March 20

Mòrar’s Musings

“Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice.”

That has been the mission of the United Church in recent years decided by General Council 6 years ago, if I recall correctly.

I think that local communities of faith have a pretty good handle on the "spirituality piece" and I’m convinced that the UCC is pretty good at the "daring justice" piece. I have, however, been a bit skeptical that the average active UCC person really knows what "bold discipleship" means, let alone how to do it.

It turns out that our past Moderator and now assistant professor at Emmanuel College, the Very Reverend Carmen Lansdowne has similar concerns. She reflects on the second phrase of our United Church Mission: “Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice” in a recent blog. I recommend reading the whole blog but here is a bit of it:

Bold Discipleship

“I am arguing for something locally accountable, more relationally grounded, and more honest about what we are doing and why. Congregations that are genuinely forming disciples are not running perfect programs. They are creating conditions in which people

●      can be honest about their lives and their faith,

●      can practice together,

●      can be challenged and supported,

●      can learn to read their own context through the lens of the Gospel.

They are places where the question ‘what is Jesus asking of me?’ is treated as a real question that deserves a real answer — not a rhetorical question dressed up as humility.

The United Church has extraordinary gifts. We have a tradition that takes scripture seriously without taking it literally. We have a commitment to justice that is woven into our DNA. We have communities of genuine care. We have, at our best, a radical openness to the movement of the Spirit.

What we need to recover — and I believe we can — is the courage to actually form people. To say, with warmth and without apology: following Jesus is a practice, and we are here to help you do it.

That is what bold discipleship looks like. And it is exactly what this moment requires.”

To really grow, both individually as Christians and as healthy communities, each of us needs an "audience of significance" -- a small group of people to whom we can boldly and honestly share our deepest questions, challenges, pains, joys, struggles and triumphs. People to whom we feel accountable and who will feel accountable to us.

In this time of transition, when your minister is temporary, it’s a good time to think about folk in this community of faith you might trust to practise living your faith.

Blessings,

Mòrar

Upcoming Week



Sunday, March 22

10:00 a.m. - Lent 5. Online and in-person Worship and Communion led by Rev. Mòrar; PIE Day celebration; light refreshments following the service.

Monday, March 23

Tuesday, March 24

Wednesday, March 25

1:00 p.m. - Games afternoon (Narthex)

Thursday, March 26

4:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir Practice

Friday, March 27

Saturday, March 28

Upcoming Events & Announcements

News from the LC Meeting

The LC met this past week chaired by our new LC chair, Cathy Kiteley. She was welcomed to her new role and Theresa Morris was also welcomed as the new secretary. Rev. Mòrar encouraged us to reflect on the term “bold discipleship” and what it means to us. The LC discussed tech/email support for new and changed LC positions. Kathy A. presented the new financial viability report, which was accepted by the LC.

Cathy K. reviewed goals, which included:

• continuing to be a growing and thriving congregation
• reviewing strategic recommendation plan from 2 years ago
• explore our core values more deeply

It was acknowledged that we have completed many of the recommended tasks and will continue to work on the following:

• increase visibility and use of electronic signage
• add tables to worship space
• continue to become familiar with the new TLUS hymns
• work on adding details to make some of the bulletin boards pop

Submitted by Joanne Hines

Wearing of Name Tags

While Rev Mòrar is learning who we are, it would be helpful if everyone could please wear a name tag at church. If you do not have a name tag, there are name labels at the door of the church on the Welcome Table. Please write your name on a label and wear it. This will be helpful for Mòrar. Many thanks.

Submitted by Sylvia Arnold, Worship and Music 

Another March Fundscrip Order!

We are doing a second March order for your Fundscrip cards and they will be here in time for Easter.



There will be an order placed on Sunday, March 29.  Please have all orders emailed to Joanne Hines by Friday, March 27 or after church on Sunday, March 29.

If you need an order form or information about the program, please contact Joanne Hines at twokids@rogers.com. Orders may be paid by etransfer at donations@emuc.ca. Please indicate Fundscrip order in the message.  Or cheques need to be made out to Erin Mills United Church and they can be taken to Mike Ogilvie directly.  Thank you for your support of this program.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**

The Erin Mills Town Centre Mall is still accepting used gift cards for recycling.  There is also a box at the church that Mary Anna Williams has been able to check.  Please consider recycling your used Fundscrip cards by placing them in the box or taking them to the customer service desk at the Erin Mills Town Centre.

Important Notice about the Friday Message and Communiqué

There will be no Friday Message published on Good Friday, April 3. There will be Friday Messages on March 27 and April 10.

If you have any Easter items or other items that you wish to go in the Friday Message before April 10, please send them to cathy.scattergood@sympatico.ca by Wednesday, March 25 for inclusion in the March 27 Message.

This is advance notice that the next issue of Communiqué will be published on Sunday, April 19 with a copy deadline of Monday, April 13. If you have any articles or photos of recent events at EMUC from Feb. 1 onwards, please send them to Cathy Scattergood by April 13. Thank you.

Easter Offering

As I was preparing this appeal, I browsed my files to see what had been written in previous years. I found this paragraph in a letter Dianne Hope wrote in 2019 as part of her Easter Message as Chair of the Leadership Circle. I found that it spoke beautifully to the true meaning of Easter, so I thought I would share it with you again.

“Once again, we celebrate this most significant time in the church calendar. The combination of Spring and Easter fills us with hope as we witness the signs of renewal all around us – daffodils pushing their sturdy leaves up through earth littered with debris of the fall; bird song delighting our ears; glorious sunshine warming our faces as we enjoy strolling outside on a sunny day. The “signs and wonders” in the natural world help us to recognise the possibilities for new life symbolised by the Easter story – healing for our pain, justice for the marginalised, welcome for the rejected.”

In celebration, you are invited to prayerfully consider making a special donation during this Easter season. Special envelopes will be available at the church starting Palm Sunday and donations can also be made through our website using Canada Helps or by e-transfer to donations@emuc.ca. Please clearly identify your donation as an Easter Offering.

Submitted by Dave Leeder

Flowers to decorate the Sanctuary for Easter Sunday

We want to decorate the sanctuary with flowers for Easter. To keep it simple, if you would like to contribute with a donation (suggestion of $10, but the choice is yours) towards the purchase of flowers, the Worship Committee will purchase flowers with whatever we receive, e.g. larger plants such as hydrangeas and groupings of tulips and daffodils.

Here is how to donate by March 29: place your donation in one of the dedicated envelopes located on the back communion table or e-transfer your donation to donations@emuc.ca. You may put the envelope in the offering basket, or give it to Tina in the office or to Sylvia Arnold after church.

If you wish to donate in memory of a loved one, then please indicate this on the envelope or in your e-transfer and the memorials will be listed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. This donation will be added to your general givings.

A sincere thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary for Easter morning.



Sylvia Arnold, on behalf of the Worship Committee

Loaves and Dishes

 This is a reminder that a Bread and Bake Sale will be held on Good Friday after the service. We welcome all baking donations from the bakers in the congregation. Baking should be well packaged in quantities of 4 or 6 ready for sale. A list of ingredients in the baking needs to be provided.

Drop-off your baking anytime on Thursday, April 2 during the day. Leave it on the table at the back of the church. Please sign the drop-off sheet (where the ingredients may be listed) which will be on the table.

Learn to make Challah Bread! The Bread Making Workshop being held at the church on Tuesday, March 31 is almost full. One spot is open in the afternoon session.

Submitted by Barb Jennings, Loaves & Dishes Coordinator

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 March, we are asking EMUC to donate canned meat. 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

From the Affirming Committee:

West End Affirm is a group of 7 affirming United Church congregations, located in the west end of Toronto and east end of Mississauga, committed to working together to plan and host events that challenge, create dialogue and educate our church congregations. The churches include Applewood, Humbercrest, Humber Valley, Islington, Kingsway Lambton, Royal York Road and Runnymede.

During March, April and May this group is hosting a Film Festival which includes the following movies:

                          Prayers for Bobby           Small Town Pride

The events are free but we ask that you register through the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/west-end-affirm-120637657448

You will find a poster with more information as to dates and locations on the bulletin board.

Lenten Study at Streetsville United

Rev. Joe Hopkins of Streetsville UC is leading a Lenten Study. All are welcome. If interested, please contact Streetsville UC at 905-826-1542 or email info@streetsvilleunited.ca.

The Lenten Study is taking place in the library of Streetsville UC 7:00-8:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tues., March 26: Providing Pastoral Care (Part 1)
• Date TBD: Providing Pastoral Care (Part 2)

EMUC Lent/Easter Events and Services

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sun., March 29 - Palm Sunday
• Tues., March 31 - Bread Making Workshop (a.m. and p.m.)
• Sat., May 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - EMUC's Spring Fling

Community Events

• Sat., March 21, 12:00-4:00 p.m. (drop in) - Christ First United, 151 Lakeshore W., Port Credit: "Here from the Beginning" exhibition. See posters below for more information.

• Thursday, April 2 (Maundy Thursday) - Services at:

7:00 p.m.: Christ First UC (1700 Mazo Cres.) - Multigenerational event.

7:00 p.m.: Eden UC (3051 Battleford Rd.)

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.

Rev. Mòrar plans to be in the office on Tuesdays with exceptions as needed. Please arrange in advance to meet with her by emailing office@emuc.ca and indicating "Message for the Minister" in the subject line.

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