COMMUNIQUÉ

October 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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The hues of orange and red that appear throughout this edition of the Communiqué continue throughout the Season of Creation.   The United Church of Canada introduced  Creation Time in the Season of Pentecost  in 2010. It is not a church season per se, but a period in which congregations celebrate the fact that creation is an integral part of the whole Christian year. 

As we continue through a Fall season filled with transitions and activities, we hope that you will join us on our journey.

During this weekend take time to be thankful and enjoy the bounty which our earth provides.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.
I n This Issue
InTransitionorActiveHope  


'Erin Mills United Church is in transition'.  This is a statement I have heard many times throughout this year from Presbytery representatives, from ministers, from the EMUC congregation and from friends and colleagues.  What does this mean?  How do we manage through this time?

For me, this statement takes me back to a time in my professional career as a senior manager, when I was dealing with anxious, worried employees during the merger of two companies.  The future of everyone's jobs were insecure.  At that time, the buzz word was 'Change Management'.  As managers, we were trained in 'change management' which stressed how to handle the situation through clear and frequent communications, listening to and having empathy with our employees.  But this was many years ago and although the training helped, there were many hurt, anxious, stressed out people.

Today the buzz word is 'Transition Theory'.  Googling the phrase brings up numerous pages of references.  One expert in Transition Theory is Nancy Schlossberg who has a Doctorate of Education in counselling from Columbia University and has spent a whole career studying transitions in many different populations. She defines 'transition' as any event or non-event, anticipated or unanticipated, that results in changed relationships, routines, assumptions and roles.  Based on her work she has developed the '4S Model': Self, Situation, Strategies, Support as coping resources.  The key is assessing the four S's and maintaining a balance when responding to the situation.  Responses may be actions/inactions, reframing or neutralizing the threat, and help to aid in adapting without being overcome by stress. 

There is a lot more to this transition theory than I have summarized above and there are valuable ideas and information to consider; however, in reviewing the material, it struck me as cold and very academic.  Something is missing.  After speaking to Kathy T. about this, she lent me a book called 'Active Hope' by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone.  It didn't take long to realize that the missing piece was that of 'feelings', specifically the feeling of hope.

'Active Hope' is about naming what we desire for ourselves and then taking steps to move in that direction and toward a vision of the future. Macy and Johnstone present 'Active Hope' as a spiral of 4 practices by which we can live into active hope in the midst of transition. The four practices are:
  1. Gratitude
  2. Honouring our Pain
  3. Seeing with New Eyes
  4. Going Forth
Let's look at each practice.  Gratitude: Expressing gratitude builds trust and generosity and shifts our focus away from what we lack to what we have.  This gratitude makes us more resilient and stronger in the face of unsettling times.  Honouring our Pain: All of us have experienced the pain of loss of some sort, the numbness we feel with a loss, and the need to grieve before we can move forward and live again. By choosing to honour the pain rather than discounting it, we break the spell that numbs us and we start to look at our lives going forward.  Seeing with New Eyes: Through this practice we develop a wider sense of self by expanding our interconnections, participating in activities that take us out of our preoccupation and viewing ourselves not as a static portrait but as moving frames in a movie.  We also recognise a different kind of power i.e. the strength of others when we draw on a sense of fellowship, compassion and connection.  We also learn to live in a larger time-scape which opens us up to new allies and new sources of strength.  The last practice is 'Going Forth'; it is about having dreams and visions and seeing various possibilities while we learn to live with uncertainty.  It is also about making the choices that influence and determine the way forward.

So let's assess where EMUC is on the 'Active Hope' spiral.  We are grateful for: a vibrant, passionate, Spirit-filled congregation engaged with the community and creation; an inclusive, engaging and welcoming congregation; a strong Leadership Circle focussed on the needs of the congregation; a hard-working Search Committee dedicated to finding a new minister who fits our needs; an interim supply minister who is excited about working with our congregation over the next several months; lay leaders committed and capable of ensuring programs and services continue; a strong Member Development and Care Committee serving the pastoral care needs of all.

Over the last few weeks, we have celebrated Kathy Toivanen's ministry at EMUC and she will be missed in many ways.  As the Chancel Choir sang on her last Sunday, "It's Hard to Say Goodbye" and there is a numbness of loss; however, this shows how valued our ministry with Kathy was, something to be treasured.  So honor that pain and the memories we have shared.

Now we have some time with a supply minister and a new minister to follow.  There will be new ideas, new ways of doing things, new perspectives. We will see with new eyes, dream of the possibilities and forge new relationships.  This process was actually started months ago when many of you completed the survey for the Joint Needs Assessment and started to identify your vision of the future.  From that report, a job description which combined the 1.5 ministry staff position into one, redefined the emphasis going forward and launched a new beginning.  Already members of our various committees are visualizing some changes going forward and are looking for new ideas and new connections.  The next little while is a period of uncertainty; however, we are well equipped to care for one another.  There are lots of ways each of us can participate and influence the way forward.

So I say to you, EMUC is not just 'in transition'; we are living into 'Active Hope' in the midst of changes.  Just imagine what will be as we go forth! 

Barbara Jennings, Chair, Communications Committee 
WorshipScheduleWorship Schedule
Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer & communion. Sunday worship is at 10:00 am. A program for primary aged children is provided.

Not all of the details for worship in October are available at this point.  Please stay informed by checking the EMUC website (which is undergoing revisions) or by reading the Friday Message.  

ThankYou
Thanks!
Sylvia Arnold and Cathy Scattergood for the organization and planning of the wonderful Celebratory Service for Kathy Toivanen.
 
Members of the Worship Committee who were hosts and helpers on Sunday, September 18:  Cathy Scattergood, Mary  Anna Williams, Cindy Young, Terry Loffree, Hermine Bingham, Fred Shepley, Cathy Kiteley, Liz  Derksen.
 
Rev Joanne Hedge for guidance in the preparation of the service and for leading the Celebratory Service for Kathy Toivanen.
 
Brian Takayesu for his heartfelt reflection for Kathy's Celebratory Service.
 
Peter Kiteley for his administrative support and assistant with the celebratory events.
 
Len Feldman, Nancy Blackport, members of Impromptu, Off the Cuff, the Chancel Choir and the Bell Choir for the special music contributed in all celebratory services.
 
Sylvia Arnold, Laura Macro and Barbara Jennings who were the steering committee which provided support when needed.
 
All the artisans in the congregation responsible for the congregational gifts: Mora Cairns writing the poem, Carole Neely weaving the bread basket and napkins, Jennifer Allen and Sue Ogilvie quilting the beautiful quilt, Hermine Bingham and Barb Jennings organizing the memory book.
 
Everyone who donated to the congregational gifts.
 
All who participated in or attended the Celebratory Service.
 
Sue Ogilvie and Lorraine Brignall who planned and prepared the delicious food for the Retirement Dinner.
 
Jackie Brignall and Ela Mazur who prepared the appetizers for the reception.
 
Pat Beck and Joanne Hines and all their helpers for decorating the lower hall and reception area for the dinner so beautifully.
 
All those who served the food i.e. neighbors, people from Eden UC, and students providing volunteer hours.
 
Peter Kiteley and Len Feldman for their musical tribute to Kathy.
 
Gary and Laura Macro for the skit presented at the dinner.
 
David Leeder for being the MC.
 
Harry Oussoren, Yvonne Stewart, Joanne Hines for the tributes given to Kathy and Joanne Hines for preparing the game.
 
All those who helped set up and clean up after the dinner.
 
All those who worked on or contributed plants for the Spirit Garden.
 
Deb Siertsema and Ian Blackport for their leadership with the Confirmation Group.

Transitions Transitions
Congratulations to:
 
The youth who professed their Christian faith in the Confirmation of their Baptismal Vows on September 11th: Issac Kashino, Alexander Love, Ashley Phillips, Vanessa Santamaria, Mailyn Takayesu, and Tianne Takayesu.
 
Kathy Toivanen, Al Seymour and Thomas Seymour as they move from the EMUC congregation and start the next phase of their journey of life.
 
Condolences to:
 
Susan Nauss and the extended family on the death of Paul Nauss.

TYfromKT Thank You from Kathy Toivanen
I have been overwhelmed by the farewell celebrations of the last month.  Thank you so very much for the wonderful celebration worship service on September 18 th .  With the music offered by the Chancel Choir, Impromptu and Off the Cuff under the direction of Len Feldman and Nancy Blackport, along with some of my favourite hymns we were lifted up in praise.  Thank you to Brian Takayesu for your meaningful and inspiring sermon.  Thank you to Joanne Hedge for presiding with grace and 'holding us together' in a tender time.  Thank you to Sylvia Arnold and the worship and music committees who worked so hard for weeks to ensure that everything flowed together.  Thank you for all those who received the symbols of ministry and to Debbie Siertsema for her prayers and to Joanne Hines who has guided the congregation throughout these parting moments.

And thank you for the gifts you gave me.  The 'storm at sea' quilt crafted so beautifully by Susan Ogilvie and Jennifer Allen is simply stunning.  The bread basket and the cloths woven by Carole Neely are a reminder of all the times we broke bread together.  The framed poem composed by EMUC's poet laureate, Mora Cairns is a fitting way to remember some of our shared history.  And the cheque is something that I will gratefully put away in a travel savings account for that day when Al and I take a trip to England and Scotland.  In addition to these gifts so many of you have given me cards with heartfelt messages and other small gifts of thanks and appreciation.  I am almost speechless in the face of your generosity.  

Thank you for the banquet that so many attended on September 23.  The food, décor, speeches and the table made for a festive evening.  Thank you to Susan Ogilvie and Lorraine Brignall and the team of people who prepared and served the dinner.  Thank you to Pat Beck and Sylvia Arnold for their decorating talents.  Thank you to Len who provided the dinner music, and to all of you who came to the event and filled the lower hall with such spirited conversation.  I appreciated the words of tribute from former colleagues, Harry Oussoren and Yvonne Stewart.  The injection of humour in the duet by Peter Kiteley and Len Feldman had us all laughing.  And who knew that Gary and Laura Macro were a comedy team, not to mention the stand-up comic remarks by Joanne Hines.  

Through all of this and more, I have experienced your love, support and blessing; all of which will strengthen me as I move on into the new adventure that retirement will bring.  Al, Thomas and I will sorely miss you, and we give thanks that through the Spirit of God we are still connected.  

May God's blessing be upon all of us now as we walk with Christ into the future that lies ahead.
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
LeadershipCircleFrom the Chair of the Leadership Circle
The beautiful season of fall is upon us.  A season often associated with returning to comforts.  Comfort food and comfortable sweaters help warm us from that chill in the air.  A chill that provides some relief from the scorching heat of this summer. 

It is also a time of the year where we return to the routines of our church life after cottages are closed up and extended summer holidays are completed.

A warm welcome back to those of you who have been on vacation.  We are excited to begin our busy fall season with our recently appointed supply minister, Reverend Jacqueline Burnie.  Jackie is excited to begin her time with us, and will join us for her first service on Sunday, October 2.  She will be ministering to EMUC for the next 3 months, while our Joint Search committee continues on their mission to fill our full time minister role.  Jackie has a wonderfully diverse background and has many gifts and interests to share with our congregation.  Please take the time to read the introductions that will appear in future communications.  I hope you get the opportunity to join us this fall and hear Jackie as she leads us in worship.

As we move into the regular routines of fall, please consider ways you can offer support to the ongoing work of EMUC.  There are so many folks working so hard to maintain the programs and activities of our church and we continue to hope that others will offer what they can to assist with the work of various committees and groups.  Our nominating committee is working diligently to fill key leadership roles and we are grateful for whatever time and talent you are able to offer. The phrase "many hands make light work" could not be more fitting when we discuss the work of this church.  

As we approach Thanksgiving, I give thanks for the generosity and support of this congregation.  I am thankful for the ways in which people willingly share their gifts of time and talent.  We are a spirit-filled community of faith and I pray that your Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with your family and count God's blessings in your life.
 
Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair
JackieBurnie REVEREND JACKIE BURNIE  

The Leadership Circle is pleased to announce that they have signed a contract with Reverend Jackie Burnie for at least the next 3 months.  She will work ¾ time or 30 hours a week with a focus on providing worship services in our normal format on Sundays and Wednesdays, ensuring pastoral needs are met, and attending required committee meetings.  

If you wish to contact Jackie, for conversation or to book an appointment, you may do so by either phone (church office: 905-820-9466) or by email ( jackie@emuc.ca).

CelebratingKTMinistryCelebrating Kathy Toivanen's Ministry
The month of September was very busy and emotionally charged with celebratory events for Kathy.  On September 18 there was a wonderful service in which Kathy returned the symbols of ministry to EMUC as we released her from her pastoral relationship with us.  On September 23 there was a fun-filled reception and dinner to celebrate Kathy's retirement.  Below are pictures from these events.

THE SERVICE AND THE DANCE

 





THE GIFTED QUILT






KATHY'S GIFT TO EMUC


THE DINNER







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News and Reports
StewardshipProgram
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM 2016


November is traditionally stewardship month at EMUC.   As I reflected on how we should approach the program this year, I reviewed some giving statistics for the operating budget from previous years.

YEAR
ACTUALS ($)
# GIVING
2013
211,876
205
2014
201,043
179
2015
198,008
160
2016
195,000 (budget)
157 (estimate)

The decrease in givings and the number giving has been steady over the last four years and is mainly the result of people leaving our area. Other sources of revenue such as fundraising, rentals and solar panels have helped sustain the congregation but in the current year our budget projected a deficit of $5400.

It is obvious that we must strive to stop this decline through congregational growth. This is a key goal of the current strategic plan and the JNAC report guiding our current search for a new minister. 

The Stewardship Program will ask us to renew our commitment to EMUC both financially and in talent to sustain the work of the congregation. In this time of change, it is vital that we maintain the strong base that we have established.
 
 BuildingPropertyBUILDING AND PROPERTY REPORT

Last month the following activities were undertaken:

1. Repairs to lower stairway railing are underway. It is a bigger job than expected but Paul Marot and Fred Shepley have been busy preparing wall for installation of rail. We expect to have it finished in October.

2. The hot water tank failed just before Kathy's farewell dinner last Friday. Peter let us know the thermostat had failed and water was scalding hot. We tried to get it repaired but were advised that the tank was too old (15 years) and full of built up material inside it. We got agreement to proceed with purchasing new water heater and got it installed on Friday afternoon just in time for clean up at Kathy's farewell dinner. Photo of high efficiency water heater installed is attached. (looks like a 1950's rocket!!!)



3. We are trying to get parking lot lights fixed in October. Will give an update next month.
 
Ian  Love
RefugeeSponsorship 

As you are aware, the application to sponsor the Al Kalash/Shalhawy family was refused by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) on September 1, 2016. The reason given for the rejection is that the recent history and travels of the father, Ali Shalhawy as described in the application were factually and demonstrably incorrect. The application of the complete family was rejected on the basis of lack of credibility. 

Upon hearing of this news, the Constituent Group began working with Amar Youzbashi of the United Church refugee support program (our SAH office) in order to discern how to next proceed. It was initially suggested that we should refile Ali's portion of the application and petition for a second review of this file. As it turns out, the inconsistencies in the timeline of the father were so pervasive that they affected the timeline of the mother, Reem as well. Refiling of a portion of the application package therefore became impossible.

It was then suggested that a complete new application package be submitted for the family. Because we wanted to understand whether the prior refusal would affect any future application, we consulted an immigration lawyer, Chantal Desloges who has much experience in these matters and who worked with us in a pro bono fashion. Chantal suggested that one way of proceeding was as follows:

As a preliminary first step, we recommend that the first Notice be filed in the Federal Court, with a request to receive the Embassy's internal computer notes which will reveal further details about the visa officer's decision-making process.  After receiving those notes, we will be able to give a more detailed opinion about whether it's worthwhile for the sponsor to proceed with a Court action.

Both filing the first notice and proceeding with court action would have implied some legal costs for the Constituent Group. The Constituent Group has determined that it is not within our mandate to incur legal costs in bringing in a refugee family. It is with much regret that the constituent group has decided to discontinue the application process for the Al Kalash/Shalhawy family. We will discontinue regular monthly free-will support of this said family but will try to cover the next one/two months, as much as our fundraising efforts to raise non-receipted donations permit.

The Constituent Group has decided to proceed by sponsoring another family based on profiles sent to us by the United Church of Canada. We do not believe further fundraising should be required. We will keep you fully aware of all developments in this regard. We thank you for your patience and for your continued support.

The North West Mississauga Constituent Group,
October 5, 2016
Past Events
SpiritGardenBUILDING THE SPIRIT GARDEN
 


In the spring, the gardening group planned a new garden for the northwest side of the church. A spiral walkway from the centre of the garden was laid, the earth was prepared, perennials were donated from the congregation, planting occurred in September and the garden was dedicated on Sunday, Sept. 25 by Kathy Toivanen.  Thanks to Ann Bone, Karen Colwell, Sue Ogilvie, Deb Sturgeon, Mike Ogilvie, David Brignall and Barb Jennings for working to complete this project.  Next summer, the Spirit Garden will be a lovely spot to sit and reflect and enjoy creation!

 

Placing the stone Walkway
Adding the stone fill
The prepared earth
 Planting

Plants getting established
The Dedication
 
Upcoming Events
Come on out for an evening of euchre and dessert!  Join us and reconnect with your fellow Euchre buddies. 
Where:  EMUC
When: Saturday, November 5.  Arrive to sign in:  6:30 p.m.  Play starts at 7 p.m. sharp
Cost:$10/person
Why: To enjoy an evening of good fun and treats!!
Who: Come one, come all!!  (singles welcome)

What to do: Email Mary Anna Williams at maryanna.williams10@gmail.com or phone 905-820-5305 to reserve a seat, including number of attendees.  You may pay at the door:
DON'T MISS THIS EVENT!   Limited seating (100 ), so sign up now!!

Sandy Hayes, Pat Beck and Mary Anna Williams
How You Can Help
OutoftheColdOUT OF THE COLD

The Out of the Cold Program will be starting once again in November.  Outerwear such as coats, jackets, boots, scarves, etc. as well as warm blankets (all in good condition and clean) can be brought to the church and left in the coat room.  These items will be taken to the Open Door at Square One for distribution.
Thanks, Cathy Scattergood
Deadlines Communiqué Deadlines for 2016   
COPY DEADLINE
PUBLICATION
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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