COMMUNIQUÉ

November 2016


ERIN MILLS UNITED CHURCH

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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As we move into Advent, the beginning of the church year, the colour blue is the designated hue for the season. Blue represents hope and the joyful anticipation we have as we wait to celebrate Christ's birth on Christmas day. Each Sunday during Advent, we will light candles on a wreath - three blue and one pink (for joy!).  On Christmas Eve we will light a central white candle to symbolize Christ's birth.  You may wish to create your own Advent wreath for your home and create your own ritual of reading scripture and offering a prayer. 
In This Issue
 
SmallBeginnings Small Beginnings



I want to tell you a story about small beginnings.

Twenty-five years ago, a new church was established on the corner of Winston Churchill Blvd. and The Collegeway.  A nice, new paved parking lot was a part of the new Erin Mills United Church property.  The paved parking lot had some nice changes in elevation and it soon became an irresistible magnet for skateboarders in the community.  Now most of the time, the skateboarders were not an issue for the new congregation and ministers at the church.  However, when the skateboarders started competing for the use of the parking lot on Sunday mornings it was clear that trouble was on the horizon.  The minister of the church, Harry Oussoren did his best to keep his cool but the challenge was too great - the skateboarders were banned from the parking lot.  But, the urge to glide was strong.  The skateboarders ignored the ban!

So, what to do? As a Christian with a sense of fair play Harry had no choice.  If you can't ban them, embrace them...

So it was that Harry and the skateboarders came to an understanding.  The skateboarders could use the parking lot as long as they did not interfere with the Sunday service and other church events.  Peace was restored.

The summer came and with it a new idea.  Why not create a safe, fun place where local kids who did not have the opportunity or means to escape the city could not only skateboard, but could play other sports, do crafts and learn new things?  So it was that OASIS came into being.  This summer drop in program did more than provide a venue for fun and games.  The program required leadership and what better source for that leadership than youth in the community.  Youth leaders came from many areas including the Springfield Gardens and Forest Ridge Communities.

Eventually, OASIS evolved to the Erin Mills Youth Outreach Program with year round activities.  Since funding was required to support the program, Harry Oussoren recruited members of his congregation to come up with an appropriate fund raising project.  An annual golf tournament was selected as the project.  One of the members on the organizing committee was also a member of the Mississauga-West Rotary Club.  Since the Rotary Club had some history helping to fund the Breakfast Program at Springfield Gardens, it was an easy step for the Rotary Club to become the sponsors of the golf tournament.  The golf tournament was an important source of funds for Erin Mills Youth Outreach Program for several years.

Today Erin Mills Youth Centre is a free standing organization with a mission to support and empower youth to advocate for themselves and their community in order to create a brighter future. 

When the youth leadership of Erin Mills Youth Centre made their pitch to the Rotary Club of Mississauga-West for a Basketball Court, it was a readymade answer for the Rotary Clubs 50th Anniversary project.  And so, here we are, celebrating the Grand Opening of Ridgeway Community Courts.

Who knows what great things are still to come from these small beginnings?
Jack Smith

Worship for the Season of Advent: "Living Peace"
Birthing Peace

As we draw close to the coming of the Prince of Peace, our four advent themes seem to be the points of labour along the way.
 
On the first Sunday of peace, the stirrings towards birth begin. We get a sense of what might be - we kindle peace, a tiny but promising peace that could come through if we just let it be.
 
On the second week of the coming, we move into Imagining Peace - for all of us expecting the coming of a new child, or a new possibility, we love this time - a time of imagining what could be. This is a place where the God of eternal imaginings meets us. 
 
On week three of Advent we see the birth of the peace we have kindled, and imagined. That holy and long awaited peace takes birth in our broken world in many places - we focus on peace with our aboriginal neighbours, but extend that now living and breathing peace to all whose rights are forgotten.
 
On week four, the last week of our labouring for peace, we turn to Mary, the bearer of the Prince of Peace. We see in her faithful response to God the way for lasting peace to come into our world - past, present, and future.
 
The world we live in now is really not different from that into which Mary brought her child.
Nation still rises up against nation, neighbour against neighbour. There is no more peace in the systems that govern now than there was in the Roman Empire. We are called to be peace makers - a slow and loving work that takes time, insight, and great wisdom. 

Let us all, in our own way, find a path to peace that makes a difference this Holy Season.
 
"O Come to us.... be born in us, Our Lord Emmanuel."
In faith, Rev Jackie
 
November 27, 10:00 am:   Advent 1 
Theme: "Kindling Peace"
 
November 27,  7:00 pm:  Advent Jazz Vespers "Living Peace" Reception to follow
 
December 4, 10:00 am:  Advent 2:   White Gift Sunday, Communion
Theme: "Imagining Peace"
 
December 11 10:00 am:   Advent 3
Theme: "Strengthening Peace" Focus on Indigenous People/Human Rights
 
December 11: 7:00 pm Candlelight Carol Service.   Special music from choirs and lots of carol singing.  Reception to follow
 
December 18 10:00 am:   Advent 4
Theme:  "Enlivening Peace"   Focus on "Mary"
 
Christmas Eve Worship Services

More information about these services will be available in the December Communique.  For your information, the following services have been scheduled.
 
4:00 pm.  A Service of Remembrance, Hope and Healing
This is a service offered particularly for those who look for an opportunity for a meditative worship service that acknowledges the variety of emotions that can be experienced in this season because of grief, sorrow, separation and personal circumstances. Candle lighting, communion, music, and prayers are part of this reflective service. Contact Jackie Burnie jackie@emuc.ca or 905-820-9466 to inquire further.
 
6:30 pm. A Family Service that brings to life the birth of Christ.  
Please look for notices in future announcements.
 
9:00 pm.  Candlelight Christmas Communion. 
Please note the time change.
Join us by candlelight to sing carols to the Christ Child, to hear again the wonderful Christmas Gospel & its message to us today and to receive the gift of many musical offerings. A homecoming for past College & University students!
 
Lighting the Christ Candle in all services .
 
Sunday December 25 at 10:00 am: Christmas Day Worship Service
Join us for a casual service with carol singing and reflections.
 
ThankYou
Thanks!
Mary Anna Williams for continuing to recruit greeters/ushers/coffee hosts for Sunday worship.

T
o the Worship Committee for decorating the Sanctuary for Thanksgiving.

To all those who have helped in Jackie's transition to Erin Mills United.

To the Chancel Choir for their dedication to bringing music to EMUC.

LC From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
At school, we teach the students the concept of being a "bucket filler".  Based on the book entitled "Have You Filled A Bucket Today", students are asked to imagine that everyone in the world, young and old, travel around each day carrying an invisible bucket.  These invisible buckets can be filled or emptied as we interact with people throughout our day.  The kind things people say and do help to fill our bucket.  The children also learn that their own bucket can be filled when they set out to fill the bucket of others.  Offering kindness and generosity, in all its forms, serves to fill our own bucket, as well as fill the buckets of those we direct our actions toward.

We have many "bucket fillers" in our midst at Erin Mills United Church.  Folks who offer to help in any way they can.  Folks who help assist with the day-to-day work of our church household.  As is the case with any kind of household, we rely on the contributions of each family member to assist with the smooth running of the household.  The month of November focuses on Stewardship and we are asked to complete our stewardship forms in order to assist with the planning of EMUC's future.  We are also asked to give consideration to the gifts we can offer, in terms of our time and talent.  Please help us fill the bucket of EMUC and, in doing so, fill your own bucket with the joy and warmth that is experienced when you offer help and kindness to others.  Erin Mills United Church is a place where we strive to fill the buckets of many.  We are grateful to those who willingly share their gifts and pray that this community of faith continues to make a difference in each of your lives and in the lives of both our local and global communities.

Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair
News and Reports
 StewProg  
STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM 2016: MOVING FORWARD IN FAITH
 


Dear Supporter of Erin Mills United Church,

Our stewardship program for 2016 started on Sunday October 30 and runs throughout November.  Please review the package of material prepared for you and prayerfully consider the level of financial support you can provide to EMUC and the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.  Watch for stewardship messages in this newsletter and the Friday Messages throughout the month.  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.

This article outlines our operating expenditure budget for 2016 giving you an overview of where the $268,900 approved by the congregation is being spent.  These are the funds used to maintain the day-to-day operations of EMUC.
 

        
Salaries.  This is the largest item in our budget and covers salaries, benefits and allowances for our Minister, Office Administrator and Director of Music including vacation supply costs.

Building.  This budget covers cleaning, landscaping, snow plowing and security contracts for the building and property. In addition expenses for building and liability insurance, hydro, water, carpet service, cleaning supplies, repairs and elevator and alarm system inspections are covered.

Office, Telephone & Sundry.  This budget covers expenses for postage, stationery, photocopy, telephone, bank charges, yearly audit and subscriptions.

Programs.  This budget covers costs for worship and music, children and youth programs and Membership and Pastoral Care and Ministry and Personnel expenses. 

Presbytery Assessment. Each year Halton Presbytery assesses each congregation a fee using a formula based on weekly Sunday worship attendance and number of givers to the life of the congregation. These funds go to support the work of the presbytery and conference.

The Finance Committee closely monitors expenditures on a monthly basis with a report presented on a quarterly basis by the Treasurer to the Leadership Circle. If you have any questions please ask myself or a member of the Finance Committee.

Dave Leeder, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee
Committee Members: Marianne McVittie, Mike Ogilvie, Kathy Andres, Lou Santamaria and Peter Kiteley
 PAR
OUR CONGREGATION'S PAR PROGRAM

1.  What is PAR?  PAR means  Pre-Authorized Remittance whereby your monthly donations to local operating expenses and Mission & Service are debited to your bank or credit card. If you have automatic withdrawals from your bank account to pay bills, taxes, or mortgage, then you already understand the PAR principle.
 

2. Why give using PAR?  Besides being convenient, using PAR for your offering ensures regular monthly givings to help our church's ministry even when you are away. You will be providing EMUC a dependable flow of contributions, which increases our overall financial stability.

 

3. When are payments charged to my account?  Payments are processed on the 20th of each month.
 

4. Can I change or stop my PAR donations if my circumstances change? You may amend or revoke your authorization at any time, subject to providing notice of 15 days to our Envelope Secretary, Mike Ogilvie.

 

5. What if my bank or credit card information changes? You simply inform Mike Ogilvie of the change and he will update your information.

 

6. How do I enroll in PAR? If you wish to take this step please contact Mike Ogilvie in person or through the church office.

 
Thank-you for your generosity, commitment and participation in the life of EMUC.

Refugee 
NORTHWEST MISSISSAUGA CONSTITUENT GROUP: REFUGEE-SPONSORSHIP UPDATE

The Northwest Constituent Group, assisted by generous donors, has raised sufficient funds (over $62,000) to enable us to sponsor both an individual and a small family. With the help of the United Church of Canada we have selected a young man and a family of three.

Tarek is a Syrian refugee currently living in Egypt. He is 27 years old, highly educated and speaks fluent English. He has three years of experience as a translator and editor.

Nadeem and Oula are Syrian refugees currently living in the United Arab Emirates.  They are both highly educated and speak English as a second language. They have a three year old daughter, Lelas, and are expecting their second child in January of 2017.

The settlement plans and application packages for the above individuals have been submitted to the United Church of Canada and we are awaiting news of the next step in the process. We will keep you posted as developments occur.

The Northwest Mississauga Constituent Group is grateful for the generosity of all those who have donated money and committed to providing furniture, clothing and other material needs once Tarek and Nadeem and Oula have arrived in Canada. At this point we have no idea of how long we will be waiting, but we do thank you for your continued support and patience.

Members of the EMUC Refugee Task Force are: Hermine Bingham, Muriel Hamdani, Dianne Hope, Janet Morrison, Debby Sturgeon, and Catharine Watts. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Fraud
PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST FRAUD AND SCAMS


WHERE:  Erin Mills United Church

WHEN:  Wednesday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.  (presentation is about one hour)

COST:  Free!

WHO:  Come one, come all!  Invite your friends, family and neighbours.

Past Events
Upcoming Events
WForW WOMEN FOR WOMEN

The next Women for Women event will be on Friday, November 25 at Erin Mills United Church.  We will gather at 6:00 pm with a Pot Luck dinner starting at 6:30.  Following dinner, there will be an interactive presentation by Diana McNeill called "Happy Feet Healthy Body".  Participants will learn exercises to keep their feet and body in good shape.  The cost for this event will be $10.00 to cover speaker costs if you bring a pot luck contribution or $20.00 without a contribution.  This is a bring-your-own plate/cutlery/cup event. The invitation will be going out next week and the sign-up sheet will be available next Sunday.  Contact Crystal Mahbubani or Cathy Scattergood for more information.

Women for Women extends an invitation to EMUC and friends to attend 'The Gift of Christmas', a concert at the Living Arts Centre, on Sunday, December 4 at 4:30 pm or 7 pm.. Tickets are complimentary for this annual concert presented by the Salvation Army Mississauga Temple. 


PoinsettiasPOINSETTIA SALES

Erin Mills Youth Centre is once again selling poinsettias to raise funds for United Way of Peel Region.  Plants may be ordered using the envelopes on the table in the narthex until  November 27, 2016 and plants will be available for pick-up at EMUC by  December 4 .

Prices are as follows:
6"  (red): $10
8"  (red, pink, or white: $20
10" (red, pink, or white): $25

You may dedicate a poinsettia in memory of a loved one and donate it to decorate the sanctuary during the Advent and Christmas season. All poinsettias may be taken home following the Christmas Eve services. 

For further information please contact Debby Sturgeon.

HampersCHRISTMAS HAMPER PROGRAM
 
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.  You could also chose to sponsor a family through your donation, with monies used to provide food vouchers for a special Christmas meal.  Envelopes will are available throughout November and will be collected on or before White Gift Sunday (Dec. 4). 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 10 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   .

Deadlines Communiqué Deadlines for 2016   
COPY DEADLINE
PUBLICATION
NOVEMBER 25
DECEMBER 11

Thanks to Janet Morrison, editor, and Jim Watts, layout, for their ongoing dedication to the publication of the Communiqué.

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