'Since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.' (2 Corinthians 4:1) These words that the apostle Paul wrote to a first century congregation are still words to heed today in the church of the 21^st century.  As many of you know by now, the United Church of Canada, of which EMUC is a member congregation, is actively engaged in a process of review and visioning - a review of the structure of the denomination and a process of envisioning a what it means to be a faithful church in the future.  It is challenging work and yet we do not lose heart because the Spirit is alive among us!

The Comprehensive Review Task Group has been appointed to oversee this work, and they recently provided an interim report.  In 2013, they asked presbyteries to read, reflect and respond to their discussion paper 'Fishing on the Other Side'.  All 86 presbyteries across Canada responded. In a similar process designed for conferences, all 13 conferences participated in discussion and offered responses.  These responses along with contributions from individuals, congregations and special consultations with First Nations UCC folk, youth and young adults will now be part of the mix as the task group prepares draft recommendations for the General Council Executive in November in preparation for decision-making at the meeting of the 42^nd General Council in August in Newfoundland. 

Here's an excerpt from their September progress report.  "In these conversations, we heard consensus around who we want to be as a church: committed to a progressive and thoughtful theology; passionate about encouraging encounters with God in life-changing ways; followers of Jesus; and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  We also heard a belief that the United Church of the future will be made up of vibrant communities of faith that will take many different forms and expressions.  And we heard a continuing commitment to live out our Creed:  to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to see justice and resist evil, and to proclaim Jesus."   

In considering future directions for the UCC, a number of areas are under discussion.  Some of these areas are: the responsibility and authority for local church buildings and property, the oversight of local churches and their ministers (currently the presbytery is responsible), the Mission and Service Fund, the role and number of regional and national church staff, ongoing relationships with Aboriginal faith communities, and policies around voting and membership.  You can look at the collected opinions to date by going to http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/general/140929

If you click on Presbyteries and Conferences, you can see the reports in detail.  

Erin Mills United Church, through the Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Leadership Circle in August, is now in the information-sharing and implementation phase.  On a smaller scale, this plan charts a way for EMUC to live into the future. While strongly rooted in the United Church Creed and in EMUC's Covenant Statement, the Strategic Plan does encourage all participants in the congregation to recommit in new ways to foster and nurture spiritual transformation, to strengthen engagement in the life and work of EMUC and to build toward a financially sustainable future.  

Without the commitment and participation of people, visions and strategic plans for the future of our national church or for our local congregation are only pieces of paper. I encourage you to attend the information session on Sunday October 19^th after worship to hear more about EMUC's strategic plan.  And come not only to learn more about the plan, come to discern how you can be involved because Christ calls all of us to be engaged in this important life's work of expressing God's love.

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Plan to participate in an information session on EMUC's new strategic plan on Sunday October 19^th following morning worship. Copies of the strategic plan are available at EMUC.

Sunday mornings are lively at EMUC as people gather for worship.  It is good to hear people greet one another and reconnect.  In order to help make the transition from this lively time of conversation to a time of pausing to centre and pray to prepare for worship, the Worship Committee is introducing a 'quiet time' just prior to worship.  While Len Feldman provides music on the piano, a short written prayer will be posted on the screen.  You are encouraged to use this time to quietly pray and meditate.  The Worship Committee appreciates feedback on this and any other new changes.  

Earlier this year, Erin Mills United Church gratefully received the gift of a complete set of hand bells and chimes.  A group of those who had never played the bells before along with a few with experience worked together and delighted the congregation with their first musical offering on Easter Sunday.  It is time to get those bells ringing once again.  

Len Feldman is arranging a bell ringing workshop in early November led by Karen Campbell.  This is a great learning opportunity for anyone who has played the bells along with newcomers who would like to try this unique musical expression.  Stay tuned for updates on the day and time of the workshop.

Once again, everyone will have an opportunity to prepare for this festive and holy season by decorating the church.  Following worship on Sunday November 23, there will be a light lunch.  Please stay for lunch and to help decorate afterward. 

The United Church of Canada launched a new 'Gifts with Vision' giving catalogue after three successful pilot years that raised $900,000 for more than 60 Mission and Service partners. Gifts range from $10 to $250 and can be made in the name of friends or family members. 

Copies of the catalogue are available at EMUC or you can go on line at 

http://www.giftswithvision.ca/

A great way to give a gift and support the important work of the UCC with partners in Canada and around the World.

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Christmas Cookie Contest

Dust off your favourite Christmas cookie recipe and plan to enter EMUC's Christmas cookie contest.  Contestants are asked to bake one batch of their favourite cookie for Sunday November 23 and to bring in a copy of the recipe.  

Cookies will be judged at the 'Hanging of the Greens' event following Sunday worship.  After the judging, cookies and recipes will be available for purchase.  Plan to participate in this delicious EMUC fundraiser!

"Canoeing Across Canada" Special Speaker

During the summer of 2013, six outdoor educators and enthusiasts spent 120 days paddling and over 5000 km through the waterways of Canada. 'The Paddle Across Canada Tour' followed the route of the North West Company fur traders from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta to Lachine, Quebec. Throughout their journey they raised over $10,000 to help further programs to engage youth with Canada's landscapes. The team is still active, having just raced the Kingston to Ottawa canoe marathon in August. Come hear Peter Hodgkinson's nephew, Peter Vooys, speak about their adventure on Wednesday October 15th at EMUC 7:30 pm. For more information on the expedition go to www.paddleacrosscanadatour.org

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Dr. Abeulaish Speaks at the Central Library

Dr. Abuelaish, a Palestinian physician born and raised in Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza, has dedicated his life to peacemaking between Palestinians and Israelis.  He is founder and president of the 'Daughters for Life' foundation and author of the book, "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey".  He will speak at the Noel Ryan Auditorium on October 28 from 

6-8 pm. There is no charge.  To register call 905-615-3500, Ext. 3589.

Multi-Faith Worship and Peace Gathering

St. John's United Church, Oakville, hosted a rich afternoon on the theme, "most pressing issues confronting the global promotion of peace."  Nine members of EMUC attended on Sept. 21st.  People from 5 different faiths provided an opening interfaith worship experience.

Judy Deutsch, Director of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) quoted their website (www.ijvcanada.org) "People who are most helpful are those who have a sense of the reality of other people."  IJV describes itself as representing Jews in Canada who have in common a strong commitment to social justice and universal human rights.  

Dr. Deutsch ended by pointing out that 3 countries who haven't signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty -- Israel, Pakistan and India - could contribute to world peace by doing so.

Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of Kairos, spoke powerfully on bringing about peace.  KAIROS, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, unites eleven churches and religious organizations in faithful action for ecological justice and human rights. Rooted in theological reflection, KAIROS pursues these goals through Research, Education, Partnership and Advocacy.  Jennifer emphasized that Kairos seeks a just peace - not peace at any price.  See www.kairoscanada.org.

Rev. Dr. Mervyn Russell of St. John's United, who chaired the event, has asked if any EMUC members would be interested in joining the Oakville Kairos committee.  

Theme speaker was Haroon Siddiqui, Toronto Star editorial page editor emeritus and a member of the Order of Canada. He spoke of how  our nation can contribute to world peace, and lamented the loss of Canada's former role as a peacekeeper in the world.  We are being rebranded as a warrior nation - witness expensive attempts to glorify the War of 1812.  Siddiqui recommended 2 books: What We Talk about When We Talk About War by Noah Richler, and Rebranding Canada by Ian McKay. He lamented increasing double-speak:  lethal bombing is called a 'surgical strike,' kill becomes 'neutralize', and war itself becomes a 'mission.'  He observed that a strong civil society is important to peace, and there is an enormous chill on civil society in Canada today. 

The afternoon ended with a Q&A, and a delicious multi-faith buffet where round tables facilitated interpersonal interfaith dialogue.

Visit to Shiromani Sikh Sangat

Following the service on Sunday, September 28, sixteen members of EMUC visited the Sikh Gurudwara at the corner of Glen Erin Drive and Dunwin . The former office building has been transformed to a place of worship and gathering for members of the Sikh community in Mississauga.  We were warmly welcomed by Harman Singh and Sukhjit Singh who oriented us on the courtesies to observe during our visit. Harman and Sukhjit accompanied us on a   tour of the Gurudwara, freely answering all of our questions and explaining the history and symbols of Sikhism as we went along. The centre of worship is the Holy Scripture placed at the centre of the worship area and chanted throughout the day. The tour  was followed by a vegetarian lunch served in the Langar hall. The Langar, staffed by volunteers, is a free vegetarian kitchen where everybody sits together and enjoys a meal as equals. This exemplifies the Sikh pillars of egalitarianism and sharing. Thank you to Harman and Sukjhit for the time you spent answering our questions   and to the members of the  Gurdwara  and volunteers  in the Langar for the warm welcome.  Thank you also to Marlene Cuthbert, Larry Van Goozen, and Roni Beharry for organizing the visit.
 

Deborah Sturgeon

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