Friday Message and what's coming.

Friday Message

What's Coming!

January 25, 2019

Season: Epiphany/Ordinary Time

Rev. Kathi's Message

My Faith Family at Erin Mills,

I hardly know where to begin to thank you for your kindness, support and love these past two weeks. My family and I are overwhelmed with gratitude for each message, call, card and prayer offered.

For those of you who made the trip to Stouffville – in spite of the snow storm – I thank you for your presence, your tears and your hugs.

I will be back at church soon. I have missed the familiarity of my office and the comfort of the sanctuary. I have missed the joy of planning worship and being your pastor. I know, because of the example of those of you who have made this journey ahead of me, that I am no longer the same person I was before Greg’s death. Now I am grieving and my emotions will be close to the surface for a while. But in time, with God’s grace, I will be some one who is a little bit stronger and – I hope – a little bit more compassionate.

Greg came into my life 43 years ago and stole my heart with his warm smile, his charm, his crazy sense of humour - and those amazing green eyes. I have loved him my entire adult life. His love for me was a gift that I will cherish forever.

Thank you for your love and understanding,

Kathi

Remembering Greg Phillips

It is not too late to make a donation to Yellow Brick House through EMUC! Please donate by February 3rd. Please use the special envelopes that are available at the church. Cheques should be made out to EMUC and the funds will be deposited into our Memorial Fund. Then one cheque for the total collection plus a list of donors' names (without individual donation amounts) will be sent to Yellow Brick House in memory of Greg.

EMUC will issue income tax receipts to individuals with the donation included in your 2019 statements. Yellow Brick House is a registered charity.

This process is optional and individuals who prefer to make donations directly are free to do so.

Please contact the EMUC office with any serious pastoral concerns. Rev. Joanne Hedge is covering pastoral care concerns while Kathi is away.

This Week at EMUC

Sunday January 27th:

10:00 am: Worship led by Lynda Appleby and Sylvia Arnold

Scripture: Psalm 19: 7-14

Gospel: Luke 4: 14-21

Message: "Beginning Jesus' Ministry"

Monday January 28th:

Tuesday January 29th:

Wednesday January 30th:

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion service led by Joanne Hedge

Thursday January 31st:

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir

Friday February 1st:

Next Sunday February 3rd: Worship and Communion at 10 am led by Rev. Ruth Noble

Kids' Zone program for young children available during worship

Refugee Sponsorship Fundraising Appeal Update

Target: $ 10 000

Total amount raised to date: - $9,200

In order to meet our commitment to support the sponsored refugees for one year following their arrival in Canada, the Northwest Mississauga Constituent Group will require a further $40 000. Erin Mills United Church has set a target of $10 000 for this appeal. We are currently at $9,000. Thank you for your generous support.

What's Coming!

EUCHRE AND DESSERT NIGHT

On Saturday, January 26th, the first euchre night of the year will be held. Please arrive to sign in at 6:30 p.m. and play will start at 7:00 p.m. sharp. The cost is $10.00 per person. Singles are welcome. Submit your name and number of attendees to Mary Anna Williams. Email to maryanna.williams10@gmail.com or Telephone: 905-820-5305

LOAVES AND DISHES

Tourtieres, turkey pot pies and shepherd's pies are ready for pickup in the EMUC kitchen after the service on Sunday.

An order sheet is on the sign-up bulletin board at the back of the church. Please place your orders there.

COMFORT KITS

We will be collecting travel size toiletry items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, lotions, shampoo etc.) for the Open Door for distribution in late February. Please bring your items to the church. There will be a box suitably labelled for drop-off of the items. Thank you.

OUT OF THE COLD - Winter Coats, Jackets

As in previous years, we are collecting warm outer wear for the Open Door at Square One. There is a special need for kids’ snow pants. Please leave your clean, in good repair items in the cloakroom at the church. Hang the coats on the right side or leave marked bags on the floor or in boxes provided. Thank you.

ATTENTION BOOK LOVERS AND AVID READERS!

A number of people have expressed interest in being part of a book club. Therefore, we are forming a third EMUC Book Club.

Please sign up on the list on the bulletin board at the back of the church or contact either Sandy Hayes (905-820-4437) or Karen Colwell (905-891-1746) by January 30 ^th , if you would like to join in or learn more about this new group and so we can gauge the number interested.

Tuesday February 26th has been selected for the initial meeting at Sandy Hayes’ home. At this meeting, members will discuss and determine a regular day and time that works for them as well as how the group will function.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - BOOKKEEPER

As you are aware Peter is retiring as our Office Administrator / Building Coordinator effective May 31,2019.The Leadership Circle has been reviewing the position in the context of our current budget restraints.

In some churches parts of this position are filled by volunteers. The bookkeeping component is one that is often filled by an unpaid volunteer with strong computer skills along with some bookkeeping skills and experience.

The time commitment would be approximately 3 hours a week.

If you are interested please speak to Dave Leeder-Treasurer.

' FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM

FUNDSCRIP is 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 purchased through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church.

Order forms for gift cards are available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is this Sunday, January 27th. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.