WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 41ST ANNUAL UNIONVILLE FESTIVAL!

And we need your help!

Central United provides a fun filled family environment for all to come and enjoy a variety of activities together.  For this to be a successful event, we need your help!

We need support for the following activities:  food service, ticket sales, and children’s games – sucker pull, basketball toss, fish pond, mini-putt, and inflatables (assisting children).  Shifts times are 1 ½ hours long and the time passes quickly.

The UCW ladies will have a bake sale table, for which baking donations are gratefully received!  For more information please contact Bev Budarick at (905) 294-1740.

This day will be a success with plenty of support from the congregation.  Each of us can contribute a small portion of support to make this happen.  Together, we will all enjoy this day.  “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”  (Psalm 118:24).  Please add your name to the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board behind Sally’s desk.  You may also send me a message.

MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK! And we need you!

For any event questions or suggestions, please contact me as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance for all your help!

Sharon Gayman
905-887-4075
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MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

“... love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour.”  (Romans 12:10)

I take the opportunity of this newsletter to say thank you; thank you to the congregation of Central United for your interest, support, prayers, and well-wishes for success in my pursuit of doctoral studies.  The many ways in which you have offered your kind congratulations upon completion are a wonderful treasure; words like “thank you’’ seem inadequate to express gratitude appropriately; you have done what the Apostle Paul indicated the gospel calls us to do; “outdo one another in showing honour.”

In all of these achievements in life the support and interest of others is crucial.  The many students of our congregation need our support; to take interest in their progress and their fields of study helps them in ways we cannot see.  The power of this support is not limited to students; in all our endeavours of life—including the overcoming of difficulty—the interest and genuine affection of someone offered for the success of another lifts, strengthens, and promotes much good.  A word of honour for another is a powerful thing.

It is instructive to read the New Testament and note the number of times “one another” appears; it is at the heart of gospel to love one another as Christ loved us.  Keep on blessing one another!

Every Blessing,
Rev. Dr. James Clubine

P.S. For those interested in academic details, the programme of study I undertook was a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) and my thesis entitled John Wesley’s Understanding of Preaching will soon be available in the Online Thesis Library of the Graduate Theological Foundation at http://www.gtfeducation.org/Academics/OTL.html.  

SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICES

Worshipping at Central United is an inspirational and ongoing process not just a goal!  To that end this summer we have many exciting opportunities for everyone to come and participate in.

Our summer season began with Baptism on Sunday May 2nd followed the next week by our Mother’s Day service.  During this service we formally welcome the New Members to our church.  In addition, we will be continuing the tradition of the outdoor Mother’s Day Tribute Cross which will be located by the front doors of the church.  We encourage our congregation to bring a flower in remembrance of a mother who has/had a special place in your life.  The end result is a beautiful floral memorial to mothers everywhere.

On May 23rd, which marks the beginning of Pentecost, our summer service hours begin.  There will only be one service each week commencing at 10:00 am.  Many find this is a wonderful time for the whole congregation to meet at one service to worship and engage in fellowship together.  

The first week in June is always special to Central United.  Continuing with our part in the Unionville Festival, your Worship Committee will again be hosting the early morning (8:30 – 10:00 am) coffee and muffin booth.  On Festival Sunday June 6th, we will also be providing muffins and cold drinks before and after the outdoor worship service.

We are fortunate on July 11th to have Rev. Dr. Stephen Williamson, the minister of Ballywillan Presbyterian Church, Portrush, Northern Ireland, coming to preach to our congregation.  We look forward to listening to his perspectives and welcoming him to Unionville.

This year the Markham Jazz Festival has chosen Unionville to be the location of a substantial part of its Jazz venue (August 20-23).  Our church was asked if we would like to hold a 5:30 pm Evening Vesper service (reading of the psalms), followed by a Gospel Jazz concert on Saturday August 21st as part of their programme.  This was approved by Council believing it would be an excellent opportunity to invite the community into our church.  In keeping with this theme, it was suggested that our Sunday service could incorporate some jazz into worship the following day. 

As many of us gear up for summer cottages and vacations, we would like to remember, acknowledge and thank our devout and inspirational Ministry team and all who work so diligently throughout the whole year to contribute to our Worship experience. 

Blessings to all!

Nancy Holmes, Co Chair
Joyce MacDonald, Co Chair

CENTRAL’S SPRING CONCERT

As a “grand finale” to Festival Weekend, all are welcome to attend a concert on SUNDAY, JUNE 6TH at 7:00 p.m. here at Central United.  The Unionville Symphonia (including joint choirs) will present Durufle Requiem and Haydn’s Te Deum.  There will be a free will offering.

OUR SENIORS’ LUNCHEON

This annual event will be held on THURSDAY, JUNE 10TH at 1:00 p.m., followed by entertainment.  This wonderful luncheon is open to all Central seniors and we’d be delighted to have you join us.  Be sure to sign up on Sally’s bulletin board or give her a phone call or email.

PARISH NURSING HEALTH MINISTRY

"Care for all people of God is a part of the church's mission, of its understanding of the Christian gospel.  This is about care for the whole person--body, mind and spirit."  Written by (Rev.) Granger Westberg, founder of the Parish Nursing concept in North America, in his book "The Parish Nurse", the author also states that the Bible emphasizes the importance of the interrelationship of body and soul.  When Jesus sent out his disciples, it was "not only to preach the kingdom of God, but also to heal the sick."  Churches help "people stay well:  regular opportunities for friendships; help through prayer, music and worship; opportunities to serve and be served by others." (Pages 9 & 10)  The role of a parish nurse is to serve, by caring for and being in touch with members of the congregation and bringing health information. 

Our most recent health information session took place on March 1st, when a very informed and informative member of the Heart and Stroke Foundation spoke to us about a wide range of topics regarding heart health and illness prevention.

If anyone in the congregation has a health concern, please feel free to get in touch with members of the Health Cabinet or Sandra Ackles, Parish Nurse.

CENTRAL’S FIRE EVACUATION PLAN

Do You Know What To Do?

• The main minister or his/her designate is in charge
• Upon hearing the fire alarm, the minister will ask parishioners to proceed to the nearest safe (free of smoke and flame) exit
• Ensure those closest to the fire area are evacuated first
• Give special attention to those with disabilities
• If in the kitchen, turn off all stove burners and ovens, unplug small appliances and turn off the dishwasher
• Do not stop for coats or belongings
• Do not use the elevator
• Be calm, no running or pushing, prayer is always effective
• Close all doors behind you
• Heat sensors throughout the church are connected directly to the fire department but if you smell smoke or see flames and the alarm is not ringing, pull the red fire alarm handle located at the base of each stairwell on your way out of the door
• Teachers will count the children; ensure that none are hiding in storage areas, under tables or in the washroom; walk the children to the manse and report the number of children evacuated to their supervisor
• The minister or his/her designate will appoint assistants to check the sanctuary, balcony, nursery, offices, washroom, friendship room and elevator to ensure there are no stragglers.
• Evacuate to the church manse on the south side of the parking lot
• We are blessed to be so close to the fire station

A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE

The United Church of Canada is celebrating its 85th Anniversary with an open house at the General Council Office (3250 Bloor Street West at Islington, Toronto) on THURSDAY, JUNE 10th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Everyone (clergy, laypeople, children, youth, choirs, UCW) is invited to join Moderator Mardi Tindal for morning prayers at 8:30 a.m., then take part in Bible study, guided tours, workshops and lots of activities.  There will be music, fun, and birthday cake!  Come for all day or for any part of the day.  An anniversary worship service will follow at 7:30 p.m. with the Very Rev. Dr. Bruce McLeod preaching at Islington United Church (25 Burnhamthorpe Road).  For full details, visit www.united-church.ca/85th or check our bulletin board at the church.

OUR LENTEN PROJECT “BUILD A HOUSE”

Congratulations Central!  Thanks to your support, this congregation, with help from our Sunday School children, raised over $7,000 for our Lenten Project – a home building mission in Dominican Republic.  Our donation to “The Samaritan Foundation” will help build two new homes for needy families.  Rev. Karl and Grace Burden were involved “hands on” with this project when they travelled to Dominican Republic so be sure to watch for an update.

GREETINGS FROM THE WEST!

Many of you will remember Vivian & Tom Walker and sons Ben & Luke who were very active in life at Central during the 1990’s before moving to Waterloo.  Vivian and Tom have since relocated to B.C. (the boys are in university here) and we were delighted to hear from Vivian during the recent Vancouver 2010 Olympics.  She was able to give a first-hand account of the excitement of that event for both Vancouver and for all of Canada, but also reported that she had re-connected with Central’s Dennis & Gerri Seeley, who had travelled to Vancouver to enjoy some of the Olympic events.  They met one another, quite by accident, in line for a hockey game!

CONGREGATIONAL PHOTO DIRECTORY

Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their picture taken for our new photo directory.  We have been working on the finishing touches and expect to have the final version ready for publication shortly.  We’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the actual booklets are available.

ABC NEWS

Appreciation to the members of our Decorating Committee who look after chancel duties each Sunday and also delivered Easter plants to our shut-ins just before Easter.  The gifts and visits were most appreciated.

Thank you to the youth and adults who came out for our painting bee a few weeks ago.  Thanks also to members of our Administration & Property Committee who organized this project, did all the preparation work and provided lunch.  (Special kudos go to Henry Wong and Geri Middlebrook for their special expertise in certain areas.)  In a few short hours we were able to freshen up the Main Hall and north hallway with a fresh coat of paint.  It was a great illustration of many hands working together toward a common goal.  Good work everyone!

Blessings to Bev Deacon and family for the death of her Dad, Allan Knox, and to the family of church member Meta McIlwrath who passed away in April.

Marge Tregwin has moved to The Donway Place in Don Mills; and Debbie Martin is moving to Hamilton to live closer to family (including a new grandchild!)

Ardith Knechtel will return to Ghana this Fall for her third trip as a member of the medical team (out of Uxbridge) and will be joined by fellow pharmacist and member of Central, Tiina Derry.  This medical project works with Rev. Dr. David Mensah and the Ghana Rural Integrated Development (GRID) organization.  Our Outreach Committee hopes to support the work of GRID in the future so be sure to watch for ways you can be involved.

Congratulations to Kate Woodley and Nathan McLachlan for the safe arrival of daughter Amelia, sister to Ashley; and welcome to those children baptized recently:  Alyssa Barrer, Jade Dynes, Christian Munoz and Sabrina Winmill.

We were pleased to celebrate Confirmation Sunday recently for four teens:  Brennen Leslie, Mitchell MacLean, Melissa Pulenzas and John Scarrow.  Also, as of May 9th, we have received 6 new adult members into Central’s membership:  Gord & Ginny Ramsay, Norm & Elsie Myles, Bridget Hughes and Mike Moore.  WELCOME!

Extra congratulations to our minister, Jim Clubine, who after five years of study, research and writing, successfully defended his thesis in April and will be awarded his doctorate in theology (ThD).

And, very special congratulations to Jim and Alice Hodge, who celebrated 70 years of marriage in March; and to Earl Appleton, a long time member of Central.  Earl will celebrate his 101st birthday later this month!

And finally...Sharon Gayman and Christopher Laird extend an open invitation to the congregation to attend their wedding at Central on Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.  Please come and celebrate their Joy as they are united together, in Christ Jesus!  If you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. to directly to the wedding couple at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Central News is published quarterly for the congregation of Central United Church.  Material for future editions is accepted anytime.  The next deadline is August 1, 2010.  The Rally Day newsletter will be sent out on or about 

August 15th.  Place material in Sally Sandiford’s mail slot or email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Thank you.