Mòrar's Musings

May 8, 2026

In Colossians 1.15-23, Paul writes: “in Christ all things hold together.” 

In his Substack, Ian Mobsby reflects on the resurrection from the perspective of extremely compromised mobility and asks, "What does the resurrection do today?" For him, the resurrection means that Christ has reconciled, made sense of and held together his world. It brings all things together.

“All things. Not just the moments when life feels coherent and meaningful. Not just the times when relationships are flourishing and joy comes easily. But all things. The loneliness. The fragmentation. The sense of being untethered. The quiet ache of isolation.”

We are not fragmented individuals, with sore feet at one point, loneliness at another, happy in what we do for pleasure -- our crafts, our social life. We are all of those things, all of the time. And in the resurrection, Jesus embraces and holds all those things together. Even the worst of us is not outside the embrace of Christ. 

“Resurrection, then, is not simply about life after death. It is about the slow, often hidden, sometimes almost imperceptible work of healing and reconnection that is already unfolding within our lives.”

It doesn’t remove loneliness, disability or declining health. Nor does it create deep friendships or a sense of belonging. It doesn’t answer our doubts or fears. But, Mobsby suggests, the resurrected Jesus meets us and holds onto us in all of our "me-ness," reminding us we are not alone.

To endure in life is to constantly remind ourselves that God is with us, even when we don’t feel it.

Paul ends with an invitation to remain “established and firm in hope.” That’s not easy, but we have been here these many years, not letting the negative, whatever it may be, prevent us from getting out of bed on Sunday morning even if only to hear others express that quiet, determined hope that doesn’t let pain or loneliness win.

Jesus is still working on us. We are still being held together In him. Maybe not fixed, but embraced.

Blessings,

Mòrar

Upcoming Week



Sunday, May 10

10:00 a.m. - Mother's Day; Online and in-person worship led by Rev. Mòrar; Congregational meeting following the service (no Communion)

*See important note below

Monday, May 11

Tuesday, May 12

1:00 p.m. - InStitches (Narthex)

3:00 p.m. - Afternoon Book Club (Conference room)

Wednesday, May 13

1:00 p.m. - Men's Group (Narthex)

1:00 p.m. - Circle of Friends (on Zoom)

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

Passcode: 107205

Thursday, May 14

4:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir Practice

Friday, May 15

Saturday, May 16

Upcoming Events & Announcements

*Important message about Sunday service

Sunday is an important day for us as we will hear the background about the minister candidate and vote on if we agree with the search committee's recommendation to have this person as our new minister.

Sunday is also Mother's Day, which for some can be a busy day. Keeping both in mind, adjustments have been made to ensure the service and the congregational meeting are finished shortly after 11:00 a.m. Among other changes, we will not be having announcements or communion this week.

For the congregational meeting, attached are three of the slides from the presentation for you to review prior to the meeting. As Rev. Mòrar stated, our congregational meeting should be thought of as a part of worship and that the word “liturgy” means the work of people. For Protestants, happily that means what we do in our faithful decision-making is also worship.

Submitted by Cathy Kiteley, LC Chair

Bunch for Lunch

On Sunday, May 31, you are invited to join in a time of fellowship following service.

We will meet at 11:45 a.m. at the Sunbeam Grill restaurant (2501 Hampshire Gate, Unit 3A, Oakville – South side of Dundas just west of Winston Churchill Blvd.) Separate cheques.

Please let us know you are coming so we can advise the restaurant of numbers. You can sign up on the signup sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church. Alternatively, let Tina in the office know, so she can add you to the list.

Submitted by Larry van Goozen

Lgoozen@gmail.com

Ian MacRae Bursary

Once again, the Ian MacRae selection committee is accepting applications for the Ian MacRae Bursary. This bursary is offered annually to deserving young people applying for college or university for the first time. Preference is given to those who live in the Erin Mills United Church catchment area (L5L 4X9), although those with a former connection to Erin Mills United church may be considered.

The amount awarded annually is dependant on the interest earned on the gift made by Ian’s employer and his family. Normally, we can grant award(s) of not less than $300 to each successful applicant.

Applications are available on the Visitors’ table at the back of the church. Please take one if you know anyone who would meet the criteria. Applications will also be available either online or when the office is open.

The deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026.

Submitted by: Debby Sturgeon

sturgs4@rogers.com

EMUC Spring Fling detailed announcement about Books, Baking and Plants

BOOKS:

Books may be dropped off:

Wednesday, May 20: 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 21: 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 22: 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Someone from the book team will be in the Narthex to accept your books. If you have questions about what genres we will take, please contact Sandy Hayes at 905 820 4437.

Acceptable:

Current novels (20 years old or newer); biographies/autobiographies (fairly current); current self-help (10 years old or newer); children’s and youth books in great condition. Current sports, humour, travel (less than 10 years old). Crosswords, Sudoku. Current gardening and other hobbies.

Not Acceptable:

Tech, philosophy, history, finance, Canadiana, politics, religion, cookbooks, DIY, book sets (encyclopedia, Readers’ Digest, etc.).

BAKING

There will be a general bake table at the Spring Market. All donated baking is appreciated, i.e. cakes, pies, squares, loaves, tarts, cookies. Make your favourite! 

Baking may be dropped off at the church on Friday, May 22 during the day. Please sign the sheet when leaving baking, which asks for the ingredients of your items. Package items ready for sale in quantities of 4 or 6. Cookies may be brought in bulk, since there will be a cookie buffet, so purchasers may choose a mixture of the cookies they would like. They will be bagged at the time of purchase.

PLANTS

Maryanna is looking for perennials, potted and labeled with the name and colour of the bloom. Maryanna has lots of pots if you are in need.

Plants may be dropped off Friday, May 22 during the day.

Rev. Joanne Hedge Invitation

On behalf of Applewood United Church, we are pleased to invite you to a retirement luncheon in honour of Reverend Joanne Hedge, who will be concluding her ministry on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This gathering will celebrate her many years of dedicated service, including twelve years as Clergy at Applewood United Church in Mississauga.

The luncheon will take place at:

Applewood United Church

2067 Stanfield Road, Mississauga

Sunday, June 28, 2026 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

If you wish to offer a brief tribute—whether sharing a few words, recounting an anecdote, or reflecting on a meaningful experience with Joanne—please let us know in advance so we can ensure time for all who wish to participate. If you wish to attend the church service we would be delighted to welcome you. The service begins at 10:30am.

If you cannot remain for the luncheon but would like to extend your well wishes to Reverend Joanne, there will be time directly after the church service to do so.

If you are unable to attend at all but would like to send your best wishes, you may include your message in your RSVP. We will gladly transcribe it into Joanne’s Memory/Guest Book. We also invite you to share this invitation with any others who may wish to attend.

We kindly ask that you RSVP to sharonkonyen@gmail.com no later than Monday, May 25, 2026.

Warm regards,

Sharon Konyen, on behalf of Applewood United Church

Deacon's Cupboard Coat Drive

The Deacon’s Cupboard will be hosting a coat drive this Fall for our guests. In past years, this has been a much needed and successful event.

As you are putting your winter coats away for the summer, ask yourself if it is time for a new one. We are looking for clean and gently worn garments. If you have one you wish to donate, please keep it until the Fall, when we will provide further details. Many of are guests are from warmer climates and require winter clothing. I don't need to tell you how grateful they are to receive this support.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Submitted by Linda Leeder, Co-ordinator

Deacon's Cupboard Donation Suggestions

Thank you for the tremendous response to our request for food items. Your support has helped us stock our shelves each week. In May, we are asking EMUC to donate canned fruit. Of course, we will also accept other food items. Your support enables us to share God’s bounty. 

Submitted by the EMUC Deacon's Cupboard Team

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., May 10 - Congregational meeting following the service
• Sat., May 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - EMUC's Spring Fling
• Sun., May 24 - Pentecost Sunday
• Sun., June 7 - Pride service
• Sun., June 14 - Annual Picnic following the service

Community Events

• Sat., May 9, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Lawn Sale at Christ First UC
• Sat., May 9, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Garage Sale at St. Stephen's on-the-Hill; see flyer below
• Sat., May 9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Garage Sale at Erindale UC; click here for information
• Fri., May 15 & Sun., May 17 - Brampton Honey Badgers basketball home openers; click here for information & discount tickets offer
• Sat., May 16, 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Caribbean Night at St. Thomas à Becket; see poster below

Scent-Free Environment

Erin Mills United Church is a scent-free space. Some people have allergies or chemical sensitivities. To ensure that everyone can worship comfortably, we ask that you help us maintain a scent-free environment. Please avoid wearing scented products when attending service or events. Thank you!

Tina's Office Hours are as follows:

Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tina will be working from home on Mondays (all day). She takes a half hour lunch break sometime between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

Rev. Mòrar plans to be in the office on Tuesdays with exceptions as needed. Please arrange in advance to meet with her by emailing office@emuc.ca and indicating "Message for the Minister" in the subject line.

For guaranteed access to the church, call or email, to arrange a time in advance. Email (office@emuc.ca) or call (905-820-9466 x23).

For Pastoral Care Emergencies call 905-820-9466 x23 or email pastoralcare@emuc.ca

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