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Rev. Kathi's Message:
In much of North America, the prevalence of the flu is again this year reaching worrisome proportions. Our community is no exception. At schools, teachers are requesting that we send in extra hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes. Tissue boxes have appeared on tables in meeting rooms. I wash my hands every time I come in the house from running errands, just like I did when our kids were babies. People are afraid.
There are many in our church family who have underlying health concerns that make them more vulnerable to flu infection and more susceptible to the severity of its effects. Our attendance is down in the past month, which would ordinarily cause me some concern. Instead, I'm glad and even encouraged.
I'm glad that some of you are staying home. Some are staying home to protect yourselves from the flu, which is prudent and understandable. I have heard from you that you are well, and are staying home to keep it that way. Some of you are staying home because you are sick, or you have family members who are sick. You have asked for prayer, which I lift up regularly.
The people who have encouraged me the most are you who have stayed home because they think they might have been exposed to the flu, or they might be getting ill. You who are staying home in order to protect those among us who are most vulnerable.
I love the way you love one another, the way you protect one another, the way the weak are just as important, if not more so, than the strong. This congregation extends these gifts beyond physical weakness to uplift those who suffer from cognitive limitations, mental illness, and spiritual pain.
It's a glimpse of God's reign, a vision of what we are called to exhibit to the world, and a vision of how we are called to transform the world.
Gracious God, give us compassion and fill us with courage, so that we may protect all of those who are weak and vulnerable. And when we need protection ourselves, give us the grace to welcome the hands that are outstretched. We believe that your power is made perfect in weakness; help us to live out that belief. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.
Rev Kathi
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This Week at EMUC
Sunday at 10:00 am:
Worship led by Rev. Kathi Phillips
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-23
Gospel: Mark 1: 29-39
Sermon: Signs and Wonders
After the service, Loaves and Dishes will be selling Shepherd's Pies and Tourtieres.
Thursday at 7:00 pm: Chancel Choir practice
Saturday at 6:30 pm: Euchre Night
Next Sunday: Regular service at 10 am
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Upcoming Events:
EMUC ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
On Sunday,
February 25th following the 10 am worship service, plan to attend the annual meeting of the congregation to receive the annual report, to approve the financial statements for 2017 and a budget for 2018 and to elect new church officers. Everyone is encouraged to attend this important meeting.
NEW EMU CLUB / FAMILY ZONE AREA
Some of you may have noticed the changes happening to the back pew area of our sanctuary. Last
Sunday (Jan. 28) we launched a new, more inclusive program for the children and families in our congregation. Children and families are invited to come and explore our new space, enjoy some quiet activities and experiment with some new storytelling technology. Please come visit and find out more about this exciting new model for children's programming.
Where: Erin Mills United Church in the Lower Hall.
When:
Saturday, February 10. Arrive to sign in at
6:30 p.m. Play starts at 7 p.m. sharp.
Cost: $10.00 per person.
Why: To enjoy great cards, win prizes and, of course, yummy desserts.
Who: Whether you have a partner or are a single player, all are
welcomed.
What to do: Email Mary Anna Williams to reserve a seat, include the
number of attendees. You may pay at the door.
BUNCH FOR LUNCH
The next "Bunch for Lunch" is Sunday
Feb.11, 2018 after service at Symposium restaurant at 3055 Dundas St W, - NW corner of Dundas and Winston Churchill. Separate cheques. Come join us for a time of fellowship.
'BIG SING' OF CANADIAN HYMNS
On
Sunday Feb 11, the Eden Church Choir is hosting The Southern Ontario Chapter of the Hymn Society (SOCHS) at Eden United Church. The purpose of SOCHS is to support and promote congregational song among church folk and in the community at large. One of its goals is to encourage people to sing; and specifically, to sing their faith. This is a Big Canadian Hymn Sing with Fred Graham, Bev Killen and Catherine Ambrose.
Refreshments at 2:30 pm and hymn sing at 3:00.
PANCAKE DINNER ON SHROVE TUESDAY, FEB 13th
Come to a festive dinner of pancakes, sausages and much more. Gather at 5:45pm for dinner at 6pm. Tickets at the door are $10/adult; $5/child - family maximum of $25. Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinners are rooted in the tradition of using up sugars and fatty foods prior to Lent so that meals during Lent are simpler fare. This is a great time for all ages - invite your friends and neighbours. If you can help with the meal preparation please sign up on the bulletin board.
THE OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM
The Out of the Cold program is starting up again. Donations of gently used, clean winter outerwear as well as blankets would be appreciated. Please bring your donations to EMUC & leave them in the coat room. They are brought to the Open Door at Square One for distribution to their guests. Thank you.
It's time to start bringing in all those travel-sized hygiene products, tissues, pens/pencils/small notepads, socks, etc. for our annual Comfort Kits campaign. As well, we are asking for small, generic (non-holiday) gift bags to fill with the items. We will be making the Comfort Kits on
Thursday, February 22. If you have any questions please see Cathy Scattergood.
Can you Help?
Projectionist needed: Each Sunday the hymns and various service items are projected on the screen for everyone to follow. A person is needed who can help with this task. Currently there are 2 projectionists who cover the Sundays; however, adding more people to share the load would be nice. You will be trained in what is required. If you are interested, speak to Sylvia Arnold, Focus Circle Leader for Worship and Music or any member of the Nominating Committee ( Paul Marot, Sandy Hayes or Barb Jennings)
Garage Sale Coordinator for 2018: It seems early to be thinking about the Garage Sale which occurs in May; however, time passes quickly. One or two people are required to oversee this fundraising event. Many people help and know what is required of them. The role involves overseeing the event, ensuring all areas are covered, advertising etc. If you are interested in doing this or sharing the job with someone else, speak with anyone on the Nominating Committee or David Leeder, FCL Finance.
RENTAL SUPERVISOR - VOLUNTEER
EMUC is seeking 3 - 4 individuals to assist Peter Kiteley in providing occasional rental supervision of the church building. This occurs periodically on weekends or evenings mostly in May, June and December. It requires one person, 2 - 3 hours of time per event, when convenient for the volunteer. Event instructions will be provided by Peter beforehand. To volunteer or obtain more information, please contact Peter in the office.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM NEEDS YOUR HELP
The
Breakfast Program supported by Erin Mills Youth Centre is in need of volunteers. Many volunteers help in the mornings once a week, some once every other week. They will gladly accommodate your schedule.
Please
contact the volunteer coordinator, Daniel Dairou (Daniel@emyc.ca) and Jessica Peddle (Jessica@emyc.ca) for more details on this important role.
'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM
We are continuing with FUNDSCRIP, an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month. A percentage of the cards we purchase through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church. Order forms for gift cards will be available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is Sunday, February 25, 2018. Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.
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