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      F riday
Message
         &
          Upcoming Events

July 14, 2017 - In This Issue:
           
     Season of Pentecost /Ordinary Time                                     www.emuc.ca
        
Friday Message

Does God like spiders?  This is my bizarre conversation for this coming Sunday.  I am moving from dandelions to spiders.  Why?  Because I think both live in the same place, something we'd rather not have around.  The other day I got into the shower.  I saw a spider at the bottom of the tub.  I didn't know if he was dead or alive.  Spiders are excellent at camouflage.

This week's reading is from Genesis 25: 19- 34.  It is the story of Jacob and Esau.  It is a kind of weird story, and yet a familiar one, where two brothers are competing for time and attention.  Both are trying to get the one up on the other one.  It begins in the womb.  According to the Genesis reading, Jacob and Esau struggle, even before birth, to become dominant.  It is interesting to note that only one of them will be the one 'supposedly' on the top and that is - the line of Jacob.

Where does that leave Esau?  That question invites faith, real faith.  I invite you into this struggle today.  Sometimes the lowliest of our family members are also the ones who matter the most.  They are the ones who belong in the "family circle", even though it may not seem that way.

Most of us don't like spiders.  I have never understood that.  I have a simple cardboard that I use to transport all spiders out of the house.  I love spiders.  When I saw Charlotte's Web, I loved them even more. But I have also lived in other parts of the world where a single bite from a spider can mean death.
How to separate the light from the shadow, the so-called good from the bad, from the obvious to the hidden; that is the sweet mystery of life, which is why I do like and respect the humble spider.  Because, in their world, these things are mixed together.

At this time of year especially, people seem to need help.  They come to our church door asking for assistance.  Trying to discern the real need from the manipulation is the hard piece.  In my time here at Erin Mills, I have watched you render love in Christ's name with the same professionalism, compassion, and mercy as any urban social service agency.  I am amazed at how you do this, even though it can and does get risky on any given day.

The story of Jacob and Esau is an old one, but it is eternal in its teaching and meaning. I encourage you to read it.  It teaches us something of the mystery of giving and receiving.

As my time with you comes to a close, I treasure each day that I am here. Summer has its own gentle rhythm.  We get to slow down, but our work goes on.  I am here each day from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

'Communion and Prayers' is the one program of this church that carries on in the summer.  Join us in the warmth of the Holy Spirit as we pray and share around the Lord's Table.  And, speaking of communion, we will be having Holy Communion on the 30th of this month, since there are five Sundays in this month, and I will be on vacation from August 3rd to the 12th.  

God's gentle love be with you,
Rev Jackie: Supply Minister  




This Week at EMUC

Sunday at 10:00 am:  Worship led by Rev Jackie
                                     Sermon:  
                                     Scripture Reading:  Genesis 25: 19- 34
                                    Gospel Reading:  
                                    
 
Wednesday at  6:45 pm:  Prayers and Communion

Sunday at 10:00 am: Worship led by Rev Jackie
Upcoming Events

NEW FUNDRAISING PROGRAM
We are continuing with FUNDSCRIP, an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month.  A percentage of the cards we purchase through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church.   Order forms for gift cards will be available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is Sunday, August 27th.   Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.

NEW MINISTER UPDATE
Conversations have begun with Kathi Phillips, our new minister, and it has been decided that we will welcome Kathi for her first service with us on Sunday, September 10, although she will start in the office on Tuesday September 5.  As was specified in the JNAC report, an orientation committee will be put in place to support Kathi as she joins EMUC in the fall.  The committee members will be Kathy Andres, David Leeder, Georganne Vickery and Cathy Scattergood.  Please watch for further announcements as we move through another phase in this exciting journey at Erin Mills United.

About EMUC

Vision:

EMUC is a thriving Spirit-filled congregation: Diverse, inclusive,and engaged with the community and creation

Mission:

The mission of Erin Mills United Church is to offer opportunities for all persons to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ.