COMMUNIQU�
Issue #8November 2014
In This Issue
Lead Article
Worship Schedule
Candlelight Carol Service
Transitions
Heartfelt Thanks to...
From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
Hanging of the Greens
Preparing for Christmas
Advent Candle Lighting
Music for Advent
Children and Youth Choir
White Gift Sunday
White Gift Sunday Drama
Christmas Tea Party
Strategic Goals
Connecting Through Drumming
Peace Vespers
Christmas Shoebox Project
Christmas Assistance
Gifts with Vision
Christmas Cookie Contest
Poinsettias
Festive Food
Out of the Cold
Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate Purchases
An Evening with Dr. Abeulaish
Book Report
Communiqué Deadline Dates
Quick Links

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As you read this edition of the Communique, we are moving into the Advent season, with numerous events and activities taking place.  From seasonal worship services (carol singing begins on November 30 with the lighting of the first Advent candle) to Christmas planning and events, there are opportunities for everyone.  You are invited to participate in the activities and events of our church community. 

In addition to email delivery, this newsletter (and past editions) are available on our church website: emuc.ca.  Thank you for your interest in the Communiqu�.

Communication Committee

Comfort, O Comfort My People

       

Advent arrives a day earlier this year; we actually begin Advent in November!  And while Christmas decorations and music may already be prominently displayed and played in the shopping malls, many of us are scrambling to get ready for God's 'advent' among us.  Reading the introduction to a small book of readings for the Advent/Christmas season, I resonated with the description of how this season often gets played out in our lives.


For the vast majority of us, December flies by in a flurry of activities, and what is called 'the holiday season' turns out to be the most stressful time of year.


It is also a time of contrasting emotions.  We are eager, yet frazzled; sentimental, yet indifferent.  One minute we glow at the thought of getting together with our family and friends; the next we feel utterly lonely.  Our hope is mingled with dread, our anticipation with despair.  We sense the deeper meanings of the season but grasp at them in vain; and in the end, all the bustle leaves us frustrated and drained. (Watch for the Light:  Readings for Advent and Christmas, Orbis Books, 2013)


How often do we enter the Advent Season with high expectation, saying to ourselves, this year will be different; this year I will savour the music and the messages. This year I will simplify my schedule and my preparations.  This year I will ponder and pray, listen and watch. This year I will clear the clutter and the noise and enter fully into the mystery and wonder of God's love. And yet, how often, in spite of our best intentions do we find ourselves in the midst of Advent, frazzled and frenzied, weary and worn!


Thousands of years ago, the prophet Isaiah, spoke these words to a demoralized and weary people.
 

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.  Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken." (Isaiah 40:1-5)


The recipients of this message of comfort were the Hebrew people living in exile, far from their homeland; far from their familiar customs and religious traditions; far from all that once brought them comfort and joy.  


We may not be banished from our homelands, but nevertheless we can find ourselves living in a kind of exile - living a lifestyle or going through our daily routines with the feeling that we are far from the people we long to be.  

In Advent, God 'tears open the heavens and comes down' (Isaiah 64:1); God enters into our places of exile and shows us the way home again; home to God's love; home to the manger where Love is born for us.  


The good news is that getting out of our exile and finding our way home again doesn't have to be a maze of wrong turns and dead ends. Advent is full of sign posts if we keep our eyes and ears and hearts open. 


So, watch and wait for the signs - in your daily encounters with others, in unexpected opportunities to be compassionate, in brief moments of wonder and awe. Attend to the Spirit's guiding voice - in familiar scripture readings, in the ancient melody of carols, in a whispered prayer, in tears and laughter.  Seek the light that draws you to the manger - in the growing circle of candles on the Advent Wreath, in the reflections of joy in a loved one's eyes, in the warmth of hands that reach out to you with peace and generosity.  Trust that step by step and day by day, we walk in the company of the Spirit who draws us deeper into God's presence and into the miracle of God's love born anew among us and within us.


God, today we take a step of faith:

Today we stop hesitating. 

Today we start searching

as wise ones through ages have searched

for the flicker of light, already shining,

for the love that is already growing.


 O God, make us ready now:

shine hope into our despair

so that we can see your guiding star even in the darkness;

breathe peace into our anger 

so that we will not crush love's fragile birth;

sing joy into our tears and bring love into our fears.

Walk with us on the path that lies before us,

so that we may find our home in your grace,

so that we might find a welcome in your heart.  Amen.


Peace, Kathy Toivanen

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Worship Schedule
 

Every Wednesday evening at 6:45 a service of readings, reflection, prayer & communion. Sunday worship is at 10:00 a.m. with EMU Club for children ages 3-8; Jr. Youth for ages 9-13.


Sunday November 23
 

A Worship Service for all ages to celebrate 'Children's Sunday'.  Stay after worship and enjoy a Bread and Soup, cheese and fruit lunch hosted by the Leadership Circle.  An expression of thanks for participating in the annual stewardship program!  After lunch all are invited to stay and help decorate the church for the Advent/Christmas season.


Worship for the Season of Advent: 'Wrapped in Love'


During the Advent and Christmas Season, you are invited to participate in the life of Erin Mills United Church as we anticipate once again God's gift of love in the birth of the Christ Child.  In worship and singing, candlelighting, and decorating, prayer and reflection, celebration and action we will give thanks for God's wonderful and extravagant love born for us, and for all God's people and creation.


November 30  Advent 1 

Theme: 'Tidings of Comfort and Joy-Giving Voice to God's Love' 

Readings:  Isaiah 40: 1-11


December 7  Advent 2  White Gift Sunday  Communion

Theme: 'Unwrapping God's Love'

Drama by Jr. Youth

Readings: Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11; Luke 1: 47-55


December 14  
Advent 3

Theme: 'Bearing God's Love'

Readings: Luke 1: 26-38


December 21  Advent 4

Theme:  'Challenged by God's Love'

Readings: Matthew 1: 18-25  


 
Christmas Eve Worship Services


More information about these services will be available in the December Communique.  For your information, the following services have been scheduled.


2:30 pm  A Service of Remembrance, Hope and Healing

This is a service offered particularly for those who look for an opportunity for a meditative worship service that acknowledges the variety of emotions that can be experienced in this season because of grief, sorrow, separation and personal circumstances. Candle lighting, communion, music, and prayers are part of this reflective service. Contact Kathy Toivanen kathy@emuc.ca or 905-820-9466 to inquire further.


4:30 pm  A Service that brings to life the birth of Christ with a nativity pageant.  Children are invited to participate in this service.  Please look for notices in future announcements for rehearsal dates.


7:00 pm  A Christmas service with dramatic readings that lift up the birth of Christ. Youth and adults are invited to take part in these dramatic readings.  Please contact Kathy Toivanen for more information.


10:00 pm  Candlelight Christmas Communion. Join us by candlelight to sing carols to the Christ Child, to hear again the wonderful Christmas Gospel & its message to us today and to receive the gift of many musical offerings. College & university students are particularly welcome.

Lighting the Christ Candle in all services.


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Candlelight Carol Service 


On Sunday, December 14 at 7 pm, enjoy an evening of readings and congregational carol singing along with contributions from EMUC's music groups & choirs.  Stay after the service for hot cider and Christmas goodies.


Transitions


Condolences to Maureen Jeffers, along with her extended family including her husband, Hilton, and her children, Michael, Marsha and Melissa on the death of Maureen's mother Bernadine Brown on  October 12, 2014.  EMUC mourned Bernadine's death and celebrated her life at a worship service on October 18

 

Condolences to Sarah Cherian on the death of her husband K.V. Cherian on November 5, 2014.  K.V. was connected with EMUC during the 1900s.  Recently, after retirement, he and Sarah moved to Windsor.  


On November 2
, EMUC welcomed new members to be part of this community of Christ's love.  With joy, we give thanks for those who are now part of this congregation: Richard Calley, Carole Neely, Ian and Jo Ann Thompson.


Congratulations to Robert (Bob) Cairns on the occasion of his 90
th birthday on October 30!

 

Congratulations to Joanne Hedge who was covenanted into a new ministry at Applewood United Church, Mississauga on November 2, 2014. 
 

Thanks!


Mary Anna Williams, Keith Ford, Mike and Sue Ogilvie, David Leeder, Fred Shepley, Gary Hines and David Brignall for their much appreciated efforts at performing numerous tasks in and around the church property.

 

Irene Bruneau and Laurie Currie for their support in assisting in clerical organization in the church office.

 

David Leeder, Mike and Sue Ogilvie for preparing the Stewardship material.

 

Tim Hayes for leading the Hiking Group outings.

 

The worship and music committees, along with Len Feldman for their organization and leadership of two special music worship services.

 

Thanks to all who took leadership in readings for these special services.

 

Sylvia Arnold and others who helped to host the reception following the funeral of Bernadine Brown.

 

Tim Hayes for his ongoing involvement in overseeing the HVAC replacement.

 

Sandy Hayes for her participation in the recent reception of new members.

 

Cindy Young for taking on the chair of the Health and Safety Committee.


From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
 

As we approach the end of another calendar year, we are into the time of Stewardship.  One element of this year's campaign is to try reach out to those folks who are connected to EMUC but not fully engaged in terms of supporting EMUC either financially or with their time. This is in line with the third goal of Sustainability in our Strategic Plan.  

We aim to have everyone at EMUC contribute financially as they are able. Please consider contributing to EMUC if you are not already doing so.

Another point I want to mention is that we are going to appoint a Nominating Committee.  Planning for succession of EMUC lay leadership is vitally important and we need to have this committee helping us do that.  Again please prayerfully consider taking on leadership if you are able to so.

This month we will have Halton Presbytery Oversight Committee visit EMUC.  I feel we are doing well as a congregation despite the challenges we face and look forward to the Leadership Circle having an opportunity to show as much and celebrate all the good things happening at EMUC.
 

Paul Marot, Chair of EMUC Leadership Circle

Hanging of the Greens 


On Sunday, November 23 at 11:30 am, join us for a hot lunch hosted by the Leadership Circle and then help decorate the church for Advent and Christmas.  This is an all-ages event.

Preparing for Christmas


Through music, reading, reflection, discussion and prayer, you are invited to join this small group opportunity to prepare for Christ's birth.  You can participate in a three-evening gathering on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm - 9 pm November 26, December 3, 10 or on three daytime gatherings on Friday November 28 at 10 am - 11:30 am, Thursday December 4 10 am - 11:30 am, Friday December 12 at 10 am - 11:30 am.  Details of the theme of these sessions will follow shortly; however, you may wish to save the dates now.  

Lighting the Candles on the Advent Wreath


Beginning on Sunday November 30
 candles are lit each Sunday during Advent as we make our way to Christmas Eve.  There are opportunities for all ages including younger children (non-readers) to participate in this annual ritual.  Contact Nancy Stevenson if you would like to participate.


Music in the Advent Season


Carol Singing will be part of all the Sunday worship services beginning on November 30
.  EMUC's choirs and musical groups, along with the Bell Choir are already practising new festive music for the season!  You can join them!  Watch for announcements for practices. 


'Awesome' - Children and Youth Choir


All young folk are invited to join the choir to practice music for Advent. Practices are held following Sunday worship during November and December.  Contact Bonnie Turner for more information.
 

White Gift Sunday


On Sunday December 7
 gifts of food are received during worship for the various food banks and the Springfield breakfast program. Money gifts in white envelopes are offered for EMUC's outreach ministries in the local community as well as for the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, which supports ministries and outreach projects in Canada and around the world.  Gifts of clothing and toys as well as financial contributions to EMUC's outreach to those in the immediate community will also be received on this Sunday.


White Gift Sunday Drama


Practices for the youth drama on White Gift Sunday December 7
 have begun. All those in Junior Youth are welcome to participate.  Practices are during morning worship on Sundays. Contact Bonnie Turner for more information.


Daytime Christmas Tea Party 


Each year, folks gather to enjoy a festive afternoon with Christmas baking, carol singing, conversation, and a festive surprise, ending with a communion service. Plan to be part of this festive event on Wednesday December 10 
at 2:00 pm.  Bring a friend or neighbour! 


'Engagement': One of EMUC's Strategic Goals


In his book,
Being Consumed, William Cavanaugh, a Professor of Theology at DePaul University in Chicago, describes consumerism as a 'restless spirit that is never content with any particular material thing'.  Rather than being overly attached to material possessions, according to Cavanaugh, a consumer culture is all about detachment to material things. 

 
He says that our relationship with the products that we buy is short-lived; and that rather than valuing treasured objects, consumers are characterized by a constant dissatisfaction with material goods.  A good consumer is always in pursuit of something new; always longing to make the next acquisition.  After all, how can we be content with the smart phone we have when a new one has just been developed and is loaded with all the latest technology?  How can we wear last year's clothes when the fashions this year promise to make us more attractive?  How can we prepare good meals in a kitchen with an old formica laminate countertop when quartz and granite countertops are really the way to go?

 

That's why it is not simply buying but shopping that is at the heart of consumerism.  And each time we shop, we hold out the hope that this time, our purchase will fulfill us in some way - making us happier, more successful, wiser ... you name it.

 

Sadly, that shopping routine can also creep into our relationships with one another.  We can find ourselves standing back in a rather detached manner, sizing up our friendships or our commitments to groups or organizations. How much are they fulfilling us? Are we happier because of them?  Have they helped us achieve what we want in life?  Have they made us more successful?  

 

Of course it is important to experience fulfillment in our relationships with one another; however, long-lasting and substantial fulfillment usually happens when we are committed to each other and engaged in each other's lives through thick and thin and for the long term.  

 

When we think of our most fulfilling relationships, it is the long-term ones that come to mind; the ones where we've been connected with the lives of others through all the joys and all the 'crap' in life.  And frankly, it is through these relationships where we come face to face the sacred; with the face of Christ.  Through engagement with others, we are deeply loved and we learn to love; we've been forgiven and we persevere with the hard work of forgiving; we experience the joy of both giving and receiving; we've been comforted in sorrow and have eased the pain of others; we've been mentored and encouraged to develop our gifts and skills and we've nurtured others as they've grown and matured in a variety of ways.  

 

EMUC's second strategic goal is 'engagement'.  This goal expresses the desire that those who connect with EMUC will become increasingly engaged in the life and work of EMUC.  Why?

 

Because to engage in the life and work of EMUC, is to be engaged with a community that seeks to embody the love of Christ.  Week by week and year by year, we seek to be the face of Christ for one another and in the wider community.  It is through such an engagement that we are strengthened to live in hope through disappointment and loss.  It is through such an engagement that we experience generosity and learn to live gratefully.  It is through such an engagement that we practice peacemaking and forgiveness that has the power to hold us together in the midst of our diversity and differences, our failures and faults.  It is through such an engagement that we rejoice and delight as others shine and we find the courage to let our light shine forth.  It is through such engagement that Christ dwells among us, guiding our restless spirits beyond discontent to find meaning and depth in life.  

 

In my engagement with others, how do I show the face of Christ to them?

In my engagement with others, where do I see the face of Christ?

How can I be engaged in the life and work of EMUC, so that together we can be the face of Christ for one another and the community?

  

Connecting Through Drumming


Women for Women met on Friday Oct 24.  Twenty-six women enjoyed conversation and community during a delicious dinner prepared by Sue Ogilvie.  This was followed by learning to drum.  It was amazing to see the connections to various rhythms and beats.  It was truly a fun-filled evening!





Peace Vespers


On Nov. 9, EMUC held Peace Vespers as a way of marking the week of Remembrance.  The music included variations of peace music from over the years, arranged by Len Feldman and performed by a String Trio.  The trio was Carmen Lasceski on violin, Bruce Radmacher on Cello and Len Feldman on piano. 


Readings of the resolutions of peace for among nations, families, and the planet, along with prayers and reflections to commemorate the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall were read by Derry Bunting, Janet Tait, Spencer Ekels, Roni Beharry, Cindy Young, Sylvia Arnold and Larry van Goozen.  The vesper service was followed by a light reception.  Thanks to those who helped host and provide refreshments. 




Christmas Shoebox Project


The women of Circle of Friends donated and prepared seven shoeboxes for the Shoebox Project. The Shoebox Project for Shelters collects small gifts that are packaged in shoeboxes and are then distributed to women in shelters in our community just before the Christmas holidays.  The shoeboxes are filled with items that a woman would enjoy but would not splurge on for herself in times of difficulty. A typical shoebox is valued at between $50 and $75.

 

These shoeboxes go a long way towards brightening the lives of women in shelters to let them know they are special and not forgotten. Local volunteers deliver the gift boxes for the holidays.

 

In October the boxes were decorated and delivered to the Shoebox Project organization.  Thanks to all who contributed and helped with this project.




Christmas Community Assistance  


This year instead of asking people to fill a hamper full of food for a festive meal, EMUC invites those wishing to support Christmas outreach by donating toward Gift Cards from local grocery or retail establishments. In the past a hamper had about $50 in groceries and a turkey valued at about $20. The gift tag tree will be placed in the narthex with tags indicating desired gifts by the children of the families we are assisting. The signup sheets will be up on November 16.  
Volunteers will deliver the gifts and grocery vouchers on Saturday December 13. 


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Gifts with Vision

 

Pick up your copy of this giving catalogue made available by the United Church of Canada and be part of doing something extra with Untied Church partners in mission and ministry.  You can choose gifts to support education programs, children and youth, gifts to address poverty and hunger, gifts for vital programs in Canada and around the world.  

Choose gifts that match your interest and ability to contribute financially. The catalogue includes gift tags.  The online version of the catalogue is available at Gifts with Vision.

 

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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!

Poinsettias for Sale


Poinsettia Plants will be available again this year.  Orders will be taken in 
November and plants will be available in early December. You can choose to dedicate your plant in memory of a loved one and place it in the worship space for the Advent/Christmas season. 


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Festive Food


French Canadian tourtiere meat pies are available again this year. Other savoury entrees and Christmas baking will be available; cooked to perfection by EMUC's 'Loaves and Dishes' group. Sign up now to order your tourtieres.  


Information about other baked items and frozen homemade entrees will be posted each week.  Contact the church office for information about ordering and delivery.

Out of the Cold


Donations of clean and gently used winter outerwear (jackets, boot, hats, scarves, mittens, etc.) are taken on a regular basis to the Open Door at Square One for distribution.  You may drop off your items to EMUC.

Fair Trade Coffee, Tea & Chocolate Purchases 


Planet Bean provides you with the best tasting coffee possible, grown without chemicals, and paid for in a way that is fair to farmers.   Consider purchasing coffee for your own use and for gifts.   As well as coffee, Planet Bean offers four types of fair trade tea, fair trade chocolate (milk and dark bars), as well as hot chocolate (milk and dark).  Final Christmas orders will be placed early in December.  Please record your order on the order form, found in the binder by the coffee display at the back of the church.  Place payment in the envelope in the binder.  For questions and product information contact Shirley at 905-820-6639.

An Evening with Dr. Abuelaish


The speaker at Mississauga Library's 'Canadian Success Stories' series on Oct. 28 was Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, author of
I Shall Not Hate and a professor at Univ. of Toronto.  A dozen people from EMUC were moved by his message, just as a larger group from the congregation had been when they heard him speak at Scarboro Mission.  This physician is a gynecologist and infertility specialist born and raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip.  He lived in Gaza but made the difficult border crossing daily to work in an Israeli hospital.  In 2008 his wife, and mother of his 8 children, died of cancer and was buried where the Israelis chose.  Four months later, his well-known house was bombed by Israel and 3 daughters and a niece were killed in their bedroom; he was not permitted to bury them with their mother.  

 

Dr. Abuelaish's response to this tragedy brought him to the world's attention and resulted in several nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. He stated: "If my daughters were the last sacrifice on the road to peace, then I would accept their death."  He started the Daughters for Life foundation, www.daughtersforlife.comand works as a humanitarian to improve health and education for women in the Middle East.

   

His advice: 

  • Instead of hating the perpetrator, challenge the perpetrator.  Instead of seeking revenge, seek justice.
  • Have faith, hope and take action: learn, speak out, engage.  

In response to Roni Beharry's question, "What gave you the strength to not hate?" he responded: 


"#1, my faith; #2, my faith.  The Quran describes hatred as a disease.  Hatred is contagious and it would spread to my children.  
Hatred is a fire that burns the one who carries it."


In addition, his life experience and his living children give him strength. 

 

This compassionate physician further underscored the importance of seeking reconciliation with God and with each other. He advised that a good starting point is getting to know each other, beyond politics. Empathy develops through the process of relationship building, and moves us to action. 

 

In late summer he got agreement from 5 Ontario hospitals and the Ontario government to treat 100 children from Gaza from among 11,000 wounded by bombs in summer 2014.  All medical arrangements are made but the Federal government is not providing visas. See www.heal100kids.com.

        

We can all help by writing to the PM and our MP's and MPP's about this: no stamp required to write PM or MP.   

Address: House of Commons

Parliament Buildings

Ottawa, Ontario   K1A 0A6

 

Mississauga Library has numerous copies of the doctor's amazing, short book, I Shall Not Hate.  Or you can buy it and all profits go to Daughters for Life foundation.


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Book Report 

 

The War That Ended Peace: the Road to 1914, by Margaret MacMillan (published in 2013)


Do the actions and issues that led to the First World War provide any warnings for us in 2014? The rearrangements and shifting alliances prior to 1914 are similar to what is happening today. MacMillan writes about the period 1900 to 1914. They were not tranquil times. There were three wars in the Balkans. France and Germany had almost gone to war over Morocco. There Germany wanted a naval base on the west coast on the Atlantic Ocean, while France wanted to maintain complete control over her African colony. 


Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany (a first cousin of the King of England) was jealous of the size of Britain's navy. So Germany embarked on a massive warship building program. Prussia, the largest part of the new German nation, regarded the rest of the German provinces as "soft" while it had a powerful, disciplined army and a well thought out plan how it could invade France by going through neutral Belgium.

 

Britain liked to see a balance of the powers in Europe. First it drew up an alliance with Germany. (The British royal family had its origins in Germany.)  But later it became worried about Germany's military and industrial power. To keep Germany in check, Britain signed alliances with Russia and France. In response, Germany now felt encircled by these alliances, so it secured treaties with the Austrian/Hungarian Empire.  When a Serbian assassinated the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand in June, 2014, Austria with Germany's support went to war with Serbia. Russia supported Serbia, and the other alliances came into force.   Britain came to neutral Belgium's aid. Canada, being a colony of Britain at that time was automatically involved. Most of the Canadian men who signed up in the first two years of the war had been born in Britain. In many small towns and villages in Canada there are Cenotaphs listing the names of those who died in battle.

 

Alliances keep shifting. A few months ago we wanted the dictator of Syria to go. Now we seek his aid in letting our planes use his airfields to fight the Caliphate. Now we view Syria as a possible ally.  Friendships change.


Lloyd Freel 

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Communiqu� Dates for 2014


Copy Deadline
Publication
November 7
November 23
November 28
December 14

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

Your feedback is appreciated.  If you have any comments regarding this newsletter, please contact the church office at office@emuc.ca.  Thank you for your interest in the Communiqu�.