COMMUNIQUÉ

FEBRUARY 2016


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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Reflection, study, prayer, and other spiritual practices such as reaching out in love and justice are historically associated with Lent. Both as individuals and as a community of faith, Lent is a time to look inward and to reflect on our readiness to follow Jesus in his journey towards Jerusalem and the cross. The forty days of Lent correspond to the forty-day temptation of Jesus in the wilderness and the forty-year journey of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt to a new community in the 'Promised Land'. Lent is symbolized by the color Purple; a colour that reflects the season's sombre mood of self-examination and personal simplicity.
In this Issue
A Words from Our Minister
Shining in the Dust


As your minister, I have had so many cherished opportunities to be with you in the many 'seasons' of your lives: births and baptisms, birthdays and graduations, weddings and anniversaries, confirmations and professions of faith, new beginnings and retirements.  I've been with you as well when you've been angry and hurting, bewildered and frightened, lonely and sick, grieving and dying.  It has been a humbling experience, and in that experience with you, I'm reminded of how we are so fragile and yet blessed with such strength.

Lent is a season of soul-searching; a season where we are invited to reflect upon the fragility of our own lives and that of all life in this world.  As we accompany Jesus through Lent, we cannot avoid facing brokenness or suffering. We recognize in the actions of Jesus' disciples, our own half-hearted commitment to his way and our own betrayal of his love.  And we see our own need of forgiveness and healing; our own need to be loved into wholeness. As we open ourselves up to our need; we open ourselves up to the Christ who enters into our fragility and our vulnerability and reveals to us the power of God's love in fragility and vulnerability; a love that strengthens us and restores us to the fullness of life.

We enter into the season of Lent with a service of ashes; a service that reminds us of our human frailty.  Dr. Amy Butler, Minister at Riverside Church in NYC remembers a service of ashes where a young mother came forward with her baby to be anointed with ashes. Here's her recollection:

It seemed somehow a wrong to smear smudgy ashes on this little, perfect baby.  I stared down at Graham's smooth baby forehead, unmarked by the worries of the world, so surely innocent and bearing of none of the heavy weight you and I drag behind us as we stumble to this altar every year.

I wasn't sure, but I did it anyway.  I smudged the ashes on my finger and touched them to that smooth baby skin; I whispered words he surely couldn't understand: "remember, Graham, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return . . . but the steadfast love of the Lord endures forever."

When I saw his little smudgy baby forehead through my tears, I finally remembered what the dust means-not that we are marked as sin-filled and beyond redemption, dirty, unacceptable failures, because I could gaze at little Graham and know for sure his dustiness didn't mean that.  No, the dust marked him, and marks us, as human beings who, in our human living, break and hurt and crumble a little from time to time.  And, we tend to get a little dusty.  And that's just the truth about being human.

So when we come to the front to take the ashes no matter who we are, no matter how old, we're really saying to the world outside and to each other . . . pardon our dust.  We acknowledge our humanness.  Let us be for just a little while, who we really, really are.

But we are also marked with an awareness of the divine miracle: even in our human dust, you and I shine with every bit of hope and promise and potential that God had in mind when God first scooped up the dust of the earth and, spinning holy imagination, took a little spark of God-ness and fashioned it into you and me and all of us.

So when we take the ashes, we're telling the truth: we are dust, and to dust we shall return.  And we also claim our designation, now more than ever, as people marked by the grace and love of God-not in spite of our dustiness . . . but right along with it and every other dusty and shiny and hurt-filled and wonderful thing about who we are.

Today the smudged foreheads proclaim to the world, "Pardon our dust, would you?  God does . . ."

Peace, Kathy Toivanen

 BWorship Schedule
Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer & communion.
Sunday worship is at 10:00 am with care and programs for EMU Club for children up to Grade 5.

Worship for the Season of Lent: 'A Season of Soul-Searching'

Frederick Buechner (American Preacher and Theologian) said that, "During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask what it means to be themselves."  To help us do the necessary soul-searching over the Lenten season, he offered these questions.

1. If you had to bet everything you have on whether there is a God or whether there isn't, which side would get your money and why?

 

2. When you look at your face in the mirror, what do you see in it that you most like and what do you see in it that you most deplore?    

3. If you had only one last message to leave to the handful of people who are most important to you, what would it be in twenty-five words or less?    

4. Of all the things you have done in your life, which is the one you would most like to undo?  Which is the one that makes you happiest to remember?    

5. Is there any person in the world, or any cause, that, if circumstances called for it, you would be willing to die for?    

6. If this were the last day of your life, what would you do with it?

 

He goes on to say, 'To hear yourself try to answer questions like these is to begin to hear something not only of who you are but of both what you are becoming and what you are failing to become. It can be a pretty depressing business all in all, but if sackcloth and ashes are at the start of it, something like Easter may be at the end.'

Lent is a season of soul-searching as we spend 40 days in the company of Christ - travelling with him to Jerusalem, pondering the questions he asks of us, and facing his trials and temptations.  And while Lent may not be a particularly 'comfortable' period of time, it can be a time where we discover more of what is at the heart of life and at the core of our faith. It is a comfort to know that we can enter into this soul-searching season in the company of others and above all in the company of Jesus; the source of our strength and love.

February 14: Lent 1
Theme: 'The Opportune Time'
Scripture: Luke 4: 1-13

February 21: Lent 2
Theme: 'Lament'     
Scripture: Luke 13: 31-35

February 28: Lent 3    
Theme: Black History Month Focus
Scripture: TBA

March 6: Lent 4   
Communion
Theme: 'The Cost of Forgiveness'
Scripture: Luke 15: 1-3,11b-32

March 13: Lent 5
Theme: 'The Extravagance of Love'    
Scripture: John 12: 1-8

CWith Us Always": Lenten Reflections 
Zooming in on key scenes from popular movies and finding parallels in biblical stories, this book of Lenten devotions demonstrates how our faith journey can be explored and energized through popular culture.  Designed for personal reflection and prayer throughout the Lenten season, this booklet is written by a variety of United Church contributors and edited by Alydia Smith. 

EMUC will order copies of this resource and they will be offered for sale for $14.  Or you can order your own e-book by going to:
DThanks!
Mary Anna Williams for recruiting Greeters and Ushers for all of 2015 and especially for the Advent season and for the extra Christmas Eve services.

Deb Sturgeon, Sheryl Stinson, Ann Bone, and Cindy Young for helping  the Worship Committee organize and direct the Christmas Eve pageant.

All those who participated in the pageant and the parents of the younger folk for bringing them to rehearsal.  

The Bell Choir for their beautiful performances at Christmas and for the hours after church spent rehearsing.

The Chancel Choir for the additional music for Advent and Christmas Eve services and the Christmas Candlelight service.

Nancy Blackport for directing Impromptu and Off the Cuff for additional Christmas music.

Ian Blackport for taking part in worship leadership at the Christmas Candlelight communion service and for his efforts to contact others to participate.

The Membership & Pastoral Care Committee for hosting the Christmas service of Remembrance Hope and Healing along with others who helped; thank you to Nancy Blackport, Janet Tait and Sylvia Arnold for providing special music.

Debbie Siertsema for leading worship on December 27.

Rob Ford and Gary Hines for setting up and taking down the nativity stable.

Tim Hayes for organizing the January Sunday hike.

The Refugee Sponsorship task group for leading worship and hosting lunch on January 24.

All those who prepared dishes and those who hosted the meal at the Open Door on January 14.

Barbara Jennings for showing her wonderful photos of South Africa at the January Women for Women event.

Jim Watts for revitalizing EMUC's Facebook page.

Cathy Kiteley and John Wittingstall for their shared wisdom as panelists at EMUC's 'End of Life' Seminar.

The Membership and Pastoral Care Committee for hosting the End of Life Seminar and for providing refreshments.

Sandy Hayes for organizing EMUC's 'Bunch for Lunch' event at Symposium on January 31.  Over 25 people attended for good food and conversation.

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 ETransitions
Condolences to:

The family of Howard Worgan who died on December 26, 2015. Howard was a member of EMUC and has the honour of being the eldest person baptized at EMUC.

Gene Green on the death of her brother-in-law.

Rhana Vickery on the death of her friend Vivianne.

Roni Beharry on the death of her cousin, Kareem.

FFrom the Chair of the Leadership Circle
I sometimes wonder if the bears aren't onto something when it comes to hibernation.  As we make our way through the coldest, darkest months of the year, it feels instinctual to want to curl up, hunker down and stay inside, hoping that when we emerge from our houses, spring will have arrived.  As appealing as this sounds, life does not let us wait around for spring.  Certainly at EMUC these remain busy months with lots to keep us active.  There are no signs of hibernation around here, in fact, exactly the opposite.

The Refugee Sponsorship task force has taken on an impressive amount of work and, in conjunction with two other local congregations, is hoping to complete the sponsorship of a refugee family in the near future.  Please read their updates and consider donating to the special fund that has been set up for this effort.

The JNA committee continues to meet often to discuss and work through a report that will eventually be presented to the congregation.  Thanks to everyone who completed the important survey and offered feedback to the committee.  Your voice is so important as we move through this transition.  Watch for upcoming details on congregational meetings around this report.  

Our regular congregational meeting will take place on Sunday, March 6 and the agenda will include the budget for 2016.

This is a busy year, as we celebrate Kathy's retirement and work through a transitional time in the life of our congregation.  Please stay involved and informed about how you can participate in the work of EMUC.  There is no hibernation going on around here.

Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair

G From the Communications Committee 
EMUC is now on Facebook.  To "Like" us, click on the "Like Us On Facebook" button which you can find in three places: on the home page of our website (emuc.ca), and at the bottom of both the Friday Messages and monthly newsletters (Communiqué).

If you don't have a Facebook account you will be unable to "like" the new EMUC Facebook page.  If you are interested in registering for Facebook, please contact Jim Watts ( jhwatts@rogers.com) to get started.  Alternately, contact anyone you know who is already familiar with Facebook.  

Postings will be made to our Facebook page on a regular basis.  This is yet another way to stay informed of events within both our congregation and our community.

Please note that an older EMUC Facebook page was created a few years ago.  That page is no longer being maintained.  If you "Liked" the older page you must now "Like" the newly created page in order to receive regular news feeds.

We look forward to having you join our Facebook community.

Jim Watts, on behalf of the Communications Committee

 Upcoming Events
HKathy's Retirement Planning 

We are all excited to help Kathy celebrate this wonderful transition in her career and we know there are many of you who would like to take part in the planning and organizing of events that will happen throughout this year.  If you are interested in lending a hand, or would like more information on how you can help out, please contact Joanne Hines, Laura Macro or Barb Jennings.

I Pancake Dinner & Worship Service of Ashes

Come and be part of this festive dinner on Tuesday, February 10.  Enjoy a feast of pancakes, sausages, and more. Gather at 5:45 pm for dinner at 6 pm.  Tickets at the door - $10/adult; $5/children (Family maximum $25).  Bring your own dishes and cutlery. 

The Shrove Tuesday activities continue with a service of Ashes at 7 pm.  This meaningful and reflective half hour worship services leads us into the Lenten season. The dinner and the worship service are designed for all ages!  Bring a friend! 

If you can help with the dinner by: set up or take down of tables and chairs, cooking pancakes and sausages, serving, and cleaning up, please contact the church office or sign up at EMUC. 

JRefugee Sponsorship Team: Bake Sale 

The Refugee Sponsorship team will be hosting a bake sale on Sunday, Feb 14 after worship.  Homemade truffles in Valentine's Day packaging, cookies and other goodies will be offered for sale.  Looking forward to seeing you there!!  Thank you.

Lorraine Brignall

KComfort Kits

It's time to bring in all of the travel-sized toiletries, etc. that you have been saving all year!  The comfort kits will be assembled at the end of February/beginning of March.  Please bring items in by Sunday, Feb. 21.  Labelled boxes are available in the narthex.  Suggested items include travel-sized toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, deodorant (men & women) & other personal hygiene items; small notepads & pens; small packages of tissues & feminine hygiene products; socks (men & women); perfume samples & makeup; combs; emery boards; makeup bags & little treats.  All items should be unopened & unused.  As well, we will need small generic (non-holiday) gift bags in which to pack the items.  If you would like to help assemble the bags, please contact Cathy Scattergood.

 L'A Lenten Journey: Engaging Difference - Seeing Christ in One Another'

You are invited to be part of this four session Lenten discussion group.

Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings:  February 24, March 2, 9, 16 from 7:30 - 9:30 pm or Friday mornings: February 26, March 4, 11, 18 from 10 am - noon. Participants can register for either of the days and can switch back and forth if needed.  

The Vision of Erin Mills United is "to be a thriving Spirit-filled congregation: diverse, inclusive and engaged with the community and creation".  This Lenten discussion group will offer the opportunity to explore the diversity in the congregation and in the wider community.  We will take time to share our own experiences of inclusion and exclusion and seek to find ways to live as Christ's beloved community.  Dianne Hope, a member of EMUC, has been engaged in learning and educating others about the ways that congregations can be more open to the diversity in their midst and more aware of the ways that a variety of cultures and heritages can enrich our experience of the Spirit of Christ.  Using resources from the 'Deepening Understanding for Intercultural Ministry Program' along with scripture, music, video clips and interactive activities, Dianne Hope and Kathy Toivanen will guide the participants through this Lenten Journey.

You can register now with Kathy Toivanen at kathy@emuc.ca or sign up at EMUC.  Registration is $10/person for materials.

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M Halton Presbytery Network Day: February 27

Plan to attend this morning of workshops and plenary sessions to support the ongoing work and ministry of United Churches in the region.  Registration forms with details of the day are available on the information table.  The day begins at 8 am and concludes at 1:30 pm and your $20 registration includes lunch.  Go to www.haltonpres.org and click on event page to register.

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NSolel Synagogue Hosts Community Worship Service

EMUC is invited to attend the Sabbath worship service at Solel Synagogue on Friday March 4 at 8 pm followed by refreshments.  This is always an inspiring event, and offers us the opportunity to meet newly appointed Rabbi Audrey Pollack.  Please sign up at EMUC or call the church office to indicate your attendance.

 O EMUC Annual Congregational Meeting

The EMUC congregational meeting to receive the annual report, to approve the financial statements for 2015 and a budget for 2016 and to elect new church officers will be held following the 10 am worship service on Sunday, March 6, 2016.  Please plan to attend.  Members of the Leadership Circle, along with Chairs or Convenors of committees and groups are reminded to submit their annual report electronically to the church office by Friday, February 19.

P Unique Lenten Worship Experience

Plan to attend a special Lenten worship experience at EMUC on Sunday, March 6 between 7 - 9 pm.  This is a 'come and go' event, so you are welcome to come any time during the 2 hour span of the evening.  The worship space will be redesigned to create space for about 10 different meditative centres around the room.  As music is softly played, you can choose at will the centres you would like to visit.  Much like an interactive art gallery or museum experience, each centre will provide clear directions to help you participate.  This is not a group experience but rather one of personal reflection and engagement, using visuals, meditative readings, and creative activities that deepen our experience of prayer and reflection.  Those who attended a similar event during Advent spoke about how deeply spiritual the experience was for them.

QEMUC Garage Sale

This annual event will be held on Saturday, May 7.  Please save the date ... and your treasures!!  More details to come later.

How You Can Help 
R Deacon's Cupboard

In 2015 the cost of food in Canada rose by approximately $325 per family, and in 2016 it is estimated that the increase per family will be $345.  This impacts on the families who use the Cupboard in two ways. First they will spend more money on the food they purchase. Secondly the Cupboard will spend more money buying food that they supply for their guests.  Without an increase in donations we will not be able to provide as much food to those in need. Please remember to donate to your neighbors in need.

During the month of February you are invited to bring in canned fruit (preferably packed in their own juice) to help stock the shelves of 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 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.

 SCommuniqué Deadlines for 2016  
COPY DEADLINE
PUBLICATION
FEBRUARY 26
MARCH 13
APRIL 15
APRIL 24
MAY 13
MAY 29
AUGUST 19
AUGUST 28
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.

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