Mòrar's Musings

February 20, 2026

Have you ever wondered how others see us?

Knowing how our church is perceived by outsiders is important in growing our church. What kind of information is out there that would prompt someone to cross the threshold of our church?

It struck me that we have a tool that will give us that information that we didn’t have until recently: Artificial Intelligence (AI). So I asked the internet to tell me about our church. What did I find? I was surprised to find how accurate and up-to-date the information is.

A big ‘thank you’ to our Communication Team headed by Barb Jennings, Tina Driscoll, our Administrator, recently retired Rev. Kathi Phillips and all of the leaders past and present for excellence in enabling us to live out our ministry and mission and effectively communicating to our own members and to the wider community! Here is some of what AI revealed! If someone asks you about your church, you can say, “GOOGLE US!”

AI Overview

Erin Mills United Church (EMUC), located at 3010 The Collegeway in Mississauga, is an affirming, community-focused congregation dedicated to spiritual growth, inclusivity, and social justice. Established in 1989, it features Sunday worship (10:00 a.m.) in-person and via Zoom, offering varied, creative services. EMUC is noted for its community outreach, including the Deacon’s Cupboard, environmental initiatives, and partnerships, led by Rev. Kathi Phillips. 

On February 8, 2026, Erin Mills United Church in Mississauga hosted a special service featuring Reverend Michael Blair, General Secretary of the United Church of Canada. The event celebrated both Black History Month and the third anniversary of the church becoming an Affirming congregation. A light lunch followed the 10:00 AM service, which was also available via Zoom.

Key Details About Erin Mills United Church:

Worship & Services: Services occur on Sundays at 10 a.m. and feature diverse, creative media, including music, drama, and video. A "quiet" room for families with young children is available.

Affirming & Inclusive: As an affirming ministry, the church explicitly welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Community Outreach & Initiatives: EMUC focuses on "helping others" through initiatives like the Deacon's Cupboard, Christmas Hampers, and Out of the Cold program. It previously supported the development of the Erin Mills Youth Centre and installed the first church solar panels in Mississauga, reflecting its commitment to environmental care.

Social Support: The church hosts a community garden and provides space for groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Location & Accessibility: The church is located on the southwest corner of The Collegeway and Winston Churchill Blvd. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, an elevator, and accessible washrooms.

Leadership & Philosophy: The congregation is led by Rev. Kathi Phillips (since 2017) and focuses on four core values: spiritual living, openness to all, helping others, and connection/friendship.

Engaging the Community: Through their "Inspire" initiative, they encourage, consider, and implement new, collaborative, community-based projects. 

For more information, you can visit their website at www.emuc.ca or their Facebook page or contact them at (905) 820-9466.

Blessings,

Mòrar

Upcoming Week



Sunday, February 22

10:00 a.m. - Online and in-person Worship led by Rev. Mòrar and the Black History Month committee; First Sunday of Lent; Black History Month service; Light refreshments following the service; Bunch for Lunch.

Monday, February 23

Tuesday, February 24

Wednesday, February 25

1:00 p.m. - Games afternoon

Thursday, February 26

4:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir Practice

Friday, February 27

Saturday, February 28

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Update from your Leadership Circle (LC)

The LC held their monthly meeting this past Tuesday. The main purpose of the meeting was to prepare for the upcoming Congregational Meeting on March 1 after the service. The final financial statements and the Investment Report for the 2025 year were reviewed and approved to be presented to the congregation. The results for both were better than expected and will be discussed in more detail at the Congregational Meeting. Soft copies of the information should be sent out in a Special Announcement next week.

There was a discussion on the recent church rental to an Ismaili group to enable them to conduct prayers and celebrate Ramadan. They have put a small sign outside the church letting their group know where they are. This has attracted some social media attention, some positive and some negative. Rev. Mòrar contacted the DEI section of the Peel Police to ensure that there are no security issues. The LC agreed that since the Ismailis are a moderate Muslim group with similar values to ours and because EMUC strongly believes in inclusivity in our community, we would continue to rent to this group.

Some LC members reported that a homeless woman has been loitering at our front door just before the Sunday services asking for money. This can cause discomfort to those attending the church service. It was decided that if this homeless woman appears again before the Sunday service, she would be invited to return during the week when we can give her some food coupons, but not on a Sunday.

Submitted by Kathy Andres, LC Chair

Sanctuary Security System - Update

The security system on the doors into the sanctuary is now active. We have programmed the doors to be unlocked during worship; you shouldn’t notice anything different on Sunday mornings.

These doors are locked during the week. If you are in for a meeting, or visiting the office, you will need to see Tina for a “fob”, or prop the door open if you are exiting the sanctuary and need to return.



If you have any questions, please reach out to the office.

Submitted by Tina Driscoll

Help us Shine a Light - Update

Rev. Mòrar is now looking for a couple of stands to hold up the spotlights to help highlight the Misereor, the tapestry that is the focal point of our February worship.



If you have a stand we could borrow, please contact the office.

February Fundscrip

*Important Fundscrip Date Change*- 2 Orders in March!

There will be a change in the Fundscrip dates this month. We will be doing the next order on Sunday, March 1. Please have all orders emailed to Joanne Hines by Friday, February 27 or after church on Sunday, March 1.

There will be a second order placed in March at the end of the month.

If you need an order form or information about the program, please contact Joanne Hines at  twokids@rogers.com. Orders may be paid by e-transfer at donations@emuc.ca. Please indicate Fundscrip order in the message. Or cheques need to be made out to Erin Mills United Church and they can be taken to Mike Ogilvie directly. Thank you for your support of this program.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

The Erin Mills Town Centre Mall is still accepting used gift cards for recycling. There is also a box at the church that Mary Anna Williams has been able to check. Please consider recycling your used Fundscrip cards by placing them in the box or taking them to the customer service desk at the Erin Mills Town Centre.

Loaves and Dishes

There is soup (beef barley or squash) available for sale after church. Please see Barb J.

Annual Congregational Meeting - Sun., March 1

Our Annual Meeting will take place on Sun., March 1 following the service. Please click here for the proposed 2026 Operating Budget.

Watch for a Special Announcement with links to the Annual Report and Budget documents.

World Day of Prayer

Erindale UC is hosting the World Day of Prayer service on Saturday, March 7. They are looking for participants from other area United churches. If you are interested in helping, please contact Tina in the office.

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 February, 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

Keep in Touch!

Membership and Pastoral Care, together with Tina Driscoll, have the responsibility of keeping the congregational list up-to-date. If your contact information has changed in the last few years, kindly advise Tina either via telephone (905 820 9466) or email office@emuc.ca.

We are particularly interested in updating our landline/cell and email records. Often we find people are discontinuing landlines and not providing us with cell phone numbers or are changing their email addresses without notifying the church. Thank you for your cooperation.

Submitted by Sandy Hayes

Bunch for Lunch

On Sunday, February 22, 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.



Larry van Goozen

Lgoozen@gmail.com

Lenten Study at Streetsville United

Rev. Joe Hopkins of Streetsville UC is leading a Lenten Study. All are welcome. If interested, please contact Streetsville UC at 905-826-1542 or email info@streetsvilleunited.ca.

The Lenten Study is taking place in the library of Streetsville UC 7:00-8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tues., Feb. 24: Identifying Spiritual Gifts (Part 1)
• Tues., March 3: Identifying Spiritual Gifts (Part 2)
• Thurs., March 12: Designing Worship Services (Part 1)
• Tues., March 19: Designing Worship Services (Part 2)
• Tues., March 26: Providing Pastoral Care (Part 1)
• Date TBD: Providing Pastoral Care (Part 2)

United Church Lenten Series

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., Feb. 22 - Bunch for Lunch following service
• Sun., March 1 - Annual Congregational Meeting

Community Events

• Fri., March 6, 6:30 p.m. - St. Stephen's on-the-Hill movie night fundraiser. Click here for poster and information.
• Sat., March 7, 2:00 p.m. - Erindale UC, World Day of Prayer service.

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! 

                                                                                                                             Sylvia Arnold – Leadership Circle, Worship and Music

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