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      FRIDAY MESSAGE  &  Upcoming Events

                         October 27, 2017

 
Season:  Ordinary Time                          emuc.ca

Easter Service
                   Rev. Kathi's Message:
 
The people at Parkminister United in Waterloo were preparing to host a potluck dinner last weekend in support of the local LGBTQ community. As they arrived at the church on Wednesday morning, they were shocked to find that someone had spray painted graffiti on the sidewalk in front of their main doors:

            THE CHURCH SHALL REMAIN HOLY

I am sure they must have been saddened to see, first the vandalism, and secondly the use of the scriptures to spread a message of exclusion and judgment. I think my first instinct would have been to get a power washer and take it off as fast as possible. But my friends and colleagues, Joe Gaspar and Heather Power, are a ministry team with a strong reputation for justice and creativity. They decided to take back their space and make it sacred and safe for everyone who came in their doors.

They reclaimed the words of scripture, sending a message that by emulating Jesus and by welcoming everyone into their space they were keeping the church holy at its most elemental level.

Secondly, they accepted the offer of a local artist to work with the people of the church to change the sidewalk into a mural that incorporates many symbols of marginalized communities within their local neighbourhood. The mural was painted this week - a mural of joy and love and hospitality toward their neighbours.

By changing the hurtful message of the graffiti into a joy-filled work of public art, the people of Parkminister have given the whole community a reason to come together and to celebrate in peace and love.

I am so proud of our brothers and sisters at Parkminister for turning hate to love and opening the door for respectful conversation with their community.

Kathi

        An Attitude of Gratitude-Stewardship Program 2017

Although Stewardship is something that we are conscious of all year round, we are more focused on it in the month of November.  Each of us have unique gifts of skills, knowledge, experience and financial resources for which we are grateful.  What better way of expressing our gratefulness than by using these gifts wisely and generously.  As a congregation, we have all that we need to make a difference in the world.  Stewardship is a time we prepare for the future....what programs, events or services we can help with....how we can support the church financially both in operations and mission and service.  Express your gratitude by giving of your time, talents and finances.
 
Your stewardship package will be ready for pick-up this Sunday on tables in the narthex. This is the time of year when we celebrate both the financial gifts and personal time and talent people have given toward the work of our church home. Thank-you for your ongoing support. It is also time to consider our financial commitments for 2018 to support the operating budget of EMUC and the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.
 
You are invited to return your commitment form by placing it in the box in the church foyer, leaving it in the church office or mailing it using the self- addressed envelope enclosed with your package. Our Envelope Secretary, Mike Ogilvie, will deal with your estimate in confidence.
 
With gratitude to God for all your gifts,  prayerfully consider your commitment to the work of your church.  



               This Week at EMUC
 
Sunday at 10:00 am:   Service led by Rev. Kathi Phillips
                                     Scripture:  Genesis 28:10-22  
                                     Gospel:  Matthew 22:34-40  
   Sermon:  '
Surely God is in This Place'
                    2:30 pm:  Service at Erinview Lodge

                    Submit you Fundscrip Orders today!

Wednesday at   
6:45 pm: 
Prayers & Communion

Thursday at 10:00 am: Daytime Men's Group
                       7:00 pm:  Chancel Choir

Next Sunday at 10:00 am: 
Peace Sunday led by Rev. Kathi
                        Daylight Savings Time End - Clocks Fall Back
 
 
             
                                                                
Upcoming Events:

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
As you heard in February, the Leadership Circle has been exploring a fundraising opportunity that would involve placing cell poles/lights in our parking lot.  We have been working on this project for over a year and we are excited to be able to share important news about this rental agreement with the congregation.  A motion will be presented to approve moving forward with this project. We invite everyone to join us to hear more about this proposal on Sunday, November 12 following the service.

ORDER YOUR TOURTIERES
Loaves & Dishes have started making tourtieres for Christmas.  You may place an order by completing the order sheet on the bulletin board or speaking to Sue Ogilvie or Barb Jennings.

REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
Request for volunteers:    In addition to the families we are sponsoring, The Northwest Mississauga Constituent Group is offering non-monetary support to Huda and Alia, mother and her young adult daughter, to help ease their transition to Canada.  

 Huda is developing an online business with the help of her cousin. Alia is about to take a course to upgrade her English so she can apply to get into Sheridan. Alia is trying to find a job but has not been successful yet. If anyone in the group would have any suggestions for her I am sure it would be appreciated. Also anyone with online marketing experience would be helpful to Huda.
 
If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact Ali McMurter  alihonsa@gmail.com and she will put you in touch with Huda and Alia.

'FUNDSCRIP' 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, October 29.   Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.

DEACON'S CUPBOARD
The Cupboard continues to receive more and more guests each week.  Please help by donating food and personal care items (the box is at the back beside the elevator) or making a financial contribution to Erin Mills United - Deacon's Cupboard. Please remember that we have no overhead. Every worker at the Cupboard is a volunteer. Currently there is a need for pure apple and orange juice in large boxes or juice boxes, peanut butter, and fava beans.

CLOTHING DRIVE FOR THE DEACON'S CUPBOARD
St. Peter's Erindale is collecting winter clothing to distribute to guests of the Deacon's Cupboard. Throughout October the volunteers will be collecting the coats, jackets, scarves, gloves and boots that are needed for all ages but especially for children. The clothes will be given out to the Visitors at the Cupboard during the month of November. Items can be dropped off at St. Peter's or at Erin Mills United.

St. Peter's is also looking for volunteers to help with the winter clothing giveaway. Please contact Linda Leeder and she will put you in touch with the organizers.


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.


Put down your roots and let your spirit soar!

Erin Mills United Church | office@emuc.ca | http://emuc.ca/