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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
This Sunday, we’ll be looking at Revelation 7: 9-17, which deals with the adversity that Christians will face. Fittingly, the Psalm for this Sunday is Psalm 23, which reassures us of God’s faithfulness in all times, especially times of adversity. It reminds me of one of my favourite poems, one that I often read at funeral services. An anonymous poet, inspired by the words of the 23rd Psalm, wrote:
In “pastures green?”
Not always.
Sometimes He
Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me
In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.
And by “still waters?”
No, not always so;
Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow,
And o’er my soul the waves and billow go.
But when the storm is loudest;
And I cry aloud for help,
The Master standeth by,
And whispers to my soul, “Lo, ‘tis I.”
So where He leads me, I can safely go,
And in the blest hereafter I shall know,
Why in His wisdom He hath led me so.
It reminds us in such a beautiful way that we can’t always understand the adversity we face, but we can trust that the Lord will carry us through it, and tenderly care for us along the way.
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 Revelation 7:9-17 and Psalm 23. 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
MOTHER’S DAY FLOWER VASE
Sunday, May 11th
Do you have a special woman in your life that you would like to remember this Mother’s Day? Guests are invited to bring a fresh flower for inclusion in a communal bouquet this Sunday, May 11th to honour all the loving mothers in our lives. Celebrating their strength, sacrifices, selflessness and love.
STOUFFVILLE PRAYER BREAKFAST
Thursday, May 15th at 7:00 am
Rev. Diaz has one ticket left ($25.00) for the Stouffville Prayer Breakfast taking place on May 15th at 7:00 am. If you are interested in attending, please contact Rev. Lori directly at ldiaz@centralunitedchurch.com to let her know you’d like the ticket.
THOMAS BLACK & NELL ROOTHMAN
ARE GETTING MARRIED
Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm
LET’S CELEBRATE!!! Thomas Black and Nell Roothman are getting married at Central United Church on May 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm.
They would be honoured to have you join them as they celebrate their commitment to each other before God, and to bless their union and share in their joy.
FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE
We have recently acquired a “Tap Donation Display” for the Church that you will see in the Narthex on Sundays and at other functions where donations are often given.
Fewer and fewer people are carrying cash around these days. The “Tap Donation Display” makes it easy to donate $5, $10 or $20 with a single “tap” of your credit/debit card, smartphone or smartwatch. Donation receipts are not provided.
We are targeting visitors as this system makes it is easy to donate on the spot. The system is also good for ad-hoc donations during events. (eg: Small Groups, Meals, etc.)
Regular donors should continue to use PAR, EFT, Canada Helps or Envelopes for their donations. However, feel free to “give it a tap” and try the new system if you’re curious!
This is a modern approach making it easier for people to donate and support Central United as we grow in Christ and help others grow with us.
FAITH & HEALTH – “Seasonal Allergies”
Tuesday, May 13th at 6:30 pm
Good health is both a blessing and a responsibility. Join us for faith-centered educational health sessions as we explore ways to care for our bodies—temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Led by licensed family doctors with over a decade of experience, these quarterly sessions provide valuable guidance on wellness and disease prevention to help you live a healthier, God-honoring life. The first session, focused on Seasonal Allergies, will take place on Tuesday, May 13th, at 6:30 PM. RSVP is required—please register here.
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, May 28th – Outsider by Brett Popplewell!
Kindly message Helen at gratsos2002@yahoo.ca for details!
WOMEN’S LUNCHEON
Wednesday, June 4th from 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Ladies, it’s time to get together in the garden! Please join us at 6 Woodside Court in Markham where lunch will be provided. Register here or contact Martha Stirling by May 28.
SUMMER JOBS
July 7- August 15 (6 weeks)
Central is hiring an Arts & Crafts Leader and a Media Coordinator this summer, funded by Canada Summer Jobs. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 30, 2025. For more information, please click 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….
May 11th 2025
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Doug Stirling
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
GREETER: Cynthia Yee
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: A & P
CHILDREN’S TIME: Rev. Lori Diaz
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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