Erin Mills United Church

February 2015

We are now in the Epiphany Season; a time to celebrate the growing light of Christ. To symbolize growth and life, green is the colour for this season. The Season of Lent begins on February 18 and concludes on March 28. We would like to draw your attention to the worship schedule, which contains the dates for the Lenten services, as well as other activities centred around the Lenten season.

In addition to email delivery, all editions of the newsletter are available on our church website: emuc.ca. Thank you for your interest in the Communiqu�.

In This Issue

Words from Our Minister

Worship Schedule

Transitions

Thank You

From the Chair of the Leadership Circle

Congregational Meeting

Words from Our Minister

Follow Me: A Lenten Pilgrimage with Jesus

Sunday by Sunday, week by week, year by year, as we read and reflect on the gospels, we travel with Jesus and the disciples from village to village, from Nazareth to Capernaum, from the Sea of Galilee to the hill country of the Gerasenes, from Jericho to Jerusalem, from Bethany to The Mount of Olives, from the Garden of Gethsemane to Golgotha. We know the names of these biblical places, and yet in many ways, we don't know much about them.

A few of you have had the opportunity to travel to these biblical places. Recently a number of my minister friends have travelled to Israel and Palestine and Jordan and each of them has returned changed. Changed by the landscape, changed by the people who live there, changed by being able to see what Jesus might have seen and to walk where he would have walked.

I am drawn to the stories of those who have gone on pilgrimages; those who have gone on journeys to walk in the steps of their ancestors, to pursue a spiritual quest, to challenge their perspectives and to deepen their understanding of life.

It is said that a pilgrimage is different from other kinds of travel. 'A visitor passes through a place; the place passes through the pilgrim.'

That's certainly the case, when I reflect on the pilgrimage accounts I've read such as, Wild - Cheryl Strayed's pilgrimage account of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or Tracks - Robyn Davidson's account of traveling 1,700 miles across the Australian Outback (alone except for a dog and four camels), or What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim: A Midlife Misadventure on Spain's Camino de Santiago de Compostel - Jane Christmas' account of walking the ancient pilgrimage route, the Camino.

The season of Lent is often described as a pilgrimage; an opportunity for Christians to walk with Jesus from his baptism at the Jordan, through a winding route to Jerusalem and the cross. Along the way, we hope to draw closer to the bedrock of our faith, we hope to hear more clearly the wisdom of Jesus' teachings and we hope to experience more deeply his love for us and for this world.

Like any pilgrim, we make choices about how we will travel and what we will take with us. Some of us travel lightly - eating more simply, decluttering our calendars, bookending our days with meditation and prayer. Some of us choose to travel in the company of others, joining a weekly prayer and study group or participating in a group expression of Christ's call to love our neighbour as ourselves. Some of us take on other familiar pilgrim practices as a spiritual disciple - taking up the challenge to walk or hike regularly or to connect with people whose experiences and backgrounds are different from our own.

This year, during the Lenten Season at EMUC, you are invited to become part of a pilgrimage. Together in the company of Jesus we will take a virtual trip to the Jordan River and the surrounding wilderness; to a home in Capernaum and to a graveyard in Gerasa; to a picnic in Tabgha and along the road to Jericho. We will of course, end our pilgrimage in Jerusalem as we wave our palm branches with other pilgrims who gather for the Passover Festival.

We will be guided by Mark's Gospel along with two other resources written by contemporary pilgrims. Chasing the Divine in the Holy Land, is Presbyterian minister, Ruth Everhard's account of her travels in Israel and Palestine; a trip that challenged and changed her faith. Jesus, A Pilgrimage, is Jesuit, James Martin's book - part spiritual reflection, part memoir, part travelogue.

Together, may we have the courage to respond when Jesus calls 'Follow me.'

Peace, Kathy Toivanen

Worship

Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer & communion.

Sunday worship is at 10:00 a.m. with care and programs for EMU Club for children up to Grade 5, Junior Youth for Gr. 6, 7, 8.

February 8 Black History Month

Theme: 'Selma - 50^th Anniversary: Marching in Solidarity for Justice'

Scripture: Hebrews12: 1, 1 Corinthians 12: 14-26

February 15

Theme: 'Who do you say that I am?'

Scripture: Mark 8: 27-30

Worship for the Season of Lent: 'Follow Me: A Lenten Pilgrimage with Jesus'

February 22 Lent 1

Theme: 'The Spirit at the Jordan and in the Wilderness'

Scripture: Mark 1: 1-15

March 1 Lent 2 Communion

Theme: 'A Healing in Capernaum'

Scripture: Mark 2: 1-12

March 8 Lent 3

Theme: 'Going to the other side; Going to Gerasa'

Scripture: Mark 5: 1-20

March 15 Lent 4

Theme: 'Breaking Bread in Tabgha'

Scripture: Mark 6: 35-44

March 22 Lent 5

Theme: 'By the Road in Jericho'

Scripture: Mark 10: 46-52

Transitions

Condolences to the family and friends of Margaret Nix. After a short period of time in palliative care, Margaret died on January 10. A memorial service was held at Parkminster United in Waterloo. Margaret was an active member of EMUC for many years, until she and her spouse, Rev. Ernie Nix moved to Waterloo. Margaret served as the first Audio-Visual Consultant for the National United Church of Canada from 1978 until her retirement in 1988. As a member of EMUC, she gave much time and energy in the move to 3010 The Collegeway, served as the chair of the worship committee and along with Margaret Holder, founded the 'Circle of Friends' women's group. Margaret was a dedicated church member, and a great educator and leader. She will be missed.

Thanks!

Nicole Sweetnam and others who coordinated the annual nativity pageant and to all the children who took part in this meaningful drama of Jesus' birth.

Danielle and Gabriel Fearon, Mitchell, Spencer and Kristen Ekels for taking part in dramatic readings on Christmas eve.

Ian Blackport for taking part in worship leadership at the Christmas Candlelight communion service and for his efforts to contact others to participate: Leslie & Allin Brown, Kristen Fontaine, Alec Hayes, Alana Kiteley, Thomas Seymour, Lauren Witterick.

All those who helped with the Christmas service of Remembrance Hope and Healing - Larry van Goozen, Dianne Hope, Mora Cairns, Al Seymour, Val Carter, Joanne Hines, Pat Beck.

All who offered special music for the Christmas services and a great thank you to Len Feldman and Nancy Blackport and Bonnie Turner and Erin Cochrane-Ford for their musical direction.

The Ministry and Personnel Committee for providing dinner for EMUC staff on Christmas Eve to sustain us through many worship services.

Roni Beharry for leading worship on December 28.

Tim Hayes, Ian Love, and Paul Marot along with Peter Kiteley for their many hours spent in liaising and working with the installers of the new HVAC system.

Maryanna Williams for taking on some office support work during the winter.

Sylvia Arnold, Cindy Young and Lorraine Brignall for their creative work with the AV's for Sunday worship.

David Leeder and Laurie Currie for building organization.

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

The worship committee for all their work in ensuring the Christmas worship services ran smoothly.

From the Chair of the Leadership Circle

EMUC experienced a wonderful Christmas season with the help of the ministry team and volunteers. Over the same time, the leadership circle has overseen a lot of other work which I can report on.

The HVAC replacement project has progressed to the point where the system is installed and is currently undergoing performance testing. It is a new system, and the next step will be to learn how it all works and how we can best utilize the features it offers so that we may all benefit in the long run from an efficient heating and cooling system for our church. This project has been managed through a large effort from Tim Hayes and Ian Love supported by others who have been on this project team. Implementation has been aided and facilitated by Peter Kiteley ensuring that the workers could get access to parts of the building and helping them to work around various events in the building. We saw large amounts of tolerance to inconveniences and cold temperatures on the part of the ministry team and those who are in the building most days. On behalf of EMUC, a big thank you to you all.

I am also happy to report that the nominating committee held its inaugural meeting in January and made good progress towards helping EMUC fill its complement of lay leadership. This is one of our strategic objectives in our planning.

February will see the last LC meeting before the Annual Congregation meeting on March 1st. At its meeting, the LC will finalize the budget for 2015 and prepare for the annual meeting. Please all help prepare for the annual meeting with your input, be it reports, budget numbers or even help in set-up. This is the equivalent of the "business year end" for EMUC and so it is an important time. In advance of the final report for 2014, I would like to thank everyone at all levels and no matter how large or small your gift, for the financial and volunteer support you have given to EMUC for 2014.

As part of the strategic planning done last year, EMUC's Vision statement was defined and the Mission statement was accordingly adjusted. At the annual meeting, the Leadership Circle will be seeking affirmation from the congregation for these two statements. Please have a look at these and be prepared to vote on them. Then going forward, with the development of the strategic plan, the focus this year should be to have an action plan to follow the directions of the strategic plan. To this end some of the focus circles have started this work and their recommendations will go into the action plan. The success of the strategic plan will rest on the execution of a good action plan and so the leadership circle looks forward to input from everyone in this regard.

May God bless us all and our church community of EMUC as we proceed along our journey into this new year of 2015.

Paul Marot
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Upcoming Events

Pancake Dinner

Enjoy this beloved traditional Shrove Tuesday Meal on Tuesday, February 17. Come to EMUC for a feast of pancakes, sausages, apple crisp 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. A service of Ashes to begin Lent follows at 7:00 pm. The dinner and the worship service are designed for all ages! Bring a friend!

If you can help with the dinner by: coordinating volunteers, 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.

EMUC Annual Congregational Meeting

The EMUC congregational meeting to receive the annual report, to approve the financial statements for 2014 and a budget for 2015 and to elect new church officers will be held following the 10 am worship service on Sunday March 1, 2015. Please plan to attend. Chairs of committees and groups are reminded to submit their annual report electronically to the church office by Friday February 13.

EMUC Garage Sale

This annual event will be held on May 2, 2015. Please save the date ... and your treasures!! Contact Joanne Wood with questions or ideas at joanne.wood@rogers.com

Longing For Home: Lenten Reflections

This Lent, join the many biblical characters who wrestle with a longing for home, like the psalmist who asks, "How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?" In Longing for Home, diverse United Church contributors reflect on scripture related to the theme of displacement or uprootedness. They examine topics including poverty, ecology, food sovereignty, migration, the occupied Palestinian territories, and right relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Contributors: Teresa Burnett-Cole, Anne Burnham, Jim Cairney, Julie Graham, Stan McKay, Carolyn Pogue, Donna Sinclair.

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

http://www.ucrdstore.ca/longing-for-home-daily-reflections-for-lent-e-book.html

Beginning on February 16, 2015 and running through Easter, you can join a UCC Facebook group that will feature video reflections with Moderator Gary Paterson and hosted conversations with a variety of leaders from the United Church and beyond. "Longing for Home" is the Facebook page.

'Pilgrims in Search of the Holy': Lenten Study and Reflection Group

A life of faith is a life on the move as we seek the holy; as we respond to the invitation of the Spirit; as we walk in Christ's way. During the Lenten season, you are invited to join others in a virtual pilgrimage to times and places in Jesus's life and ministry. Readings and discussion, video clips and interactive activities, music and more will be part of the sessions.

Register now with Kathy Toivanen kathy@emuc.ca or sign up at EMUC. Four Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings 7:30 - 9:30 pm or Friday mornings 10 am - noon. Choose the time slot that works best with your schedule. Dates: Wednesdays: February 25, March 4, 11, 18

Fridays: February 27, March 6, 13, 20.

Registration is $10/person for materials.

Halton Presbytery Network Day: Workshops

Plan to attend this annual half day of leadership development opportunities sponsored by Halton Presbytery. This year's theme, 'Listening for Mission' will include plenary sessions on use of church property in mission and the importance of listening in developing mission initiatives. Workshops include visioning for mission, intercultural mission, assessment tools for mission. Brochures and registration forms are available at EMUC. The event is on Saturday February 28 at Eden United (Winston Churchill and Battleford) from 8 am until 1:30 pm. Registration is $15.

How You Can Help

Do You Still Have Pennies?

Although pennies are 'out of circulation' many of us have pennies stored away in jars or in the bottom of our drawers. If you can't face the thought of rolling them, bring them into EMUC. They will be collected in a penny jar in the church foyer and will contribute in their small way to support the church budget!

Birdies & Bogies

Calling all Diva Golfers! Would you like to get your 2015 golf season started early? Kathy Andres and Barb Jennings have been researching facilities around Mississauga which offer winter, indoor golf lessons. If there is enough interest, we will set up a series of about 5 group lessons for beginner and novice golfers in March - April. A group of 6-10 ladies would be ideal and would keep the costs reasonable. The lessons would be on a weekday afternoon. Please contact Kathy Andres by Feb. 15 if you are interested. You may get Kathy's number from the church office. All ladies are welcome!

Deacon's Cupboard

During the month of February you are invited to bring in powdered milk 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.

Comfort Kits

You are asked to contribute " personal-sized toiletry items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc. for the comfort kits that will be distributed to the guests at the Open Door at Square One. Other "comfort" items could include pens, notepads, hand cream, hygiene products, disposable razors, men's socks, toothpaste & toothbrushes, tissues, etc. Small generic gift bags are also being collected to put the items in. A box is provided in the foyer at EMUC at the back of the church. All items should be new & unopened & brought in by Sunday, Feb. 22. If you can help put the comfort kits together, please contact Cathy Scattergood.

Communiqu� Dates for 2015

COPY DEADLINE	PUBLICATION
FEBRUARY 20	MARCH 8
MARCH 20	MARCH 29
APRIL 24	MAY 10
MAY 22	JUNE 7
SEPTEMBER 11	SEPTEMBER 20
OCTOBER 2	OCTOBER 18
NOVEMBER 6	NOVEMBER 22
NOVEMBER 27	DECEMBER 13

Thanks to Janet Morrison, editor, and Jim Watts, layout, for their ongoing dedication to the publication of the Communiqu�.

Erin Mills United Church | office@emuc.ca |

3010 The Collegeway

Mississauga, Ontario

L5L4X9