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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.
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We continue to use the color gold to represent the remainder of the Season of Easter which ends on May 14 with Pentecost Sunday occurring on May 15.
As indicated by the length of this edition of the Communiqué, Spring has certainly arrived with a variety of events and activities occurring during the next few weeks.
Thank you for your interest in the Communique.
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 Words from Our Minister |
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Living Through Change
In his book, "
Evolutionaries: Unlocking the Spiritual and Cultural Potential of Science's Greatest Idea"
, Carter Phipps, a journalist who explores who explores evolutionary science, developmental psychology, the social sciences and spirituality describes an interview with Ray Kurzweil. Kurzweil is a futurist, inventor and humanitarian who has been studying change. According to Kurzweil we are in an age of exponential change. He says that in this next century we'll make about 20 thousand years of change at today's rate of progress, which is about a thousand times greater than the rate of progress of the 20
th
century. All I can say is "yikes!"
Here in our 'corner of the world' there are a number of changes looming ahead for the United Church of Canada: nationally, regionally and locally. Nationally as a church, we are being asked to make significant decisions that will change the structure and governance of our denomination, how people are educated and trained for ministry and the focus/identity of those ministry positions. In this newsletter, I urge you to read the article on 'Remits' so that you can be aware of the proposed changes and can attend a special meeting at EMUC on May 25th at 7:30 pm to participate in a discussion of those changes.
Regionally, a number of changes are underway in Halton Presbytery and Hamilton Conference. 'Five Oaks', one of the few remaining Education and Retreat Centres of the United Church of Canada will cease operations on November 15, 2016.
For over 60 years Five Oaks; a beautiful sacred place near Paris ON, on the Grand River has provided learning opportunities and a place of sanctuary and retreat for people of all ages. Over the years, a number of EMUC folk have participated in events at Five Oaks through youth retreats, 'Down and Dirty' cleanup weekends, seminars and residential programs, day-long retreats to walk the labyrinth, meditate on the peaceful grounds and visit the inspirational bookstore. More and more the cost of running centres like Five Oaks has become prohibitive and two other centres - 'Naramata' in BC and 'Calling Lakes' in Saskatchewan have already closed operations. In an effort to sustain Five Oaks, the board attempted an ambitious plan of collaboration with an environmental organization to build an eco-centre that would continue to offer religious and spiritual programing and attract a broader audience interested in eco-dwellings and sustainable living. Unfortunately, after months of hard work, the business plan didn't prove to be viable.
Other changes at Hamilton Conference include staff transitions; some in part because of financial restraints. Rev. Jenny Stephens, who has been serving as the Personnel Minister for many years will be leaving in May to take up a position at the national church offices. Rev. Diane Blanchard, who is currently the minister at Carlisle, Kilbride pastoral charge will be the new Conference Personnel Minister beginning August 1, 2016.
Her resignation adds to the number of congregations in Halton Presbytery that are in transition because of ministry changes or because of shifts in congregational mission. At last count, at least 11 congregations out of the 33 in Halton Presbytery are in some stage of transition - that's one third of the presbytery!
And of course, here at EMUC, the Joint Needs Assessment Committee has completed its work with a comprehensive report and now the Joint Search Committee has begun its work of seeking a new minister. With less than six months left until I retire, we are already beginning to experience change - changes that naturally come as we anticipate departures and endings and as we begin to plan for a new and different future.
In the midst of all these changes in the church, in the world, and in our own lives, we need to be grounded and rooted in that which provides us strength, resilience and hope for the present and for the future. Sometimes we take on the burden of trying to 'control' the changes and that can lead to heightened anxiety, burn out and unnecessary grief. As we live with all the changes upon us and face the mysteries of what lies ahead, I commend to you these words of Paul from his letter to the Ephesians,
I pray that God, out of the riches of divine glory, will strengthen you inwardly with power through the working of the Spirit. May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, so that you, being rooted and grounded in love, will be able to grasp fully the breadth, length, height and depth of Christ love and, with all God's holy ones, will experience this love that surpasses all understanding, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)
This is my prayer for all of us as we continue to live in these changing times.
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
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Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer & communion.
Sunday worship is at 10 am with care and programs for EMU Club for children up to Grade 5.
WORSHIP FOR THE CONTINUING SEASON OF EASTER
April 24 at 10 am
Earth Sunday Worship with the Sacrament of Baptism
Theme: Being a Blue Dot Community
Reading: Ezekiel 37: 1-14
May 1 at 10 am
Sacrament of Communion
Theme: Down by the Riverside
Readings: Acts 16: 9-15; Revelation 21: 10, 22: 1-5
May 8 at 10 am
Christian Family Sunday & Mothers' Day
Theme: Matriarchs of the Faith
Readings: Various
May 15 at 10 am
Pentecost Sunday
Theme: 'A Spirit to Overcome Barriers'
Readings: Acts 2: 1-21
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The worship committee for hosting the Good Friday Breakfast.
The bakers who made Easter loaves and other treats of the season.
The Music and Worship Committees along with Impromptu, Off the Cuff, and the Chancel Choir and readers and decorators who took part in the Holy Week and Easter Services.
All who made the gift of a special Easter Offering.
Sylvia Arnold, the Circle of Friends, the Chancel Choir and many others who supported the family of Norman Singh by hosting, offering music and serving and setting up at Norman's funeral and reception.
Lorraine Brignall and Sandy Hayes for hosting an informative evening on the refugee situation, and to Nidhal Kalash for speaking so powerfully about Syria and the refugee situation of his sister's family.
Al Seymour, Tim Hayes and Larry van Goozen for organizing the EMUC 'camp out' in solidarity with refugee families and to all those who joined them to camp out overnight in the church parking lot - Catharine, Charlotte, Graeme and Nate Watts, Peter Hodgkinson, Lorraine Brignall and Kathy Toivanen.
Hermine Bingham and Muriel Hamdani who cooked breakfast for the hungry campers.
The Joint Needs Assessment Committee who completed its work and the Joint Search Committee who is beginning its work to seek a ministry candidate to fill the vacancy at EMUC on October 1, 2016.
Larry van Goozen who led worship at Erin Mills Lodge on Easter Sunday, and Brian Takayesu for his inspiring sermon on the Sunday after Easter.
Tim Hayes for organizing another great Sunday hike in High Park.
Len Feldman and the musicians - Larry Bodner, John Fletcher, Carson Freeman, Vince Maccarone, and Eric Soostar for providing wonderful jazz music for the Jazz Vesper Service on April 17.
The Music and Worship committees for hosting the Jazz Vespers and to all who participated by offering readings.
Lyn Haniuk, who has served as our Offering Co-ordinator for a number of years, managing the list of people who count the offering each Sunday. She has worked quietly behind the scenes making sure that this important role is performed after each worship service. Lyn is leaving our community as she downsizes to smaller home in Burlington. On behalf of the congregation, Lyn thank you for your valued contribution. Best wishes as you begin this new phase in your life.
Gordon Food Services Canada Ltd for the donation of foil pans and lids to Loaves and Dishes.
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Condolences to
Noreen Singh, Neena, Semant and Alisha and Deven Thakkar and their extended family grieving the death of Norman Singh.
Farewell to Lyn Haniuk who is moving to Burlington. God's blessings be with you Lyn!
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As we conclude our celebration of the Easter season at EMUC, may I congratulate all those involved in making this season one of reflection and joy. On behalf of those of us who were able to take part in more than one service over the Easter weekend, I fully appreciate the extra hours that go into planning, preparing and engaging in multiple services during Holy Week. To Kathy, Peter, Len, Sylvia, the Loaves and Dishes ladies, the worship committee, the choir and to all those working behind the scenes, your efforts were noticed and appreciated. By Easter morning, the church looked like a flower shop and as a congregation we danced, sang and took part in an inspiring Easter service. Thank you for another wonderful Easter season.
We have also had 2 congregational meetings since March. Our first one was our annual meeting where we examined our finances and elected new members to various committee positions within EMUC. Thank you to those folks who have agreed to offer important leadership to the ongoing work of our church. At the meeting, we accepted a deficit budget with a keen awareness that there are struggles we need to face. My hope continues that, through some diligent fundraising efforts, we can overcome this shortfall.
Our second congregational meeting took place in April and we reviewed and accepted the Joint Needs Assessment report. I offer my gratitude and congratulations to the Joint Needs Assessment Committee. Their tireless efforts resulted in a thorough, impressive report that provides a solid foundation for the work of the Search Committee. At this same meeting, the Joint Search Committee was elected. It was wonderful to have so many folks willing to share their voice and wisdom as we gathered names for this committee. The elected committee members are as follows; Kathy Andres, Neil Ekels, Jim Watts, Sylvia Arnold, Janet Tait, Georganne Vickory, Hilton Jeffers, Gabriel Fearon, Paul Nauss and Kate Willey. We did our best to reflect the population and varied voices of our community and trust that this committee will speak and act on our behalf. We all understand the important mandate of this group and offer them our collective prayers as they seek a new minister. May they approach this task with reflective, open minds, trusting that God's hands will guide all that they do.
Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair
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On April 3, the congregation approved the Joint Needs Assessment (JNAC) Report which describes our church and outlines the roles and responsibilities that EMUC would like in a new minister. The congregation disbanded the JNAC and approved the appointment of a Joint Search Committee (JSC) to begin the search for a new minister. The members of the JSC are Kathy Andres (Chair), Sylvia Arnold, Neil Ekels (Recording Secretary), Gabriel Fearon, Hilton Jeffers, Paul Nauss, Mary Patterson (Presbytery Representative), Janet Tait (Corresponding Secretary), Jim Watts, Kate Willey, and Georganne Vickery. The committee has been meeting regularly and has developed a long form and a short form ad. The long form ad has been placed on the EMUC website home page. The short form ad has been added to the vacancies list for Hamilton Conference and submitted to the Observer magazine website (
http://www.ucobserver.org/classifieds/#Ministers
). The same ad will also appear in the print copy of The Observer effective with the June edition.
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| Kathy Toivanen Retirement Events: How to Participate |
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To celebrate Kathy's Ministry and wish her well in retirement, three special events will be held at EMUC, in June and September. Current and past members or adherents of EMUC, Kathy's family guests and many of Kathy's colleagues in Ministry are being invited.
You and your family are invited to attend any or all events.
The first event, on Friday, June 24
at 7 pm, is a 'Toast to Kathy' Reception, to be held in the Narthex and Sanctuary. Heather Bunting, Dianne Hope and Lorraine Brignall are the co-leaders for the Reception. Planning is underway now.
If you would like to assist with events e.g. with program, décor, food or otherwise, please add your name to the sign up sheet at EMUC or contact the co-leaders for each event.
If you would like to attend the Reception, a sign up sheet will be posted in May/June at EMUC. Also, you could RSVP by email to Barbara Jennings at the email address below.
In the s
ubject line type RSVP June Reception.
If you wish to extend the invitation beyond EMUC to someone who might like to attend, please do so, with the request that guests RSVP to Barbara.
Planning for the September events is just beginning now.
For the Celebration Worship Service on Sunday September 18
co-leaders are: Sylvia Arnold and Cathy Scattergood. Sign up or contact them to help with planning.
For the Retirement Dinner Party on Friday September 23
co-leaders are: Joanne Hines, Laura Macro, Susan Ogilvie. Sign up or contact them to help with planning.
We hope that this update will help all to feel welcome to attend or participate in ways that are meaningful for you. If you have further questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to connect with the Steering Committee who will be happy to follow up with you. All ideas and offers to help with planning are welcome!
Retirement Events Steering Committee
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PARKING-LOT CAMPOUT IN SUPPORT OF REFUGEES
On April 1
, a group of intrepid congregants from EMUC braved the cold to sleep out in tents overnight to raise money for our Syrian refugee family. The Shalhawy family is waiting for admission into Canada from Sudan, where they are currently living. EMUC has partnered with Erindale United and Streetsville United with assistance from Eden United to carry out a private refugee sponsorship. EMUC has now raised more than $17,000, our share of the budget needed to support the family for a year.
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EMUC SUNDAY HIKES
On April 17, twenty-four Sunday Striders enjoyed beautiful weather and interesting surroundings as we explored the ravines to the west of Grenadier pond. The photos below give some sense of the surroundings on a spectacular day.
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JAZZ VESPERS
"Let Heaven and Nature Swing" was enjoyed by about 50 people on April 17
. Readings accompanied the music selections given by Larry Bodnar (alto Sax), Len Feldman (piano), John Fletcher (guitar), Carson Freeman (tenor sax), Vince Maccarone (drums), and Eric Soostar (bass). Thanks to the members of Worship and Music committees for the refreshments which followed.
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THE UNITED CHURCH OBSERVER MAGAZINE
It is now time to order your Observer Magazine subscription for the year ahead. This excellent publication of the United Church of Canada features award winning articles and provides an excellent forum to be aware of activities in pastoral charges across the country. Cost is $25 and cheques made out to Erin Mills United Church can be dropped off.
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It's golf season again! 'Birdies and Bogies' will start the season with a social evening on Tuesday April 26
at 7 pm at EMUC. All golfers from newbies to dewbies to golfies are invited to join 'Birdies & Bogies' to have fun playing 9 holes of golf and sharing a meal at 'Nine and Dine' events over the summer. The plan is to play on Wednesdays in the late afternoon followed by a light dinner at Blue Springs Par 3 course*, with possible additional dates if there is enough interest.
Dates**:
Wednesdays:
- May 4, 18
- Jun 1, 15, 29
- Jul 13, 27
- Aug 10, 24
- Sept 7, 21
Playing longer courses on some Thursdays
Golf divas, please indicate your interest by signing the sheet on the bulletin board at EMUC or contact Kathy Andres (905-820-0792) or Barb Jennings (905-607-1626). Note: It is not essential that you participate in every date over the summer but we hope that you play as much as you are able.
* to be confirmed at the social
** all dates to be confirmed
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APRIL IS EARTH MONTH: PLANT A TREE!
On Saturday April 30 from 9 am to noon you can be part of a community tree planting at Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. Rattray Marsh has recently been devastated by the invasive emerald ash borer and volunteers are needed to help to regenerate the area. Meet at the bottom of the Bexhill Road entrance to Rattray Marsh Conservation Area. No experience is required; there will be demonstrations on site. Equipment will be provided and light refreshments and snacks will be offered after the planting.
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INTERESTED IN BEING A MEMBER OF EMUC?
For those who wish to explore membership with EMUC by transfer from another congregation or by reaffirming their faith, there will be preparations sessions Thursday evenings from
7 - 9 pm on May 5 and 12. Sign up at EMUC or contact Kathy Toivanen in person or by email at
kathy@emuc.ca
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Women for Women is for friendship, learning, mutual support and fun for all women of EMUC and friends.
May will have two events - a dinner/evening and a weekend retreat in Muskoka. Friday May 13
will be a dinner/evening of fun and celebration of Kathy Toivanen's time with Women for Women. The 'Downton Dinner' will be based on the TV series Downton Abbey, which was well loved by Kathy. Participants are invited to dress up (perhaps in costume as per 1900 - 1920) and bring your 'inner aristocrat' with you. Word has it that butlers/footmen will greet guests and serve the meal! Advance registration is required to Cynthia.young@rogers.com or lmacro@rogers.com ($20 for dinner)
May 27 - 29
will be the 20
th
annual Retreat Weekend in Muskoka. The weekend is always a thoughtful, fun, relaxing time where friendships are begun and expanded. The theme will be an exploration of ways to stay 'Grounded in Times of Transition and Change'. Advance registration is required to Cynthia.young@rogers.com or lmacro@rogers.com ($75 for the weekend. Bursary assistance is available. Contact Kathy Toivanen)
All women of EMUC and friends are welcome to attend events. Sign up at EMUC or have your name added to the Women for Women email list. If you have any questions or would like to help with any event, please contact Laura Macro at
lmacro@rogers.com
or Cindy Young at
Cynthia.young@rogers.com
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REMITS: MAKING MAJOR DECISIONS IN THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
Last summer at the meeting of the 42nd General Council of the United Church of Canada in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, delegates (commissioners) authorized that five remits should be discussed and voted upon by congregations and members of presbytery. There are three more remits that will only be dealt with by presbyteries. Ever since its inception in 1925, the United Church of Canada has embraced change as it strives to better serve its members and the approval of any of these five remits will bring about substantive changes to our denomination.
The five remits to be voted on by congregations are: (1) Three-Council Model, (2) Elimination of Transfer and Settlement, (3) Office of Vocation, (4) Funding a New Model, and (6) One Order of Ministry.
It is vitally important that the governing body of every congregational cast a vote on all five remits, as an absolute majority is needed for them to pass, not just a majority of those who vote. If passed by an absolute majority of pastoral charges, plus an absolute majority of presbyteries, each remit will then go to General Council 43 for approval in 2018, to be held in Oshawa, Ontario.
What is a remit and who votes?
A remit is a vote that gives permission to the General Council to change the Basis of Union (The Basis of Union is the formal document of The United Church of Canada outlining its doctrine, polity, ministry, and administration, as approved by the denominations that merged to form The United Church of Canada in 1925). The five remits as listed above are voted on by the governing body of the congregation (in the case of EMUC, the Leadership Circle).
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A SPECIAL EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING
Plan to attend a special evening vesper service on Sunday June 12 at 7 pm. The Membership and Pastoral Care committee is hosting this special service as a gift of support and comfort, healing and hope to the congregation in response to those who have lately been bereaved, those who have been living with illness, medical treatment and surgery. A reception will follow. There will be a free-will offering. Please invite friends and neighbours to this reflective and contemplative service.
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DEACON'S CUPBOARD
During the month of April you are invited to donate dried beans, lentils and other pulses to the cupboard. 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
The cupboard is also looking for 'back-up' nurses or doctors to help out when a nurse isn't able to be present on their designated week. Contact Belinda Morrow at 905-828-2095.
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COPY DEADLINE
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PUBLICATION
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MAY 13
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MAY 29
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AUGUST 19
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AUGUST 28
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SEPTEMBER 9
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SEPTEMBER 18
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SEPTEMBER 30
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OCTOBER 16
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NOVEMBER 4
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NOVEMBER 25
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DECEMBER 11
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Thanks to Janet Morrison, editor, and Jim Watts, layout, for their ongoing dedication to the publication of the Communiqué.
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