Friday Message

What's Coming!

April 24, 2020

Easter

The two women who most shaped the person I am were my mom and my mother-in-law. They were both worriers. The anxiety that suddenly showed up in my mom’s life in her 40s, is now all she knows as she lives with Alzheimer’s. My beloved mother-in-law wasn’t consumed by her worries, but she fussed over almost everything and everybody. We used to joke that if she didn’t have anything to worry about - that would worry her. I saw how worry and fear limited their enjoyment of life, and I see in myself a tendency to give in to anxiety and I work at not letting it take over.

I tell myself to be a swan – placid and serene above the water but paddling like heck under the surface. Having a sense of control over things helps a lot. But if I get over tired or something new and unexpected gets added – like worshipping online or holding a meeting on Zoom – the worry engine can immediately launch into overdrive. I overthink things, I second guess myself, I have to plan for every contingency.

The spread of COVID-19 around the world certainly is a cause for concern on many levels. In times of worry I often turn to Psalm 139, especially verses 7-12, for a sense of perspective. It is a reminder that no matter what happens, we will never find ourselves in a place without God. Wherever this road may lead, we have the promise that God has been there ahead of us and will walk beside us at every step.

God has promised to be with us in every movement of our lives to celebrate with us in the joyful times, to grieve with us in the times of sorrow, and to sustain us in the times when we feel that we cannot go on. May we rest in that promise today.

Rev Kathi

Transitions

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Marg Holder at her home at Revera Bough Beeches on Wednesday. Marg and her husband, Don, contributed greatly to the life and work of Erin Mills United over many years. Among other things, Marg was a well-loved member of the choir and of the Circle of Friends. She will be missed by many of our faith family. A service of remembrance will be held at the church when we are able to be together again. We send prayers of gratitude for all she was and all she meant to those who loved her.

This Week at EMUC

As directed by Federal and Provincial health authorities with regard to COVID-19, EMUC is completely closed until further notice.

Sunday April 26:

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

What's Coming!

You are invited to join the Interfaith, Justice and Peace Group

in a

One Book Read

* THE RIGHT TO BE COLD . ..... One woman ’ s story of protecting her culture, the Arctic and the whole planet

By: Sheila Watt-Cloutier

This is the story of a remarkable Inuit woman, a well-known environmental and human rights advocate, who has spent more than 25 years showing the impact climate change has on human rights, particularly in the Arctic. She has shared her knowledge in many venues around the world. In her book you will read about the devastating effect of climate change in the Arctic, environmentally and within Inuit culture. This book hits close to home - Canada - but affects the world. Ms. Watt-Cloutier has travelled the world to tell her story and is the recipient of many awards including being nominated for a Nobel prize. In her book she states, “ Another way to fight for the protection of our planet is to recognize that the well-being of our environment is in itself a fundamental human right. For Inuit, as for all of us, this is what I call THE RIGHT TO BE COLD ” , (p. xviii). This book deserves our attention, reflection, discussion and collective action.

To Participate:

Email dadihope@gmail.com

Read the book between now and the end of May.

Join in the Zoom discussion in June, on a date to be announced.

The book is available from Amazon, Indigo and in electronic format through the Mississauga library system .

The IFJP Group offers this activity to help us learn more about our Indigenous peoples in accordance with one of the recommendations of the “ Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action”, 2015.

Donations to EMUC

Some of you have asked how you can make donations to operations, mission and service, the benevolent fund, and the Deacon’s Cupboard. You can donate through Canada Helps by going to www.emuc.ca or by mailing a cheque to EMUC at 3010 The Collegeway, Mississauga, ON., L5L 4X9. Please mark the envelope "Attention Envelope Secretary".

Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support.

EMUC Finance Committee

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