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April 28, 2017 - In This Issue:
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Friday Message 
Sorry, this message is going to be long. I have a lot to say today. How funny and revealing life is sometimes. Sitting down to prepare this message (on time, please) I did my usual thing and typed in the totally opposite thing to what I meant (or did I mean it?) I typed up Friday massage. Then, as I corrected it, I thought about that typo. What did I really mean? Would I rather be somewhere else getting a Friday massage, or is it possible that the Friday message is much like a spiritual massage... on the tail end of a weary work week?
We hope it is, which is why Janet and Barbara, helped by Peter, work so hard on it each week to keep all of us connected.
We humans are complex and subtle creatures. Jesus knew that as he approached his beloved on the road to Emmaus. He re-entered gently, not wanting to surprise or overwhelm them. He entered in the way he always does in our lives - with perfect peace, perfect timing, and a listening ear that never grows tired.
I love this part of the Easter Journey because it is the healing part, the part where Jesus comes into whatever chaos we are in and says, "Peace, I am with you; as God has loved you, so I love you. I am with you forever and will never leave you. "
Now, that's a paraphrase of a whole bunch of scriptures and testimonies, but we know it is the One who has never left us. It does not matter how historically accurate, or how critically precise the words are. What matters is the spirit in which they were heard by people in despair, people in fear, people who encountered the living Jesus whether at the tomb, at the house where the Disciples hid... or on the road to Emmaus.
What matters is that we recognize Him, however He may come to us. What matters is that we recognize him in our time of need, and that we embrace Him on the road home. Amen and Hallelujah! The reading for this Sunday is Luke 24: 13-35. As you read this precious Emmaus Journey story, focus on just one verse, or one phrase, or even one word that jumps out at you. That is the Spirit speaking to you in a place where you need to be touched. For me, it is verse 29 where the travellers on the road ask Jesus to stay with them. What wisdom!! They knew there was a great and mighty truth waiting to be explored on that road side journey.
It is wonderful that this story comes to us a week before our celebration of Holy Communion. (Yes - we have had five Sundays in this month!) For the disciples, we are told, recognized him finally "in the breaking of bread". We, too, are "on the road again" with Jesus. We are walking, running, tip toeing, and (Praise God!) dancing into His loving arms.
And it might be an odd road at times, with not much happening, but if we walk with the eyes of faith, we will see Him in all the ordinary and even hard places in our lives.
Amen and Hallelujah. The Lord is risen..... indeed!!
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This Week at EMUC
Sunday at 10:00 am: Service with the Easter dance
Sermon: On The Road Again
Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 13-35
After service, Bunch for Lunch at Symposium Cafe
Tuesday at 7:00 pm: Bogies to Birdies
Wednesday at
6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion Service
7:45 pm: Set up for the Garage Sale
Thursday all day: Garage Sale - Receiving items until Friday 8:00 pm
at
7:00 pm: Chancel Choir
Friday all day: Garage Sale - Receiving items until Friday 8:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am until noon: Garage Sale
Sunday at 10:00 am: Worship lead by Rev. Jackie
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PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED.....Can you help?
EMUC is looking for 1 or 2 people to represent EMUC at Presbytery meetings once a month for 8-9 months of the year. The meetings are held the 4th Tuesday evening of the month at various local churches within Presbytery. Two people could share the work and attendance at the meetings. One person has volunteered, we just need one more. If you are interested in this position, speak to Sandy Hayes or Barb Jennings. It is important that EMUC be represented at Presbytery.
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Upcoming Events
NEW FUNDRAISING PROGRAM
The Leadership Circle has been exploring fundraising programs in order to support the work of Erin Mills United. We have registered to be part of FUNDSCRIP, an innovative 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. This means that just by paying for your groceries and gas with gift cards you can generate funds for our church on a monthly basis. You don't have to change where you shop, what you buy and it doesn't cost you anything extra.
Order forms for gift cards will be available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is Apr 30. Simply fill out the order form for the gift cards you would like, hand it in with cash or a cheque payable to Erin Mills United Church. Your order will be placed and delivered back to the church the following week. Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program. We are excited to have your support for this new initiative.
Deacon's Cupboard
On behalf of the guests of the Deacon's Cupboard, I would like to thank you for your ongoing support. Your gifts of food items and money allow us to continue to provide this much needed assistance to our community. During this Easter season, please keep the cupboard and its guests in your thoughts and prayers.
Linda Leeder
On behalf of all our Volunteers
Euchre and Dessert Night
The spring Euchre and dessert night is planned for
Saturday, April 29, 2017. Arrive to sign in at 6:30 p.m. Play will start at 7:00 p.m. sharp. $10.00 per person.
Register to Reserve a Seat. Submit your name and number of attendees to Mary Anna Williams (maryanna.williams10@gmail.com or telephone: 905-820-5305)
BUNCH FOR LUNCH
The next Bunch for Lunch will be following the worship service on Sunday, April 30. We will return to the Symposium restaurant, located in the Mandarin/Starsky plaza. To make sure the restaurant reserves enough space for us, please get your name on the Bunch for Lunch sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex outside of the church office. Mark your calendar now!! Questions? Contact Larry van Goozen
BOGIES TO BIRDIES
Ladies, golf season is coming soon! Bogies to Birdies celebrates its 5th anniversary this summer. Plan to attend the
Opening Social on
Tue, May 2nd at 7 pm at EMUC. Please note the changed date. Mark your calendar! Come to help plan for this year's Nine and Dines. New golfers are welcome. Please sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin board.
EMUC'S ANNUAL GARAGE SALE - SATURDAY MAY 6TH
This is one of EMUC's most important fundraisers. You can help make this event a success by signing up to help prior to, during and after the sale. The event will be held from 8 am to noon on May 6th with the drop off of donations beginning at 9 am on Thursday May 4th and continuing Friday May 5th. Please start saving your 'treasures' for this annual fundraising event including: Household Items, Books, Games, Toys, Artwork, Linens, Small Furniture, Sports Equipment, Costume Jewelry, Bake Table and lots of more.
HIKING GROUP - The Striders
EMUC Striders welcome all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers on the next outing on May 14th to Centennial Park, Etobicoke with car pooling from EMUC parking lot at 12:00PM
At Canada's 150th year, Centennial Park was opened in 1967 to celebrate Canada's 100th birthday. The land the park now occupies was once a dairy farm.
During the hike we'll also have opportunity to visit the three greenhouses at the Centennial Park Conservatory*.
*Among the highlights are permanent collections of plants from around the world. Visitors can enjoy tropical plants that bloom year-round, unusual fruit trees such as sour sop and papaya, and a great collection of cacti.
IAN MacRAE MEMORIAL BURSARY
Students preparing to attend a college or university starting in the fall of 2017 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 member of the congregation. Applications must be submitted by
May 31st, 2017.
INTER-FAITH FESTIVAL
This Sunday,
April 30th, the faith leaders of the Etobicoke Lakeshore will be hosting an Inter Faith Festival to build bridges of respect and understanding and tear down walls of fear and mistrust. Four faith traditions' presentations - Buddhist, Muslim/Sufi, Jewish, and Christian - will highlight the program. Tables will be hosted by 13 groups to share information, artifacts and symbols, and food.
Doors open at 1:30 pm at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, 40 Titan Road (north of the Queensway and just west of Islington) and close at 5:00 pm. In between there will be presentations, walk around time, and opportunity for conversation over drink and snacks. Admission is free. The facility is accessible and parking is beside the east and west sides of the venue.
From Harry Oussouren
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