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FROM THE MINISTER’S DESK
This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling as the guest preacher for our Covenanting Sunday.
Dr. Stirling is the Ambassador for the Canadian Bible Society. Prior to that appointment in 2022, he served as the Senior Minister of the historic Timothy Eaton Memorial United Church in Toronto from 1998 to 2021. He holds a BA from the University of Cape Town (South Africa), a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology (Halifax, Nova Scotia) and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Acadia Divinity College (Wolfville, Nova Scotia). In 2008 Wycliffe College (Toronto), recognized his contribution to preaching with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Andrew has written two books: What’s Good About the Good News? and The Christian Imperative (both by Lancelot Press). He was the Editor of The Trinity: An Essential for Faith in Our Time (Evangel Publishing House) and has published over 55 theological and devotional articles. He has been a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School and an Academic Visitor at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University. He has taught Church History at the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto, Systematic Theology at Tyndale University Seminary (Toronto) and Homiletics at Acadia Divinity College and Emmanuel College at the Toronto School of Theology.
Andrew has preached and given lectures on four continents. His theological interests include Evangelism, Church/State Relations, Biblical Theology, Missions and Homiletics. Andrew enjoys playing the guitar, golfing, auto racing (he is an IndyCar Chaplain) and supporting Manchester United Football Club. His podcasts can be heard at, www.biblesociety.ca.
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 Judges 4:1-10 and Luke 1:67-79. 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
COVENANTING SERVICE
Rev. Lorraine Diaz
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 12:00 pm
You are cordially invited to attend the Covenanting Service of Reverend Lorraine Diaz and Central United Church on Sunday, Dec.1, at 12:00 noon. We will also be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion during this service.
This is a significant event in the life of Central United Church as it officially installs Rev. Diaz as the Minister of Worship, Pastoral Care, and Spiritual Development. We would love for you to join us!
- 10:00 – 11:00 regular worship service, with Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling as guest preacher
- 11:00 – 12:00 light lunch will be served
- 12:00 – 12:30 Covenanting Service
SAMARITAN’S PURSE – Christmas Shoebox
We would like to say a great big THANK YOU to all those who participated in this year’s Christmas Shoebox project. Many participants packed their own boxes, others did it online, while some supported the cause with a monetary contribution. In total we packed 86 boxes which will put a smile on the face of many children this Christmas. Another wonderful achievement. God Bless you all!!!
REFUGEE OUTREACH
It would be greatly appreciated if anyone who has good used winter coats (XL most requested) or suitcases that they are no longer making use of and would like to donate contact Eilis Wu at #416-889-6742, eilisannwu@gmail.com and she will arrange for pick-up. The People’s Church in the Toronto area are looking for these items for their refugee houses.
OFFERING ENVELOPES
For those of you who use offering envelopes, your boxed set for 2025 is available for pick up in the narthex. If we have missed your name and you would like a set for your weekly offering, please speak to Sharlene or Sally Sandiford. Please ensure that at the end of 2024 you destroy your old envelopes and begin using the new set that has been assigned to you.
MARKHAM FOOD BANK
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. The Markham Foodbank is very grateful to the members of Central United Church for their generous donations of food and financial aid at the recent food drive and throughout the year. Without donations the Markham Foodbank would go out of business, so thank you all so much for your generous giving.
YOU PRAY FOR THE HUNGRY,
THEN YOU FEED THEM (POPE Francis)
CHRISTMAS GIFT BAGS
Christmas Gift Bags (perfect gift for hostess, friend, the person who has everything) will be for sale this Sunday, Dec. 1st, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Markham Food Bank. This program has been offered for several years and we are praying for a banner sales year. If you have any questions, please contact John Frotten @ jfrotten@rogers.com.
COMFORT SERVICE
Our Annual Comfort Service will be held this Sunday, Dec. 1st at 7:00 pm. This service is offered to those who have experienced loss of a loved one and is a good opportunity to reach out to our congregation and community at large. All are welcome to attend and please invite family and friends who may benefit from such a service.
COFFEE & CONVERSATION
Wednesday, Dec. 4th at 10:00 am
Come and join us for a chat in the Friendship Room on Wed. Dec. 4th 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.
WHITE GIFT SUNDAY
Sunday, Dec. 8th we will celebrate White Gift Sunday during the morning worship service. Your donations of unwrapped nonperishable foods are appreciated. Cash gifts will also be received – special “White Gift” offering envelopes will be made available. Your gifts of food/money will also be used to assist the Markham Food Bank.
WOMEN’S ADVENT EVENT
Tuesday, Dec. 10th at 7:00 pm
Please join us in fellowship to welcome Rev. Lori Diaz to the fold, and to participate in an outreach activity together. All women are welcome to attend and any Christmas baking will be happily received. Invite a friend! If you have any questions, please contact Martha Stirling.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING & HOT CHOCOLATE
Saturday, Dec. 14th at 6:00 pm
Central will be part of this year’s Unionville Main Street Olde Time Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14th at 6:00 pm. Members of the choir and anyone interested can join in walking down Main Street in the Parade, singing carols.
After the Parade at around 7:30 pm , Central will open its doors and invite the community in to join us for a Christmas Carols Sing-a-long & sip some Hot Chocolate. Last year, 300+ people joined us!
It takes many people to help and we invite you to contribute and be a part of this festive evening! Please save the date, and sign up to serve the community here.
MITTEN TREE
With the Christmas season soon upon us, the Mitten Tree is once again up in the Friendship Room. Should you wish to donate, please drop off hats, toques, scarves and gloves by Sunday, Dec. 15th so that we can deliver them to the Salvation Army before Christmas. They can be dropped off at the church on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm or if you’re attending in person worship on Sunday morning and prefer to drop them off then, that would be fine as well.
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!
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….
December 1st 2024
LAY WORSHIP LEADER: Rev. Lorraine Diaz
MUSIC: Sarah Wyse
POWER POINT: Henry Wong
GREETER: Joan Hubbert
WORSHIP HOST: Cynthia Yee
COFFEE HOUR: Small Group 2
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sharon Gayman Laird
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