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Feature Article by Rev. Kathi
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When we were children, we all sang: "sticks and stones will break my bones, but words can never hurt me." As we grow up, we find that words can indeed hurt - they can even kill.
American pastor and chaplain, Tony Campolo, once gave a sermon in which he said, "First, while you were sleeping last night, 30,000 kids died of starvation or diseases related to malnutrition. Second, most of you don't give a sh*t. What's worse is that you're more upset with the fact that I said sh*t than the fact that 30,000 kids died last night." Those who suffer ought to be more important than the language, Campolo pointed out. When we call others by derogatory names, we make them less than human and therefore easier to dismiss or hate.
The Bible has a lot to say about how we are to use our words. We're created in God's image, which means a unique ability to speak into creation and participate in God's kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. Everything we do and say matters.
The flip side of this power to do good is that our words can do great damage.
The guide, then, is love. Learning the right words to speak about other groups isn't a practice of political correctness, it is a practice of love. Jesus put loving our neighbors high on the list of what was most important. God's three-phrase summary in the book of Amos about how to live a worthy life includes to "love kindness." Jesus also tells us to love our enemies.
This doesn't mean that we should shrug at evil or avoid calling out awful things and people who are causing great suffering - an important part of our power with language. But even in naming evil we're to be guided by love for the suffering and those who cause suffering. Jesus loved the criminal on the cross next to him on Golgotha. Each person is made in God's image and loved by God.
The Jesus way is to use language in a way that, word by word, shapes our heart to be more like the
heart of God
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We love because God first loves us. We have to be able to protect those who are suffering - including speaking out against those who are causing the suffering - while still staying rooted in how we ourselves are saved by grace: love your neighbor as yourself.
When I think of God's love for us - the risk of incarnation, of crucifixion as demonstration of the extent to which God's love reached - it's clear that we need to be guided by love and generosity, not self-protection and fear. When we talk about others, we should choose our words carefully as people who follow the word of God made flesh,
a light who shines in the darkness
.
May the words we each choose be light of truth, light of compassion, light of love.
In peace,
Rev. Kathi
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From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
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During our Leadership Circle meetings reports from our Focus Circle Leaders are shared. David Leeder updates us on our financial health, Sylvia Arnold reflects on recent worship services and shares plans for those upcoming. Sandra Witterick reports on our community outreach activities and initiatives and Sandy Hayes on the ways in which we care for and support each other and have fun together. Joanne Hines reports on our ministry with young ones and Ian Love fills us in on what has been done to maintain our building and facilities. Communication about the life and work of EMUC is crucial and Barb Jennings reports on that. Janet Morrison is our Presbytery Rep and she keeps us updated on its business. In addition, Trish Campbell is our member-at-large and is currently working on a privacy policy for the congregation. Kathi gives an outline of some of her activities, clarifies United Church policy and gives us words of wisdom and guidance.
At our May 15th meeting we also heard reports on two major initiatives; our annual garage sale, and the joint EMUC and Eden United dinner theatre production - Frownton Abbey. As I listened to all these snapshots of our life and ministry, I was humbled and awed as I recognized the enthusiasm, the energy and time, and the dedication that so many give to making EMUC a vibrant faith community. We celebrate with gratitude the vitality that exists in our community, yet we recognize that there are fewer of us to maintain these levels of activity. If you have been wondering how you might become more involved or have ideas to share, please speak to any of the Focus Circle leaders named above. There is much joy to be shared as we work together!
In our last Communiqué, David Leeder shared the details from a meeting of ten Mississauga churches who are looking at the future of the churches over the next ten years. I refer you to that article for a refresher. As our activities wind down for the summer hiatus, I invite you during that time to reflect on what this community means to you. Then consider these questions: How do you see EMUC over the next ten years? What will our church mean to the wider community? How will we need to change to meet the demands of a changing national church and a continually changing society? I believe that it is crucial that we all engage with, and dialogue about these questions in the year ahead.
So, let us enjoy our Canadian summer - its long hot days, gardens bursting with colour, gatherings with our families and friends, the sun on our faces as we leave the sanctuary. Let us revel in the beauty of this season of God's creation. And in our quiet moments of reflection let us contemplate the future we want for our community of faith.
Many Blessings,
Dianne Hope, Leadership Circle Chair
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On May 26th a Celebration of Life was held for Janet Tait. Thoughts and prayers are with her husband John, her sons, Andrew, Stuart and David and the entire family.
George Newman
's funeral was held on Monday May 28th at EMUC. We are keeping Lorraine and the extended families in our prayers.
Congratulations to Brian Macro and Shannon Pole on their marriage held June 1, 2018. Brian is the son of Gary and Laura Macro and he grew up at EMUC. We wish Brian and Shannon great happiness as they start their life together!
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Thanks to:
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Sylvia Arnold, Cindy Young, Cathy Kiteley and Pat Beck
for coordinating the Garage Sale
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All
those who worked at the garage sale sorting, cleaning and pricing and selling items in the days preparing for the sale
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All
those who donated and who purchased treasurers and plants at the sale
* Mike Ogilvie for delivering 300 fliers to the community
* Fred Shepley for obtaining the boxes for the donations
* Paul Marot and Lynn Norton for the use of their trucks for pickups and deliveries
* All those who donated baking to the Bake Table at the garage sale. Thanks to Hermine Bingham and Barb Jennings who organized the bake sale and also fed the volunteers preparing for the sale.
* Joanne Hines, Trish Campbell, Sandy and Tim Hayes who acted in the Frownton Abbey mystery dinner play.
* Sue Ogilvie and all those who helped behind the scenes with the food preparation for the Frownton Abbey dinner.
* Circle of Friends and all who baked for the memorial services
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Life at EMUC
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'Frownton Abbey' Mystery Dinner Fundraiser
The costumes have been boxed away, the set has been dismantled and the scripts have been recycled but the memories and hard work of this fabulous fundraiser will not be forgotten. After many long months of rehearsing and planning with our friends at Eden United Church, the murder mystery dinner and show took place on the last weekend in April. Performing for 2 sold out shows, the cast took audiences through a complicated series of clues over the course of the evening. Cast from Erin Mills included Sandy Hayes, Tim Hayes (who impressively managed to play 3 characters), Trish Campbell and Joanne Hines. Thank you to all the folks in the congregation who supported this fundraiser and brought friends and family to enjoy the evening. Another huge thank you goes to Sue Ogilvie and all her supporting helpers who busily prepared food, ushered and worked the bar for the event. It definitely took a village to manage this successful initiative and both churches will now benefit from the funds that are going to be shared between the congregations.
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| EMUC Cast Members: Trish, Joanne, Sandy, Tim |
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Refugee Sponsorship Update
It is finally happening. Tarek Youzbashi, a 29-year-old Syrian refugee who has been living in Egypt arrived at Pearson Airport on May 24 to begin his new life in Canada. The Northwest Mississauga Constituent Group (Norwest ) had a fully furnished apartment in the Hurontario and Dundas area ready for him and we are helping him to settle in. Tarek is fluent in English. At some point there will be a "meet and greet" so everyone will have an opportunity to meet him.
We have also been recently informed that the Nadaff family, Nadeem and Oula and their children Lelas and Ahmed, a family of four currently in UAE will be arriving on June 28. This is a pleasant surprise as we were told to expect them in early fall of this year! Norwest is now quickly planning for their arrival. We will shortly be calling for furniture and other material items for this family so please keep us in mind if you have bunk beds, a queen bed, kitchen table, chairs, sofas, kitchen items, etc. available. Our first priority however is to secure accommodation for them.
It has been a long journey and we thank you all so much for your ongoing patience, interest and support. We at Norwest have come to know these people reasonably well over the past year or so as we have ongoing email correspondence with them. I can tell you that they are so grateful, so excited, so taken aback by all your generosity and have asked that we relay this to you.
Submitted by: Debby Sturgeon
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'Ontario Male Chorus' and 'Boys in B' Concert
On Sunday May 27th in the evening, The Ontario Male Chorus under the direction of Bob Anderson, held a concert at EMUC. Special guest chorus was The Boys in B from Cawthra Secondary School. This is a male chorus run and directed by male students. There was a wide variety of music, soloists and one number by the combined choirs. It was an amazing evening!
The Ontario Male Chorus has been practicing at EMUC this year. Thank you to them for putting on the concert at our church. Greg Phillips and Brian Takayesu, from our congregation are members of this wonderful chorus. Hopefully more events will be possible in the future.
From a chorister's perspective:
Everyone in this neighbourhood has heard of Erin Mills Parkway. Not everyone knows about Erin Mills United Church located at the corner of Winston Churchill and Collegeway. If all those curious enough had just dropped in on Sunday May 27 evening around 6 o'clock, they would have been surprised by the unfolding activities. Young Cawthra high school students and other more senior males from the Ontario Male Chorus found their way to the basement.
Ladies also, with shopping bags, purses and trays chose the narthex floor for their destination.
It did not take long for the young men to raise the noise level to 'what did you say again'? Some bounced a little ball to one another. Another one hammered away at the piano without music. Some crowded around, sang and swayed. In another scenario some enthusiastically entered into an energetic debate. Not able to blend in with this cacophony of noise, the nave provided some quiet space. The crinkling of opening bags and plastic containers were indications of a pending party. One young lady of about ten years old worked right along the senior ones in placing snacks in an artistic order. She was soon called by her proper name, Ivy the Third.
The young men, upon being summoned, appeared and found their way to the podium. One capable looking young man took the lead and hit the first note on the piano. Just like magic their youthful voices were channeled in clear sounds. If you had been looking the other way you would have turned your head. The sound kept on growing and filled the whole nave and narthex. The acoustics proved to be excellent for such a small church. The second rehearsal song was conducted by another young man. The word freedom kept bringing up memories from the end of the Second World War.
The senior men were next to check and tune their vocal skills. Soon their director told them: "You have to pull your eyes away from your music sheets and look at me for tempo, volume, starts, etc." The unexpected compliment had a caveat. "You all sang well at last night's concert In Cambridge, but there are some changes you only pick up when you look at me. If you do not look at me, you may as well place a metronome in front of you. Of course this is very boring but also much cheaper."
"Did you hear how the student voices blend into one sound? No individual voice stood out. That is what I want you to generate. You cannot do that with volume. You have to listen to one another."
After all these preparations the curious drop-ins surely would have stayed to enjoy the whole concert at this place where worship, learning, history and community activities come together. The audience showed their appreciation after the singing of the younger and older generations. They mixed with the singers after the performance and offered their comments. The shared food and refreshments helped in creating a wonderful afterglow.
So if you are in the area sometime, drop in and see what is next on the agenda at this place serving the community.
Written by Dirk Vandermale
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From the Deacon's Cupboard
The Deacon's Cupboard receives donations from many individuals and organizations and all are received with appreciation; however, occasionally a donation especially touches the hearts of the volunteers. We received such a one this month.
St. Peter's Erindale hosted a progressive dinner with members of Soleil synagogue and the Masumeen Islamic Centre. As part of the celebration the guests visited the Deacon's Cupboard and learned of its work. One of the Muslim women was so touched that she vowed to collect donations from her mosque. This week we received a significant amount of food, personal care items, and money from her fellow worshipers. In these difficult days it is important for us to remember that all of us, regardless of faith or origin, can work together to help the less fortunate in our community. A special thank you to the Islamic community from all of the Cupboard volunteers and guests.
Submitted by Linda and David Leeder
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Eight Striders descended on City Centre on Sunday May 27th to explore the various installations: urban parks, Legends Row, the Peace Garden, and Celebration Square. The day was hot but everyone had a good time.
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The Interfaith Justice and Peace Group Reports:
The Interfaith Justice and Peace Group meets on an ad-hoc basis to plan events and to share stories of individual pursuits that are justice oriented and may be of interest to the EMUC community.
Larry Van Goozen attended the
Interfaith Fest at the Tibetan Cultural Centre in Etobicoke on Sunday, April 29. Besides sampling foods from various cultures, he got to talk with people from various traditions and locations: Tibetan Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Catholic Christian, Jewish (Solel) and two other United Church congregations (Wesley Mimico and Applewood). He met Barb Findlay, Joanne Hedge and Harry Oussoren. Harry was the coordinator and MC of the event. He saw the presentations and music from the Tibetan, Jewish, Sufi Muslim and Sikh groups and joined the choir to sing United Church songs. He enjoyed the presentations and entertainment and being part of the choir. He found the festival very worthwhile and enjoyed meeting and talking with people of different traditions.
Deb Sturgeon attended the T
oronto screening of a film about the Rohingya people's experiences. Three years ago, Yusuf Zine was asked to lead a workshop in Waterloo for young Rohingya refugees. As he worked with these young people and got to know them, Zine discovered that what they really wanted to do was tell their story and let the world know who they are. Under Zine's leadership and with the help of professional playwrights, they have re-enacted the escapes of their families from Burma.
The story of the year long journey from the original idea to the final staging of the play is documented in the film
, "I am Rohingya: A Genocide in Four Acts". We learn about their past and history as well as the challenges of being refugees adjusting to a new country through interviews with the students, their family members, and teachers. Newsreel footage showing some of the history of the Rohingya people and the horrors of the on-going genocide is interspersed throughout the documentary.
As informative and moving as the film is, the real value is in the question and answer sessions with Yusuf Zine and some of the actors following the screening.
Three screenings of "I am Rohingya" took place in Ottawa, Toronto and Waterloo in May. Future screenings will be taking place in the fall, the dates have not yet been announced. For further information, go to www.iamrohingyafilm.com .
You may be interested:
Amnesty International has a book club! Deb shares information about the current selection:
"Seven Fallen Feathers", by award winning investigative reporter Tanya Talaga, is the Amnesty International Book Club selection for May-June, 2018. The book tells the stories of the lives and deaths of seven Indigenous students who disappeared while studying far from home in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2011. In order to understand what happened to these students and how Canadian society has failed them, Talaga talked to their families and gathered details from police and coroner reports.
A discussion guide is available to download from the book club web-site (www.amnestybookclub.ca) it includes discussion questions, an interview with Tanya Talaga, and an essay by Monia Mazigh who is best known for her efforts to free her husband Maher Arar from prison in Syria. Ms Mazigh is the guest reader who recommended Seven Fallen Feathers.
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RENTAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED - JUNE 2018
June is a busy month for Saturday rentals at EMUC. The acoustics in our worship space attract several music schools for their annual recitals.
We are looking for volunteers to assist Peter in the supervision of these groups. We need someone to be present to represent us. Peter would be pleased to explain your duties.
Events are scheduled for
June 2nd, June 16th and June 23rd.
The music is a real treat to listen to and really the need is to make sure we are keeping our church home guest ready!
Contact Peter if you can help!
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The Bridge Club will have their
Season Closing Tournament and Awards Night on Friday, June 8th at 7:00 pm in the Lower Hall. Come for light refreshments and join the fun competition.
New players are welcome. We have a good pool of players set to start the new season in the Fall. For more details, contact Tim Hayes
scoutertim@hotmail.com.
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On
Saturday, June 9, Women for Women will hold our annual retreat. This year, we will meet at EMUC for a continental breakfast & brief morning activity. We will then carpool to Visual Arts Mississauga at the beautiful Riverwood Conservancy. There, we will enjoy a hike along the Credit River or a walk around the gardens, followed by lunch. After lunch, a VAM artist will lead us in a ceramics workshop. Cost for the day is $40 (bursary assistance is available). Come & give yourself the gift of a peaceful day.
Submitted by Cathy Scattergood
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On June 17th
EMUC will host an indigenous speaker during morning worship. Dawn Maracle has twenty-five years' experience working with and for Indigenous communities, organizations, initiatives and campaigns. Dawn has multiple Education and Native Studies degrees. She has experience in Indigenous education and training, health/medicine/tobacco, governance, women and the arts. Please join us as we acknowledge National Aboriginal Day (June 21st) and learn what motivates Dawn to persist in her work.
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Lunch and Learn
Talking and Listening: Helpful ways to support someone with critical illness. Your Membership and Development Care Team is planning a Lunch and Learn event on June 24th following worship, from 11:45 to 1:15. A light lunch will be provided. The guest speaker, Dr. Bob Sauls, a retired leader in Palliative Care from Trillium Health Partners will be guiding us through a discussion on giving support.
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An Evening at the Living Arts Centre -
The Living Arts Centre hosts
"FIRST" - a two-act theatrical performance which incorporates stunning photography to tell the story of the Mississaugas of the New Credit. We hope to gather a group from EMUC to attend this performance. More information to follow in the fall.
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About Erin Mills United Church
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EMUC's Vision is to be a thriving Spirit-filled congregation;
diverse, inclusive, and engaged with the community
and creation.
The Mission of EMUC is to offer opportunities for all persons
to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ.
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Communiqué Dates for 2018
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COPY DEADLINE
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PUBLICATION
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AUGUST 17
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AUGUST 26
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SEPTEMBER 21
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SEPTEMBER 30
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OCTOBER 26
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NOVEMBER 4
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NOVEMBER 23
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DECEMBER 2
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Editor: Janet Morrison
Layout: Barbara Jennings
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