Friday Message

December 19, 2025

Joy is a bit of a trickster! It doesn’t show up on schedule, and it almost never arrives when I’m trying to be Very Serious about my spiritual life. Instead, it sneaks in sideways—through an old hymn I didn’t know I needed, or a memory that suddenly feels like comfort instead of loss, or a laugh that escapes before I can decide if I’m in the mood for it.

This past week the church hands us the rose-colored candle—Gaudete, “rejoice”—and honestly, it feels a little audacious. Joy? Now? In the middle of waiting and worry and the endless parade of tragedies? Joy while we’re juggling grief and gift lists?

But here’s what Advent keeps teaching me: joy is not something we engineer. It is something God gives. It is Christ drawing near in the middle of our wildly unfinished, achingly ordinary lives. Sometimes joy knocks politely. Sometimes it barges in with its shoes still on. Either way, it stays long enough to remind us that the story isn’t over yet—and all is not lost.

Blessings, Kathi

Upcoming Week



Sunday, December 21 - Advent 4 (Love)

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

Monday, December 22

Tuesday, December 23

Wednesday, December 24

7:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve service (online and in-person) with Communion; led by Rev. Kathi

Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day

Office is closed

Friday, December 26 - Boxing Day

Office is closed

No Friday Message

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28 - Christmas Sunday

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

Rev. Kathi's last service followed by a special Retirement luncheon

Upcoming Events & Announcements

From the Leadership Circle

At the December meeting the Leadership Circle (LC):

Reviewed the survey results from the Café Sunday identifying ways to grow the church. The top three ideas are below. The LC will study these in more detail at the January meeting to determine how to best implement.

1.    Welcoming changes we can implement:

•   Humorous sign messages                                 44%
•   Genuine, authentic welcome                             37%
•   Promote church activities to renters                   35%

2.    Changes to worship/music

•   Guest musicians                                            51%
•   Recruit new choir members                                38%
•   Hold “Choir! Choir! Choir!” event                         37%

3.    Make better connections to the wider community

•   Collaborate with other churches, especially for youth events      48%
•   Create identity as community hub                         40%
•   Add more information to website and social media    33%     

Received a progress report from the Search Committee in the search for a supply minister. The search continues.

Received a report from the Trustees who have met with a UCC Committee about growing our church. The LC approved that the Trustees continue this work gathering information.

Received a report from the Communications LC on a meeting held with other Mississauga churches on how to better reach out to our community. This committee will continue to assess and implement new methods.

Following the meeting, the LC celebrated Rev. Kathi’s time with us as she moves into retirement.

Submitted by Kathi Andres, Chair LC

Advent Season at EMUC

Advent is a busy and beautiful time at EMUC. It starts on Sunday, Nov. 30 with the service of Hope. There are many special services and events happening during this season. Please click here for further information about all of the upcoming events.

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 December, we are asking EMUC to donate canned meat. 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

Loaves and Dishes

Tourtieres will be for sale after the service for $16 each.

Please see Barb J.

Christmas Offering

As you participate in the tradition of gift giving with your family and friends, please consider how a financial gift to EMUC helps celebrate God’s gifts to us and makes a difference in the life and work of this congregation.

At each service this month, envelopes will be available inviting you to make a Special Christmas Offering. Of course, you can donate online by e-transfer to donations@emuc.ca indicating that the gift is your Special Christmas Offering.

As in past years, if we are to meet our budget goals, increased donations are required in December. 

Just a reminder that if you plan to contribute to our Outreach program for the Children’s Breakfast Clubs, indicate that the donation is for Christmas Outreach Program.

Thank you for your continued support.

Finance Committee

Christmas Outreach Project

As we have done in the past at Christmas, EMUC reaches out to support those less fortunate in our community. 

This year, we are supporting Children's Breakfast Clubs. In addition to providing healthy breakfast programs, they offer other benefits to schools, including celebrating various holidays, e.g. Diwali, Eid, and Hanukkah. They also host a Caring and Sharing Gala and a few other initiatives. I am told that our donation will help support 200 families.

To donate, you may send an e-transfer to donations@emuc.ca stating Christmas Outreach Project or, by cheque made out to Erin Mills United Church again referencing Christmas Outreach Project.

Submitted by Lorraine Moore  

Celebrating Kathi's Retirement - Update

Please join us to celebrate Kathi at our celebration lunch after worship on Sunday, December 28.  If you wish to attend, add your name to the sign-up sheet by Sun., Dec. 21 or email ministrypersonnel@emuc.ca so that we can order the appropriate amount of food.

If you would like to contribute to a gift for Kathi or make any other contributions to the day, please speak to me or email ministrypersonnel@emuc.ca.  

Nancy Blackport

Memory Book - Update

Please add you best wishes for Kathi in the "Happy Retirement" book, which is on the table outside the office.

If you cannot get into the church to do this, you can email your wishes to Tina at office@emuc.ca. Tina can print the messages so they are included in the book.

“Them bones gonna rise again”

This is a plea for anyone cooking a turkey NOT to discard their bones. I will turn them into a flavourful stock and then into soup to be sold at the church. Just wrap and freeze them. Then at your convenience get them to me. 

I am at nutbeemh@hotmail.com.  If you are unable to deliver I will pick up. 

Many thanks 

Heather Nutbeem

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., Dec. 28, 10:00 a.m. - Rev. Kathi's last service followed by a special luncheon
• Sun., Feb. 8, 2026 (note change of date) - Guest Speaker Rev. Michael Blair (General Secretary of the UCC). Communion service. Click here for more information.

Community Events

None at this time

PLEASE NOTE: 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 Mondays (all day); Thursday and Friday afternoons. She takes a half hour lunch break sometime between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m.

*Please Note: The office is closed Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.

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

PLEASE NOTE: Rev. Kathi has resumed office hours on a modified schedule.

Tues., Dec. 23

Please call in advance for an appointment or to check Rev. Kathi's availability before dropping by the church.

For Pastoral Care Emergencies call 905-820-9466 x22 or email pastoralcare@emuc.ca

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