Friday Message

&

What's Coming!

May 3, 2024

One of the most moving scenes from the Harry Potter series is when Harry visits Dumbledore in his office and meets Fawkes for the first time. The normally colourful and elegant Phoenix is withering away before Harry's eye and suddenly, dies by bursting into flames, only to have him reborn from the ashes a minute later.

 

Magical healing tears and all.

 

I like the idea that we can come back from the parts of our life that have left us in ashes. That we can reemerge just as whole and just as magical as before we found ourselves bursting into flames, even if we are somewhat changed by the experience.

 

I know that right now there is a lot happening in our world that could leave us feeling worried, frightened, sad, even traumatized. The bad news just keeps rolling in and it can be hard to keep the days straight. But I was able to remember that Wednesday was the first day of May.

 

A new month. A new season. A new beginning.

 

And something about that brings me great comfort. After all, the very word “may” means to express possibility.

 

And as this beautiful new month of possibility descends upon us, I'm taking it upon myself to declare the rest of the year to be one of renewal and rebirth and restoration.

 

May.

May we be happy.

May we be well.

May we be safe.

May we live with ease.

May we rise from the ashes.

 

Blessings, Kathi

Upcoming Week


To reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and the flu, if you experience any new symptom(s) of any respiratory virus please stay home. Refer to Public Health Ontario for detailed guidance by clicking on https://www.publichealthontario.ca/


Sunday May 5:

10:00 a.m.: Online & in-person Worship & Communion led by Rev. Kathi

EMUC Striders History Hunt Part 3 following the service

 

Monday May 6:

7:00 p.m.: Bible Study via Zoom


Wednesday May 8:

10:00 a.m.: Bible Study via Zoom

1:00 p.m.: Men's Group


1:00 p.m.: Circle of Friends via Zoom

Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85179342826

Passcode: 107205


6:45 p.m.: Prayer service via Zoom

Zoom Link for Prayer Service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83772991319


Thursday May 9:

4:00 p.m.: Chancel Choir Practice


Friday May 10:

2:00 p.m.: Celebration of Life

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Celebration of Life – Sue Ogilvie

A private cremation has already taken place. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life, to be held at Erin Mills United Church, on Friday May 10th at 2:00 pm (3010 The Collegeway, Mississauga, L5L 4X9). The service will also be live-streamed on Zoom using the link below. A reception follows the service in the lower hall.


https://zoom.us/j/792083172

Reference, Meeting ID: 792 083 172

Password: 000042

 

The family would appreciate it if you took a moment to sign the guest book. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Erin Mills United Church, or Indspire - an organization supporting indigenous youth. 



EMUC Striders on the History Hunt (Part 3) – Sunday, May 5

This Sunday, when the magnolia and cherry trees should be in blossom, the Striders will visit the markers around City Centre which include Kariya Park for Part 3.



For further information on this event and instructions about downloading the app to your smart phone, please click here.

Circle of Friends

Tuesday's Circle of Friends is welcoming special guest author, Jennifer Maruno.  

Retrofitting of our lift will be taking place starting May 1.

Please be advised that the lift will not be available during the retrofit which is expected to last 4 -10 days. Access to the basement will be via stairs only during this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.


We are excited that the grant, obtained by David Leeder, is finally being used.

KEY CHANGE EVENT

We are very excited to announce a collaborative event, taking place on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Eden United Church.


Key Change is an entertaining and informative exploration of the dynamic and challenging process of accepting one’s true identity, coming out to family and friends, and what it’s really like to live as a trans woman in today’s world. In a complex world, Christina’s journey shines as a symbol of hope, strength and unity. Hear her story, embrace diversity, and celebrate what makes us human.

The evening will include a 50 minute talk, a Question and Answer period, and a Meet and Greet with refreshments.


Tickets may be purchased by etransfer to emucdonation@outlook.com (Please include KEY CHANGE in your message and your email address if you require an acknowledgement) or from Joanne Hines after church on Sundays.


Broadview Subscription Time

Broadview is the oldest continuously published magazine in North America

(founded in 1829). This independent Canadian magazine features award

winning coverage of spirituality, justice, and ethical living.

 

The subscription cost is $30. If you are interested in subscribing, and receiving

the discounted group rate, please contact the office by May 31. Payment may

be made by cheque, cash, or etransfer via emucdonation@outlook.com (indicate Broadview in the description).

 

If you have any questions, please contact Tina Driscoll, in the office.

EMUC Fall Marketplace – Crafters Wanted

Vendors are currently being sought for the Fall Marketplace being held on November 2. If you know any crafters who may be interested in participating in this sale, please ask them to contact the office via email, office@emuc.ca, or call 905-820-9466 for detailed information.

Ian MacRae Memorial Bursary

Applications are now being accepted for the Ian MacRae Memorial Bursary. This bursary was established in 2000 in memory of Ian MacRae, a member of Erin Mills United Church and active fund-raiser for the congregation’s youth ministry. It is awarded annually based on demonstrated need, academic achievement, potential, and proven merit to assist a student with their first year of post-secondary studies. Preference will be given to candidates living in the Erin Mills catchment area. The application deadline is May 31, 2024. For further information, contact Debby Sturgeon (sturgs4@rogers.com).

Application forms are available through through the Church office: office@emuc.ca, 905-820-9466.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!


  • May 9 - EMUC provides lunch at the Open Door
  • May 10, 2 p.m. - Celebration of Life for Sue Ogilvie
  • May 31, 7 p.m. - IMPROV Evening
  • June 7, 7:30 p.m. at Eden UC - Key Change
  • June 9 - Annual Picnic and Pride Service
  • Nov 2 - Fall Craft Sale/Market

Community Events


  • Saturday, June 1, 1:00 p.m. - Pride Flag Raising at City Hall- EMUC Affirming team invites anyone who would like to join us!

Office hours:

Mondays 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. 


Our Office Administrator, Tina Driscoll, will be on vacation May 5, returning on May 21.


The office email and the office extension 23 will be monitored while Tina is away. Time sensitive requests will be responded to immediately. Non-urgent requests will be dealt with upon Tina's return.


If you wish access to the church, please email or call in advance. Sylvia will arrange a time with you.

 


Kathi’s Office Hours:

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other days by appointment.

Please check Kathi's availability before dropping by the church.

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Erin Mills United Church | 905-820-9466 | emuc.ca