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Feature Article by Rev. Kathi
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Earlier this summer, while I was on vacation, some interesting things were happening in the United Church of Canada.
At the end of July, the 43rd General Council met in Oshawa for a week. They made some important decisions that will shape the future of the church as we look forward to a new chapter. Our new Moderator, the Right Reverend Richard Bott, was elected and he has pledged to "quicken the hearts" of the church through this time of change. Next month, when the reports have been circulated, I will bring you details of those decisions and the impact they will have for our community of faith.
Near the beginning of July, I was invited to join an on-line group that was preparing a letter that would be sent to the new Premier of Ontario. It was an amazing process to observe as the letter was drafted, edited, proofed and word-smithed line by line. (This took several days - apparently, we clergy can be quite picky about our writing!) As the letter took shape, a social media presence was created and launched. Then two ministers with media experience were identified and they were organized to train us to handle any requests from journalists.
Signatures began flying in from across the province and someone offered to produce a video that could be shared on the internet.
By July 16, over 400 United Church clergy, representing cities, towns and rural communities from across Ontario, had signed the open letter to Premier Ford outlining our hopes and concerns for the new provincial government.
It was hand delivered to the Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott, by former MPP Rev. Cheri Di Novo and simultaneously released on print media and social media platforms.
"And we will make sure - I can guarantee you we'll make sure - the church has a voice. All the time."
The unprecedented letter congratulates Premier Ford and raises a number of issues that we believe are of concern to Ontarians of all faiths and political stripes:
- How budget cuts will impact those living in poverty
- Affordable and safe housing
- Welcoming refugees
- Better health care
- Comprehensive sexual education curriculum
- Climate care
- Equal access to education
As of today, the letter has been featured in dozens of community newspapers and in several radio interviews. And several of my colleagues have either initiated or been contacted by their MPP's for a dialogue on the issues raised in the letter.
The video can be viewed at
In peace,
Rev. Kathi
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From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
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Where has the summer gone? Many of us look forward to the long days and the warmth of the season for so long and then it seems to go by so quickly. I hope you've had the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the gifts of the season.
We will soon begin our regular slate of activities and I hope that each of us will find, through Erin Mills United Church, our unique space to fulfill our calling to follow in Jesus' footsteps. Planning is under way for a welcome back event at which time we will explore opportunities to engage in the life and work of EMUC. Keep tuned for further information about this event!
While many of us took a break from regular attendance at worship and small group activities took a hiatus for the summer, the ministry of Erin Mills United continued. Guest speakers and musical guests complemented intimate Sunday services. Personally, while I was not able to attend regularly, it was with joyful anticipation that I thought about gathering with our church family, and I left with that warm feeling one has after a happy visit "back home".
The church office was open to those who needed help. Members responded generously to an appeal for funds to help one of our adherents find suitable accommodation for family members who arrived as new Canadian residents. Repairs to the bell tower and church roof were undertaken to ensure we have a safe and comfortable space for worship and activities. Let us give thanks for all those whose commitment and dedication enabled this work and ministry to continue during the summer.
The 43rd General Council of the United Church of Canada took place in July. By accepting all the remits that congregations have studied and voted on over the past two years, a new governance structure for the United Church was ushered in. Under Rev. Kathi's leadership we will work through the implications for our congregation. I believe that if we keep focused on deepening our faith, sharing God's love with the diverse communities in our neighborhood and caring for creation that we can move forward with the confidence that all will be well.
So, Welcome Back!
Dianne Hope,
Chair, Leadership Circle
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Earlier this summer, one of our long-time and dedicated members, Lloyd Freel, moved into Northridge Long Term Care Residence at 496 Postridge Drive, Oakville. Mary invites EMUC friends to drop by for a visit to help with his transition.
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Thanks to:
- All those who helped with ushering, greeting, coffee hosting and scripture reading during the summer months.
- Mike Ogilvie who weeded the islands in the parking lot this summer.
- Barb Jennings for her continuous work on communications this summer with pictures for the bulletin board, "Thought for the Day" for the church sign and Facebook.
- Barb Jennings and Janet Morrison for the publishing of the Friday Message during the summer.
- Len Feldman for arranging for special music during the summer.
- Sylvia Arnold for overseeing and planning all the summer services.
- Heather Bunting for chairing the Membership and Pastoral Care Committee for the past five years.
- Ian Love for the hours spent overseeing the building repairs over the summer.
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Life at EMUC
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Women for Women held its annual retreat on June 9th. The day started at EMUC and then continued at Riverside Conservancy in the afternoon. Activities included discussion, lunch, walks along the river and a pottery
workshop
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The first Women for Women evening this fall is scheduled for October 19th. All women are welcome. Look for more information on the bulletin board or speak to Cathy Scattergood.
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Picnic Sunday seems to mark the end of regular activities and the start of summer at EMUC. It was held on June 10th this year and as the pictures below show, people enjoyed good food and conversation.
 
 
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June 17th was Aboriginal Sunday. Dawn Maracle, an indigenous woman, an educator and writer, was the guest speaker and spoke about the First Nations. She has worked for 25 years with and for indigenous communities and organizations. Dawn is a facilitator for the KAIROS Blanket Exercise which we will be offering in October.
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EMUC Bridge Club
The EMUC Bridge Club starts a new season with the opening tournament and social on Friday, September 14. A schedule of monthly match-ups alternating as host and guest keeps the play going until the closing party in June.
Come out and meet the players. Newcomers and those interested in learning to play are welcome.
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EMUC Striders
September 16th - Mount Nemo - Upper Level
Mount Nemo is a favourite among hikers in Halton Parks. Away from the crowds and the hustle bustle of the city, Mount Nemo is a peaceful sanctuary for nature walks. Watch the Turkey Vultures float on the thermals while you take in the panoramic view of the escarpment. On a clear day you can see the CN Tower in Toronto!
Mount Nemo is a haven for naturalists and birders. Keep binoculars, a magnifying glass, and a camera on hand! Mount Nemo is teeming with biodiversity.
October 21st - Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls, Dundas Ontario
From the escarpment brow, noted for its panoramas, to the forested depths of the gorge below, the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area exhibits the physical features which have made the Niagara Escarpment one of Ontario's most spectacular geological formations.
This significant natural area contains two beautiful waterfalls: Webster and Tew Falls. Webster is a magnificent tiered waterfall and Tew, which towers at 41 metres, is only a few metres shorter than Niagara Falls. Both offer spectacular vistas of the gorge.
More details on carpooling and timing will be available as these dates approach. Enjoy the outdoors!!
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Cafe Sunday: Munch, Mingle and More
On
Sunday September 23rd, join us for an informal service in an alternative format. Stay for lunch and reconnect with friends you may not have seen over the summer. Learn about EMUC activities and provide input into what best serves you and your family. All are welcome!
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On Sunday September 30th, Lynne Culham, Executive Director of the Open Door will give the message. Plan to attend!
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The Interfaith Justice and Peace Group
The Interfaith Justice and Peace group invites you to join us on Sunday, October 14th for lunch after worship followed by a KAIROS Blanket Exercise workshop facilitated by a representative from KAIROS. This workshop will walk us "through the history of relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada. As we learn what went wrong we discover how to move forward together."
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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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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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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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