Friday Message and what's coming.

Friday Message

What's Coming!

May 24, 2019

Season: Easter

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Rev. Kathi's Message

At this time of year, I do not use a morning alarm - the day begins with birdsong. Before my eyes are even open, my mind wakes to the possibilities of the day and the chorus from the trees outside my window fills the room. It is a cheerful wake up call that slices through my mental fog and diminishes the weight of the world as I prepare myself for the day ahead. I admit that when we purchased our house last spring, I never thought about who might be living in our trees! The birds and their voices are a gift - simply there - a reminder of divine presence as I begin my day.

There are other sounds that remind me of the grace and beauty around me as I weave through the tasks of work and obligation. The whir of tires traveling the road in front of home and the church remind me that community surrounds me, and that purpose is part of how we chart our course. The drone of lawn mowers spark in me an appreciation of the beauty in our landscaped and in untamed places. The happy bark of a dog at play and the laughter of children speak of companionship and love that lifts my heart.

All around us, the world sends out its song as a reminder that we are not alone. Seemingly random intrusions of sound into the space of our lives connect us to the journeys of others and the opportunities to recognize the contributions each of us make to the whole that is our neighborhood, our community, and the spaces in which we live and seek to thrive. And there are pauses of silence received into the spaces of observation and reflection that hold us in wholeness, and ultimately heal the wounds that can scar the spaces shared by all.

Many things happening in our world today have me concerned - even to the point of fear and anger. I cannot understand how humanity can be so cruel and callous to each other and to other creatures; how we choose to ignore the fate of our planet; how the making of money overrides compassion and care. I remind myself daily that if I am not actively seeking a solution to these issues, I am guilty of perpetuating them. This is the kind of thinking that can keep me up at night.

But our Creator wakes us each morning with divine music, drifting on breezes and echoing between walls, caught and held in our hearts and in our minds. I think it is God’s way to help us be mindful of the gift of what each of us brings to this life and shares with the world as a reflection of God’s love.

In peace,

Kathi

This Week at EMUC

Sunday May 26th

10:00 am: Worship led by Deb Siertsema

Psalm Reading: Psalm 67 (VU786)

Gospel Lesson: John 14: 23-29

Message: "Those who Love"

7:30 pm: Ontario Male Chorus and 'Boys in B' Concert

'Fundscrip' orders will be taken during coffee time.

Monday May 27th:

Tuesday May 28th:

Wednesday May 29th:

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion service

Thursday May 30th:

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir

Friday May 31st:

6:00 pm: Gathering for Peter Kiteley's Retirement Dinner

6:30 pm: Dinner

Saturday June 1st:

Next Sunday June 2nd: Worship and Communion at 10 am. New members welcomed. Striders' hike in the afternoon.

What's Coming!

ONTARIO MALE CHORUS AND 'BOYS IN B' CONCERT

EMUC will be hosting the Ontario Male Chorus concert on Sunday, May 26th at 7:30 pm. "Boys in B" (Cawthra Park Secondary School) will also be performing. Tickets are available from Sue Ogilvie: $20 for adults and $10 for children/students.

NEW MEMBERS

We will be celebrating new members at a service later on June 2nd . If you have been attending worship and would like to become a full member or if you have any questions about becoming a member please speak with Rev Kathi or Sandy Hayes.

PETER KITELEY'S RETIREMENT DINNER CELEBRATION

On Friday, May 31st there will be a dinner to celebrate Peter Kiteley's contributions to EMUC as Office Administrator as he launches into retirement. May 31st is Peter's last day of work at EMUC. There will be speeches and entertainment. Purchase your tickets soon as tickets are limited. Tickets are available from Sandy Hayes for $30.

STRIDERS

The next hike is scheduled for Sunday June 2nd . This will be a joint hike with the Mindful Steps of Applewood United, the EMUC Striders and friends.

EMUC will gather in the Narthex for a light lunch brought from home. At 12:15 our car pooling will set off for the trailhead at Hewick Meadows (by 12:30 to meet our fellow hikers) to explore another section of the David Culham trail. Expect to be out in the Credit Valley paths for up to 1 1/2 hours. All will be back to their home Churches by 2:30 pm.

Take note, the entrance to the parking lot can only be reached by driving eastbound over the bridge on Eglinton Av. (from Mississauga Rd.)

Contact Tim at [email protected] for additional information.

DEACON'S CUPBOARD

Every second year the wonderful people of the Deacon’s Cupboard collect winter coats in the autumn to distribute among the guests of the food cupboard service. There will be a coat drive this year and the Deacon’s Cupboard is looking for a volunteer to coordinate donations from EMUC. Ideally the person would be someone not already committed to volunteering at the cupboard and able to help organize and plan with volunteers from the other involved churches. This would include attending occasional meetings and overseeing the collections from our church family until the coats are delivered in November. If you are looking an opportunity to share your time and talents with a deserving program, please speak to Rev Kathi before the deadline of May 28.

IAN MacRAE MEMORIAL BURSARY

Students preparing to attend a college or university starting in the fall of 2019 may now apply for the annual bursary awarded in memory of Ian MacRae. Application forms are available from the church office and the brochure explains the details. This bursary is offered to all students and is not restricted to members of the congregation. Applications must be submitted by June 15 ^th , 2019.

'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM

FUNDSCRIP is 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 purchased through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church.

Order forms for gift cards are available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is Sunday, May 26th. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.