Friday Message
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What's Coming!
January 13, 2023
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I like puzzles. I think I have mentioned that in this space before. It isn't a huge surprise to anyone who knows me. I like many kinds of puzzles: sudokus, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, even mystery novels.
What I don't like, however, is missing pieces.
A who-done-it novel with plot gaps or that tries too hard will just annoy me. A jigsaw with missing pieces is, to me, just waiting to be upcycled or recycled. (This summer I had a puzzle with an unintentional *extra* piece... and still feel sorry for the person whose puzzle came incomplete!).
And crosswords - well. Sometimes I get crosswords that come from other publications and some of the clues are dropped. As much as 5% of the clues: absent.
Sure, I could try to put together what the puzzle was meant to be from the other words, but that's not the point. Without the actual clues, I could not properly complete the puzzle. Frustrating, to say the least; and with the possibility of becoming quite a mess.
But isn’t it true that we do just that in our relationships: we put things together from our best guess, without actually having the necessary information. We fill in the gaps as we would have them, but maybe not as they are intended. And in doing so, even with the best of intentions, our inaccuracies can inadvertently create a mess.
As I interact with people, one of the things I am going to try to say more often is "Can you tell me more about that?" It's a phrase that I think will help to give me more information about a scenario, so that I'm less likely to fill in the gaps with my own suppositions. It could be incredibly helpful as I continue to learn about people and traditions, and as we work together in our shared ministry. I hope it will help to minimize the guessing, to reduce the chance of my own projection, and to better collaborate in whatever desired outcome is being sought. It shifts a puzzle into an understanding.
I like puzzles, but not with missing clues; and as relationships function best with clarity and clear communication, "Can you tell me more about that?" is a very helpful tool.
Kathi
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Upcoming Week
The Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health recommends the wearing of masks in ALL indoor public spaces to help reduce the spread of respiratory illness across the province. Considering this recommendation, we are requesting masks be worn when in close contact (2 metres or less) with others while in the church.
Please do not come to church if you are ill with the a cold or flu or if you or someone in your household is symptomatic of Covid-19, even with one symptom or has tested positive on a rapid test or PCR.
Sunday January 15:
10:00 a.m.: Online and in-person Worship led by Rev. Kathi
Tribute to Lynda Appleby: Please join us after the service for coffee and cake to bid Lynda farewell as she moves to Ottawa.
Monday January 16:
7:00 p.m.: Bible Study via Zoom
Tuesday January 17:
6:45 p.m.: Leadership Circle Meeting
Wednesday January 18:
10:00 a.m.: Bible Study via Zoom
6:45 p.m.: Prayer Service via Zoom
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Upcoming Events & Announcements |
The final step in the process to become a fully affirming congregation is to celebrate. And who doesn’t love a celebration! Please plan to join us for our service on Sunday, Jan. 29, and the celebration reception that will follow. We will be joined by invited guests, guest speakers, and presenters. A highlight of the service will be the music, which will include a 24-voice chorus from the Singing Out choir from Toronto. They are the biggest 2SLGBTQQIA+ choir in the city and have agreed to share their gift of song with us. What a wonderful way to lift up our affirming message to the community.
Mark the date in your calendar and look for our announcement on the Affirm United website: affirmunited.ause.ca.
Many hands will be needed that day to welcome all our special guests. If you can help the Affirm working group with the reception, please contact Joanne Hines.
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CALLING ALL PEOPLE WHO LIKE PEOPLE…
Membership and Pastoral Care is creating a team of people to visit EMUC folks in their homes. The purpose of this team is to promote connections and offer fellowship to those who are isolated from active participation in life at EMUC, on either a short or long-term basis. Two training sessions will be held, led by Kathi Phillips, to introduce the role of home visitors and explain how the team will work.
Training sessions will be held on Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, February 5, at the church following worship from 11:30 until 12:30 or 1 p.m. Please feel free to attend these sessions to learn more about this new opportunity, even if you aren’t certain it’s for you, or if you are not able to attend both sessions. Feel free to bring a snack.
QUESTIONS? TO REGISTER? Please call Kathi Phillips at the church or Sandy Hayes (905-820-4437).
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WOMEN FOR WOMEN
Women for Women is looking for a new co-coordinator starting immediately. Cathy Scattergood has decided to step down in order to pursue a new volunteer opportunity. Women for Women is a vibrant group from within EMUC and the wider community. We meet about 5 times per year and have recently resumed in-person activities. We try to offer many different events (movie nights, dinners, guest speakers, craft activities, etc.) as well as an annual retreat (on hold due to COVID). Responsibilities could include event planning and organization, assisting with communication of events, set up on event days/evenings, etc. You will be supported by our other co-coordinator, Nancy Blackport as well as a small group of volunteers. These events are definitely a team effort!
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Fundscrip is back in 2023!!
Our important fundraising program continues this month, after our Christmas break. There will be a gift card order placed on Sunday, January 29, so please have all orders emailed to Joanne Hines or delivered to Tina in the office by Friday, January 27. You can also choose to complete a paper order and hand it in after the service on Sunday, January 29.
If you need an order form or information about the program, please contact Joanne Hines at twokids@rogers.com. Orders may be paid by etransfer at emucdonation@outlook.com. Please indicate Fundscrip order in the message. Or cheques need to be made out to Erin Mills United Church and they can be left in the church mailbox or taken to Mike Ogilvie directly. Thank you for your support of this program.
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Office hours starting January 6, 2023:
Monday’s through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tina works from home on Mondays.)
Tina takes a ½ hour lunch break sometime between 12:30-1:30 p.m.
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Erin Mills United Church | 905-820-9466 | emuc.ca |
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