Right Relationships
Recently at many public events, you may have heard a statement read that acknowledges that Indigenous peoples previously inhabited the lands where the gathering is taking place. If you have been attending worship at Erin Mills United, you will be familiar with this practice.
Perhaps you have wondered why we keep this practice, or if there is some greater meaning to it. It may be obvious that we do this as part of living into right relations, but, for the United Church of Canada, there is more to the story.
In 1986, the Moderator of the United Church, Bob Smith, offered an apology at the General Council meeting in response to requests from Indigenous members of the church. These words were a heartfelt expression that are as relevant today as they were 36 years ago. Part of the statement reads: “Long before my people journeyed to this land your people were here, and you received from your Elders an understanding of creation and of the Mystery that surrounds us all that was deep, and rich, and to be treasured.” The Apology goes on to say: “We tried to make you be like us and in so doing we helped to destroy the vision that made you what you were.”
It ends with a plea for forgiveness, saying: “We ask you to forgive us and to walk together with us in the Spirit of Christ, so that our peoples may be blessed and God’s creation healed.”
Two years later, Edith Memnook, a representative of the All Native Circle Conference, responded to the Apology. Her eloquent message reads, in part: “We only ask of you to respect our Sacred Fire, the Creation, and to live in peaceful coexistence with us. We recognize the hurts and feelings will continue amongst our people, but through partnership and walking hand in hand, the Indian spirit will eventually heal.”
It goes on to say: “in the new spirit this Apology has created, let us unite our hearts and minds in the wholeness of life that the Great Spirit has given us.”
These are the words that were offered decades ago, but they still resonate today. These messages were reiterated by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2015.
By understanding the background to land acknowledgements, we recognize that we worship on lands that were occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, people whose descendants suffered because of decisions made by the Church.
On September 30, you are invited to join people all across Canada who will wear orange shirts to remember and honour Indigenous children who were taken from their communities and families to residential institutions.
This year, Indigenous communities across the country continue to share the truth they have always known: that many of the children who never returned home remain on the grounds of those institutions in unmarked burial sites. These communities are now seeking to honour the missing children.
On Orange Shirt Day we also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For non-Indigenous Christians in particular, this is a time to reflect on their role in colonialism and the ongoing responsibility to make reparations.
We wear orange because of the activism of Phyllis Jack Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. As a little girl on her first day at St. Joseph Mission Residential School, Phyllis wore a new orange shirt that her grandmother had given her. It was immediately taken away, and that marked the beginning of Phyllis’s long separation from her family and community; a separation caused by actions of the church and federal government.
Orange Shirt Day is a time for us all to remember those events and their ongoing impact as we journey together in new and positive ways toward reconciliation.
Blessings, Kathi
|
|
From the Chair of the Leadership Circle
I hope you are all enjoying your summer with the reduced restrictions allowing us to reconnect with friends and family, to travel to new destinations, and to participate in new experiences.
In June, the Leadership Circle went to a half day retreat to determine our strategic direction. The latest financial projections show that if we continue the way we are, the church will last about 13 years. The Leadership Circle is determined to do everything possible to enable EMUC to live well beyond that date.
Kathi started the retreat by facilitating a seminar that examined what is involved in leading planned change. We also looked at our vision and our pillars that describe who we are.
At the end of the retreat, the Leadership Circle had developed an outline of our strategic direction and during the summer we worked on refining this outline resulting in the statement below.
Strategic Direction
EMUC will be a thriving and growing church while embracing our vision and values which are (summarized):
Living Spiritually
Engaged in Community
Openness to All
Connection and Friendship
Helping Others
The Leadership Circle will use our Strategic Direction to evaluate present and future activities. More importantly, we will start the process of “how” to really implement our Strategic Direction. This will not be an easy task. The good news is that we have 13 years to accomplish this task. The bad news is that we only have 13 years to get this task done. With your help we can do it.
Kathy Andres
Chair, Leadership Circle
|
|
Thanks to:
-
All the readers and assistants for the summer services
-
The Broadcasting Team for overseeing the summer services
-
Sylvia Arnold for organizing pulpit supply and speakers for the summer services
-
Peter Kiteley and David Leeder for filling in during Tina’s vacation
-
Kathy Andres and the Leadership Circle for their work on EMUC’s strategic direction over the summer
-
All those who organized and participated in the June picnic Sunday
-
Mary Anna and those who helped water the memorial garden over the summer
|
|
EMUC Guest Speaker Sara Hildebrand
On Sunday, May 29th, 2022, Rev Kathi was at Horseshoe Falls Regional Meeting and thus not available for Sunday service. The Inspire team thought it would be a great idea to invite Sara Hildebrand, founder and coordinator of Love My Neighbour as our guest speaker to update us on the global vaccine equity project. To jog our memory, in 2021, Sandy Hayes suggested a wonderful Inspire initiative to support COVID-19 vaccinations for places in the world without access. This resulted in working with “Millennian Kids and Love My Neighbour, a national movement for global vaccine equity fuelled by Canadian organizations and multi-faith communities to increase the number of COVID-19 vaccines distributed quickly and equitably in low- and middle-income countries, giving our whole global family access to life-saving prevention measures, through fundraising and advocacy around the world”. The Inspire initiative was a great success as EMUC generously donated significant funds.
Here are some highlights of Sara’s conversation with us. We learned how Sara became involved with LMN. Sara’s career as Crown Counsel in the Criminal Law Policy Branch of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General took a back seat when, at a weekly church service with her family, she was inspired by scripture; Matthew 14:13-21, where Jesus helps to feed thousands with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Sara knew there was something more for her to do and she set her eyes on the issues of global vaccination. She envisioned organizations’ and faith communities’ desire to gift vaccine access to those neighbours around the world by donating funds. Sara and team partnered with UNICEF to help achieve the goal.
One of Sara’s key messages in her talk was to celebrate the generosity of EMUC’s fundraising for global COVID-19 vaccines. She shared that as of May 2022, only 16% of people in low-income countries have received a dose; however, there are enough doses for everyone. The challenge is to help UNICEF deliver them into arms this year. We learned that every $2.50 delivers a 2-dose vaccine to one global neighbour and $25 delivers vaccines to 10 neighbours: that is 10 times the impact this year!
Sara shared several stories of generosity towards global vaccination. One particularly compelling story was about a young boy who, instead of asking for presents for his birthday party, requested his friends donate to LMN to help other kids around the world who were not as fortunate as he and his friends. Sara ended by inviting us to check out our lovemyneighbourproject.org website to take action for vaccine equity through advocacy.
On a personal note, we were so grateful having Sara as our guest speaker. She is full of grace and a strong advocate for equity.
Submitted by the Inspire Committee
|
|
Notice re the Ministry & Personnel Committee
The Ministry and Personnel (M&P) Committee acts under the guidelines of The Manual of The United Church of Canada. The committee functions around three roles, which are the consultative and supportive role, the healthy relationships role, and the supervisory role. We provide resources and support for the staff and the community of faith with respect to any issue affecting staff of our church, including ministry personnel and lay employees. The committee works to build positive and trusting relationships between staff and members and adherents of the community of faith. If members of the community of faith have praise or concerns about staff, both ministry personnel and lay employees, these can be shared in signed correspondence with the committee. The issues will be considered confidentially by the M&P Committee, who will recommend action. Erin Mills United Church is blessed with staff who are committed to their work and we are thankful for this work in our community of faith.
Presently serving on the committee are:
Chair – Nancy Blackport
(ministrypersonnel@emuc.ca)
Trish Campbell
Heather Santamaria
Janet Morrison
|
|
Women for Women - Movie Night
Women for Women held its first in-person event in over two years in June at EMUC. Nineteen women attended a showing of the movie "Quartet" starring Maggie Smith. We all thoroughly enjoyed the movie as well as popcorn and lemonade, and the chance to safely socialize face to face.
|
|
SAVE THE DATE! On Friday, October 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at EMUC, Women for Women invites everyone — women and men — to join them for a fun evening of Improv activities. Come to take part in the Improv, to be part of the audience, or just to enjoy socializing with others. This is a FUN event for all! More details to come.
|
|
Picnic Sunday
On June 12, the Membership and Pastoral Care committee hosted the return of the EMUC Annual Picnic following a two-year hiatus during COVID. About 26 people attended despite the threatening stormy weather. To tie in the picnic with this year's 30th year of being in our building, a Fun Fact Treasure Hunt was held using facts related to how the building has been used during the past 30 years. It was fun to watch everyone combing the property and inside the building, seeking answers to the Treasure Hunt questions. Commemorative EMUC plates from its grand opening were given as prizes. As an extra treat, a generous donation was made of assorted ice cream bars, which were cheerfully received and quickly became the cherry on top of this very enjoyable event.
|
|
Salmon Run 2022
When my children were young in the fall I often took a group of them to Erindale Park to look for salmon. We discovered the ‘new bridge’ that was built over the Credit River leading to the other side of the park and the university. Looking over the railing you can see the salmon making their way up the Credit, a real crowd pleaser. These memories were brought back when I read an article in the Mississauga News from 2021 regarding interesting facts about the salmon run. Most of the information provided came from an interview with a representative from Credit Valley Conservation.
We know salmon return to their ‘home’ where they hatched to spawn. The Credit is one river around Lake Ontario where this annual event happens from late August to the end of October. Originally Atlantic salmon was the fish that swam the rivers to spawn. More recently the Ontario government added Pacific salmon, Chinook and Coho, and data shows these fish are spawning in greater numbers than the Atlantics. The Atlantic salmon, however, are the only ones that return to the lake after spawning. The other two species die after spawning. Other data shows that Chinooks return to the rivers to spawn at around four years old. They tend to weight approximately 25 pounds by then. Mid October is the peak period for their return.
Research also shows Rainbow trout have their run in the spring and then return to the lake afterwards. They too were added to the lake by Ontario government.
Before COVID Tim led the EMUC Striders for a hike up the trail north of Marie Curtis Park. We spent some time watching the salmon jump a small water fall on the Etobicoke Creek as we walked the trail. Like so many others watching the fish finally succeed their jump of the falls, everyone applauded each fish as they succeeded to continue their journey ‘home’. If you visit the falls this year you might be lucky enough to also see a blue heron fishing for a meal.
There are good spots to observe this annual event along the Credit. They are Erindale Park, Culham Trail, Hewick Meadows Park in Barbertown, and Meadowvale Conservation Area. Hope to see you on the trail.
Submitted by Mary Anna Williams
|
|
AFFIRMing Vote News!
After more than two years of discussion, education, and input, the Affirm working group has set a date to finalize our status as an Affirming congregation. We have been working with Affirm United and have completed all of the necessary steps that are required. As a reminder, those steps include:
- An education and discernment process
- Making public commitments by writing and/or amending:
a) a New vision statement
b) a Continuing Plan of Action for the ministry once affirmed
c) an Equal, inclusive marriage policy
- Making your decision by voting as a congregation (Sunday Oct. 2)
- Celebrating and making a commitment to the national Affirming movement (this step would take place at a later date)
On Sunday October 2, there will be a congregational meeting following our Sunday service. At that time, you will be asked to review the vision statement, the Affirming plan, and the inclusive marriage policy. You will then have an opportunity to vote on becoming an Affirming ministry.
We will ensure that congregants at home will have the opportunity to join us remotely and can cast their vote through the polling feature on Zoom.
Please mark Sunday, October, 2 in your calendar and plan to attend this important meeting.
Sunday, October 2
Congregational Meeting for Becoming an Affirming Ministry
|
|
Deacon’s Cupboard Request for Food Donations
In September, after two years of providing our guests with gift cards, we are returning to giving out bags of food. In order to do this, we need to restock our supplies. The list below gives the food items that we would like to include in the bags. Please drop off your donations at the church in the basket at the back of the sanctuary.
Cereal, tinned milk, tinned tomatoes, pasta sauce, dry pasta, canned tuna, tinned fruit, soup, tinned vegetables, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, rice, tea, sugar, soda crackers, pancake mix, syrup, oil (no bigger than 946 ml), bottled juice (no bigger than 1L), peanut butter (small jar)
In addition, we are also asking for any plastic shopping bags or reusable bags to pack these groceries in.
Linda Leeder, Coordinator Deacon's Cupboard.
|
|
We're Back!! (mostly...)
YAY! The Member Development and Care Focus Circle is ramping up its activity with the arrival of September. We will continue to be mindful of social distancing and safety and many will continue to wear masks. To date, the following groups are scheduled to meet:
Striders: On Sunday, September 18 following worship and a bring-your-own bag lunch in the narthex, Tim Hayes will be leading a hike exploring Rattray Marsh and area. Feel free to join the group after lunch for the hike only, if you prefer. Contact Tim at 905 820 4437 to confirm timing if you are not joining the group for lunch.
Prayer Shawl knitters: The knitting group will kick off its season on Wednesday, September 14 at 1 p.m. All knitters and knitter-wannabes, as well as those who just want to come and visit with the knitters are welcome! Create a prayer shawl or bring your own knitting projects.
The two Bible Study groups will re-zoom Zooming (see what I did there?) as follows:
Monday, September 12 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 14 at 10 a.m.
Kathi Phillips will be sending out the readings and Zoom info to the previous participants. Please contact Kathi for more information if you are interested in joining either of these study groups.
On Friday, October 14 at 6:30 p.m., Women for Women is hosting a fun event for everyone — women AND men. Please look for a separate announcement about this evening elsewhere in this edition.
Watch the Friday Messages for further information and news of other activities as they reopen. We hope to see many of your smiling faces among the fellowship and fun.
From Member Development and Care
|
|
EMUC Striders
Dust off your hiking shoes, because the EMUC Striders are returning!
After service on Sunday, September 18, 2022, join us for a walk in Jack Darling Park on the boardwalk and paths of this corner of nature. Catch a glimpse of a blue heron and other marsh birds; enjoy a cool breeze from Lake Ontario.
While we gather in the Narthex and eat our own bagged lunch, we will arrange car pooling to leave at 11:45 to drive to a parking lot at Jack Darling. The trail walk will last about 1½ hours, for planned return to EMUC by 2:15 p.m.
From Tim Hayes
|
|
Office Hours:
Tina’s office hours are as follows:
- Mondays-Tina works from home
- Tuesdays-Fridays, 9:00am-4:00pm; Lunch 12:30-1:30pm
- Please call the office in advance when possible.
|
|
ABOUT ERIN MILLS UNITED CHURCH
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.
Newsletter Editor: Janet Morrison Layout: Barbara Jennings
Proof-reader: Cindy Young
3010 The Collegeway
Mississauga, L5L4X9
905-820-9466
|
|
|
|
|
|
|