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Rev. Kathi's Message:
"The distinction between the past, present,
and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion."
- Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein raised the possibility that time is just an illusion and physicists have been pursuing that theory since. As a fan of science fiction, I am fascinated with the concept that time is not a straight line like a temporal arrow in flight. In fiction it can be a ribbon that folds back on itself, a series of parallel tracks, a mirror that reflects or even a piece of fabric that can be torn or develop holes.
Deepak Chopra has said that,
i
n reality, time is not a fixed experience that follows the ticking of the clock. It is a fluid, changeable experience. We know that our bodies measure time in multiple ways depending upon the biological function in various cells and according to different biological rhythms. Time drags slowly by some days and flies past on others. Getting lost in a favourite activity or experiencing trauma can stop time entirely. Our chronological age can vary dramatically from our biological or psychological age. We can change our experience of time through our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Life flows with the timeless rhythms of the universe.
For those of us in worship leadership the last months of the year are the fastest to slip by. At Erin Mills UC, worship planning is already in full swing: this week is Communion and Peace Sunday; on Nov 12 we continue our Stewardship campaign; Nov 19 is International Children's Sunday and we will be having an all-ages service to celebrate - a special invitation to join us goes out to any young people in your family and among your friends. And then we are into Advent and all the waiting and watching and preparing. Sometimes it feels like the Christmas train is barreling down the tracks!
I find it hard to believe that I have been your minister for two months. Some days it is like I have just arrived and other days I feel like I have known you forever. I know that even if all of our time is an illusion, God's time is not and there is something very comforting in that.
Blessings, Kathi
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An Attitude of Gratitude - Mission & Service
As part of the Stewardship Program you are asked to make a commitment to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.
The fund is hope and love in action. Just as Jesus called his followers to a way of compassion and transformation in his time, as Jesus' followers today, we too are called to the same mission. By making Mission & Service a part of our giving, we are each answering God's call for us to mend the world.
If you gave to Mission & Service this year, thank-you. Please give again in 2017. Take a moment to imagine how much can be done with your gift.
If you did not give to Mission & Service this year, please consider giving in 2017. Make this the year that you make giving to Mission & Service a regular part of your life of faith.
As of September 30,2017, our Mission & Services givings are slightly below budget .Our goal for the year is $23,500.Let's strive to surpass it and set a higher target for 2018.
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This Week at EMUC
Daylight Savings Time Ends - Clocks Fall Back
Sunday at 10:00 am: Peace Sunday and Communion
Service led by Rev. Kathi Phillips
Scripture: Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-25
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
Sermon: 'What We Have Saved
'
Tuesday at 1:00 pm: Transition Team
Wednesday at 2:00 pm: Circle of Friends
6:45 pm:
Prayers & Communion
Thursday at noon: Worship Committee
7:00 pm: Chancel Choir
Next Sunday at 10:00 am:
Worship led by Rev. Kathi
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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 October cards can be picked up this Sunday.
The next order date is Sunday, November 26.
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.
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
For many years, EMUC and friends have been generous sponsors of our Christmas program. 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. 10th). 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 10th 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 Sandra Witterick at
sandra.witterick@gmail.com
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POINSETTIA 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 26, 2017 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.
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.
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