This is the first newsletter since June.  Spring events are reported as well as up-coming events for the fall.  As we start our journey together with our new minister, there will be changes to the Friday Message, the newsletter and the website.  Look for the launch of EMUC's new website in the near future.

 

Remember, I quoted Carol Burnett:  "I'm so glad we had this time together, just to have a laugh or sing a song.  Seems we just get started and before you know it, comes the time we have to say so long."

I have my own version: I'm so glad God brought us all together; just to share our burdens and our joys.  Seems we just got started and before you know it, comes the time for us to journey on. Thanks everyone!

I have LOVED being here. As three months turned into six, and then into to nine and ten, I just felt happy and privileged to be with such good, good people. What have I learned?

• Well, I know more about cell phone towers (thank you, Ian Thompson) than I ever thought I needed to know.
• I have sort of learned how to unlock and lock the church doors with that weird IKEA key you gave me
• I have learned a whole new way of doing Communion  (Thank you, Sylvia.)
• I have learned, again, the power of Holy Baptism, even when it happens on a grand scale!  (Thank you, Sandra W. for your guidance and ministry.)
•  I have experienced the power of the resurrection through the faithful waiting with Christ through the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.  (Thanks to all of you.)
• I have been to the church's biggest garage sale, and I learned that God will not be upset if we turn the sanctuary into a temporary place to exchange goods and services.
• I have learned, again, how powerful a witness to justice we can be when not afraid to name hard things around all kinds of inclusivity.  (Thank you, Dianne H.)
• I have learned that trekking through the water front of Mississauga is not just about exercise, but touching creation. (Thank you, Striders.)
• I have learned the powerful reach of simple friendship through 'Circle of Friends'. (Thanks to all of you.)
• I have been touched by the gracious use of a blood pressure gadget when I was not well. It probably saved me an emergency visit. (Thanks, Hermine..)
• I have learned that power point can be my friend. (Thank you, Lorraine B. and Cindy...that is a miracle!)
• I have learned that if I don't follow the Lectionary for one Sunday, I won't be struck dead.
• I have learned that those "rabbit ears" you gave me to use each Sunday do have a purpose, except when you put them on backwards.  (Thanks, Sylvia for putting up with me in that department!)
• I have learned about the wonderful retreat centre right in my own backyard.  I did not know Joshua Creek existed.  (Thank you, Women to Women.)  And I learned about the spiritual power of drumming!  Love peanut butter & jam.
• I have learned to be patient with different interpretations of life, God, love and happiness - and especially how important language is in including everyone. (Thanks everyone on that front.)
• I have learned how not to get so freaked out by budget spread sheets that make no sense to me.  (Thank you David. L. and Ian T.)
• I have learned the basics of plant care, and how it relates to spiritual growth. (Thanks, Rachel)
•  I've learned to navigate my way around Mississauga.... and the United Church, all over again  (THANKS SYLVIA.)
• I have learned how to be gracious and caring without losing leadership, especially in meetings!  (Thank you, Joanne Hines!!)
• I have learned that singing in the right key honours God more than going back to the original lyrics.  (Thanks beautiful choir.)
• I have learned the dignity and power of diversity in music, and that God might even like Jazz.  (Thank you, Len.)
• I have learned that Church Administrators are indeed the rock upon which the Holy Spirit welcomes the stranger, and keeps the absent minded Supply Minister informed. ( Thank you Peter; your name is well earned )
• I have re-discovered the power of Taize worship and fellowship. (Thank you, Wednesday Night Prayers & Communion)
• I have learned how "bi-vocational" anyone can be.  (Thanks to Janet and Barb who, in spite of busy lives and jobs, get these publications out.)
• I thank God in Jesus Christ for all of you.  I name all of you in my prayer of gratitude, not just those specifically mentioned.  You know who you are, and so does God. 
• Finally, I have learned that God shows Godself to us in a myriad of unexpected and even unorthodox ways, but especially through a holy hospitality that never ends.  Thank you, everyone!

                                                                             Love you in Christ,  

                                                                                     Rev. Jackie

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On Sunday, August 27th, we celebrated Rev. Jackie Burnie's time with us. Over the last 11 months we have come to know Jackie for her kind and gentle heart, her wonderful sense of humour and her passion for pastoral care. She connected in such a personal way with so many of us and helped reconnect some of the folks who had lost touch with Erin Mills United.

During her last service with us, I said the following words about Jackie;

From the moment Jackie came in to meet us last year, there was a wonderful energy and enthusiasm she brought to our church home. We are truly blessed and eternally grateful that Jackie was brought into our lives when we needed her most. And, although we all knew the temporary nature of this role, we have come to know and love her open, welcoming spirit in our midst. Her gifts for compassion and understanding have been so appreciated during this transitional time.

Please let me say, on behalf of all of us that you, Jackie, have made an impact on our life at Erin Mills and we will not forget all that you have done for us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking on a role and stepping into a situation many would have run from. You embraced us and I hope you will always feel you have a home here at Erin Mills.

Jackie was presented with gifts from the congregation and we wished her all the best as she moves through her own transitional time. We hope she stays in touch and pray for peace, joy and happiness as she continues on her journey.

And now we look forward to continue on our own journey in this year of many changes and exciting opportunities. I continue to be lifted up and encouraged by the support everyone offers to each other through these times of challenge and celebration. Thank you to all who have offered assistance in serving on committees and taking on important tasks, so we may continue to support each other and our community during this time of transition.

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Sixty-six very lucky people attended the Annual Strawberry Social at EMUC on Thursday, June 29.  A feast was served with cold cuts of chicken and ham (freshly cooked-no preservatives there!) and a vast array of delicious, home- made, fresh salads, too numerous to recount, though next year I think we should, because it was unbelievable.  And this was only the prelude to a taste of pure heaven for dessert-freshly-picked Ontario strawberries on top of home-made biscuits or cake, topped with your choice of whipped cream (the real deal-NOT Cool Whip!) OR frozen yogurt OR vanilla ice cream...OR...a sample of all three toppings!!  Kudos to Sue Ogilvie, Sylvia Arnold and Barb Jennings for organizing and preparing many salads, and for all the clean-up/dishes afterwards, to so many people who brought extremely yummy salads to add to the selection, to Dave Arnold and Mike Ogilvie for their help in setting up the room and to the team of berry pickers:  Sonia Neilson, Trish Campbell, Cindy Young and Sandy Hayes (and two cleaners-of-the berries: Cindy/Sandy).  Muriel Hamdani should be given an award of some kind for baking all of the biscuits, despite her inability to attend the event.  Thank you, Muriel!