Friday Message

August 14, 2026

On Tuesday of this week, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and my wedding ring slipped right off my finger and went down the drain. After some drama which included me working at a make-shift desk in front of the bathroom to prevent anyone from running water, Karen arrived at the church for InStitches and managed to fish my ring out of the drain with a straightened-out paper clip.  

This story, while simple, reminds me of the value of community in times of strife, crisis, or grief. When I was growing up, my sister and I functioned with an unspoken rule that only one of us was allowed to freak out at once. If one person was having a moment, the other was automatically the calm support. When I was trying to quell the panic about my ring being washed away into the sewer, Tina and Karen were problem solving how to get it out. This is what community is. Sometimes it is something much larger than a ring that is causing our lives to tilt off balance, but if the community remains supportive of one another we can get through to the other side.

I remain grateful for my retrieved ring and the community that I am becoming a part of here at Erin Mills. 

With every kindness and blessing, 

Wendy 

Upcoming Week



Sunday, August 16 - Worship service led by Dr. Wendy Cranston



https://zoom.us/j/792083172

Reference, Meeting ID: 792 083 172

Password: 000042

For those connecting to the worship service by phone (only local to some areas in Canada)

647 374 4685 (Toronto Area)

647 558 0588 (Toronto Area)

Meeting ID: 792 083 172

Monday, August 17

Tuesday, August 18

4:00 p.m. - LC Meeting

Wednesday, August 19

Thursday, August 20

10:30 a.m. - Summer Bible Study (Church lawn)

Friday, August 21

Saturday, August 22

Upcoming Events & Announcements

For Your Safety! 

Not sure if you noticed? The outside stairs leading directly to the Office Entrance have been temporarily chained off to encourage folks not to use these stairs at this time. There has been some degradation of concrete on some of the treads which makes them unsafe to use. The Office Entrance is still available for use; please approach it from another staircase. Thank you. 

Bulletin Board Upgrade! 

Not sure if you have noticed? The bulletin boards in the Narthex have been re-organized and spruced up thanks to Cathy Kiteley, Tina, Stephanie and Karen. This is phase one of the project.

The photograph board of "What's Happening at EMUC" has remained in place. The bulletin board outside of the photocopier room now is divided into two categories - "Life at Church" and "Neighbourhood News"; EMUC Forms and Sign-Up Lists have moved to the bulletin board on the outside wall of the Conference room, and lastly an Affirming Ministry bulletin board has been created on the wall on your left when leaving the Conference room. 

Other bulletin boards outside the Narthex and down the stairs will be re-organized and decorated in Phase Two of this project this coming fall.

Egg Carton Collection

I am no longer collecting egg cartons for donation to the store Deb Siertsema manages in Elmira. Deacon's Cupboard also has sufficient egg cartons at the present moment. Egg cartons can be placed in your recycling box on your specific day of collection. Many thanks to all of you who have helped support the initiative to be environmentally conscious.  Remember every little bit will make a difference.  

Submitted by Mary Anna Williams 

Our new name tags are here!

The new nametag board can be found next to the sanctuary cloakroom. Both our old and new name tags are in alphabetical order on the board. Pins often go missing at home; we recommend leaving your pin at church.

If you haven’t paid for your new nametag, please see Mike, or feel free to pay in the office.

Submitted by Tina Driscoll

August Communiqué

The next issue of Communiqué is due to be published on Sunday, Aug., 30. The deadline for submission of articles and photos is Monday, Aug. 24. Please submit any items to cathy.scattergood@sympatico.ca by Aug. 24.

Intercultural Church Program Update

Wednesdays, October 14 – November 25, 2026 

6:00–7:30 p.m. ET 

Larry van Goozen has registered a group named "Erin Mills United Church".

Up to 8 more people can register as members of this group at no additional fee.

If you have additional questions, click on the link below for more information, or contact Larry van Goozen by email at lgoozen@gmail.com.

Detailed information about it may be found through this link: https://churchx.ca/local/shop/product.php?id=373.

Encountering God – A Summer Bible Study! 

Please join Wendy over three Thursdays in the summer – August 13, 20, 27 – for a Bible study that follows the liturgical readings for those weeks: Jacob wrestling with the angel, Jesus walking on water, and the burning bush. We’re planning on studying outside on a shady part of our lawn to encounter God in our stories and in the land that surrounds us. We’ll meet at 10:30 a.m. on the church lawn (and inside in case of rain)! 

No need to register, just come on out! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the church or email Wendy at wcranston@emuc.ca.

Deacon's Cupboard

Thank you for the tremendous response to our request for food items. Your support has helped us stock our shelves each week. In August, we are asking EMUC to donate canola and vegetable oil (1L). 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

EMUC is the Rain Venue for the Summer at Riverwood Concert Series

Starting on July 8 and every Wednesday up to August 26, there is a concert in the McEwan Barn in the Riverwood conservation area.



Our church is the rain venue for this concert series. If it is a rainy day, our sanctuary will be offering a free concert. All are welcome. More details are on the Community bulletin board.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., Sept. 27, 4:00 p.m. - Welcome Back Event; details to follow

Community Events

• Sun., Oct. 4, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., Eden United Church - "Then Let Us Sing Together: A Hymn Sing"; 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: 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.

Please note: Wendy will not be in the office on Wednesday, August 19, but will be in on Friday, August 21 instead.



Wendy's Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you want a meeting, conversation or pastoral visit, please email ahead to book a time. If you drop by and Wendy's door is open, come on in! (wcranston@emuc.ca)

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