Friday Message

&

What's Coming!

December 1, 2023

Advent

When our Bible Study groups met this week, we had some really great discussions. Some of the questions we were answering were about the purpose and meaning of Advent as a time of preparation. What are we preparing for?

 

I came across this quote and thought it was a lovely, simple message about Advent:

 

The whole story of Advent is the story of how God can’t be kept out. God is present. God is with us. God shows up - not with a parade but with the whimper of a baby, not among the powerful but among the marginalized, not to the demanding but to the humble. ~ Rachel Held Evans

It isn’t only about the fact that God came once as a baby, but that God is always coming, always present.

Blessings, Kathi

Who are we as a Church?

Reflections From Café Sunday


“The best thing about our church is our collective effort to grow, to be open to all, and our caring, welcoming attitude.” 

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/


Saturday and Sunday Dec 2, 1- 4 p.m. and Dec 3 after service:

Nativity Scene Display and Tea


Sunday Dec 3: Advent 1 - Hope

10:00 a.m.: Online & in-person Worship & Communion led by Rev. Kathi


Monday Dec 4:

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


Wednesday Dec 6:

1:30 p.m.: Laura Macro's Celebration of Life and reception following

If you prefer to join the service via Zoom, here's the info:

Using your computer or personal device connected to the internet, click on the following link in your web browser:

 

https://zoom.us/j/792083172

 

Reference, Meeting ID: 792 083 172

Password: 000042

Check that the microphone and camera on your computer/device are on.


7 p.m.: Prayer service via Zoom


Thursday Dec 7:

4:00 p.m.: Chancel Choir Practice

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Advent / Christmas Schedule

 

The season of Advent will soon begin. To see a schedule of our Advent and Christmas events, please click here.

International Human Rights Day

For several years the Interfaith Peace and Justice Committee has hosted Amnesty International Write for Rights events to mark International Human Rights Day on December 10. We write letters to government officials and others in positions of authority in support of and in solidarity with groups and individuals who are being unjustly persecuted. Some are environmental activists; some are critical of an autocratic regime and still others are in danger because of their sexuality or gender identity. There are also petitions to sign and opportunities to send cards or letters of support to individuals we are advocating for.

Plan to join us on Sunday, December 10, immediately following the service to participate in this year’s event. For further information and to sign up and share the event with friends and neighbours please visit the website:  https://act.writeathon.ca/events/write-a-letter-save-a-life .  

Loaves and Dishes

There are a limited number of tourtieres for sale in the kitchen, while quantities last. The price is $15 per pie.



Loaves and Dishes will be making more tourtieres and turkey pies but not until January 2024.

Final Fundscrip of the Year!! **PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN FUNDSCRIP DATES**

Our important fundraising program continues. There will be a final gift card order placed on Sunday, December 3, so please have all orders emailed to Joanne Hines or delivered to Tina in the office by Friday, December 1 or after church on Sunday, December 3. Please note this will be the final order for this year, so be sure to get all the gift cards you may need for Christmas placed on this order. 

 

Thank you for your continued support of this fundraiser! We will begin ordering again in January.

 

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 Maryanna 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.

Special Christmas Outreach


As in previous years EMUC will be helping those less fortunate in our community. This year we are supporting the Deacon’s Cupboard. You may lend your support by contributing with cash, or a cheque payable to the church or an e-transfer to emucdonation@outlook.com, with a notation that the donation is in support of our "Special Christmas Outreach" appeal.

We ask that your donation be in no later than Friday, December 1.

Advent Nativity Display and Tea Room on December 2 and 3

This is a family-friendly event; please feel free to bring the whole family to celebrate the heart of the season.

Guest Musicians

On Sunday December 10 at 10:00 am, JAMME, an a cappella jazz choir from the Etobicoke School of the Arts, will be performing in our regular church service. Please join us for our worship service and to hear this choir sing. This is part of our initiative to open our doors to give young people in the area a chance to perform.

O Come, All Ye Christmas Tea-ers!

The Membership and Pastoral Care committee cordially invites you to join us on Sunday, December 17 following worship for the EMUC annual Christmas Tea. You will enjoy sweets, treats, hot apple cider, cheer and song. Len will be leading us through our favourite carols and also, back by popular demand, Joanne and Theresa will once again strum a few carols for us on their ukuleles!

 

Your contributions of finger food goodies will be greatly appreciated. Some suggestions are Christmas cookies or treats, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip and other savoury finger foods.

 

Come one and come all! If you require a ride to the church that day, please call Tina Driscoll at the church or Sandy Hayes (905 820 4437) and this will be arranged. We hope to see you there!!

 

HO HO HO!

Men’s Group to Relaunch

The Men’s Group will start up on Wednesday, December 13 at 1pm at the church. We will share fellowship with casual and informal conversation, and maybe even a muffin or two. Terry French is pleased to meet and greet, and discuss future appropriate days or times.

 See you on December 13!

Circle of Friends is hosting Sue Harper on Zoom. PLEASE NOTE that the date is being changed to Wednesday, December 13 at 1 p.m. Sue will be talking about her journey to becoming an author and the research she needed to do to co-author her latest books, Time to Wonder. Sue's Time to Wonder series is a fascinating journey, visiting museums and enticing children and their parents to discover new places to visit while travelling around British Columbia. I think you will enjoy listening to and discussing with her as she explains the intricacies of research and writing. For further information about Sue, please click here.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendar!


  • Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3 - Nativity Scene Displays and Tea
  • Sunday December 10 - Guest Musicians - JAMME from the Etobicoke School of the Arts
  • Wednesday December 13 - Men's Group restart at 1:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday December 13 - Circle of Friends with Sue Harper on Zoom
  • Sunday, December 17 - Christmas Tea follows the service

Community Events

  • None at this time

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. 


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