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      F riday
Message
         &
          Upcoming Events

August 25, 2017 - In This Issue:
           
     Season of Pentecost /Ordinary Time                                     www.emuc.ca
        
(My Last) Friday Message
           

In the letter to the Christians in Rome (this Sundays scripture: Romans 12:1-21), Paul is so encouraging.  He knows that they have had huge changes in their lives, and that they face unique challenges because of their acceptance of Jesus.  Paul was someone we now call "an itinerant" Preacher and Pastor.  That is, he traveled, like Jesus, from town to town, and from community to community, listening to and serving God's flock.  I have always loved his ministry style and have tried, in my own small way, to fashion my own ministry after it.

It has especially been my honour to spend these past ten months with you, learning just how well a church in this day and age can actually function.  I have felt the truth of Paul's words in this Sunday's reading where he speaks of "the gifts that differ according to the grace given us."

Never have I been in a church (with the exception of St Stephen's on the Hill) that so deeply lives out the reality of Paul's vision for the church.  People keep thanking me, and I want to return the immense gratitude I feel at having been welcomed into this special part of your journey of faith.

To say I will miss you is a huge understatement, but we never really say goodbye In God's time of eternity.  In the words of the Apostle Paul, then, I leave you with his wish "to continue to give yourselves to God as offerings, which is our spiritual task."  So, no goodbyes, just good new starts for all of us as we seek to bring the kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.  It is a joy, too, to be leaving with the celebration of Holy Communion, which of course embodies Paul's Theology of living sacrifice. 

Blessings and Peace always, Rev Jackie: Outgoing Supply Minister.  
 


Let us give ourselves as a sacrifice as Christ has.......       




This Week at EMUC

Sunday at 10:00 am:  Rev. Jackie's Farewell Service and Communion
                                    Scripture reading: Romans 12:  1-21
                                     Sermon: 'A Pauline Farewell'

Wednesday at  6:45 pm:  Prayers & Communion

Sunday September 3 at 10:00 am: Worship led by Barb Finlay

Upcoming Events

CELEBRATION FOR REV. JACKIE
Please join us for Jackie's farewell service on Sunday, August 27. We would like to acknowledge Jackie's time with us by making a presentation and enjoying some sweet treats after the service. Anyone wishing to contribute to a gift, please speak to Peter in the office. Come and help us show our gratitude for all that Jackie has done for us through her time at EMUC.


SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR HAITI. 
Again this year there is a request for school supplies to be delivered to three schools in Haiti through Children of Hope Haiti.  A revised list has been made as there is a new school being supported.   A box has been placed at the back of the church where the lists can be found.  Please place your donations in the box.


NEW MINISTER UPDATE
One and a half weeks until we meet and greet Rev. Kathi!  After a busy summer, Kathi is taking some time away with her family to relax and unwind. She is looking forward to starting at EMUC in September with renewed spiritual energy.


MURDER MYSTERY DINNER FUNDRAISER
As some of you know, we will be sharing in a Murder Mystery fundraising opportunity with Eden United Church, in April. Two performances will take place and we will be team up with Eden to share the workload - and to share the stage.   We hope to have actors from both congregations take part, so if you are interested in taking to the stage, please send contact information to Jon Dobbin (director) at  jmacdobbin@aol.com . We are looking for a variety of actors whether you are experienced or have never acted before. If you can memorize lines and are able to move around the stage easily including up and down steps then we would like to hear from you. 
We plan to have an information meeting in September (TBD), and if numbers warrant it, simple auditions will be planned and announced at a later date.
Please direct any inquiries to Joanne Hines.


'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM
We are continuing with FUNDSCRIP, an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month.  A percentage of the cards we purchase through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church.   Order forms for gift cards will be available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is Sunday, August 27th.   Please see the display board at the back of the church or speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.


EMUC STRIDERS
Sunday, September 17th the Striders hiking group will visit the Silver Creek Conservation Area.  The group will congregate in the narthex after the service for a 'brown-bag' lunch and then car pool to the area.  The Silver Creek Conservation Area includes a large Escarpment valley and many representative features of the area's natural splendour.  Wander past babbling brooks, lush forests, and Escarpment rocks as you explore this little taste of wilderness nearby our urban environment. 

About EMUC

Vision:

EMUC is a thriving Spirit-filled congregation: Diverse, inclusive,and engaged with the community and creation

Mission:

The mission of Erin Mills United Church is to offer opportunities for all persons to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ.