Friday Message and what's coming

Friday Message

What's Coming!

January 3, 2020

Rev. Kathi's Message

A very happy 2020! I am looking forward to sharing the promise and potential of the coming year with all of our family and friends of Erin Mills United.

The Congregational Growth Team has been data-gathering for the past year and half and is making plans to share with the congregation some of what they have learned from the Asset Mapping exercises and the Table Talks. In preparation for another table talk event in early February, the members of the team will be bringing a series of short information announcements on Sunday mornings in January. Learning about who we are, our values and what keeps us coming to EMUC is an important step in creating a plan for our future.

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I came across this blessing for the new year and wanted to share it with all of you. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.

Kathi

A Blessing for the Passage of Time

When you pause and notice the passage of time, may gratitude grow within you for all the experiences that have shaped your place in the here and now.

When the passage of time seems too quick, may you turn to seek the joy that your soul longs to inhabit. May the busy doing of life make way to the slow unfolding of being.

When you begin to feel the effects of aging, may you seize the opportunity to develop your capacity for compassion.

When you reflect on your life, may you look back with soft eyes of non-judgement in order to forgive. May you have the courage to attend to the memories that elicit shame. Wrap them gently in compassion. These experiences have shaped your beauty and deepened your soul. They are the gateway to the gift of transformation.

When you recognize within yourself a longing for change, may you learn to listen to that which you resist. What you have closed yourself to can reveal the answers to questions you didn’t know you had. This is the key to healing.

With each passing day, may wisdom expand your imagination and may wonder claim your mind. May you always be open to new possibilities.

May you soften into humility and embody the freedom that comes when you awaken to realize the vast insignificance and the incredible precious wonder that it is to be alive.

By Robin McGauley

This Week at EMUC

Sunday January 5: Epiphany

10:00 am: Worship and Communion led by Rev. Kathi

Time for all ages question: "Star Words"

Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-6

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12

Message: " The Troubling Star "

Kidz Zone available

Monday January 6:

Tuesday January 7:

Wednesday January 8:

10:00 am: Men's Club (meet offsite)

2:00 pm: Circle of Friends

6:45 pm: Prayer and Communion

8:00 pm: Rental Assist Team - Mike Ogilvie

Thursday January 9:

12:30 pm: Minister Lectionary Study Group

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir Practice

Friday January 10:

6:45 pm: Women for Women - Movie Night, "Still Alice"

Saturday January 11:

Next Sunday January 12: Service at 10 am.; Kidz Zone available

What's Coming!

Friday, January 10: Women for Women Movie Night

Come & chill out” after the busy Christmas season. We will meet on Friday, January 10 at EMUC for a movie & munchies evening. Gather in the Narthex at 6:45 p.m. for your munchies. The movie will start at 7:15 in the Sanctuary . We will be watching "Still Alice", the 2014 movie, based on the book by Lisa Genova, about a Harvard professor who develops early-onset Alzheimer's disease. A donation of $5 is suggested to cover snacks. Please sign up on the list on the bulletin board or contact Cathy Scattergood.

Monday, January 27: Beer and Hymns

The United Churches of Mississauga have been trying to come up with ideas to bring the people of the various communities together for worship and for fun.

The next event is planned for an evening of Beer and Hymns on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Erin Mills Pump & Patio for 6:30 pm.

Located in: Sherwood Forrest Village

Address: 1900 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON L5K 1P9

We would be in the upstairs area - not fully accessible, those attending will need to be able do stairs. The Erin Mills Pump & Patio will make the space available. There is no set fee for this event. They will make money on sales of food & drinks only. We are planning on being there for a couple of hours, so if you don't come until 7 or 7:30 you will still be able to participate.

We may choose to pass a hat around to pay any musicians a stipend.

The musicians are still to be formally lined up, but would be students or recent graduates of the Humber College Jazz program.

We are not looking for a firm commitment yet, but if you could let me (Kathi) know if you would be interested , we can decide if the room will accommodate us.

'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 Sunday, January 26. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.

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