Mòrar's Musings

June 5, 2026

The Gift of Ministering in the United Church of Canada

What is it like being a minister in a truly inclusive church? A young man phoned our church and said he was planning a wedding for two friends. When the administrator said, yes, but usually one of the couple would contact us, he said, “Well, they don’t speak English, and they live in Rome and they both have the same name.”

As it turned out, they were Italian and couldn’t legally or religiously marry in Italy because they were two men. The young man was from Woodbridge and had met them on a rainbow cruise. When they learned that Canada had recently changed its marital laws, they asked him for help. He had been searching for a church throughout the GTA and he was drawn to Maple Grove.

They were a delightful couple, whose big worry was that they wouldn’t speak English well enough. They didn’t need to worry, because I had someone translate the wedding into Italian. The young man brought huge floral arrangements for our chapel, and eight of us gathered for the service.

And suddenly, I was teary eyed. I felt the presence of the Spirit in a new way as the realization washed over me that Alessandro and Alessandro had come all the way from Italy to our United Church -- not that they HAD to come, but that they COULD come, and that I had the privilege of being a part of the gift that our country and our church could offer.

What a privilege to serve in a church such as this.

Upcoming Week



Sunday, June 7

10:00 a.m. - Online and in-person Worship with Communion led by Rev. Mòrar; Pride Service; Rev.Mòrar's last Sunday

Monday, June 8

Dr. Wendy Cranston's 1st day

Tuesday, June 9

1:00 p.m. - InStitches (come & meet Dr. Wendy Cranston)

Wednesday, June 10

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, June 11

4:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir practice

Friday, June 12

Saturday, June 13

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Sunday, June 7

We have a lot happening this Sunday. In addition to our Pride Sunday service, we will be thanking Rev. Mòrar Murray Hayes for her 6 months of supply ministry as we searched for a minister.

Come celebrate Happy Pride and wish Mòrar God’s blessing as she departs from EMUC.

Submitted by Cathy Kiteley

LC Chair

Welcome Dr. Wendy Cranston

Please join me in welcoming our new minister, Dr. Wendy Cranston, who begins her ministry with EMUC on Monday, June 8th. Her first service with us will be on Sunday, June 14th. Wendy’s office hours will be shared in next week’s Friday message.

Our church is known for its warm hospitality, and I know we are all eager to get to know Wendy personally. If we can give her the first week or so to settle in before reaching out individually, I’m sure she would appreciate the space to get oriented.

Submitted by Cathy Kiteley

LC Chair

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS! ANNUAL PICNIC

Dust off your lawn chairs and dig out any fun (easy!) outdoor games! Get ready for EMUC’s annual picnic, which will take place on Sunday, June 14 following worship. And BONUS… this will be our new minister Wendy Cranston’s first worship Sunday with us, so a very special, doubly wonderful happening. It’ll be a POTLUCK picnic fare event.

WHAT TO BRING: Membership and Pastoral Care is kindly asking for donations of picnic fare: sandwiches, devilled (‘angelled’??) eggs, salads, etc. Dessert, lemonade, coffee and tea will be provided.

BYO: Sun hat (if needed), lawn chair (if desired) and any fun lawn games you enjoy. Bocce ball will be provided and, back by popular demand, will be the bean bag toss game.

WHAT TO DO: Come join us for some fun, possibly your first picnic of the summer, and an opportunity to meet and visit with Wendy. Mark your calendars now! This is a rain or shine event and will be held inside if there is inclement weather.

Submitted by Sandy Hayes

SME Team

This past Sunday, I announced that we are now going to be a SME Site (Supervised Minister Education) for a year as we have hired Wendy Cranston as our Minister Candidate, and I asked for volunteers to be on our SME Team.

The following people have agreed to be on this team: Valerie Carter, Valerie O’Neale, Dave Leeder, Barb Jennings, Debby Sturgeon, Terry French and Kathy Andres. Feel free to talk to any of them throughout this process.

Submitted by Kathy Andres

Communiqué

The next issue of Communiqué will be published on Sunday June 21. This is the last issue before August. The deadline for submissions is Monday, June 15. If you have any articles or photos that you would like to submit for consideration, please send them to cathy.scattergood@sympatico.ca by June 15. This issue will include events from mid-April (post Holy Humour Sunday) until the present (e.g. Spring Fling, annual picnic, etc.).

Submitted by Cathy Scattergood

Name Tag Orders

If you would like a magnetic name tag with our new logo on it; please sign up using the order form on the back bulletin board. The cost of the nametag is $15 and this charge may be paid by EFT to donations@emuc.ca (put nametag in the description), cash or cheque.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Hayes or the office

Submitted by Sandy Hayes

Special Fundscrip Announcement

Due to holidays, there will be no Fundscrip orders placed in May or June. We will resume the program in July. Please watch for further notice on the date for the next order.

Thank you for your continued support of this important fundraiser!

Submitted by Joanne Hines

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 June, we are asking EMUC to donate pasta and pasta sauce. Of course, we will also accept other food items. Your support enables us to share God’s bounty. 

Please note that the Deacon's Cupboard will be closed in July.

Submitted by the EMUC Deacon's Cupboard Team

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., June 14 - Dr. Wendy Cranston's first Sunday; Annual Picnic following the service
• Sun., July 12, 19, 26 - EMUC is closed; alternate service information coming soon

Community Events

• Wed., June 10, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Pride Event at Peel Regional Police Headquarters; see poster below
• Sun., June 14, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Interfaith Council of Peel Summer Picnic; 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.

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