EMUC   
  Friday Message & 
                       Upcoming Events
 February 5, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
Friday Message
Upcoming Events
  About EMUC

Vision:
EMUC is a thriving Spirit-filled congregation: Diverse, inclusive,and engaged with the community and creation

Mission:
The mission of Erin Mills United Church is to offer opportunities for all persons to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ.


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Welcome to EMUC's weekly message along with information about oingoing events in the life of the congregation.  During this Epiphany Season, green is the designated colour signifying the the ever widening and growing circle of those who are touched by the compassion and teaching of Jesus.  
 

Courageous Conversations

During the past week, I've had a number of opportunities to be part of what I would call 'courageous conversations'.  Last week on retreat with some of my colleagues in diaconal ministry, we dared to share some of our challenging and painful experiences as ministers in our various settings or in the context of our own family life. 
 
On Saturday, at the 'End of Life Workshop' at EMUC, participants came to talk about dying and death; often a taboo subject in our culture and certainly a topic that often causes us anxiety and fear as we ponder the end of our days and the mystery of life after death. 
 
In the groups that gathered this week to be part of a discussion of Clara Hughes' book, Open Heart, Open Mind, we began to name our own confusion and questions when it comes to dealing with mental health issues whether that be in our families, at our work places and in the church community. What does it mean to be supportive?  How can we be more inclusive and open?  What can we do when a loved one is living with mental health concerns?
 
And this afternoon, as I met with some EMUC folk to plan for a worship service to mark Black History month, some spoke openly about their own experiences of marginalization and discrimination right here in Canada.  Others spoke about their worries of saying the 'wrong thing' or unintentionally behaving in a prejudicial matter.
 
It is indeed difficult, risky and challenging to be in conversation about matters of life that elude tidy parameters and neat resolutions.  If we openly speak about what is on our minds and hearts, we risk being vulnerable. If we admit our uncertainties, we may reveal our inadequacies. Our inner dialogue may include questions like this:
 
'Will they think less of me because I said that?' 'Will I reveal my own shortcomings?' 'Will my comments upset another?' 'Will they respect what I have to say?' 'Will I sound like a fool? a racist? a homophobe? an intolerant person?' 'Will I be met with hostility or with understanding?' 'Will I be accepted?'
 
As risky as these conversations may be, they can be transforming and life-giving if they take place in an atmosphere where we covenant to listen deeply, withhold judgement, accept that some discomfort is normal and trust that as we converse we will grow in understanding. 
 
Much has been written about courageous conversations in the areas of interfaith and interracial dialogue, mental health and end of life, sexual orientation and gender issues.  I found that these four 'agreements' offer a helpful framework for such conversations.
 
1. Stay engaged by remaining morally, emotionally, intellectually and socially involved in the dialogue.
2. Be prepared to experience discomfort as issues are brought out into the open. It is not talking about these issues that creates divisiveness.  The divisiveness already exists in society and in our communities. It is through dialogue, even when uncomfortable, that healing and change can begin.
 
3. Speak your truth:  This means being open about your thoughts and feelings and not just saying what you think others want to hear.
 
4. Expect and accept non-closure:  Be prepared to live with uncertainty and not rush to a quick or tidy solution or answer.
 
Loving our neighbour is certainly about being compassionate and kind-hearted; and, it is also about being part of challenging conversations that move us beyond the superficial, strengthen the ties between us, and pave the way for us to live together in a just peace that goes beyond mere rhetoric.
 
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
  
 
JNAC's Congregational Questionnaire 

The questionnaire was sent out by email last Monday.  There has been a great response so far.    To date, 74 % of those receiving the email have opened it, 50% have clicked through to the survey and 65% of those have completed the survey.

If you have not yet completed the survey, there is still time. Also be aware that several people in the same household can complete the survey i.e. each person can complete the survey separately.  More than one response from the same email address is possible; however, no individual should take the survey more than once. 

Please take the survey;  we need your input!

A response must be sent by today! 
 
Your  JNAC 
This Week at EMUC


Look for the February/Lenten edition of the 
C ommunique Newsletter.  It should arrive electronically on Saturday.  Paper copies will be made available at EMUC.

Sunday at 10 am:  Worship & Communion with programs for children.

After worship:  Music Committee meets, Black History Month Worship Planning, JNAC meets.

Tuesday at 6 pm:  Pancake dinner for Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday at 7 pm: Worship Service of Ashes to begin Lent

Wednesday at 2 pm:  Circle of Friends Women's Group

Wednesday at 6:45 pm:  Communion and Prayers Worship Service

Upcoming Events

Refugee Sponsorship Valentine's Bake Sale
The Refugee Sponsorship Team will host a bake sale on Sunday February 14th at worship.  All proceeds will go toward refugee sponsorship. 

Refugee Sponsorship News
Erin Mills United Church, in partnership with Erindale United and Streetsville United will be sponsoring a refugee family under the guidance and direction of the United Church of Canada.  The three churches have committed to raising a total of $40,000 and the portion committed to by Erin Mills United is $15,000. The appeal to support this initiative was launched last Sunday. To contribute, please make a cheque payable to Erin Mills United Church and clearly indicate that it is for refugee sponsorship. 
For more information contact the EMUC Refugee Sponsorship task force: Hermine Bingham, Muriel Hamdani, Debby Sturgeon, Dianne Hope, Catharine Watts or Lorraine Brignall.

Planning for Black History Month
Anyone who wishes to help plan for this special worship service on Sunday February 28th is invited to a planning meeting on Sunday February 7th after worship. Contacts are Hermine Bingham and Dianne Hope.

Pancake Dinner & Ashes Service
EMUC's annual pancake dinner always marks the transition into the Lenten Season.  Come for dinner on Tursday February 9th at 6 pm.  Stay for a worship service at 7 pm to lead us into Lent.  To help with the dinner either by setting up and cleaning up, preparing food or serving the meal, please sign up at EMUC or contact the church office.
Cost:  $10/adult $5/child - $25/family max.  Bring your own dishes and cutlery

Calling All Euchre Players
Save the date Saturday March 5 for an evening of progressive euchre and yummy desserts. Arrival time is 6:30. Games start 7 p.m. sharp. Cost $10.00 To reserve a seat and number attending contact maryanna.williams10@gmail.com 
Pair and single players welcomed. 

Comfort Kits
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.  Please bring in your items by Sunday, Feb. 21. This effort supports the outreach ministry of the Open Door at Square One. 

The Deacon's Cupboard
With the recent spike in the cost of groceries, please remember to be generous in your contributions to the cupboard.  In February, you are invited to donate canned fruit (preferably fruit in its own juice) 

Planning for Kathy Toivanen's Retirement.
EMUC wishes to support Kathy and celebrate with her as she makes the transition from full-time ministry to retirement. If you are interested in helping to take part in the planning and organizing of events to mark this transition; or if you would like more information on how you can help out, please speak to Joanne Hines (Chair of EMUC Leadership Circle) , Laura Macro or Barb Jennings (past chairs of the LC).

'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.
This Lenten group will offer the opportunity to explore the diversity in this congregation and in the wider community. Dianne Hope, 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.
Lenten Booklet of Reflections:  'With Us Always'
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. Copies are available at EMUC for $14 or you can order your own e-book by going to http://www.ucrdstore.ca/with-us-always-daily-devotions-framed-by-the-movies.html

Solel Synagogue Hosts a Community Worship Service
EMUC is invited to attend the Sabbath worship service at Solel Synagogue on Friday March 4th 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 to indicate your attendance.
 



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Peter Kiteley, Office Administrator
office@emuc.ca
Erin Mills United Church