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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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The traditional colours of the Christmas Season are White or Gold, symbolizing joy by the birth of the Christ and the light that he brings to the world. This is our opportunity to extend this joy and light, and sense of peace, to all of those around us in the spirit of Christmas.
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 Christmas Message
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No matter what is going on around you at this time of year, central to this season is the coming of our saviour. "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders". (Isaiah 9:6) This one who healed the sick, fed the hungry, and held little children in his arms, the One who dies on the cross for us- his birth is central to everything in our History- which is why we still mark the centuries according to B.C and A.D.
You wonder what people think when they hear Christmas Hymns at this time of year, hearing of a Saviours birth. At least I do. In any age when the name of God is not allowed to be uttered in our public schools, and other public spaces, we hear at this time of year the word of the living God being sung in the malls in which we shop!
Thanks be to God!
In our Advent Study- being held on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm and Thursday morning at 10:00 am, we are looking at the many sides of Christmas: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. We look prayerfully at certain key figures in the Christmas story- Joseph the good; the wise men (according to some in that time, the bad) - and finally, the most challenging person of all, King Herod the ugly.
All these people have powerful spiritual messages of their own, even King Herod. Let us hear their messages, those who by choice and circumstance surround the blessed babe of Bethlehem.
To you and yours, a Blessed Christmas season filled with the only gifts we need in this time: peace, hope, joy and love,
Rev Jackie
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Worship for the Season of Advent: "Living Peace"
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December 11 at 10 am: Advent 3
Theme: "Strengthening Peace"
Focus on Indigenous People/Human Rights. Guest
Cheri Maracle. "Cheri Maracle is a Mohawk-Irish actor and singer of the Six Nations Grand River Territory, who performs jazz and original songs informed by her native heritage. As we are celebrating Human Rights Sunday and especially The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we have invited Cheri to this service to share some of her music with us."
December 11 at 7 pm Candlelight Carol Service.
Special music from choirs and lots of carol singing. Reception to follow.
December 18 at 10 am: Advent 4
Theme: "Enlivening Peace" Focus on "Mary"
Christmas Eve Worship Services
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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 change in time. 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 musical offerings. A homecoming for past College & University students!
Lighting the Christ Candle in all services
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Sunday December 25 Christmas Day Worship Service at 10 am.
Join us for a casual service with carol singing and reflections with Jackie Burnie.
Sunday January 1, 2017 New Year's Day Worship Service at
10 am. Join us for a casual service with carol singing and reflection with Jackie Burnie.
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Thanks!
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The Worship Committee for decorating the sanctuary for Advent/Christmas and to Linda Lee for her extra contributions for decorating the church.
The Chancel Choir, Impromptu and Off the Cuff for their musical contributions for Advent/Christmas.
The Loaves and Dishes ladies for their contributions of turkey pot pies and tourtieres for fundraising.
Irene Pajot and Peter Kiteley for taking the lead on the Christmas Hampers program.
The Joint Search Committee for their dedication to finding a new minister.
The Circle of Friends for providing delicious food for the Internet and Telephone Security event.
All those who took part in the Jazz Advent Vespers by reading and with food contributions.
Hermine Bingham for looking after the Advent Candle Lighting readers.
Lorraine Brignall for operating the AV for most Sundays throughout 2016 and Cindy Young and Alex Hayes who provided back-up support.
Georganne Vickery for sharing the responsibility of watering the plants in the Sanctuary.
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| Thank You from the Deacon's Cupboard Volunteers |
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Last Friday EMUC hosted the annual Deacon's Cupboard Christmas Dinner. As is our tradition it was organized by the men of our group with leadership from Mike Ogilvie and David Arnold. A special thank-you to Sue Ogilvie, Barb Jennings and Janet Tait for preparation and serving of the excellent meal. Entertainment was provided by members of St. Peters and St. Thomas a Beckett Anglican churches. From all feedback this was the best Christmas Dinner to date.
This event is a fundraiser for EMUC and has been held at our church for several years.
Linda Leeder,
Co-Coordinator Deacon's Cupboard
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From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
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Reflections on the Year
At this time of year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the year that has passed. I reflect on the incredible year we have had at Erin Mills United Church. Saying goodbye to Kathy, our longtime minister, who retired after over 25 years with us, was not easy. Many, many people were involved in the organizing and planning of events to celebrate Kathy's ministry, while others helped prepare us for the transition we were about to undertake. I am so grateful to all who became involved in this busy year and shared their gifts in whatever capacity they could. "How can I help?" was a phrase folks shared often and it was offered with genuine sincerity. That is truly what it is all about. I feel blessed to be part of a community that can celebrate the joys of life and also support each other through times of difficulty and struggle.
We have welcomed Jackie, our supply minister, into our midst and our transition has begun. The Search committee remains dedicated and committed to finding us the right candidate for the role. As the search continues, we have asked Jackie to remain with us for a few more months of the New Year. She has agreed to lead our worship until at least May 1 and we are grateful for her willingness to support us through this transitional period.
This time of year also inspires us to look forward. Various committees continue to prepare and plan for events and activities to engage many interests within our community. The Communications committee continues to focus on spreading the news and work of Erin Mills United Church into the wider community. Our recent Stewardship campaign will assist the finance committee in making decisions about our operating budget for 2017. And I know the joy of hearing folks ask, "How can I help?" will continue to inspire and support the work of our church.
May you and your family have a blessed holiday.
Peace be with you,
Joanne Hines, Leadership Circle Chair
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DEACON'S CUPBOARD
In November, Deacon's Cupboard (DC) greeted 148 guests who among them made 176 visits to the DC to receive $5,144.5 worth of supplies at DC prices or $10,289 at full retail. This brought them to the major milestone of handing out one million dollars' worth of supplies. Many thanks to all who made donations and/or worked at the DC to make this possible.
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SECRETARY NEEDED FOR LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
After several years serving as Secretary for the Leadership Circle of EMUC , Lorraine Brignall has resigned as of December 31, 2016.She has made an excellent contribution not only in taking minutes of our monthly and congregational meetings but also in organizing our record keeping systems. Thank you Lorraine for all your work .
If this is a role you think you would like to assume, the nominating committee would be delighted to speak to you. It only involves one evening meeting on the third Tuesday of each month. We need your contribution.
Nominating Committee:
Sandy Hayes, Paul Marot, Dave Leeder
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JOINT SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Joint Search Committee (JSC) has reviewed over 15 resumes, interviewed 7 candidates, and visited 5 churches. The Committee was excited about one candidate and was in the process of making an offer when the candidate accepted a calling with another church. There are several new candidates that the JSC is looking at, but the number of incoming resumes has declined. At this point, taking into account the notice period any candidate requires, we will not have a new permanent minister until the spring. The JSC was disappointed to lose a good candidate but the committee remains committed to finding the "right" minister for our church.
Kathy Andres
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CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CONTRIBUTES TO SHOEBOX PROJECT
Circle of Friends donated and prepared five shoeboxes for the Shoebox Project for Shelters. Small gifts are packaged in shoeboxes and are then distributed to women in shelters in our community just before the Christmas holidays. The shoeboxes are filled with items that a woman would enjoy but would not splurge on for herself in times of difficulty. A typical shoebox is valued at between $50 and $75.
Thanks to the Circle of Friends for brightening the lives of women in shelters to let them know they are special and not forgotten. Thanks to all who contributed and helped with this project.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR HAITI
On behalf of Children of Hope Haiti, we wish to express our sincere gratitude for the school supplies which you so generously contributed. The amount of school supplies raised was enough to provide to 3 schools. Enclosed you will find a picture of a box of supplies being handed to the director of the hearing impaired school on this trip. I have also included a picture from last year.
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WOMEN FOR WOMEN
Women for Women met on Friday, November 25 for a fun evening of food and feet facts. Twenty-six women from EMUC & the community enjoyed a wonderful pot luck dinner followed by a presentation by Diana McNeill entitled "Happy Feet Healthy Body". We learned how foot health affects many aspects of our overall health. As well, we learned how to stand properly (not as easy as it seems), some foot exercises to do and things to look for when buying shoes. Many thanks go to all who helped set up, provided food and helped clean up.
Our next event will be a travel night on
Friday, January 20. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Cathy Scattergood. There are many opportunities (big and small) to get involved and have fun.
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ADVENT JAZZ VESPERS
The first of Advent was Sunday Nov. 27. EMUC started the season off with an Advent Jazz Vesper service. Len Feldman invited two other jazz musicians to perform with him. The music was mellow and inspiring for the season. Readings around 'Living Peace' were given by Janet Tait, Hermine Bingham, Sylvia Arnold, Deb Sturgeon, David Thompson and Larry van Goozen. The service and reception were enjoyed by about 50 people. Thanks to Sylvia Arnold, Len Feldman and the Worship Committee for planning and organizing this service. It was a great start to Advent.
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ADVENT: LIVING PEACE
On Sunday Dec. 11, the third Sunday of Advent, EMUC welcomed Cheri Maracle, an actress and vocalist from Six Nations of the Grand River. Cheri's music was an inspiring contribution to the service focusing on Strengthening Peace and celebrating indigenous people.
The Christmas Candlelight Service was also held Dec. 11 in the evening in spite of the first winter snowfall. The Chancel Choir, Impromptu and Off the Cuff offered special music and there was lots of carol singing for the congregation to join in. A reception followed. Thanks to all involved in the planning, all the singers and all those who braved the weather to attend.
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