serving,” and while serving is something that all Christians are called to do, it makes a huge difference if you serve out of your spiritual giftedness: it’s better for the community and it’s better for you, when you serve in the ways God has gifted you, rather than out of a sense of duty or obligation.
If you’re interested in knowing what your spiritual gifting is, you can try this free online test: https://fivefoldministry.com/
Or you can try this one for $10USD: https://5qcentral.com/product/apest-vocational-assessment/#tab-reviews (It is very good and thorough, and gives you a ton of helpful information. Worth the money, in my opinion.)
Once you have done the test, consider how this might help you discern ways that you can serve in the church or the community! I’d love to hear your results if you’d like to share them with me.
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 Ephesians 4:1-16 and Psalm 32. 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
2025 LENTEN PROJECT
Sleeping Children Around the World provides 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. Please label your donation to S.C.A.W., thank you.
BUILDING REFRESH PROJECT DONATIONS
Hopefully, you are enjoying the new refreshed look of the Narthex level and of the Main Hall. The next steps will be the completion of the stairwell flooring in April, and final decisions will be made about Narthex level furniture and window treatments. We are over three quarters of the way to our goal of receiving special donations of $100,000 for the project. Please consider supporting this project with a special donation soon. The church accepts donations of securities, which can be a tax effective way of donating, as well as cash. Please mark your donation as “Refresh Project.”
UCW Meeting
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Please join us for our regular UCW meeting taking place on Tuesday, April 8th at 12:30 pm. It will be followed at 2:00 pm by a seminar on fraud prevention presented by Chris Allum as noted below. You can refer to the church website for more details.
FRAUD PREVENTION SEMINAR FOR SENIORS
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Join us for a Fraud Prevention Seminar on Tuesday, April 8, at 2 PM, presented by Chris Allum from the Ontario Securities Commission in collaboration with the April UCW meeting. This seminar will offer valuable insights into identifying and avoiding fraudulent schemes, empowering seniors with the tools and knowledge needed to protect themselves in today’s increasingly complex financial landscape.
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.
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….
March 30th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Ron Wyse
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Serag Gadelrab
GREETERS: Shirley Thomson
WORSHIP HOST: Joan Hubbert
COFFEE HOUR: John Frotten Small Group
CHILDREN’S TIME: Rev. Lori Diaz
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Eilis Wu
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