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      FRIDAY MESSAGE  Upcoming Events

                         December 15, 2017

 
Season:  Advent                                       emuc.ca

                   Rev. Kathi's Message:
 
Are you feeling the Christmas spirit yet? If you hang around the church for any length of time this week you will almost certainly find some of it. The church is decorated beautifully - I am especially enjoying the ornaments on the tree that have been shared by our members - but the poinsettias, the greenery and all the special touches contribute to that feeling of joy. A big thank you to all the helpers for your creativity and commitment.

The choirs have been sharing the music of the season throughout the month. And don't let their sweet sounds fool you! Although it sounds effortless, they have put in hours of rehearsing with Len and Nancy to produce those lovely pieces. I really hope that you will be able to come out this Sunday evening, Dec 17 at 7:00pm for the Candlelight and Carols Service. The Chancel Choir, Impromptu, Off the Cuff and the Bell Choir will be performing and leading us in our favourite carols. It is sure to put you in the spirit! Thank you to all who share their musical gifts with us at Christmas and all through the year.

The parcels for our Christmas program have been delivered or picked up. If you could hear the gratitude with which they have been received it would melt your heart. As a faith community, you have risen to the need of our neighbours. What an important ministry that is! The team of volunteers who gather up the donations, package them and distribute them are Christmas angels and we are very grateful for their compassion and care.

Wednesday was the Christmas Tea, and it was a lovely afternoon. The tables were set with care, the food was fabulous, Mora kept us entertained and we finished with carols and communion. There was a lot of laughter and great conversation. Thank you to the Membership and Pastoral Care team and to all who were a part of making this event a success.

If this time of year is difficult for you, if you are not feeling like celebrating because of a loss of any kind, or if you would simply like an evening of quiet reflection on Christmas, I hope that you will come to the Service of Hope and Healing on Dec 20 at 6:45 pm. This service is open to anyone who would like to join us. There is Christmas Spirit to be found even in the quiet times.

There has been a change to the services on December 24. This year we will have only two: at 10 am an all-ages service with another chance to sing your favourite carols and an interactive children's story; and at 9 pm a service of music, candlelight and communion. You are welcome to join us at either or both.

Many, many people contribute to spirit of this faith community. They are those who sit beside you on any given Sunday morning, who greet you at the door or share a conversation after the service. Please remember to say thank you for all they do to make Erin Mills United a special place.


Peace,
Rev. Kathi

                This Week at EMUC

Sunday at 10:00 am:
 
 
                                      Worship led by Rev. Kathi Phillips
                                      Advent 4 - Lighting the Candle of Love
                                      Gospel:  Luke 1: 26-38                                     
                                      Sermon:  'The Pause Before Yes'
              
                  at  7 pm:      Candlelight Carol & Communion Service
                                      followed by
 a Reception in the lower hall
                                      hosted by
 the Ministry and Personnel Committee
                   
Wednesday at
 6:45 pm:  Service of Hope and Healing
                                         (a service for anyone who has suffered
                                          a loss of any kind making it difficult to
                                          celebrate the season)

Thursday at   7:00 pm:  Chancel Choir

Next Sunday:               Christmas Services at 10 am and 9 pm 
                                              led by Rev. Kathi
         
 
                                                                
Upcoming Events:


'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 November cards can be picked up this Sunday.   The next order date is Sunday, December 31.  Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.


Rev. Kathi Phillip's Covenanting Service will be held on January 14, 2018 at 2 pm at EMUC.  Save the date.  More information to follow.


THE OUT OF THE COLD PROGRAM 
The Out of the Cold program is starting up again.  Donations of gently used, clean winter outerwear as well as blankets would be appreciated.  Please bring your donations to EMUC & leave them in the coat room.  They are brought to the Open Door at Square One for distribution to their guests.  Thank you.


DEACON'S CUPBOARD
  • Giving Tuesday event at Heritage Mississauga in support of Deacon's Cupboard - drop off non-perishable goods up until December 15th at the Grange (Open House December 5th 6:30-9:00 pm
  • The Cupboard has been very busy this Fall with a 50% increase in guests over last year.Each Wednesday nearly 50 families are coming for support.To meet this demand we need to have your support. When shopping think of the Cupboard and purchase items for the Deacon's Cupboard box by the elevator.
  • Another way to contribute is to make a financial donation through your regular offering.Cheques should be made out to EMUC and clearly marked for the Deacon's Cupboard.
  • Others have been helping by buying Fundscript cards and giving these to Mike Ogilvie to take TO the Cupboard. In both cases charitable receipts will be issued.