Friday Message and what's coming

Friday Message

What's Coming!

September 27, 2019

Creation Time

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Rev. Kathi's Message

Greta Thunberg has become a household name all over the world. In just twelve short months, the 16-year-old Swedish activist has become the face of the global climate movement , and most recently delivered a passionate speech at the United Nations Climate Action Summit , accusing world leaders of not taking the climate crisis seriously. While Thunberg is understandably a hero to many Canadians, you may not know that we actually have our very own young climate hero here in Canada, and she's helping to clean the world's waters.

At just 15 years old, Autumn Peltier is already an internationally recognized Canadian water activist . As a member of the Wikwemikong First Nation, Peltier has been concerned about safe and clean drinking water in Canada's First Nations for as long as she can remember, inspired by her great aunt’s passionate advocacy for the protection of the Great Lakes.

Like Greta, Autumn has achieved so much in just a few short years. She too has spoken to United Nations leaders, and in 2018 told them , “No one should have to worry if the water is clean or if they will run out of water. No child should grow up not knowing what clean water is, or never know what running water is.”

Autumn says that she first heard of a boil-water advisory in a First Nations community when she was just eight years old. When her mom explained to her that the water wasn’t safe to drink, she was immediately spurred into action.

Commonly referred to as a “water warrior,” the northeastern Ontario teen has recently become one of Canada’s water commissioners, and she represents 40 First Nations communities across the country.

Joining Greta Thunberg in New York City this week, Autumn is speaking at the United Nations Global Landscape Forum , and explaining the importance of clean drinking water in smaller communities across the globe.

The Canadian government has now promised to end all long-term drinking water advisories on reserves by March 2021. The Indigenous Services Canada website explains that as of September, 56 long-term drinking advisories remain. Since 2015, 87 have been lifted.

This may not have been possible without Autumn Peltier’s own incredible activism. She is no doubt an inspirational figure when it comes to Canada’s climate and community activism.

These two young women are an inspiration to all of us to be better stewards of this increasingly fragile world.

Kathi

Orange Shirt Day:

Orange Shirt Day takes place on Monday September 30th. It is a time to recognize and remember all those who attended residential schools. Please consider wearing orange as a sign of your commitment to reconciliation, to take time to share with people why you are wearing orange , and to continue to advocate for the changes we need to make to achieve reconciliation.

Please feel free to wear an orange shirt to church on September 29th, if you wish.

This Week at EMUC

Sunday September 29th:

10:00 am: Café Sunday - Table Talks

Worship led by Rev. Kathi

Epistle Lesson: Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25

Gospel Lesson: John 3:1-10

Message: "Walk with the Spirit"

Following service: Table Talks, coffee and sweets

Monday September 30th:

Due date for names for memorial banners

Tuesday October 1st:

Noon: Worship Committee Meeting

Wednesday October 2nd:

2:00 pm: Prayer Shawl Ministry

6:45 pm: Prayers and Communion

8:00 pm: Paul Marot, MaryAnna Williams (Rental Assist Team)

Thursday October 3rd:

12:30 pm: Minister Lectionary Study Group

7:00 pm: Chancel Choir

Friday October 4th:

Saturday October 5th:

Next Sunday October 6th: World Communion Sunday

Service at 10 am. Rev. Kathi leads worship.

What's Coming!

CAFÉ SUNDAY – TABLE TALKS

When: September 29 ^th following the service for 1 hour

A s a follow-up to our Asset Mapping exercise, this is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on two questions about our faith. We hope you can join us for 1 hour. Your thoughts matter! Coffee and sweets will be available.

WOMEN FOR WOMEN

A 'Ghost Walk' will take place in downtown Oakville on Friday, October 18th. All interested women are invited to meet at EMUC at 6:45 pm to carpool to the Oakville Historical Society's cottage. The walk starts at 8:00, runs about 1 hour and is followed by light refreshments back at the cottage. Cost is $12. Dress for the weather as the walk is only cancelled for thunder or lightning. Please sign up on the bulletin board or contact Cathy Scattergood.

THE DEACON’S CUPBOARD IS RUNNING ONCE AGAIN

The Deacon’s Cupboard will be collecting winter coats this fall. They will be given to their clients that are in need of warm outer wear next winter. There is a special need for children's outerwear. I am sharing this information hoping over the summer you might ask neighbours and family if they have coats to donate. We will be collecting them in October. Please check all donations to be sure they are clean and in good repair. This notice gives you time to wash or dry clean them. Thanks, in advance for sharing the warmth and caring we have at Erin Mills United Church with those in our area that need warmth this coming winter.

'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 September 29th. Speak to Joanne Hines if you have any questions about the program.