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Rev. Kathi's Message:
It has been said that optimists are often disappointed by what life brings them, but being a pessimist means that you are often pleasantly surprised. I try to look for the potential in people, projects, communities, organizations and much more. Sometimes I fall in love with the potential and end up very disappointed when the potential remains untapped. This might be why March is such a restless month for me. Here in Southern Ontario, it can seem like March is neither winter nor spring but a partly frozen, muddy mix of the two. As the sun shows up more frequently and the days get longer, everything seems so full of potential. Then we are hit with another blizzard! I can smell change in the air as the snow melts into the ground but I know there is likely more winter yet to come.
As winter gives way to spring, I become restless, like developing a case of cabin fever with life. When I feel this happening, I look around and see the potential for growth and change everywhere, and I want something to happen to shake things up, to excite and encourage growth in me, in church, in the world.
You can see how I can often end up feeling rather disappointed. You cannot rush some things; God's time is not our time.
But the sun is out and I want to walk. Lent is running toward Holy Week and I want to get things done. The potential for newness surrounds me nearly everywhere I go. And what can I do? Be still. Breathe deeply. Appreciate what is now and not what might come. Focus on the blessings of the moment. Beneath my restlessness, I feel gratitude stirring, stretching, pulling me to remember that the only place I can encounter God is in this moment.
Holy God of restless spirits and contented souls, call me into this moment. Let me set aside the distractions of the world's chaos and my desire to do more. Meet with me here that I may be still and know that you are God, trust that you are present in every moment. As winter gives way to spring and Lent leans toward Easter, settle my spirit so I may enjoy every moment of newness emerging in the world and in myself. In gratitude for Life and Love, Amen.
Rev Kathi
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This Week at EMUC
Scripture
: Jeremiah 31: 31-34
Gospel: John 12: 20-33
Message: Written Within You
Available after service:
Sales of turkey pies and
Shepherd's pies
Thursday March 22nd
7:00 pm:
Chancel Choir practice
Saturday March 24th
6:30 pm: Euchre and Dessert Night
Next Sunday March 25th: Worship led by Rev. Kathi
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Upcoming Events:
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE - "FROWNTON ABBEY"
Tickets Have Arrived!
Our much anticipated fundraising evening is approaching! The cast from Eden United and our own Erin Mills United are rehearsing for this highly entertaining dinner theatre show that will take place at Eden United Church on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m.. Come and enjoy a 4-course meal and a cash bar, while watching the mystery unfold. Tickets will go on sale on Sunday March 4 and we are expecting to sell out for both evenings, so get your tickets early. Tickets are priced at $30.00 each. Come with friends and family and you will be assigned a table together as a group. Just be sure to let us know who you'll be sitting with when you buy your tickets. **Please make all cheques out to Eden United Church Women** This is a joint fundraiser for each church and we will be sharing the revenue with Eden United, so we encourage you to come out and support the hard work of the volunteers who are putting it together. Enjoy the show!
SUPPORT DEACON'S CUPBOARD
Deacon's Cupboard is in need of canned fruit and detergent. If you can help, leave your donation in the narthex at the church.
EASTER VIGIL
The Easter Vigil is a longstanding tradition at Erin Mills United. Please sign up for one or more 'one hour' periods to spend time praying, reflecting, reading, meditating or just being quiet in God's presence. The Vigil will commence on Thursday, March 29 at 9:00 pm and continue to Saturday, March 31 at 3:00 pm.
Last year people were invited to sign up for an "overnight" vigil for either the Thursday or Friday night (starting at 11:00 pm to 7:00 am). Since this was a positive experience last year, you are once again invited to bring your sleeping bag and pillow for comfort.
Please sign up for time slots on the Vigil sheet located on the bulletin board outside the office door. Any questions can be directed to Sylvia Arnold.
EASTER FLOWERS
The Worship Committee is taking orders for Easter Flowers up to Palm Sunday March 25th. You may purchase flowers to decorate the worship space for Easter by completing the designated envelopes. Flowers may be donated in memory of a loved one and taken home after Easter Sunday. Contributions of $10 toward larger arrangements of hydrangeas and pansies are welcome. Tulips or daffodils are $10/each. Because of allergies, there will be no lily sales.
EUCHRE AND DESSERT EVENING
EMUC's last euchre night of the season is on Saturday, March 24th. Sign-in at 6:30 pm and start play at 7 pm sharp. The cost is $10 per person (paid at the door). All are welcome including those with no playing partners.
Email Mary Anna to reserve a seat and include the number of attendees.
'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 this Sunday, Mar. 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.
WHAT TO DO WITH USED GIFT CARDS?
Erin Mills Town Centre has a box beside the Guest Service desk where you can deposit your depleted, used gift cards. You may also place then in a small box on the Visitors table beside the photocopier room for those who would prefer to leave their old cards at church. Mary Anna Williams will ensure they are dropped off at the Town Centre.
The program is run by Terracycle.ca. If you have any questions please speak to Mary Anna.
EMUC GARAGE SALE -
Our major fundraiser!
Mark your calendars for Saturday May 5, 2018, 8:00 am to noon! If you are cleaning closets etc. consider donating items in good condition to the sale. More details to come.
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