Mòrar's Musings

May 15, 2026

Welcoming the Stranger

On Sunday, May 17, we will have the privilege of being invited into Brian Takayesu’s mind and soul as he shares with us his pilgrimage to Japan. 

In 2006, after 6 years of balancing full time work, commuting to Princeton and parenting two teenage girls, I finally finished my thesis, "Crossing the Threshold: The Journey from Stranger to Member."

What my Research Group taught me

It takes at least three months of pondering for someone on the outside to first cross the threshold into a church. It takes 7 relationships to keep them there. It takes 8 years for a new giver to become a long time giver.

Why do people come to a United Church?

1. Some newcomers come for communal reasons: caring, a sense of family, for their children. These folk are tolerant of diversity and seek to live their Christian values on a daily basis.
2. Others come for spiritual reasons: to fill a spiritual void or grow spiritually, a need for the mystery of the presence of God, prayer, spiritual resources for life crises.
3. 
   

Why do people stay in their church? Surprise! 

I discovered that those who came for communal reasons identified spiritual reasons when asked why they stayed. And those who came for spiritual reasons stayed for communal ones.  

I’m grateful to Brian in anticipation for reminding me that the experience of the stranger is a valuable one for all of us to have in order to appreciate the stranger’s journey into our church.



Blessings,

Mòrar

Upcoming Week



Sunday, May 17

10:00 a.m. - Online and in-person worship led by Brian Takayesu, LLWL

Monday, May 18 - Victoria Day (office is closed)

Tuesday, May 19

4:00 p.m. - LC Meeting

Wednesday, May 20

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Book drop off

Thursday, May 21

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Book drop off

4:00 p.m. - Chancel Choir Practice

Friday, May 22

11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Book drop off

All day - Baking & plant drop off

Saturday, May 23 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EMUC Spring Fling

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Follow-up from Recent Email Scam

It is unfortunate that scams and other cyber‑related incidents occur in today’s society, but the reality is that we must all remain vigilant. In response to Friday’s email scam, we have sought consultation, including contacting the non‑urgent police line at Division 11. Their primary recommendation is continued vigilance.

If you responded to the scam email and provided any funds, please contact Division 11 immediately, as you are a victim of a criminal offence.

For more information on how to recognize email scams, please see the Government of Canada resource linked below:

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/fraud-scams.html

Cathy Kiteley

LC Chair

Special Fundscrip Announcement

Due to holidays, there will be no Fundscrip orders placed in May or June. We will resume the program in July. Please watch for further notice on the date for the next order.

Thank you for your continued support of this important fundraiser!

Submitted by Joanne Hines

Take a look at our new welcoming outer office area!

This area is a work in progress, and we are hoping

one of you can help. We are looking for a few picture frames to display

posters that will be rotated throughout the church season. The sizes

vary from 16”x22” to 12”x17”, and many of the posters can be trimmed.

Please contact the office if you are able to help.

Submitted by Tina Driscoll

Bunch for Lunch

On Sunday, May 31, you are invited to join in a time of fellowship following service.

We will meet at 11:45 a.m. at the Sunbeam Grill restaurant (2501 Hampshire Gate, Unit 3A, Oakville – South side of Dundas just west of Winston Churchill Blvd.) Separate cheques.

Please let us know you are coming so we can advise the restaurant of numbers. You can sign up on the signup sheet posted on the bulletin board at the back of the church. Alternatively, let Tina in the office know, so she can add you to the list.

Submitted by Larry van Goozen

Lgoozen@gmail.com

Ian MacRae Bursary

Once again, the Ian MacRae selection committee is accepting applications for the Ian MacRae Bursary. This bursary is offered annually to deserving young people applying for college or university for the first time. Preference is given to those who live in the Erin Mills United Church catchment area (L5L 4X9), although those with a former connection to Erin Mills United church may be considered.

The amount awarded annually is dependant on the interest earned on the gift made by Ian’s employer and his family. Normally, we can grant award(s) of not less than $300 to each successful applicant.

Applications are available on the Visitors’ table at the back of the church. Please take one if you know anyone who would meet the criteria. Applications will also be available either online or when the office is open.

The deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026.

Submitted by: Debby Sturgeon

sturgs4@rogers.com

EMUC Spring Fling detailed announcement about Books, Baking and Plants

BOOKS:

Books may be dropped off:

Wednesday, May 20: 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 21: 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Friday, May 22: 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Someone from the book team will be in the Narthex to accept your books. If you have questions about what genres we will take, please contact Sandy Hayes at 905 820 4437.

Acceptable:

Current novels (20 years old or newer); biographies/autobiographies (fairly current); current self-help (10 years old or newer); children’s and youth books in great condition. Current sports, humour, travel (less than 10 years old). Crosswords, Sudoku. Current gardening and other hobbies.

Not Acceptable:

Tech, philosophy, history, finance, Canadiana, politics, religion, cookbooks, DIY, book sets (encyclopedia, Readers’ Digest, etc.).

BAKING

There will be a general bake table at the Spring Market. All donated baking is appreciated, i.e. cakes, pies, squares, loaves, tarts, cookies. Make your favourite! 

Baking may be dropped off at the church on Friday, May 22 during the day. Please sign the sheet when leaving baking, which asks for the ingredients of your items. Package items ready for sale in quantities of 4 or 6. Cookies may be brought in bulk, since there will be a cookie buffet, so purchasers may choose a mixture of the cookies they would like. They will be bagged at the time of purchase.

PLANTS

Maryanna is looking for perennials, potted and labeled with the name and colour of the bloom. Maryanna has lots of pots if you are in need.

Plants may be dropped off Friday, May 22 during the day.

Rev. Joanne Hedge Invitation

On behalf of Applewood United Church, we are pleased to invite you to a retirement luncheon in honour of Reverend Joanne Hedge, who will be concluding her ministry on Sunday, June 28, 2026. This gathering will celebrate her many years of dedicated service, including twelve years as Clergy at Applewood United Church in Mississauga.

The luncheon will take place at:

Applewood United Church

2067 Stanfield Road, Mississauga

Sunday, June 28, 2026 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

If you wish to offer a brief tribute—whether sharing a few words, recounting an anecdote, or reflecting on a meaningful experience with Joanne—please let us know in advance so we can ensure time for all who wish to participate. If you wish to attend the church service we would be delighted to welcome you. The service begins at 10:30am.

If you cannot remain for the luncheon but would like to extend your well wishes to Reverend Joanne, there will be time directly after the church service to do so.

If you are unable to attend at all but would like to send your best wishes, you may include your message in your RSVP. We will gladly transcribe it into Joanne’s Memory/Guest Book. We also invite you to share this invitation with any others who may wish to attend.

We kindly ask that you RSVP to sharonkonyen@gmail.com no later than Monday, May 25, 2026.

Warm regards,

Sharon Konyen, on behalf of Applewood United Church

Deacon's Cupboard Coat Drive

The Deacon’s Cupboard will be hosting a coat drive this Fall for our guests. In past years, this has been a much needed and successful event.

As you are putting your winter coats away for the summer, ask yourself if it is time for a new one. We are looking for clean and gently worn garments. If you have one you wish to donate, please keep it until the Fall, when we will provide further details. Many of are guests are from warmer climates and require winter clothing. I don't need to tell you how grateful they are to receive this support.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Submitted by Linda Leeder, Co-ordinator

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 May, we are asking EMUC to donate canned fruit. 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

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

• Sat., May 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - EMUC's Spring Fling
• Sun., May 24 - Pentecost Sunday
• Sun., June 7 - Pride service; Rev. Mòrar's last Sunday
• Sun., June 14 - Wendy Cranston's first Sunday; Annual Picnic following the service

Community Events

• Fri., May 15 & Sun., May 17 - Brampton Honey Badgers basketball home openers; click here for information & discount tickets offer
• Sat., May 16, 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Caribbean Night at St. Thomas à Becket; see poster below
• Sat., May 23, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Fire Station 123 Grand Opening
• Sun., May 24, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Westminster UC Death Café; see poster below; click here for more information
• Wed., June 10, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Pride Event at Peel Regional Police Headquarters; 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 are as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: Tina is off to Gay Paris May 28; returning to work on June 2nd.

If you need access to the church during this time, please email office@emuc.ca and arrange a time in advance. The office phone and email will be monitored for urgent issues.

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