 |
ERIN MILLS UNITED CHURCH
EMUC's Vision is to be a thriving Spirit-filled congregation; diverse, inclusive, and engaged with the community and creation.
The Mission of EMUC is to offer opportunities for all persons to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ.
|
We continue to use the colour green to represent the Season of Pentecost.
Look for the colour orange next month as we move into the Season of Creation.
This is the first edition of the Communiqué to be issued since June and so we have included the events which occurred during the summer months. As we embark on a Fall season filled with transitions and activities, we hope that you will join us on our journey.
Thank you for your interest in the Communique.
|
|
The Waning Days of August
Returning to Erin Mills United after my summer vacation marks the concluding phase of my ministry with the congregation and the final weeks of preparation for my retirement. Frankly, it is an 'odd' feeling to know that I am in the 'end stretch'. Normally, at this time of year I would at the 'beginning' - gearing up for a new season of ministry with the congregation by planning for the fall season and perhaps even looking ahead to Advent and Christmas.
This August things are different. This August, my plans with EMUC will only take me to the end of September. Some of the work that lies ahead now is administrative - sorting through files and books in my office; deciding what to keep, what to dispose of, what to recycle or to give away. Some of my focus includes final meetings with committees and groups. And yet interwoven into these tasks is the joy of reconnecting with so many of you after my summer break. It has been good to catch up on the variety of activities and events that have taken place in your lives. And with a number of EMUC folk who've experienced health concerns or the loss of a loved one I've been encouraged and heartened by the care and support the congregation has offered through visits, prayers, food and more.
In my conversations with a number of you who have undertaken various EMUC leadership positions, I have noticed that you are intentionally planning for the transition that lies ahead at the end of September. When I've asked, 'Did you think of this, or have you anticipated this?' I've been reassured by your thoughtful responses. It gives me confidence in the strength, resilience and wisdom that will continue to guide EMUC in the weeks and months ahead. To be sure, there will be surprises along the way - twists and turns that are not anticipated and challenges that will arise. In all of this, I trust that the Spirit of Christ is among you and surrounding you - leading, guiding and upholding you. Knowing this makes it easier for me to say farewell and to let go of worrying about you into the future. Knowing this also enriches the time we have left as we continue to worship and work and celebrate life together.
I look forward to the laughter still to be shared, to the heartfelt conversations, to opportunities to discern the Spirit's guidance, and yes even to the tears of both joy and sorrow as we mark the end of my pastoral relationship with you. This is important work to do now and to do well, so that we can open the door and step out into the future that God is holding out to us.
In my remaining time with you, please don't hesitate to drop by the church office or to pick up the phone or to email me for a visit or a chat. I may be packing a box or shredding a file, but I'll happily stop to spend time with you!
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
|
Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer &
communion.
Sunday worship is at 10:00 am. Although there are no programs for children during the summer, the conference room adjacent to the worship space is available to children and their parent(s). Some quiet craft activities, story books and toys are available.
August 21: Fourteenth after Pentecost
Theme: "Bent out of Shape"
Reading: Luke 13: 10-17
August 28: Fifteenth after Pentecost
Theme: "Ask, Search, Knock"
Reading: Matthew 7: 7-11
September 4: Labour Day Sunday, Creation Time Begins
Theme: "Shaping Life"
Readings: Jeremiah 18: 1-11, Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18
September 11: Confirmation, Sunday Communion
Theme: TBA
Readings: TBA
September 18: Worship Service Marking Kathy Toivanen's Retirement
September 25: Kathy Toivanen's Final Sunday Worship with EMUC
|
The Membership and Pastoral Care Committee for their assistance in helping to coordinate visits and support to those in need of pastoral care during the summer.
The Joint Search Committee for their ongoing work over the summer.
Ian Love and the Property Committee for arranging for a number of repairs to the building and property over the summer.
Vanessa Santamaria who volunteered with some of the administrative tasks of the church office.
All those who led worship during the summer season.
Barbara Jennings of the Communications Committee for regular messages posted via the Friday Message.
Sylvia & Dave Arnold, Maryanna Williams, Susan and Mike Ogilvie, Peter Kiteley, and others who helped to restore the worship space to its usual format after the carpets and chairs were cleaned.
All those who watered plants during the hot summer days.
The Membership and Pastoral Care Committee along with the Music Committee for their leadership and hosting of the June Hope and Healing Vespers and to Len Feldman and Carmen Lasceski for providing such uplifting music.
Mora Cairns for organizing another successful year of Bridge playing.
The refugee support committee for their ongoing work and dedication.
All who helped to organize and host 'A Toast to Kathy' evening including: Heather Bunting, Dianne Hope, Lorraine Brignall, Pat Beck, Sylvia Arnold, Laura Macro, Maryanna Williams, Barb Jennings, Hermine Bingham, Peter Kiteley, with music by Len Feldman, and Nancy Blackport with 'Off the Cuff and Impromptu'.
|
|
On July 10
there was a service to celebrate the life of Shirley Smith. Shirley died on June 9
. Condolences to Jack and Jacquie Smith.
CONDOLENCES TO:
Hermine Bingham grieving the death of her cousin, Michael.
Peter Hodgkinson grieving the death of his brother, John
To Kathy Andres grieving the death of her brother, George.
David Hope grieving the death of his aunt, Nancy.
Joanne Hedge grieving the death of her husband, Steve on August 15
.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Thomas Macdonald and Samantha McCloskey, who were married on June 25. Thomas is the son of Audrey and Colin Macdonald.
Heather Ogilvie and Tim Britten, who were married on August 6. Heather is the daughter of Susan and Mike Ogilvie.
|
|
THAT'S THE WAY IT IS
This summer, I had the pleasure of touring parts of the world I had never experienced before. Our trip included a Baltic cruise and then a week touring Sweden and Denmark. The friends we travelled with planned a stop for us in a small town called Figeholm, Sweden, where we stayed on a charming farm overlooking the Baltic Sea on the coast of Sweden. The farm is owned by friends of theirs, whom they met while working at the UN in Vienna. Our hosts, Lotta and Erik, were down-to-earth, outgoing and welcoming folks and our stay with them was definitely a highlight of our vacation.
In talking with each of them, it became instantly apparent that both of them live by a "that's the way it is" philosophy. Lotta still works for the UN in Vienna, which means she spends weeks living alone in that city, while Erik stays home as a firefighter and looks after Lotta's elderly mother. Lotta attempts to get home every two weeks or so, which means she flies 2 hours from Vienna to Copenhagen and then has a 4 hour drive to get to Figeholm. By most standards, this is a commute we can't imagine, but she has been doing it for 3 years. "That's the way it is", she tells me, in a very matter of fact way. There is no resignation in her voice, no sense of sadness. Just an acknowledgement of what is.
In a separate conversation I had with Erik, he spoke of Lotta's mom and the care and company he provides her while Lotta is away. The farm is becoming a lot for him to look after and there is the discussion about moving to a smaller place in town. Erik speaks of the fact that any move will only take place once something happens to Lotta's mom. She has lived there for many years and they will continue to live there with her as long as they are needed. "That's the way it is", he tells me.
I realize how often we fight "the way it is". Lotta and Erik have chosen to accept what is and, despite the fact that they may wish for their situation to be different, they avoid becoming consumed by complaints or bitterness. I once read that the definition of stress is trying to change the present moment into something other than what it is. They try to avoid that stress by ensuring that the little time they do get to spend together is spent positively.
I celebrate Lotta and Erik's philosophy and have come home from our trip hoping to adopt it in my life. It doesn't mean I will resign myself to things that don't make me happy but I will attempt not to judge events as good or bad, just as "what is". There was a definite sense of serenity and happiness in their lives and it is through that lens that I would like to see the world.
This fall will be a particularly emotional one at Erin Mills United Church. We will highlight Kathy's celebrated career with a dinner event and a special service. And, as we do so, I pray we do it with a serenity and peace that comes from trusting God and believing that we have a firm foundation on which to make this transition. "That's the way it is".
Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair
|
|
|
REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP UPDATE
The Shalhawy family had an interview at the Canadian embassy in Khartoum, Sudan on July 20, 2016. While this is the first of many successive steps, we are very encouraged with this development. The family is awaiting notification for medical exams. We are working with Sven Spengemann's office (MP for Mississauga-Erindale) to expedite the application process for this family. Life is very difficult for this family as they wait in Sudan. Severe financial difficulties as well as racial discrimination are making everyday life a challenge for them. Through free-will donations which are not part of the funds raised by the Constituent Group, we have managed to send $500 CND or more to this family each month to help them. We will continue to do this until the family moves to Canada.
At this point, the North West Constituent Group (made up of Erindale UC, Streetsville UC, Eden UC and Erin Mills UC) has raised over $62,000 to assist the family in their first year in Canada. Financially, we are in position to accept the family if they were to arrive immediately. When their arrival date is determined, we will be asking for donations of clothing and furnishings. We wish to thank all of you who have come forward with offers of furnishings and we wish to thank you for holding on to these furnishings for so long. We realize that some people have needed to let their furnishings go as the time lapse was too long.
Our goal is to provide EMUC with regular updates. Please look for these updates in the Friday message and on our Refugee sponsorship display table in the back of the church. For more information, please contact any member of our Refugee Sponsorship Task Group: Dianne Hope, Hermine Bingham, Muriel Hamdani, Catharine Watts, Debby Sturgeon and Lorraine Brignall. Thank you.
Lorraine Brignall
905-828-6405
|
|
|
|
BUILDING AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE
|
|
|
|
AED AT EMUC
|
|
EMUC STRIDERS
The EMUC hiking group braved the elements when we hiked the trail at Hilton Falls on the Niagara Escarpment on June 5. Afterwards, we enjoyed a BBQ at the home of Al Seymour and Kathy Toivanen.
|
|
|
HIGH TEA FOR KATHY
On June 8, the Circle of Friends held their last meeting before breaking for the summer. A tea was held to honour Kathy Toivanen and to celebrate her long and successful ministry at EMUC. Eighteen ladies came together to enjoy tea, light sandwiches, sweets, conversation and laughs with Kathy. Best wishes to Kathy for a happy retirement filled with new experiences!
|
 |
NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED
On June 12 EMUC welcomed new members to the congregation. The annual church picnic followed the service. In the evening a special vesper service was held, a service of Hope and Healing.
|
|
|
A TOAST TO KATHY
On Friday June 24, an evening reception was held in the narthex of the church honouring Kathy Toivanen's ministry at EMUC. Over sixty people attended including family, ordained and diaconal ministry colleagues, Presbytery colleagues, friends and members of EMUC. Thanks to the organizers: Dianne Hope, Lorraine Brignall, Heather Bunting and their many helpers for the delicious food and entertainment. Music was provided by Len Feldman and other guest musicians who have performed at the church. Impromptu under the direction of Nancy Blackport provided a musical selection.
|
|
|
CHANCEL CHOIR
The regular Thursday night practices will start on Thursday, August 25 at 7:00 pm. If anyone has been thinking of joining us, this would be the perfect time!
|
|
|
RIDGEWAY COMMUNITY COURTS
On
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
there will be a Grand Opening of the Ridgeway Community Courts (Basketball Court) at Springfield Gardens (Colonial Drive and The Collegeway). The Rotary Club of Mississauga-West initiated this project to commemorate the 50
th
Anniversary of the Club. The project evolved to a joint project with MLSE Foundation and the City of Mississauga.
Canadian Tire's Jump Start program is also a partner of the MLSE Foundation and they are also participating in the project. Since Erin Mills United Church has a long history with Springfield Gardens, members of the congregation will be more than welcome to attend the Grand Opening. More information along with an agenda for the opening would be available from Darcy MacCallum, Executive Director of Erin Mills Youth Centre.
For more information visit:
|
|
|
PRAY
FOR GOD'S CREATION
On September 1
, the global community is invited to offer up their prayers to the Creator to give thanks for Creation and to pray for the healing and mending of the Earth where drought, flood, and the impact of global climate change and pollution has left its mark. Plan to set aside some time during your day to pause and reflect and pray. EMUC's Friday Message prior to this date will offer some suggested prayers.
|
|
|
GREENING SACRED SPACES
The July garden tour went well. It included three downtown Oakville churches. There was also a presentation by a rep from CVC on native plants.
On Tuesday, August 16, there was a community garden tour at Erin Mills Church Campus and a presentation on harvesting by Ecosource.
There are a couple of upcoming events: One is on September 8, at Ontario Khalsa Darbar. This is a community garden tour. The other is on October 1. It is a bus tour which will visit gardens at different faith communities. This is an all-day event. All this and more at:
Ann Bone on behalf of Sandra Witterick
|
|
|
BRIDGE CLUB
The Erin Mills United Church Bridge Club resumes play on September 11 with an opening party at the church. This year we have 12 teams in play. Our bridge club has been in operation for 24 years.
If anyone would like to become involved please let me know.
Mora Cairns
905 820 5715
|
|
|
EMUC STRIDERS: JOIN US FOR A WEDNESDAY EVENING HIKE
All walkers, amblers and hikers are invited to take part in a hike to say goodbye to the summer season. Gather at EMUC at
7:30 pm on Wednesday, September 14.
We will hike the trails in the immediate Erin Mills vicinity until the night falls. Bring a friend. For more information contact Tim Hayes.
|
|
|
| THE INTERFAITH JUSTICE AND PEACE-BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Interfaith Justice and Peace-Building Committee will meet on Thursday, October 20 at 5:30 pm. Our priorities for the coming year include:
- Continued support for the Refugee Sponsorship Task Force and advocacy for all refugees.
- Continuing to deepen connections with other faith communities and exploring ways to work together on common peace and justice issues.
- Creating a safe space for conversation around sexual and gender identity issues.
- Advocating for justice for First Nations Communities.
- Raising awareness of peace and justice issues in our community and around the world through worship opportunities.
- Engaging children and youth.
Please join us at our meeting if you are interested in being on the committee. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
Debby Sturgeon
|
|
DEACON'S CUPBOARD
The Cupboard opened again in August. You are invited to donate canned meat or fish. EMUC encourages food donations to the Cupboard especially on Communion Sundays. You can also make a financial contribution by addressing a cheque to Erin Mills United Church with the note:
Deacon's Cupboard.
The Cupboard has a few volunteer opportunities at present: Drivers to help with transporting food from the Mississauga Foodbank to the Cupboard, approximately once every four or five weeks. Contact Mike Ogilvie at 905-820-2387 or
oglivia@sympatico.ca
Back to Top
|
|
|
SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR HAITI
Again this year the above organization is looking for our support for school supplies. Supplies donated will be divided between three schools. They will be delivered this fall when the next group travels. There is a box at the back of the church. Last year's thank you letter is attached to the box.
Items needed:
Pencils, Coloured pencils, Sharpeners, Erasers, Pens, Crayons, Glue sticks, Popsicle sticks, Stickers with French wording only, Index cards,12 " rulers, Markers, Craft scissors,White labels to use for name tags and addressing envelopes, Mini staplers and staples, Paperclips, Highlighters.
Deadline for contributions is September 30,2016.
Mary Anna Williams
Back to Top
|
|
| Summer Office Hours
|
|
|
Communiqué Deadlines for 2016
|
|
|
|
COPY DEADLINE
|
PUBLICATION
|
SEPTEMBER 9
|
SEPTEMBER 18
|
SEPTEMBER 30
|
OCTOBER 16
|
NOVEMBER 4
|
NOVEMBER 20
|
NOVEMBER 25
|
DECEMBER 11
|
Thanks to Janet Morrison, editor, and Jim Watts, layout, for their ongoing dedication to the publication of the Communiqué.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
