Friday Message and what's coming.

Friday Message

What's Coming!

May 31, 2019

Season: Easter

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Rev. Kathi's Message

Our United Church Moderator, Richard Bott, posted on Facebook earlier this week about prayer.

He explained that he participates in a couple of online groups of Christians. And how one of the things that happens in these groups are requests for prayer. Sometimes the requests are about something happening in one's own life, sometimes it's about a situation in someone else's, or in the world.

Often, people will respond with, "Prayers lifted."

As much as Richard loves that image - prayer taking flight, either floating on gossamer wings, or propelled by the jet fuel of the prayer's passion; he says that what he really wants to post is, "Prayers flailing." Because, contrary to the pretty poetic communal prayers that he writes, he confesses that his personal conversations with God are some of the most “convoluted, confusing, morass of messy moments that have, or could possibly, exist.”

I can really relate with that sentiment. I really enjoy writing prayers for our worship. I can take my time, choose my words with care, play with them, move them around until I feel certain I have pulled together something appropriate and worthy of sharing out loud and in public.

But when it comes to my turn to talk to God? Well, it is often disjointed and distracted, an ongoing conversation that is frequently interrupted and then just as easily picked up again – just like when I am with my close friends. Richard’s phrase: "prayers flailing" is a pretty accurate description.

I appreciate the online communities that have included me. Like at church, we listen to each other’s stories, we share joys and sorrows, we share learning and resources. and like Richard’s groups, we hold each other in prayer. “Prayers lifted.” Or “Prayers flailing.” It is a gift to pray for others and to know that I am prayed for, too. And I am grateful for God who hears no matter how I pray..

Kathi

This Week at EMUC

Sunday June 2nd:

10:00 am: Worship, Communion and New Members

Gospel Lesson: John 17: 20-26

Scripture : Acts 1: 1-12

Message: "Waiting for the Promise"

Striders' Hike in the afternoon

Monday June 3rd:

Tuesday June 4th:

Wednesday June 5th:

2:00 pm: Knitting Group

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion service

Thursday June 6th:

Friday June 7th:

Saturday June 8th:

Next Sunday June 9th: Picnic Sunday

What's Coming!

PETER KITELEY'S RETIREMENT DINNER CELEBRATION

On Friday, May 31st there will be a dinner to celebrate Peter Kiteley's contributions to EMUC as Office Administrator as he launches into retirement. May 31st is Peter's last day of work at EMUC. There will be speeches and entertainment. Purchase your tickets soon as tickets are limited. Tickets are available from Sandy Hayes for $30.

STRIDERS

The next hike is scheduled for this Sunday, June 2nd . This will be a joint hike with the Mindful Steps of Applewood United, the EMUC Striders and friends.

EMUC will gather in the Narthex for a light lunch brought from home. At 12:15 our car pooling will set off for the trailhead at Hewick Meadows (by 12:30 to meet our fellow hikers) to explore another section of the David Culham trail. Expect to be out in the Credit Valley paths for up to 1 1/2 hours. All will be back to their home Churches by 2:30 pm.

Take note, the entrance to the parking lot can only be reached by driving eastbound over the bridge on Eglinton Ave. (from Mississauga Rd.)

Contact Tim at scoutertim@hotmail.com for additional information.

JUNE OFFICE HOURS

This week we have been celebrating Peter Kiteley’s well-deserved retirement as the Church’s Office Administrator and Building Co-ordinator. But, when someone is as integral to the community as Peter is, it is not an easy thing just to let them leave. While the search team continues to interview for our new Office and Building Administrator, you may notice some changes around EMUC. Starting on June 3, there will be new office hours and some familiar people covering the office.

Until further notice, the office will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

June 3 Peter Kiteley

June 4-7 Sylvia Arnold

June 10 Peter

June 11-13 Sylvia

June 14 Peter

June 17 Peter

June18-20 Sylvia

June 21 Peter

June 24-27 Peter

The July schedule will be posted later.

HELP WANTED

The garden under the front sign of the church has proven to be a challenge to maintain over the last few years. It needs to be redesigned to include more low maintenance plants. If interested in helping with strategy, design, redeploying plants, etc. please contact Mary Anna, by email please - maryanna.williams10@gmail.com

IAN MacRAE MEMORIAL BURSARY

Students preparing to attend a college or university starting in the fall of 2019 may now apply for the annual bursary awarded in memory of Ian MacRae. Application forms are available from the church office and the brochure explains the details. This bursary is offered to all students and is not restricted to members of the congregation. Applications must be submitted by June 15 ^th , 2019.

UPDATE - CELL TOWER PROJECT

The approval process for the placement of cell towers on the property of EMUC is moving ahead. As required, an open house will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the South Common Community Centre from 6:00-8:00 pm. Notices have gone out to local residents. Shared Network Canada Inc (SNC) will conduct the meeting. EMUC will have observers at the open house. If you have further questions please speak to Dave Leeder, Kathy Andres, or Paul Marot.

REQUEST FROM DEACON'S CUPBOARD

Do you have Canadian Tire money that you could donate to Deacon's Cupboard to help purchase items for the operation of the Cupboard? If so, place it in the box at the back of the sanctuary. Every small amount helps. Thank-you. Linda Leeder

'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, June 30th. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.