Friday Message and what's coming.

Friday Message

What's Coming!

March 15, 2019

Season: Lent

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Rev. Kathi's Message

Last Sunday was the first of Lent and in my message that morning I talked about the wildernesses we all go through. I suggested that, perhaps, we need to fully engage with those difficult times in our lives and not try to distract or anesthetize ourselves from the experience; that there are important things that can only be felt and learned in our desert journeys. Several people have asked me for a copy of that message, so I guess I have touched on something with it.

Today I would like to share with you a counter-position to the one I preached:

I am known for being a “head” person. I think things over – a lot. It is possible that I even obsess about things. My dear friend recently gave me note book for journaling; on the cover it says, “wait a minute while I over-think this.” Hmmm.

Lately, I find that I am thinking about a lot of different things at once. It feels all jumbled, and I’m not sure any of the thinking is really getting me where I need to go, so I’m trying to get out of my head a little bit—listening to music, cooking, watching Netflix, exercising, reading, watching the world out my window.

I don’t know that any of that is working, honestly, but I have to believe it’s worth the effort to lay down some of the over-thinking and make some space so God can get a word in edgewise.

In this season of Lent, in all seasons, we long for a closer connection to the Divine. Maybe that can be found in embracing our wildernesses; maybe it is in being gentle with ourselves. Consider this whatever permission you need to do something that allows you to stop thinking for a moment, too. It’s okay not to figure everything out just now, it’s okay to leave the jumble of thoughts and the plans and the lists. Just for a minute, take a deep breath, look out the window, and know that you are loved and you are already enough.

Rev. Kathi

This Week at EMUC

Sunday March 17th:

10:00 am: Lent 2 - Worship led by Rev. Kathi

Scripture: Genesis 15: 1-12, 17-18

Gospel: Luke 13: 31-45

Message: "Love Like a Mother Hen"

Monday March 18th:

Tuesday March 19th:

6:45 pm: Leadership Circle Meeting

Wednesday March 20th:

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion service

Thursday March 21st:

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir

Friday March 22nd:

Saturday March 23rd:

Next Sunday March 24th: Lent 3 - Worship Service at 10 am,

Kids' Zone for young children available during worship.

THE SEARCH IS ON!

We are looking for that special someone to take on the Admin&Building Coordinator role before Peter Kiteley's retirement at the end of May. It will be a regular part time position, working 30 hours a week , supporting the busy life of EMUC. The job description is posted on our website, emuc.ca, and will also be on charityvillage.com and indeed.com. Please share with anyone you feel would be interested. Applicants are asked to send their cover letter and resume by March 24th to position@emuc.ca

REFUGEE SPONSORSHIP GROUP: Can you help Tarek find meaningful employment ?

Tarek Youzbashi is seeking meaningful employment in the field of English-Arabic translation, interpretation and editing. Since his arrival in Canada, he has obtained the Canadian certifications for his Master’s Degree and is awaiting certification by the Canadian Translators and Interpreters Council (CTTIC). He has completed a course at the University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work which qualifies him to work for settlement agencies and community organizations assisting Arabic/English speaking refugees and newcomers. He has also volunteered at the United Church SAH (refugee) office and S.E.A.S. (Support Enhance Access Service) Centre.

If you work in or have contacts in any of the above or related areas and are interested in advising Tarek of some avenues he might pursue, please contact Debby Sturgeon at sturgs4@rogers.com.

What's Coming!

LENT FILM STUDY – DINNER AND A MOVIE!

Thank you to everyone who has waited patiently for me to decide on our study for this season of Lent. I have heard that you really enjoyed the film study last year, so I am pleased to try it again.

We will be watching and discussing the 2010 film The Way, starring Martin Sheen and written and directed by his son, Emilio Estevez. This is a powerful and inspirational story about a father who travels to France after his son has an accident while walking the Camino de Santiago. He decides to finish the pilgrimage in his son’s place and his experience has a profound impact on him.

We will meet in the sanctuary over 3 Tuesday evenings to watch a part of the movie then discuss it over a potluck meal.

Here is what you need to know:

When: March 26th, April 2nd, April 9th at 6:30pm

Where: Erin Mills United Sanctuary

What to bring: some food to share, plate and cutlery (we will have access to the kitchen on the lower level to warm some food after 6pm)

Please let Rev. Kathi know if you are coming at kathi@emuc.ca

JAZZ VESPERS

On March 31 ^st at 7:00 pm Jazz Vespers will be held at EMUC featuring the music of the great jazz keyboardists. Christina Melanie, Music Director at Applewood UC and Len Feldman, EMUC’s Music Director will be playing music by Chick Corea, Joe Zawinul, Ray Charles, and others. Plan to attend! All are welcome!

EASTER VIGIL

The Easter Vigil is a longstanding tradition at Erin Mills United and begins Thursday, April 18 ^th at 9:00 pm and continues to Saturday, April 20 ^th at 3:00 pm. The Vigil schedule will be posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church on Sunday, March 17 ^th . Please sign up for one or more ‘one hour’ periods to spend time praying, reflecting, reading, meditating or just being quiet in God’s presence. You are also invited to sign up for an “overnight” vigil for either the Thursday or Friday night (starting at 11:00 pm to 7:00 am). This was a very positive experience in the past. Bring your sleeping bag and pillow for comfort. Any questions can be directed to Sylvia Arnold.

EASTER FLOWERS

The Worship Committee is taking orders for Easter flowers from Sunday, March 17 ^th to Palm Sunday, April 14 ^th . Prices for the flowers are indicated on the order envelopes located on the back table outside the conference room. The flowers will be used to decorate the church for Easter Sunday and anyone who wishes can take their flowers home after the service. Please note that we do not purchase lilies out of consideration for those who have scent allergies.

GIFTS OF VISION - A GIVING CATALOGUE FROM MISSION AND SERVICE.

Are you looking for an Easter gift giving idea? Have a look at the catalogue from our own Mission and Service. There are 21 Canadian, Indigenous Canadian and 9 World idea, large and small. Plus four back pages of past very popular ones. They cover many areas of need which could help change someone's life for the better.

Ruth Noble preached at EMUC recently. She is part of the M&S arm of the church who produce this catalogue annually. The United Church and their partners continue to work hard to sustain one of our core mandates - hope and healing for others. If you wish visit www.giftswithvision.ca to donate on line . There are many needs in this world. Your donation will make a difference.

'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 Sunday, March 31st. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.