Friday Message and what's coming

Friday Message

What's Coming!

May 24, 2024

Our United Church of Canda is turning 100 in June of 2025. For the next little while, I will be using the fourth Friday Message of each month to tell you about the Church and what it is that makes us unique – not only in Canada but around the world.

I hope that you will enjoy learning about this United Church of ours.

Kathi

Becoming a Member

At one time, we have all been newcomers at church. Each of us has our own story about how we came to be a part of our faith community. Maybe you were born into a family that took you to church every week, who had you baptized as an infant or toddler, and you were welcomed into church membership when you were confirmed as a teen. Maybe you moved and your new neighbours invited you to join them at worship. Maybe you were just walking by a beautiful building, heard some wonderful music, and popped in to see what was happening inside.

Walking into a new church can be intimidating and I applaud the courage of those who come through our doors for the first time - bringing their curiosity, their expectations, and their hopes.

Once we’ve made it into the building and returned a time or two for worship, once our initial anxiety over what to do or say or sing ebbs away, once we’ve learned a name or two and figured out a little of how things work, we might start referring to this congregation as, “my church.” Gradually, we may find ways to participate in the life of the faith community: joining the choir, participating in book clubs, or helping care for the garden. When we do we make more connections and find more ways to be involved.

A person who has a committed relationship with a faith community and contributes to the life and faith of the that community, is known as an adherent. Adherents are valued and appreciated participants in the congregation.

Members are those who have formally expressed a desire to become members and have professed their faith in front of the congregation. A person becomes a full member with the approval of the governing body, which in our case is the Leadership Circle.

There are 4 ways that a person becomes a full member of the faith community:

1. Through adult baptism and profession of faith,

2. Through confirmation, if the person was already baptized as a child and has now reached an age of understanding,

3. Through reaffirmation of Christian faith, if the person has already been baptized and made a profession of faith earlier or

4. Through a certificate of transfer of membership in good standing from another church.

Full members can hold a position on the Leadership Circle and vote on all matters at congregational meetings.

If you are not sure whether you are an adherent or a full member, please let me know and I will get that information to you. And if you have been considering becoming a full member - let’s talk!

Blessings, Kathi

Upcoming Week

To reduce the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and the flu, if you experience any new symptom(s) of any respiratory virus please stay home. Refer to Public Health Ontario for detailed guidance by clicking on https://www.publichealthontario.ca/

Sunday May 26:

10:00 a.m.: Online and in-person Worship led by Brian Takayesu

Monday May 27:

7:00 p.m.: Bible Study via Zoom

Tuesday May 28

1:00 - 3:00 p.m.: Coffee Drop-In is cancelled this month

Wednesday May 29:

10:00 a.m.: Bible Study via Zoom

6:45 p.m.: Prayer service via Zoom

Thursday May 30:

4:00 p.m.: Chancel Choir Practice

Friday May 31:

7:00 p.m.: IMPROV Evening

Upcoming Events & Announcements

May Fundscrip

Our important fundraising program continues this month! There will be a gift card order placed on Sunday, May 26, so please have all orders emailed to Joanne Hines or delivered to Tina in the office by Friday, May 24 or after church on Sunday, May 26.

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 emucdonation@outlook.com. 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.

KEY CHANGE EVENT

We are very excited to announce a collaborative event, taking place on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Eden United Church.

Key Change is an entertaining and informative exploration of the dynamic and challenging process of accepting one’s true identity, coming out to family and friends, and what it’s really like to live as a trans woman in today’s world. In a complex world, Christina’s journey shines as a symbol of hope, strength and unity. Hear her story, embrace diversity, and celebrate what makes us human.

The evening will include a 50 minute talk, a Question and Answer period, and a Meet and Greet with refreshments.

Tickets may be purchased by etransfer to emucdonation@outlook.com (Please include KEY CHANGE in your message and your email address if you require an acknowledgement) or from Joanne Hines after church on Sundays.

Broadview Subscription Time

Broadview is the oldest continuously published magazine in North America

(founded in 1829). This independent Canadian magazine features award

winning coverage of spirituality, justice, and ethical living.

The subscription cost is $30. If you are interested in subscribing, and receiving

the discounted group rate, please contact the office by May 31. Payment may

be made by cheque, cash, or etransfer via emucdonation@outlook.com (indicate Broadview in the description).

If you have any questions, please contact Tina Driscoll, in the office.

FIND YOUR HIDDEN TALENT! (or just come out and laugh…)

C’mon out on Friday, May 31 at 7 p.m. to the return of IMPROV NIGHT at EMUC, hosted by Membership and Pastoral Care. Join in the fun as MK Morris (our very own Donnie and Theresa’s daughter) leads us through a few basic sketch comedy techniques. MK is an award-winning Toronto-based writer, filmmaker, and comedian with 10 years in the film/tv industry and 8 years in the improv/sketch comedy world. She’s worked with CBC, Disney, and Ubisoft, and has produced, directed, and performed in shows at the Toronto Fringe, Toronto SketchFest, Newfoundland SketchFest, The Second City, Sweet Action, and Comedy Bar. Whether you choose to participate or observe, laughter is guaranteed. Refreshments will be served. Bring your family, friends, neighbours… The evening will conclude around 9 p.m. Free-will donations will be gratefully accepted. Questions??? Call Sandy Hayes: 905-820-4437

EMUC Striders Hike - History Hunt Part #4 - June 2

Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens

Earlier in May, the Striders experienced all the wonder of cherry blossoms at Kariya Park. In June, a walk through The Brueckner Rhododendron Garden promises to astonish us even more. And as a bonus we will be visiting three of the checkpoints on Mississauga's 50th Anniversary History Hunt.

We arrange car pooling during a bagged lunch in the Narthex, then plan on leaving the Church at noon to arrive at Richard's Memorial Park, from where the striders will start. Come prepared to join us for lively banter and moderate activity.

EMUC Fall Marketplace – Crafters Wanted

Vendors are currently being sought for the Fall Marketplace being held on November 2. If you know any crafters who may be interested in participating in this sale, please ask them to contact the office via email, office@emuc.ca, or call 905-820-9466 for detailed information.

Ian MacRae Memorial Bursary

Applications are now being accepted for the Ian MacRae Memorial Bursary. This bursary was established in 2000 in memory of Ian MacRae, a member of Erin Mills United Church and active fund-raiser for the congregation’s youth ministry. It is awarded annually based on demonstrated need, academic achievement, potential, and proven merit to assist a student with their first year of post-secondary studies. Preference will be given to candidates living in the Erin Mills catchment area. The application deadline is May 31, 2024. For further information, contact Debby Sturgeon (sturgs4@rogers.com).

Application forms are available through through the Church office: office@emuc.ca, 905-820-9466.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!

June 7, 7:30 p.m. at Eden UC - Key Change
June 9 - Annual Picnic and Pride Service
Nov 2 - Fall Craft Sale/Market

Community Events

Saturday, June 1, 11:00 a.m. - Pride Flag Raising at City Hall- EMUC Affirming team invites anyone who would like to join us!

Office hours:

Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Tina works from home on Mondays.)

Tina takes a ½ hour lunch break sometime between 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Kathi’s Office Hours:

Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other days by appointment.

Please check Kathi's availability before dropping by the church.

Erin Mills United Church | 905-820-9466 | emuc.ca