Friday Message and what's coming

Friday Message

What's Coming!

November 1st, 2019

Ordinary Time

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Rev. Kathi's Message

November 1 is All Saints Day. Today is the day when all the saints who don’t have their own Feast Days are celebrated, and it has me reflecting on other saints. Who are the saints who have not yet been recognized as such? Who are saints who have had a particular impact on my life?

Three saints who spring to mind immediately for me as ones who have had an impact on my life are Rev. Wayne Reed, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Chris, none of whom have been officially recognized. While none of them are perfect, all of them have provided me with glimpses of God. All of them have taught me about soulful leadership.

Wayne Reed was the minister at the church I attended. He maybe wasn’t the best preacher I have ever heard, but he was the most welcoming and caring person I have ever met. Not only at the church but anywhere he went. Wearing his clergy collar and a large wooden cross, Wayne was quite distinctive walking the Main Street and chatting with everyone he passed. He always had a kind word or a compliment and often stopped to pray with anyone who asked. He inspired me to be a down-to-earth minister.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, leader of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa in the mid-nineties, suffered under apartheid. Then, through prayer, he learned the power of forgiveness to transform suffering into compassion. Through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he helped South Africa avert a bloodbath and find its way into the future.

Chris grew up in a loving and supportive home and followed his childhood dream to go to work on the ships that travel the Great Lakes. An injury took him away from the job he loved and started him on the road to addiction to pain medication. It was a long, dark journey that cost him his mental and physical health and he came close to losing his family, too. He managed to get into a rehab program and after many months he not only found his way back to the light, but he began reaching back to pull others out with him. As he got healthy, I watched him turn to God and discover God’s healing power. He wanted to pass on the compassion he had received. He now works with at-risk youth and young adults, training them with the skills they needed to find employment and succeed in life.

Who are the saints who have had an impact on your life? If you’re like me, the unsung saints may be just as important, if not more so, than the official ones. This All Saints Day, honour the saints who have inspired you and helped you along the way.

Rev. Kathi

Stewardship 2019 - Sharing Our Gifts

Your 2019 stewardship package will be ready for pick-up this Sunday on tables in the narthex. This is the time of year when we celebrate both the financial gifts and personal time and talent people have given toward the work of our church home. Thank-you for your ongoing support. It is also time to consider our financial commitments for 2020 to support the operating budget of EMUC and the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.

You are invited to return your estimate form by placing it in the box in the church foyer, leaving it in the church office or mailing it using the self- addressed envelope enclosed with your package. Our Envelope Secretary, Mike Ogilvie, will deal with your estimate in confidence.

With gratitude to God for all your gifts, prayerfully consider your commitment to the work of your church.

This Week at EMUC

Sunday November 3rd:

10:00 am: Worship led by Rev. Kathi - Dedication of Memorial Banners

Time for all ages question:

" Who is a Saint in your life? Why? How might you honour them today? "

Epistle Lesson: Ephesians 1:11-23

Gospel Lesson: Luke 6:20-31

Monday November 4th:

6:00 pm: Congregational Growth Meeting

Tuesday November 5th:

12:00 pm: Worship and Music

Wednesday November 6th:

4:00 pm: Prayer Shawl Ministry

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion

8:00 pm: Rental Assist Team - Mike Ogilvie

Thursday November 7th:

12:30 pm: Minister Lectionary Study Group

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir

Friday November 8th:

Saturday November 9th:

Next Sunday November 10th:

Remembrance Service at 10 am. led by Rev. Kathi

Dianne Hope presented Rev. Kathi with flowers, a gift from the Leadership Circle on behalf of the congregation, to show our appreciation for her ministry with us. This is Clergy Appreciation Month.

What's Coming!

SIX ASPIRING ACTORS NEEDED FOR ADVENT

There will be a short skit at the start of worship each week in Advent. Our performers can commit for 1 week, 2, 3, or all four. No need to memorize lines, minimal rehearsal required.

Contact Kathi at the church (905)820-9466 or by email [email protected]

NAME TAGS - NOVEMBER 11TH DEADLINE

New name tags are available for ordering until November 11th. The tags can be the traditional "pin on" style or magnetic. We are charging $5 to offset the cost of the nametag. Please see Sylvia Arnold or Mary Anna Williams after service, or contact Tina in the office during the week at 905-820-9466.

VESPER SERVICE NOVEMBER 10TH

You, your friends and neighbours are invited to our Peace Vesper Service November 10 at 7:00 pm here in the sanctuary. It is a service of readings, music provided by Len Feldman our Music Director , and singing. There will be light refreshments following the service.

EMUC STRIDERS- SUN NOVEMBER 10TH - GARNETWOOD & FLEETWOOD PARKS

Plan to enjoy the outdoor surroundings, as the EMUC Striders, along with Mindful Steps (the walking group from Applewood) take a leisurely walk through the valley of the Etobicoke creek off Garnetwood and Fleetwood parks.

Bring a bagged lunch and meet in the Narthex at noon. We will organize carpooling to travel to the Garnetwood Park (north side of Burnhamthorpe, east of Ponytrail). The hike will start at 12:30 and last about 1 hour 15 minutes.

*Trails are paved with one stair to climb.

Talk to Tim Hayes if you have questions.

THE DEACON’S CUPBOARD

The Deacon’s Cupboard is now collecting winter coats to be given to their clients that are in need of warm outer wear this winter. There is a special need for children's outerwear for children 10 years and younger. Please ensure all donations are clean and in good repair. Thanks, in advance for sharing the warmth and caring we have at Erin Mills United Church.

'FUNDSCRIP' PROGRAM

FUNDSCRIP is an innovative fundraising program that asks you to purchase gift cards in order to pay for regular items you buy every month. A percentage of the cards purchased through FUNDSCRIP is donated back to our church. Order forms for gift cards are available the last Sunday of every month. The next order date is this Sunday, October 27th. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.

Community Events