EMUC   
  Friday Message & 
                Upcoming Events
 Dec. 2, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
  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.


QUICK LINKS


Welcome to EMUC's weekly message.   W e are in the Season of Advent which is represented by the colour 'blue' and lasts until Christmas Eve.
 
There are lots of upcoming activities at EMUC.  View the calendar of events on the website at  www.emuc.ca . 

"Jackie's Message"

 
 
 

We just finished our first session of the Advent Bible Reflection. We started with Joseph, the faithful man behind the great woman at centre stage. Max Lucado has a wonderful meditation on Joseph. I have condensed it and want to share it with you. 

"This is not how I planned, it God.... my kid being born in a stable? I imagined it so differently, a decent welcome- slaps on the back, laughter and celebration and, if they had cigars in this time, a cigar or two.  

That's how I thought it would be. But now, who is celebrating with us - a bunch of shepherds and a stable full of smelly animals?

What kind of husband am I? No comfort and help for my wife who is in so much pain? Did I miss something when that angel appeared in my dream?

This is your Messiah? Born in Bethlehem, not Jerusalem? Even Nazareth would have been an upgrade! At least I had my business and home there.

Forgive me for asking, but is this how God enters the world? It was bad enough dealing with the pregnancy, the questions- I dealt with that, but this? Any moment now Mary will give birth. The promise of God. It is all so crazy.

And all these strangers??  I am a quiet man, Lord. I am not accustomed to strangers. I am a carpenter, someone who is used to exactness- the plumb line and the squaring off of the edges. Men like me, we depend on accuracy, and surprises have no place in our trade. What's the plan here, exactly?

Well it is simple. I am not the Builder this time, am I? I am the tool in your hands. Trust does not come easily to me, Lord- so forgive my struggle ...

'I will wait and see what great things the Lord will do', as he promised throughout the ages.

I will wait, Lord.

"Lord, I believe, help my unbelief~"

I will wait. '

So, we wait the coming of Jesus ever new, into our midst.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

____________________________________________________________________
 

Our Bible Reflection continues- every Wednesday night at 7: 30 in the sanctuary- and Thursday at 10:00am in the meeting room. Join us as we ponder the people in the background of the Christmas Story.

God love you and yours in this season of waiting,

Rev. Jackie

This Week at EMUC

Sunday December 4, 10 am:    Jackie Burnie
Second Sunday of Advent - White Gift Sunday
             Communion Service
             Sermon:  Hope as a "Second Chance"
             Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 11: 1-10
             Gospel Reading:  Matthew 3: 1-12
After worship:  Off the Cuff, Impromptu practice
                                Chancel Choir practice
              
           
     
  Wednesday at  6:45 pm:  Prayers and communion
                               7:00 pm:  Finance Meeting 
                               7:30 pm:  Advent Study - Session #2

Thursday at 10:00 am:  Advent Study - Session #2
                          4 to 7 pm: "Write for Rights"
                          7:00 pm:  Chancel Choir practice
                         
Friday at 6:30 pm:  Staff Christmas Party

Sunday December 11 at 10 am:  Worship
                                                7:00 pm:  Candlight Carol Service
                                                              
Upcoming Events


Advent Events:
 
Advent - Study Group
Jackie will be offering a 3 week bible study session on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings beginning on November 30th. The program is titled "Christmas - The Good the Bad and the Ugly" Wednesday sessions will be at 7:30 pm and Thursdays will be at 10 am.

 

 Women for Women
On Sunday, December 4, there will be a free Christmas concert at the Living Arts Centre presented by The Salvation Army Mississauga Temple Community Church.  For tickets or information contact Laura Macro or see the signup sheet on the bulletin board.

Write a Letter Save a Life

The Interfaith Justice and Peace Building Committee is hosting an Amnesty International "Write for Rights" event to mark International Human Rights Day   on Thursday, December 8th between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. Join us   to write letters in support of prisoners of conscience around the world. Information on the cases chosen for this year's event are available on the table outside the office. If you wish to prepare ahead of time, take a package home and bring your letters back on Thursday.   Please sign the list indicating which packages you have taken. Drop in any time between 4:00 and 7:00, write a letter and enjoy some light refreshments.  
Free will donations to cover the cost of postage will be appreciated.

Candlelight Carol Service and Reception
Sunday December 11th at 7 pm come and enjoy a candlelit evening of readings and congregational carol singing along with contributions from EMUC's musical groups & choirs.  Stay afterward for a reception with lots of Christmas goodies.

Daytime Christmas Party
On Wednesday December 14th from 2 to 4 pm you are invited to gather at EMUC for the annual Christmas party. Hot cider, Christmas goodies, good conversation, a Christmas quiz, carol singing and communion will be part of the afternoon program. Bring a friend or a neighbour. Hosted by EMUC staff and the Membership and Pastoral Care Committee.
 
The Deacon's Cupboard
While we are gearing up for the holiday season, please remember that the Deacons Cupboard continues to be in need of food.  You can include your donations in our White Gift offerings at our Sunday service on Dec. 4th or drop them off anytime at the church.  This is a wonderful way for EMUC to serve the needy in our community.   Please note that  the Cupboard will close after December 21st and reopen on January 11th.
 
Comfort Kits
It's almost time for the Comfort Kits to be assembled.  Please start bringing in all those travel-sized personal care items that you've been saving all year.  Other useful items include pens, small notepads, toothpaste & toothbrushes, tissues, feminine hygiene products and socks (men, women & children).  There will be boxes to receive them at the back of the church.  Kits will be assembled towards the end of February and taken to the Open Door at Square One to be distributed to their guests.  Please see Cathy Scattergood for information.


Christmas Hampers
For many years, EMUC and friends have been generous sponsors of our Christmas Hamper program.  This year we have decided to try something different, to allow for more consistent giving across families and to address the dietary and cultural needs of those we are helping.  Rather than having a gift tag tree, special offering envelopes are available for individuals, families or even EMUC committees to make a donation towards the purchase of gifts for the children of our sponsored families.   Envelopes are available throughout November and will be collected on or before White Gift Sunday (Dec. 4th). Our youth, both within EMUC and our local community groups, will be assisting this year with the shopping of items and the packing and wrapping of the gifts.  Delivery or pick up of gifts and food vouchers will be made in the usual manner around December 10th Please consider making a contribution this year to help make this holiday special for families in need, in our wider community.  Remember to use the envelopes provided so your donation can be recorded through the church for your income tax purposes.  For more information, contact Irene Pajot or Sandra Witterick at sandra.witterick@gmail.com .

 
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Contact Us:

Peter Kiteley, Office Administrator
office@emuc.ca
Erin Mills United Church