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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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We are now in the Easter Season. Gold is the colour for this season. The Season of Easter begins on April 5 and continues until May 23. We would like to draw your attention to the worship schedule, which contains the dates for the Easter services, as well as numerous upcoming events.
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 Communiqué.
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Easter on the Move
Can you imagine what it must have been like for the disciples at the first Easter tide? Can you imagine them at the empty tomb or on the occasions when the risen Christ appeared to them? In the Gospels, we read that they were surprised, amazed and sometimes even frightened. It must have been really difficult to comprehend what had happened. After the crucifixion, they had expected to encounter death and despair and instead they encountered life and hope. I can imagine them asking the risen Christ to sit down with them and to explain to them in full detail how all this could possibly have happened. I can imagine them asking him to stay with them just as he once did during his years of teaching and healing in the Galilee region. But the risen Christ doesn't stick around long. In every resurrection appearance, he is there for a brief moment - sharing a meal by the seashore, breaking bread with travellers, responding to Thomas' questions - and then he is gone.
The truth of the matter is that the risen Christ is always on the move, always going ahead of us out into life; out into the world. We plead with him, 'Stay! Stay!' Christ answers, 'Follow! Follow!'
Theologian and writer, Barbara Brown Taylor comments, 'Those are our choices, it seems: we can beg him to stay with us or we can follow him. We can plead with him to stay put and, when he does not, we can sit alone with our memories...or we can go after him and plunge into the crowd right behind him. Although the sea of faces that parted for him closes back in on us, we can still catch a glimpse of him here and there in the face of a gardener, a foreigner, a stranger on the road. If we are thorough we will handle each person we meet with care, just in case it is he; if we are diligent we will wash some feet along the way, feed some hungers, soothe some sorrows, just in case they are his.'
Celebrating Easter is about movement; it's about chasing after the risen Christ as he makes his way in the world; as he surprises those along the way with hope and new life. If we dare to follow him, we too can be about his work of shattering despair and challenging the forces of death in the world. We too can be about restoring hope and nurturing new life to grow.
In this Easter issue of the Communique, you will see evidence of Easter on the move:
- In community gatherings where we celebrate with dancing or by hiking in God's good creation.
- In opportunities to learn ways to be a source of support and hope in our community where mental health issues are a very real part of life.
- In events to celebrate new ways of seeing the world through the artistic creations of some of our EMUC folk.
- In educational evenings where we can learn about the power of the soil to sustain life, and our role in protecting that power for life.
- In worship where we encounter the risen Christ who fills us with awe and wonder and then calls us to follow him out into our daily lives, out among the crowds where he is sowing the seeds of new life.
Easter is on the move...are you coming?
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| 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.
Worship for the Season of Easter
April 5 Easter Sunday Theme: 'Awe and Silence' Scripture: Mark 16:1-8 April 12 Second Sunday of Easter Baptism & Communion Theme: 'Recognition' Scripture: Luke 24:13-35 April 19 Third Sunday of EasterEarth Day Worship Theme: 'Soil Sustains Life' Scripture: Genesis 1:1-13Ezekiel 34: 24-31 April 26 Fourth Sunday of Easter Theme: 'The Good Shepherd' Scripture: John 10:11-18Psalm 23 May 3 Fifth Sunday of Easter Communion Theme: TBA Scripture: John 15:1-8 May 10 Sixth Sunday of Easter Christian Family Sunday Theme: A Household of Love Scripture: John 15:9-171 John 5:1-6
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| All who helped with the special worship services and events of Holy Week; all who took part in the prayer vigil.
Those who gave leadership in the Lenten Vespers with readings from Mark's gospel - David Thomson, Lloyd Freel, Nancy and Ian Blackport, and musicians, Mark Harry and Len Feldman. Thank you to the worship and music committees for hosting refreshments afterward.
Terry Loffree, Larry van Goozen and Brian Takayesu for their participation at the Lenten communion service at Erinview lodge.
Nancy Blackport for her direction of Impromptu during the Lenten season. Cindy Young for taking on much of the Sunday projection over the past few months.
Pandit Sharma and members of Ram Mandir Hindu Temple for hosting a visit of EMUC folk at their worship and dinner.
Hospital visitors, Sandy Hayes, Val Carter and Hilton Jeffers.
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EMUC Visits Hindu Temple
On March 10, 2015, 10 EMUC folk visited Ram Mandir, a Hindu Temple in Mississauga. After a brief orientation with Pandit Roopnath Sharma where we learned about Hindu worship, theology and spiritual practices , we attended Bhajans (singing) and worship. Worship was a lively experience with a group of talented musicians giving leadership. At various points during worship, worshippers made offerings to one of the deities being venerated on that day. Pandit Sharma explained that Hindus see God in everything and everywhere: they venerate many deities as expressions of God.
Following worship we were treated to a delicious vegetarian meal. In that informal setting, our hosts gladly answered our questions. Pandit Sharma and Kathy Toivanen discussed the possibility of a speakers' exchange at a future date.
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Welcome all walkers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts! On Sunday, April 12 you are invited to join a walk in Oakville's downtown segment of the Black History tour to visit the historic sites tied to the Underground Railroad. We'll carpool from the church parking lot at 12:15 to begin the tour at 12:45 from the corner of Lakeshore Rd and Navy St (East of Trafalgar, lots of nearby parking options). There are six points of interest to take note during this 2.5 km circuit, plus other sites of historical interest. Plan to explore at least until 2:00. Contact Tim Hayes for more information.
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The United Nations has declared 2015 the International Year of Soils. We don't always pay attention to the ground underfoot and yet without soil, there would be no life on Earth. Fertile soil for growing food and sustaining forests and other life forms is gradually disappearing from the effects of erosion, pollution, development of roads and cities and resource extraction. Plan to attend EMUC's Green Movie Night on Tuesday April 14 at 7 pm. After viewing the film, 'Dirt' there will be an opportunity for discussion with leadership by Mark Eastman, Program Coordinator, Agricultural Extension, Credit Valley Conservation. Suggested donation: $5/adults and $2/children & youth.
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"Dancing with the Stars" at EMUC
EMUC is holding an evening of food, fun and dancing for all ages on Friday April 17. Come and learn how to salsa dance with professional and experienced dancers. The evening will begin with dinner at 6:30 pm catered by Burrito Boyz. You can choose from a chicken or vegetarian burrito and choice of whole wheat tortilla or gluten free. Spicy sauce will be offered on the side.
Please bring a dessert to share. You can purchase tickets after worship on Sunday or through the church office. Adults $20; children youth $10.
The Salsa dancing lesson will be at 7:15 pm with dancing for all at 8:15. For more information contact Terry Loffree. trainerterry1@yahoo.com.
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Women for Women
Women are invited to join in the Salsa dancing evening on
April 17
. Remember to save
May 22 - 24
for the annual retreat at the Toivanen cottage in Muskoka. Registration details will be available later in April.
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Come Together and Talk About Mental Health
At EMUC, on Saturday April 18 from 9 am - 11:30 am, the Membership and Pastoral Care Committee is hosting a workshop where participants can explore our understanding of issues associated with mental health concerns. This workshop is not about diagnosis but rather how we can be in community and support one another. Kim Sunderland will be offering her insights as Executive Director at Peer Support Accreditation and Certification. To register or for more information contact Heather Bunting at hjbunting@rogers.com. There is also a sign-up sheet at EMUC. This event is open to the public.
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Euchre Night
On
Saturday, April 18
a local Scout group is hosting a euchre challenge in support of youth
planning for the July 2015 World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-Hama (Yamaguchi City), Japan. The cost of $30 per person includes dinner and dessert. Tickets can be purchased from Scouter Larry van Goozen.
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EMUC Garage Sale
On May 2,
EMUC will once again hold its annual garage sale! This is one of our major fundraisers and we need your support. Please mark May 2nd on your calendars and begin to gather items to donate! Remember that one person's junk is another person's treasure.
Lots of help will be needed the day of the sale. Many hands make light work! Thank you for your anticipated help and participation. Sign-up sheets are posted at the church.
Please contact Joanne Wood with any questions: joanne.wood@rogers.com
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Calling All Gardeners: Perennials, Annuals...
The perennial plant table will be back this year at the church's annual garage sale on May 2. All plant material should be delivered the Friday evening to the church before so they can be sorted and priced. There will be a designated drop off outside the front doors of the church. Kindly label your items with the name of the plant and colour of the blooms. Trees, shrubs, herbs and indoor plants are also welcome. If you require pots contact Mary Anna Williams who has a large selection. Phone: 905-820-5305.
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A Celebration of the Arts
On
Saturday, May 9 at 7 pm
EMUC will host a special Arts Night to celebrate the talents of two congregational members. Thomas Seymour is pursuing a career in fine arts while Ian Blackport is working as a novelist. Both will host the event and discuss their related fields.
Having recently graduated from NSCAD's (Nova Scotia School of Art and Design) Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, Thomas is excited to share with the congregation, the work he created while in Halifax. Thomas will have some of his paintings on display and will also be giving a talk on his work and process. There will be an opportunity to purchase work if interested, or inquire about commissions and custom paintings.
Ian attained his degree in History and Classical Studies from the University of Toronto and has since published two fantasy novels. His discussion will focus on literary influences and feminism in the fantasy genre. Ian will have copies of his novels for sale and will be available to answer questions related to his work or writing in general.
Complimentary refreshments will be provided during conversation afterward. The event begins at 7 pm with informal discussion.
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Deacon's Cupboard
During the month of April you are invited to bring in canned salmon 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
.
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| Ian MacRae Memorial Bursary
Students preparing to attend a college or university starting in the fall of 2015 may now apply for the annual bursary awarded in memory of Ian MacRae. Application forms are available from the church office and the brochure explains the details. This bursary is offered to all students and is not restricted to members of the congregation. Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2015.
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| Impressions of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale is about an hour north of Miami, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The attraction now is the warm 74-83 degrees F weather, although this winter the temperatures were below average. Flying into the city, the traveller sees that the city is one-half water. In 1904, Governor Broward saw the possibilities for population growth if the Everglades, swampy land that covered the entire southern part of Florida, were drained by canals. Gradually settlers built on the shores of these canals, and the muck dredged up proved very fertile, giving rise to a prosperous agricultural sector.
Population growth was slow. The City tried to encourage college students on their winter break to enjoy the warmth there rather than at Daytona. In 1960, the movie "Where the Boys Are" publicized Fort Lauderdale, and the City has been overwhelmed by students in March and April ever since. Hotels raise their rates for those two months.
Just west of the beach is the highway A1A. Next is a line of new luxury hotels; the Ritz-Carlton, the Hilton etc. which are 40 storey buildings. West of these new hotels are older, cheaper 2-3 storey buildings which are being gradually replaced. The new hotels serve customers who stay for only a few days before boarding a cruise ship at Port Everglades. Port Everglades has replaced Port Miami because the massive, newer cruise ships, such as "The Oasis of the Seas" need deeper water.
The expansion of Fort Lauderdale continues. The Seminole Indians who lived in The Everglades had no legal (paper) entitlement to the lands on which they had lived for generations, and so were pushed further and further west by the new settlers. There were three wars with the Seminoles. The wars and the diseases of European explorers and settlers decimated them. A remnant was finally settled on a reservation in Oklahoma. They still have a local presence in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino complex in Hollywood, just south of Fort Lauderdale.
This is similar to Canadian dealings with the Metis in Manitoba. The Metis did not have a Lands Claim Office to record their ownership of property which they lived on in common. So Canadian Government surveyors ignored their protests. The result was the North-west rebellion, and the dire poverty of the Metis.
Fort Lauderdale was a welcome escape for Mary and me from the severe winter in Ontario.
Lloyd Freel
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| Communiqué Dates for 2015 |
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COPY DEADLINE
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PUBLICATION
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APRIL 24
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MAY 10
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MAY 22
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JUNE 7
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SEPTEMBER 11
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SEPTEMBER 20
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OCTOBER 2
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OCTOBER 18
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NOVEMBER 6
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NOVEMBER 22
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NOVEMBER 27
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DECEMBER 13
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Thanks to Janet Morrison, editor, and Jim Watts, layout, for their ongoing dedication to the publication of the Communiqué.
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3010 The Collegeway
Mississauga, Ontario
L5L4X9
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