Friday Message and what's coming

Friday Message

What's Coming!

February 7, 2020

Ordinary Time

Rev. Kathi's Message

Whenever I am feeling overwhelmed by all that is happening in our crazy world, I turn to some wonderful modern-day prophets; writers and speakers whose voices have a way of inspiring hope and grounding me at the same time. Brene Brown is one of those people I look to. She is a research professor at the University of Houston and has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy and is the author of five bestselling books. Her TED talk – The Power of Vulnerability – is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world with over 45 million views.

Brene sent this out earlier this week, it really resonated with me:

The greatest challenge for most of us is believing that we are worthy now; right this minute. Worthiness doesn’t have prerequisites. So many of us have knowingly created, unknowingly allowed, or been handed down a long list of worthiness prerequisites:

I'll be worthy when I lose 20 pounds.

I'll be worthy if I can get pregnant.

I’ll be worthy if I get/stay sober.

I'll be worthy if everyone thinks I'm a good parent.

I'll be worthy when I can make a living selling my art.

I'll be worthy if I can hold my marriage together.

I'll be worthy when I make partner.

I'll be worthy when I make more money.

I’ll be worthy when my parents finally approve.

I’ll be worthy if she calls back and asks me out.

I'll be worthy when I can do it all and look like I'm not even trying.

Here's what is truly at the heart of Wholeheartedness:

Worthy now.

Not if.

Not when.

We are worthy of love and belonging now.

Right this minute.

As is.

And, if you're thinking: "But I want to be better or grow or strive for something new." That's ok.

Just remember we have to love the thing we want to change.

Self-loathing and shame are not motivators. Self-love and self-respect are.

In our worship this Sunday we will hear Jesus’ words: “You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world.” We are worthy. You are worthy.

Rev. Kathi

This Week at EMUC

Sunday February 9: Black History Month

10:00 a.m.: Worship led by Rev. Kathi

Responsive Reading: Psalm 112

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 5:13-20

Message: " Salt and Light"

Kai Marks is offering a liturgical dance; Theodore Watts is providing Steel Pan music; Afro-American treats will be served at coffee time.

Kidz Zone available

Monday February 10:

Tuesday February 11:

Wednesday February 12:

10:00 a.m.: Men’s Meeting ( offsite)

2:00 p.m.: Circle of Friends

6:45 p.m.: Prayer and Communion

8:00 p.m.: Rental Assist Team - Dan and Debbie Sturgeon

Thursday February 13:

12:30 pm: Minister Lectionary Study Group

Friday February 14:

2:00 p.m.: Yard Sale Planning Meeting

Saturday February 15:

Next Sunday February 16: Service at 10:00 am; Guest Minister - Rev. Maya Douglas, music by The Tonettes, Kidz Zone available

What's Coming!

Join us as we celebrate during the month of February. The following services are drawn from contributions of our multi-cultural congregation .

February 9 Kai Marks will perform a liturgical dance, Theodore Watts will provide Steel Pan music and favourite West Indian and African American treats will be served at coffee time.

February 16 Our featured guests – Rev. B. Maya Douglas and musical performers – The Tonettes.

February 23 After service at 1 p.m. we are visiting Erchless Museum, Oakville, to visit their Black History exhibition.

Coffee and fellowship follows every service.

TURKEY PIES and TOURTIERES: READY FOR PICKUP

For those who pre-ordered, your pies are ready. You can pick them up on Sunday after service, or during the week in regular office hours.

COMFORT KITS

Once again this year we will be collecting small travel size toiletry items - shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, creams, lotions, etc. Please bring your items to the church and deposit in the labelled box.

We will be collecting over the next several weeks for distribution at the Open Door at the end of February. Thank you.

SOLEL CONGREGATION-“INVITE YOUR NEIGHBOUR SERVICE”

On Friday, February 21 at 8:00 p.m ., everyone is invited to attend a multi-faith service at Solel synagogue. The service will focus on the traditions and philosophy of Shabbat. Please see the sign up sheet at the back of the sanctuary, if you wish to attend. We need to RSVP by February 1 .

IT'S COLD OUT THERE

The Dam Youth Drop In is hosting The Coldest Night of the Year on Saturday, February 22.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly, national event. On this date, walkers across Canada raise money for charities serving hungry, homeless, and hurting people in our community.

Here in Mississauga, it will begin at the Meadowvale Community Centre where walkers take a journey to the Dam location at the Meadowvale Town Centre, experiencing what it might be like to truly feel the cold of a dark, February night without shelter, in contrast with the warm welcome you will receive at the end of the walk.

Walkers raise money through an online portal - www.cnoy.org/mississaugameadowvale , that will benefit the Dam's youth programming.

If interested in participating, information can be found in the church narthex or by viewing the Dam website above. You can also contact: Katie Cleland

Community Engagement and Youth Mentor, The Dam katie@thedam.org

Annual Pancake Supper

On Tuesday February 25, 2020 , c ome to a festive dinner of pancakes, sausages, ham and fresh fruit. It is a great opportunity to relax in the middle of the week and not have to worry about preparing dinner. Again this year a team of men have volunteered to host the event. Gather at 5:45 p.m. for dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets at the door are $10/adult; $5/child - family maximum of $25. Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinners are rooted in the tradition of using up sugars and fatty foods prior to Lent so that meals during Lent are simpler fare. This is a great time for all ages - invite your friends and neighbours. Please bring your own plate and cutlery to save on cleanup. The Service of Ashes follows the dinner at 7:00 p.m. to begin Lent.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE - SAVE THE DATE

We are embarking on a second collaborative Murder Mystery fundraising evening with our friends at Eden United Church. Rehearsals have begun and we are hoping for two sell out shows. “A Midsummer’s Nightmare” will take place on April 25 and 26. More details will follow, but please save the date and plan to come out and support this night of fun and fellowship.

'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, February 23. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.

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