As you read this edition of the Communique, we are moving into the final two Sundays of Advent followed by the Christmas season. We would like to draw your attention in particular to the numerous and varied opportunities for worship that lie ahead during the next few weeks. You are invited to participate in the activities and events of our church community.

A heartfelt thanks to all of those, too many to name, who work behind the scenes throughout the year to make EMUC such a thriving environment.

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�.

Please note that the Communiqu� is not published in January.

Communication Committee

Christmas Greetings from the Staff of EMUC

Enduring Love

A friend of mine says that the Christmas stories of Jesus' birth have 'patina'. Patina is the tarnish that can dull metals like copper or bronze. It is the sheen on wood that comes from aging, polishing and general wear and tear. Antique collectors often choose to leave the patina on the items they collect because it gives them a certain appeal. The signs of wear and tear and age, are part of their enduring beauty.

To say that the Christmas stories of Jesus' birth have patina is to say that they are stories that tell of God's enduring love, a love that prevails even against the adversities in life and the wear and tear of hardship. The stories of Jesus' birth are not shiny and perfect, like a glittering decoration on a Christmas tree. God's love in Jesus comes to birth in the midst of poverty and fear; hostile forces and the threats of death. The patina of the Christmas stories gives them a depth of power and strength that a shiny decoration could never offer. If God's gift of love prevailed against adversity and threat over 2000 Christmases ago, then that same gift of love can prevail in you and me and in our world at Christmas this year.

Into lives that are battered and worn by worry and want, into a world that is tarnished and dulled by sorrow and pain, Christ is born and God's love prevails. In the patina of your own life this Christmas, may you experience God's prevailing and enduring love.

Peace, Kathy Toivanen

Greetings from Peter Kiteley

We are asked to live the Spirit of Christmas throughout the whole year; all 52 weeks! In my position as your office administrator I am a witness to Christmas miracles that do occur throughout the year by the actions of our church family. Our minister Kathy with her leadership and kindness supports our acts of kindness, efforts to correct social injustices, and provide consolation for times of grief and sadness. Truly this is the essence of the Christmas spirit, Christmas love, throughout the year.

I want to thank all those who assist me in my church duties; Sylvia Arnold as my backup, Irene Bruneau my regular office assistant, the weekly bulletin folding team of Rhana and Georganne Vickery, the property maintenance crew of Larry van Goozen, Sue Ogilvie and David Leeder. Others who perform various tasks include David Brignall, Fred Shepley, Mary Anna Williams, Sue and Mike Ogilvie. Laurie Currie has been a great inspiration in organizing our space and files. A special thank you goes to Irene Pajot and all who contribute to the Christmas Assistance program. Thank you to Muriel Hamdani, my M&P representative.

May the Spirit of Christ enrich you with God's blessings in the year ahead.

Peter Kiteley, Office Administrator

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Advent Waiting

During one of the Advent reflection and study sessions, participants were invited to write an Advent prayer/poem. The following was written by Peter Hodgkinson.

Zechariah and Elizabeth were faithful but childless.

God's way can be our way.

Zechariah could not believe he would be a parent.

God's way can be our way.

An angel told him the good news of John's birth.

God's way became their way and John became a reality.

Joseph was confused and disappointed with Mary's news.

God's way can be our way.

Mary was fearful and concerned of being shunned.

God's way can be our way.

An angel helped Joseph understand Mary's gift.

God's way became their way and Emmanuel was a reality.

Mary was visited by Gabriel- messenger of God.

God's way can be our way.

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EMUC Christmas Office Hours

The church office will be closed from Tuesday, December 23 at 1pm through to Tuesday, December 30 at 1pm.

The office will close for New Year's at 12:30 noon on Wednesday, December 31 and open again on Friday, January 2 from 9am to 4 pm.

Regular office hours resume on Monday, January 5.

Kathy Toivanen will be away from the office from December 25 to January 1 inclusive.

For pastoral emergencies during her holidays, please call the church office 905-820-9466, extension 22. Messages will be checked regularly.

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Worship with Erin Mills United Church

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

December 14 Advent 3

Theme: 'Bearing God's Love'

Readings: Luke 1: 26-38

Candlelight Carol Service

December 14 at 7 pm. Enjoy an evening of candlelighting, readings and congregational carol singing along with contributions from EMUC's music groups & choirs. Stay after the service for hot cider and Christmas goodies and an opportunity to connect with friends old and new.

December 21 Advent 4

Theme: 'Challenged by God's Love'

Readings: Matthew 1: 18-25

Christmas Eve Worship

2:30 pm A Service of Remembrance, Hope and Healing - especially for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one or who may find this season particularly difficult due to 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 Nativity Pageant A service for all ages as children help to retell the Christmas Story with pageant and song. Carol Singing.

7:00 pm A festive Christmas service with dramatic readings with leadership by some of EMUC's youth. Come and celebrate Christ's birth with Christmas Carols and the nativity story.

10:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Communion with readings and reflections, carols and special music to celebrate Christ's birth. College & university students are particularly welcome.

Lighting the Christ Candle in all services.

Sunday December 29 at 10:00 am An informal worship service for all ages with leadership by Roni Beharry.

Worship in the New Year

Sunday January 4 at 10 am Celebrating the Season of Epiphany

To find out more about the Sundays in January 2015, please look to the EMUC website or to the weekly Friday message.

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Transitions

Condolences to Sarah Cherian on the death of her husband KV. KV and Sarah were members of EMUC until their move to Windsor.

Congratulations to Roni Beharry, who has been approved as an inquirer by Halton Presbytery. During a year of discernment, Roni and a discernment committee composed of three members of EMUC and two members of Presbytery will explore Roni's call to ministry. At the end of the year, the committee will bring a recommendation to the Leadership Circle with regard to Roni's call. Thank you to Laura Macro, Danielle Fearon and Brian Takayesu who have agreed to serve on this committee.

Congratulations to Len Feldman who celebrates 5 years as Music Director with EMUC!

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Thanks!

Len Feldman, Bruce Radmacher, and Carmen Lasceski for providing the music for the Peace Vespers and to those who led in the readings and hosted the reception following.

The Membership and Pastoral Care Committee for hosting the Advanced Care Planning Workshop.

Tim Hayes for liaising with those who are installing the new HVAC system in the church building.

The Circle of Friends and the Worship Committee for decorating the church for the Christmas season.

The choirs and musicians who contributed to the meaningful worship during Advent.

The Junior Youth group - Victoria Cochrane-Ford, Isaac Kashino, Ashley Kaur, Alex Love, Vanessa Santamaria, Ryan Sweetnam, Mailyn Takayesu, Tianne Takayesu along with Bonnie Turner for their annual offering of a White Gift Drama.

All who made tourtieres as part of the Loaves and Dishes fundraising efforts for EMUC, with coordination by Sue Ogilvie and Barb Jennings.

Irene Pajot, Irene Bruneau and Peter Kiteley for their coordination of the Christmas outreach to the community.

The congregation and wider community for supporting this outreach endeavor.

Barbara Jennings, Janet Morrison, and Jim Watts for all their work this past year in publishing our various on-line communications such as the website, newsletter, and Friday Message. These are back-office activities without which the job won't get done but often can go unnoticed.

Barbara Jennings for creating messages for the EMUC electronic sign and updating the photo board.

Lynda Appleby for leading worship on November 16.

Bonnie Turner, Brian Takayesu, Larry van Goozen for their support of the Advent worship at Erinview Lodge.

Muriel and Usman Hamdani for hosting the EMUC staff Christmas party and to the Ministry & Personnel Committee for their support.

Members of the Leadership Circle for providing the 'Souper' Luncheon to conclude the fall stewardship program.

Mike Ogilvie for his administration of the statement of intention pledges for the 2014 EMUC budget.

Debby Sturgeon for organizing the sale of poinsettias and to all who contributed poinsettias for decoration in the sanctuary.

The knitters and providers of warm clothing for the mitten tree and 'Out of the Cold'.

Sharon Baker, Sheryl Stinson and Sonia Neilson for their dedicated leadership with EMU Club this fall!

Deb Siertsema for hosting an Advent gathering of youth.

Laurie Currie for her assistance with office reorganization.

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From the Chair of the Leadership Circle

Last week, I went through past Communique newsletters to reflect back on the year. What stands out is not what we at EMUC have done and all the activities offered, but rather I am drawn each time to the Thanks section in those newsletters. All the names of the volunteers who give so generously of their time. Let us celebrate that and to all of you, may God bless you for what you do.

Looking back again, one of the themes in many reports has been getting people to do substantive volunteer work; i.e., serve on committees as opposed to getting volunteers for short-term project type activities. It was noted in our recent Presbytery oversight visit. The Leadership Circle is trying to address this. We have had some success and so I wish to particularly thank those folk who have stepped forward this year into new positions or roles. Your fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energy will help carry us forward as we grow EMUC towards our Vison. The nominating Committee was formed at the last LC meeting and will soon start its work. Please contact me or any one of the committee members, Kathy Toivanen, Sandy Hayes, Joanne Wood, David Leeder or myself if you wish to know anything about volunteer positions available.

At this time I would also like to thank our LC members for a great year. We have had a really solid group though the whole year and they have all worked so well, which has made my task easy.

Please remember to complete your stewardship campaign Statement of Givings if you have not already done so and to contribute generously to our Christmas Offering envelope.

On behalf of the Leadership Circle, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas with your families, at EMUC.

Paul Marot, Chair of EMUC Leadership Circle

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Daytime Christmas Party

Wednesday December 10 at 2pm. An afternoon with festive food of the season, good conversation, the annual Christmas quiz challenge, and carol singing. The afternoon will conclude with a communion service. Bring a friend or a neighbour!

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Christmas Offerings

Special Christmas Envelopes will be mailed to EMUC participants and will be available at the church. As you celebrate the God's gifts in this season, you support Erin Mills United to share Christ's love by your Christmas offering. All offerings are tax deductible. EMUC closes its books on December 31, so please ensure that your offerings are contributed by year end.

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Out of the Cold

Collection of warm clothing, along with boots, continues throughout the winter months.

Please drop off gently used and clean clothes or new purchases.

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Foodbanks & Breakfast Club

Even with seasonal food drives, there is always a need for ongoing donations of food and financial resources to the foodbanks. Erin Mills United Church has many active volunteers with the Deacon's Cupboard and the Springfield Breakfast Program. Please continue to contribute to these organizations during this festive season when food plays a central part.

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Gifts with Vision

The United Church's 'Gifts with Vision' catalogue is available for pick up at EMUC or you can go on line to contribute at http://www.giftswithvision.ca/

Gifts range from $10 to $250 and can be made in the name of friends or family members. Support the work of the United Church of Canada Mission and Service Fund both here in Canada and around the world.

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United Church of Canada: Congregational Membership

The Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee invites people to respond to a proposal being prepared for the 42nd General Council next summer for a new structure of church membership. To read the proposal go to UCMembershipProposal

All responses must be received by January 15, 2015 to Bruce Gregersen

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Vigils for Climate Leadership: Light for Lima

Next year, nearly 200 countries across the world will meet in Paris to sign a universal agreement to address climate change. The language, strength, and effectiveness of this agreement are still being determined, making the input and voices of citizens around the world critical in the coming months. In preparation for this major action to address climate change worldwide, this December, leaders will gather in Lima for the UN Climate Change Conference.

To show support for this effort and to urge and encourage leaders bravely to succeed, OurVoices (a global, faith-based climate justice movement) is organizing #LightForLima, a global series of prayer vigils on the evening of Sunday, December 7, in communities around the world. Canada is a key player in these climate negotiations.

To keep abreast of the news at the Climate Change Conference, go to

http://unfccc.int/2860.php

Please keep vigil with those at the conference by lighting a candle and praying this prayer.

Gracious God, your amazing love extends through time and space, to all parts of your creation, which you created and called good. Your covenant with the human family is remembered in every rainbow in the sky, symbolizing your promise of love and blessing to every living creature, and to all successive generations. In Jesus, you invite us to enter into a new covenant, in communion with all who seek to be faithful to you and to do justice. As people of faith, we are called into covenant. Your covenant of faithfulness and love extends to the whole creation. Today we pray for the healing of our planet that present and future generations may enjoy the fruits of creation, and continue to glorify and praise you. Amen

-by Carlos J. Correa Bernier

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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�.