Communiqué
September 2022


CREATION
TIME

In the early spring of 2020, when it was necessary that we stop meeting in person, most of us thought we’d be out of our building for a short time; a couple of weeks at most. Then as the scope of the virus spread became more apparent, we found that we needed to adapt to the prospect that it might be some time before we could return.

We learned very quickly how to put our services on the internet and we learned a new word “Zoom”, both a noun and a verb! Then we worked out ways to hold many of our other activities online as well. It was amazing to me just how well we adapted to the changes that we encountered.

The Affirming working group never got the chance to meet in person as their first gathering was to take place just as the first restrictions were imposed. They have done an admirable job of leading us through the complicated process of determining whether we want to accept the Affirm designation that marks us as a safe space where all people can worship. They found creative ways to provide education, opportunities to ask questions, and space for sharing opinions without actually being face-to-face.

By the time this newsletter reaches you, the vote will have taken place and we will know the outcome of our decision. Whatever is decided, I hope that you will join me in thanking Joanne Hines, Rebecca Hines, Lynda Appleby, Deb Sturgeon, Sandy Hayes, and Karen Colwell for their faithful commitment in bringing us to this pivotal point in our church history.

The pandemic was integral in the forming of two other groups, both of which have chosen to keep meeting online. The Monday evening and Wednesday morning Bible Study Groups read the assigned scripture passages for the coming Sunday and then talk about what we have heard and how the words and stories written thousands of years ago are still impacting our 21st Century lives.

We read from different translations, everything from the King James Version (published in 1611) to the Inclusive Bible (2007). We have come to see that no matter how the language is formed, it is the attitude we bring to reading scripture that shapes the message we find in the pages of our Bibles. 

Rachel Held Evans puts it very well:
“If you are looking for verses with which to support slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to abolish slavery, you will find them. If you are looking for verses with which to oppress women, you will find them. If you are looking for verses that honour women, you will find them. If you are looking for reasons to wage war, you will find them. If you are looking for reasons to promote peace, you will find them. If you are looking for an outdated, irrelevant ancient text, you will find it. If you are looking for truth, believe me, you will find it.

This is why there are times when the most instructive question to bring to the text is not “what does it say?” but “what am I looking for?” I suspect Jesus knew this when he said, “ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.”

If you want to do violence in this world, you will always find the weapons. If you want to heal, you will always find the balm.”

Blessings, Kathi 
From the Chair of the Leadership Circle

At our Leadership Circle meeting this month Kathi read the prayer below which I think is very appropriate for this time of year.
 
As the summer season has come to an end,
we are grateful for summer memories:
for brilliant sunny days and warm fragrant nights;
for children’s laughter and early morning birdsong;
for campfires and blazing sunsets.
 
Move us into the new season with joy,
that we might accept it as a gift.
May we find new inspiration and renewed energy
for the work of your church. Amen.
 
Our new season starts with Thanksgiving. While there are many troubles in the world, there are also many things to give thanks for. One of them is our church, the reopening of our church, the friendship, the spirituality, the dedication of our members among numerous other positives. EMUC relies upon your time and financial support. As you contemplate the things about EMUC for which you are grateful, I invite you to help us sustain our ministry through a special Thanksgiving offering.
 
Thanksgiving offerings can be made in person at the church, by mail, on the website http://emuc.ca, through Canada Helps https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/6741/, or using the Interac E-Transfer e-mail address emucdonation@outlook.com. 
 
Please clearly identify your donation as a Thanksgiving Offering.

Kathy Andres
Chair, Leadership Circle
Thanks
Thanks to:

  • All the readers and assistants for the September services
  • Sylvia Arnold for organizing pulpit supply, speakers and for keeping the Broadcasting & Zoom Team organized over the spring and summer
  • Sylvia Arnold for office coverage during Tina's vacation
  • Cathy Kiteley, Sandy Hayes, MaryAnna Williams and everyone who helped plan and organize the garden dedication
  • Doreen Sims for arranging for the cake and refreshments after the garden dedication
  • All those who organized and participated in the June picnic Sunday
  • Cindy Young for organizing the Academy Awards for the Broadcasting Team
  • Cindy Young, Karen Colwell and Rev. Kathi for helping with the Bogies to Birdies Charity Golf Tournament
  • Kathy Andres and Barb Jennings for organizing the Bogies to Birdies end of season golf tournament
Life at EMUC
Academy Awards Presentation

On Sunday, September 25, the EMUC congregation was happily surprised by news from Hollywood during the announcements: EMUC is this year’s Academy Award winner for Best Zoom and Live-Streaming Service! 
Congratulations and Oscars went to Best Zoom/Live-Streaming honourees: Sylvia Arnold, Nancy Blackport, Lorraine Brignall, Tina Driscoll, Len Feldman, Larry van Goozen, Joanne Hines, Barb Jennings, Peter Kiteley, Paul Marot, Janet Morrison, Rev. Kathi Phillips, Debby Sturgeon, Brian Takayesu, and Cindy Young.
Our warmest thanks to this incredible, hard-working, and award-winning team!
(Note: Recipients who were not in attendance can pick up their Oscar from Tina at the Office.)
Deb Sturgeon receiving her Oscar
Brian Takayesu & Sylvia Arnold
Len Feldman with his Oscar
Cindy Young & Nancy Blackport
Barb Jennings hosting Zoom
Len Feldman
Garden Dedication and Celebrating 30 Years in Our Building
By Cathy Kiteley (Inspire)
As part of the planning team for the dedication of our new garden and also celebrating the 30th year in our building, Sandy Hayes and I gladly agreed to submit a summary of this event, which happened on Sunday, September 25. However, due to “hips and ankles”, neither of us were able to be there in person to truly experience the full bounty of the day. So, like any good reporters, we went to the streets to gather information from those in attendance. Yes, we interviewed a few attendees of the festivities. This is what we learned.

Q. "Sylvia, as Focus Circle Leader of Worship, can you give us a few overall observations from the day?"
Sylvia: "We had a great turnout of 70 attendees between Zoom and in-person. The weather forecast was 90% chance of rain, and true to form, as people stepped outside, the skies opened. Maybe this was a gift in disguise as it is said nature looks even more beautiful in the rain and we have been praying for rain for the garden all summer. Prayers answered. We were absolutely thrilled to welcome back home many EMUC folk, as well as to see a few new faces; there was a true sense of community. Sylvia added, "This is the first time since we have been back in church that it just felt alive. Hallelujah!” 
Larry van Goozen was asked what the term ‘Welcome Home’ meant to him. In Larry’s usual succinct style, he replied, “Comfort, safety, relaxation.” When we think of EMUC being our church home, we definitely can see it as a place of comfort and safety. As for relaxation, Larry acknowledged that home also means ‘chores’ but added that when one has been away and is returning, as implied by the phrase ‘Welcome Home,’ there is a sense of celebration and chores would come at a later time.
 
Here is what Hermine Bingham offered when asked what she was thinking about during the service for the dedication of the garden: “Extra blessings poured down on our garden today as, just as we were singing the last hymn to go outside, a heavy downpour of rain started. We geared up in raincoats and umbrellas and proceeded outside, sheltering as best we could by the trees. It did not dampen our spirits."
"Rev. Kathi used her cell phone to video the proceedings, and thanks to her and our “Oscar award winning” tech team, those who stayed inside so the Zoom congregation could be a part of the dedication. Kathy Andres and Mary Anna Williams gave their short presentations and we said the blessings along with Rev. Kathi. It was good to conclude the service by singing the final blessing and the Amens outside by the garden."

Hermine also expressed feeling a sense of community spirit as she looked around and saw new faces. She noted buses and cars and people were bustling around the garden during the dedication. It was interesting to see a woman step off a bus and pause as she watched. "We then went back into the church and were treated to delicious anniversary cake and juice, while enjoying cheerful music and pleasant conversation. I had contemplated not driving in because of the rain, but I am extremely glad that I did decide to be there in person.”

The planning team (Cathy Kiteley, Heather Bunting, Sandy Hayes and Kathi Phillips) wishes to thank the Membership and Pastoral Care committee for their help with the reception, and all those who attended in person and in Zoomland. A good time was had by all.
Bogies to Birdies Charity Golf Tournament
On September 28 the ladies’ golf group, Bogies to Birdies, held its end of season charity golf tournament. Oakville Executive Golf Course was able to host us even on short notice. Ovarian Cancer Canada was the charity of choice again this year.
 
Nineteen ladies enjoyed the event. Golfers were in teams of two playing an alternate shot game. “Get out of trouble” kits were sold in support of the charity. Strategy was involved in how to use the mulligans and the string to save strokes at each hole. There were lots of laughs occurring on the course!
 
After the game, a putting contest with the proceeds also going to Ovarian Cancer Canada was held. Snacks were served in the clubhouse and prizes were awarded. The winners were Heather Nutbeem and Lorrie Bischoff (1st), Janet Morrison and Judith Rouse (2nd), and Barb Macdonald and Judy Gordon (3rd). The putting contest was won by Joanne Benard. A total of $350 was raised for Ovarian Cancer Canada. Thanks to all who participated and a special thank-you to Cindy Young, Karen Colwell and Rev. Kathi for helping with registration, photography and the putting contest, respectively.
 
Bogies to Birdies was also celebrating its ten-year anniversary. Kathy Andres and Barb Jennings started the group in 2013 with eighteen members mainly from EMUC. Over the years friends from the community have joined and our membership has grown to 33. It is a wonderful way to be outside, to exercise and share time with others.
 
 Congratulations to all! See you next season in 2023!
Golf Tournament in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
Bogies to Birdies also celebrated 10 Years. The group was started in 2013 by Kathy Andres & Barb Jennings
Registration




Using the 'get out of trouble kit' in support of Ovarian Cancer
Putting contest in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada
Update from Finance – Thanksgiving Offering.

It is hard to believe that we are heading to the end of another year. Thanksgiving is upon us, and then next thing you know it will be Christmas. Maybe it is just old age, but time seems to fly by.

At this time of year, we need to reflect on givings to date and the challenge ahead of us, as a congregation, to meet our budget target. As you can see from the chart below, prepared by Mike Ogilvie, we are running slightly under budget.

The Finance Committee is confident that we can overcome this shortfall through our Thanksgiving Offerings. Our budgeted target was $3,800, but let’s see if we cannot pass the $6,000 level.

Introductory Note:

Tarek Youzbashi and the Nadaff family are Syrian Refugees who were sponsored by the Northwest Mississauga Constituent Group ( Erindale, Erin Mills, and Streetsville United Churches). They arrived in Mississauga in the spring of 2018. Tarek has kindly written this article to update us on their accomplishments since arriving in Canada.

Arriving in Canada: a story of survival 
Tarek Youzbashi

Poring, over four years out, over papers, is not easy, but I promise to do my best to walk you through the main chapters we unfolded so far. Hang tight because our story is about to begin!
 
When I first landed in Canada, I brought one piece of luggage with me that was loaded with some clothes and a lot of dreams and aspirations.

My journey started when I signed my first contract with the United Church of Canada as a data entry specialist, where I got the opportunity to help other refugees by checking their files and connecting them with the concerned congregations. What felt different about this job is that I was able to give back to other refugees who were waiting for their files to get approved so that they could start their new lives in Canada! 

The translator inside me was not satisfied enough, so I pursued my passion and looked for more opportunities within the translation industry. I was able to work with different translation agencies, inside and outside Canada, for some time until the pandemic came and changed everything as the industry cooled off. 

Honestly, I was so desperate at first, but I decided not to dwell on despair, which was not an option for me. I started applying for colleges to study journalism as it was one of the dreams that I folded in the luggage I mentioned earlier in the article. 

I got accepted by Humber College and started school in September 2021. The first semester was a bit hard as I did not know a lot about journalism, but I managed to pass all my subjects. I was also named to the Dean’s List for the Faculty of Media and Creative Arts for the Fall term. The Dean’s List is for students who received a grade point average of 80 per cent or above.
Life was so generous to me as I was able to do my internship at The Globe and Mail. I still recall the feeling when my first story for the Globe got published. It felt like a jar of honey melting in my heart.
 
I graduated from school this month. I already started my job-hunting journey, hoping that I’ll be the journalist I’ve always wanted to become, the journalist who can echo people’s concerns and pains through his stories.
 
As for the Naddaf family, their journey in Canada has been quite a success! Allow me to start by shedding light on Nadeem’s most fruitful moments. 
Nadeem was able to land different jobs and move between many prestigious IT/networking service provider companies, holding senior positions. Let’s have a huge round of applause for Nadeem for signing a new contract with Cisco, the worldwide leader in IT and networking, (his dream company), a few days ago! Nadeem has worked so hard to reach this moment.

Besides being a great mom, Oula was determined to improve her English skills by enrolling in the English for Academic Purposes program at Sheridan college. She graduated from the program, and she is looking forward to taking on a new challenge. Fingers crossed! 

As for the little sugar cubes, Lelas is now in the fourth grade. She is a talented painter who loves to draw smiles not only on canvas but also on people’s faces.
 
Ahmad has turned almost six. He started going to school last year. He is growing into a young gentleman who enjoys getting along with people. He loves to ride his scooter, eat ice cream, and irritate Nadeem, but in the cutest way ever! 
 
Last but not least, I became a Canadian citizen on April 26. A moment I will cherish deep in my heart for the rest of my life. Nadeem will take the citizenship oath on October 11. Oula and the kids are still waiting for their application to get processed.
  
And the story continues…
THE YEAR OF THE MONARCH?

The other day I was waiting at a red light, and a beautiful monarch butterfly floated across the intersection. As I watched this fragile butterfly being buffeted by the air currents, I wondered if this year was going to be a plentiful monarch butterfly season. 

On my daily walks along Marlington and Cedarville Roads in southern Quebec, I was thrilled to see so many big hungry monarch caterpillars eating the milkweed leaves. At the intersection of these roads, there is Apple Grove Cemetery, dated 1812, which had a cluster of milkweed plants. They were supporting a large number of caterpillars again this year, and I discovered a pupa (chrysalis) there in a previous year. Spring and fall I have witnessed many migrating species as they make their journey back and forth following the seasons. This spring there was a larger number of butterflies on the move than usual. 

As we know the monarch thrives on the milkweed plant. They also drink the nectar from goldenrod, aster, black-eyed susan, butterfly bush, and purple coneflower. They develop from an egg to an adult in about 30 days. From an egg, it usually takes four days to emerge as a caterpillar. When the caterpillar reaches maturity, it spins a casing, a pupa. The transformation from pupa to butterfly takes about eight to 15 days. About 48 hours before the butterfly emerges, the casing changes colour, and the wings can be seen through it. 

Our monarchs are the ones that migrate back to central Mexico, up to 5,000 km. Those returning live about seven months through the winter. The following February, they fly north to start the cycle again. The other generations live about two to six weeks as they fly north following the summer season. The Canadian Wildlife Federation website was insightful. 

The Canadian Geographic’s recent magazine reported 35% more monarchs returned to their wintering sites in Mexico last year. The Mexican commission for national protected areas is urging Mexicans to stop planting milkweed because it encourages the butterflies to stay longer in the spring. Both Canadians and Americans have been encouraged to plant more milkweed to support our beloved butterfly. 

Hopefully this year’s predicted mild hurricane season will come to pass, which will allow more monarchs to cross the Gulf of Mexico safely and reach their winter habitat, thus completing the cycle. If this does happen, and with further education and research, our beloved monarch butterfly should increase in numbers annually. 

Bottom line: plant pollinator plants that will supply food sources for the monarchs as they also support the many other species that visit our gardens and help improve diversity of the wildlife in our community. 

Submitted by Mary Anna Williams
Upcoming Events
Women for Women
ATTENTION EVERYONE!! Women for Women is holding their first event of the year on Friday, October 14 at the church from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. We are hosting an Improv night that is open to EVERYONE (women AND men). Come and learn the basics of Improv and have a chance to practise these skills or be part of a supportive audience or just come out to socialize in person again! This event is FREE! It is being facilitated by a trained and experienced Improv artist. Refreshments will be served. 

Please contact Cathy Scattergood for info or to RSVP (cathy.scattergood@sympatico.ca or leave a message at 905-828-5138) or sign up on the sheet on the back bulletin board.

EMUC Striders

Hike on Sunday October 16
DUNDAS VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA link: Layout 1 (conservationhamilton.ca)
Main Loop - 3.4 km loop.

The Main Loop Trail is a journey through a mature deciduous forest, hemlock groves, stream valleys, an old apple orchard. and open meadow. Points of interest also include the Trail Centre, Hermitage Ruins, Sulphur Spring, and Hermitage Cascade. Allow 90 minutes.

As an aside, we can stop by the Griffiths House, the origins of which are an excellent example of Ancaster's early history, preserved in a simple 1.5 storey house just west of the Hermitage Ruins. Enerals Griffin and his wife, Priscilla, moved to the area in 1829 to escape slavery in the United States, possibly making use of the Underground Railroad. 

Parking is $11.00 per vehicle. * Drive 40 minutes west of EMUC: take QEW to 403 and exit Hwy 6 and then York Rd through Dundas to Governors Rd.
Carpooling to leave at 11:45 to arrive at the Conservation Area at 12:30 for hike. Return to Car Park 2:30 and return to EMUC 3:30.
*If each car can take three passengers, each might offer the driver $7 to cover parking and gas.

From Tim Hayes
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.
 
If you are interested in volunteering at the Cupboard, please contact me through the church. There are a range of ways that you can help:
  • Join a shopping team on a Tuesday morning.
  • Pick up food from the Mississauga Food Bank on a Tuesday morning.
  • Pack bags of food on a Tuesday morning.
  • Distribute bags to guests on a Wednesday am. Cupboard is open from 9:00 am to noon.
 
Thank-you for your ongoing support.
Linda Leeder, Coordinator Deacon's Cupboard.
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.