Even though we had been warned that with the arrival of the HST, the price of gas at the pump would rise, it was still a bit of a shock to see gas at $1.04 litre at the service stations around the city.  

 On Monday I’ll be heading off on holiday up north to cottage country and even though I drive a hybrid car, the price increase will impact me over the summer as I drive north and south on the highways. And although I don’t drive a motor boat, I wonder if the increase will mean less boat traffic on the lakes by my cottage.

 Although the HST is not a carbon tax, voices from many nations and many disciplines have been saying that the only way we will begin to seek alternative sources of energy and wean ourselves off oil will be if we feel the impact on our pocket books.

 Even with horrific damage to beaches, ecosystems, tourism, and the seafood industry from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the modest alternative energy policies both in Canada and the USA are not receiving much support.

 President Obama can express ‘upper-level outrage’ at the situation in the Gulf, but the question remains whether Obama’s government or any government will channel this outrage into a meaningful political response.

 Thomas L. Friedman, Op Ed columnist for the New York Times and author of Hot Flat and Crowded commented earlier this spring:

President Obama has done a superb job in securing stimulus money for green-technology and in using his regulatory powers to compel the auto industry to improve mileage standards to a whole new level. But he has always been rather coy when it comes to when and how much he will personally push an energy/climate bill that would fix a price on carbon-emitting fuels. Without that price signal, you will never get sustained consumer demand for, or sustained private investment in, clean-power technologies. All you will get are hobbies. (New York Times, April 27, 2010)

 In the most recent issue of the well-respected American Christian magazine, ‘The Christian Century’, the editors wrote:
The harsh truth is that the only way to create an economic incentive to invest in alternative fuels and decrease dependence on oil is by imposing a tax on carbon emissions, whether through the cap-and-trade approach, which allows companies to pay for their pollution, or—what would be even more effective—a direct tax on carbon consumption. Almost all plans for a carbon tax include tax cuts in other sectors, so that the net effect is not to hurt consumers or producers but to redirect investment.

In June, Mardi Tindal, Moderator of the United Church of Canada, wrote about Senator Grant Mitchell and Senator Elaine McCoy (both from Alberta) who sponsored the Climate Change Accountability Act (Bill C-311) which is now before the Senate. Mardi asked Senator Mitchell if he would find a letter of support from her to the Senators helpful. Mitchell replied that it would be enormously helpful and he was amazed and grateful that she might also encourage other United Church members to write Senators from their province.

Inspired by the Moderator’s message, some of the members of EMUC’s Green Team wrote a letter to all the Senators from Ontario, urging them to support of the actions of Senators Mitchell and McCoy. 

To read the complete story you can go to Mardi Tindal’s blog at  www.wondercafe.ca/blogs/moderator-mardi-tindal/moderator-mardi-tindals-blog-youve-given-me-hope
To read Bill C-311 go to www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?DocId=3662654&Language=e&Mode=1
In brief, the bill which was passed by the House of Commons on May 5, 2010, (with 149 votes for and 136 votes against)

·         sets out science-based targets for reductions in Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) of 25% by 2020, and 80% by 2050 (relative to an internationally recognized base year of 1990)

·         requires the Minister of the Environment and the federal government to draft five-year plans on how to accomplish these goals, with interim reports every two years, thereby ensuring public accountability

·         requires review of government plans and reports by the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy

Mardi Tindal’s response to the EMUC Green Team was “Bless you, the Erin Mills Green Team, and blessings on all that you do as faithful, inspiring disciples of Christ!”

Here’s a thought – each time that you fill up at the pump this summer, take time to offer a prayer for our government leaders that they may take substantial steps to lead industries and citizens in making the move from treating clean energy a ‘hobby’ toward creating a sustainable and effective long-term alternative energy policy.
Peace, Kathy Toivanen

Kathy is off on vacation!  The Friday message will resume August 13^th.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday July 4^th at 10 am.  Worship with communion.  You are invited to come in casual attire during these summer months. 

Saturday July 10th from 9 am to 1 pm, you are invited to take part in an ‘EMUC property work bee’. A light breakfast to be offered.  Some of the tasks for the bee include: hedge trimming, painting, small repairs.  Contact the EMUC office for more information 

Kathy Toivanen will be away on vacation from July 5 – August 9.  During her vacation, Roni Beharry and EMUC folk will lead worship.  Roni will respond to urgent pastoral concerns.  Please contact her through the church office or at roni@emuc.ca 

During Kathy’s vacation, the Wednesday evening service of Prayers and Communion will be cancelled.  The 6:45 pm service resumes on August 11^th. 

St. Paul’s United Church in Milton sustained fire and smoke damage as a result of a fire in their sanctuary on June 30^th.  Please keep the congregation in your prayers.

St. Jean Baptiste Day was just celebrated this past week in the neighbouring province of Quebec.  The origins of this day began in 1834 when journalist, Ludger Duvemay, attended a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Montreal and was inspired to create a similar event for French Canadians.  In 1843, the St. Jean Baptiste Society was created to promote such a day and in 1908, St. John the Baptist was named the patron saint of Quebec.  Since 1977, St. Jean Baptiste Day has been recognized as a ‘national’ holiday of Quebec.  According to my brother and his family who live in a suburb of Montreal, the ‘national’ holiday of community parades or picnics is not particularly focused on the life or teachings of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist never gets much ‘press’ given that his life and ministry was shadowed by that of his younger and more famous cousin, Jesus of Nazareth.  If he were alive today, I think that he would chafe at the idea of being linked with a secular holiday of picnics, parties and parades.  In fact, if Jean the Baptist were around today during the G8 and G20 summits you can be sure that his voice would be raised in protest.

John the Baptist didn’t mince words.  In Luke’s gospel, he says to the crowds who gathered at the Jordan River, “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bear fruits worthy of repentance…Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  (Luke 3:7-9) Loosely translated in today’s vernacular, we can imagine what John might say to a gathered crowd of world summit leaders, “You’re just like predatory snakes; slithering here to make us think that with your rhetoric and posturing you are accomplishing something good for the world. God is not fooled.  Now is the time to make decisions and to take action that will turn things around so that God’s love and justice can bear fruit in every nation.  And let this be a warning to you, if you don’t give leadership that produces this kind of fruit, you will be cut down!”

In his own day, John the Baptist’s words brought swift response from the government leaders.  King Herod shut him up in prison and eventually beheaded him.  It makes me what kind of fate would await him if he were alive today. 

John the Baptist’s verbal protests against the injustice of regimes and governments were strong, but they were non-violent as were the protests of many Hebrew prophets before him, as were the teachings and actions of Jesus in his protest against the oppression of the poor and marginalized in his day.  Many of those biblical prophetic protestors were incarcerated during their careers...and the one we call the ‘Christ’ was executed for his words and actions of protest.

In Winnipeg, just prior to the summit, 80 leaders of the world’s religions and faith-based organizations together with 13 youth delegates, from more than 20 countries representing Aboriginal, Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Shinto, and Sikh religious traditions, convened to speak with one united voice to the political leaders of the G8 and G20 summits.  Their message was simple; honour your commitments to the poor and vulnerable of the world – especially children. The full statement can be downloaded from www.faithchallengeg8.com/home_en.html  and there is a place on the website where you can sign on to the petition which I include in it’s entirety below:

To the political leaders of the G8 and G20 nations, from members of the global faith communities:
We urge our government representatives to set aside short-term agendas and work together for a future that allows all citizens of this planet to thrive.

At the G8 and G20 summits in 2010, we expect leaders to put first the needs and values of the majority of the world’s population, of future generations and of Earth itself. From our shared values we call on leaders to take courageous and concrete actions to address poverty, care for our Earth, and invest in peace. We urge you to:

• address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable while simultaneously making structural changes to close the growing gap between rich and poor;
• prioritize long-term environmental sustainability and implement concrete plans to ensure global average temperatures do not exceed a 2° Centigrade increase from pre-industrial levels, while addressing the impact of climate change on the poor;
• invest in peace and remove factors that feed cycles of violent conflict and costly militarism; and
• commit to bold new efforts to put the Millennium Development Goals back on track, in order to halve poverty by 2015.

As people from religious and spiritual communities, we commit to doing our part to reduce poverty, protect the environment, and promote peace, both in our own communities and globally.

The protesting and prophetic voice is strong in the Judeo-Christian tradition.  Calling upon leaders and governments to turn away from war, corruption and greed and to turn toward justice and peace is not a new phenomenon.  As a person of faith, how will your voice be heard?  How will you speak up for Christ’s way of peace, justice and love?

-Peace, K Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday June 27^th at 10 am.  Worship – come in casual attire during these summer months.

Roni Beharry, EMUC’s new part-time minister, has arrived and is beginning to meet folks of the congregation and to become oriented to the community. Please take opportunities over the summer months to greet Roni and to express EMUC’s hospitality to her!

Thursday July 1^st the church will be closed for Canada Day
Friday July 2^nd marks the beginning of Friday summer office hours – the office closes at 1:00 pm.

Advance Notice
Saturday July 10th from 9 am to 1 pm, you are invited to take part in an ‘EMUC property work bee’. A light breakfast to be offered.  Some of the task for the bee include: hedge trimming, painting, small repairs.  Contact the EMUC office for more information

Kathy Toivanen will be away on vacation from July 5 – August 9.  During her vacation, Roni Beharry and EMUC folk will lead worship.  Roni will respond to urgent pastoral concerns.  Please contact her through the church office.

Sunday June 20^th at 10 am.  Worship includes a focus on First Nation’s Sunday.

Tuesday June 22^nd – Roni Beharry, the new part-time minister begins her work with EMUC.  Roni will attend the Leadership Circle dinner and meeting. Roni will be present at the Strawberry Social on Thursday so come out for good food and an opportunity to meet her in an informal setting.

Thursday June 24^th at 6 pm:  Grand Opening & Dedication of New Kitchen/Servery
Gather at 6 pm for opening and dedication of kitchen/servery followed by the Strawberry Social dinner at 6:30 pm of turkey, ham, salads and strawberry shortcake made with homemade biscuits and freshly picked berries. Tickets are $10/person; $5/children – available through the church office or after Sunday worship.

As part of the Kitchen/Servery Opening, we will have a "Shower" in order to stock the kitchen with some needed items.  There will be a Wish List posted on the bulletin board for anyone wishing to sign up to buy specific items. Please bring the items in on the 24th and they will be included in the dedication.

March 30th - Public Meeting - Drop in between 5 - 8 pm at Tom Chater Park

The City of Mississauga is hosting a public information session at 3195 The Collegeway to discuss the retrofit of the storm water system that occupies the land beside EMUC. Members of the EMUC Green Team will be dropping in all are encouraged to be informed.

Holy Week at Erin Mills United
Sunday March 28th - Palm Sunday Parade & Drama (by youth) at 10 a.m. with music by Sing Out Loud, (children's choir) & Chancel Choir. A worship service for all ages

Wednesday March 31st - Holy Week Prayers & Communion at 6:45 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, April 1st - A service of the Last Supper at 7 p.m. with dramatic readings and communion. An interactive service for all ages.

Holy Week Prayer Vigil - begins April 1st at 10 p.m. and continues day & night until 6 pm on April 3rd. Sign up to pray one hour.

Good Friday, April 2nd at 9 a.m. - A service of dramatic readings and symbols with music, prayers and singing. A prayerful and reflective service as we remember Christ's crucifixion. People of a variety of ages participate in the dramatic readings - why not sign up to take part?

Following the service, stay for breakfast of buns (hot cross & plain) fruit, cheeses and beverages.

Holy Saturday, April 3rd at 10 p.m. - We move from the darkness of Good Friday into the light of Easter dawn with the lighting of the First Easter Fire. Join in the halleluiahs as we celebrate the resurrection with music & singing, Easter flowers; candles, communion and the gospel of the risen Christ.

Easter Sunday, April 4th at 10 a.m. - A festive day with celebratory music by the Chancel Choir, the Easter Dance, Easter flowers & decorations, familiar scripture readings and an Easter message. Easter programs for children & youth along with nursery care will be provided.

Reverse Missionary Action?

Last Saturday evening, I was part of a panel presentation and discussion at Solel Synagogue. Other members of the panel included: two members of the Baha'i faith, two of the Muslim Faith, and one other Christian in addition to me. Others from the Buddhist, Hindu and Unitarian Universalist Faiths had been invited as panel members; however, they were unable to attend because of other commitments. Following a delicious potluck dinner, the panelists were asked to respond to the questions:

1. What positive aspects of our multifaith and multicultural community have you witnessed? Specifically, what events or programmes have been most successful?

2. What elements of negativity have you witnessed toward your community? What negativity have you witnessed within your community?

3. What steps can we take to create a harmonious society?

Some of the participants expressed the positive impact of visits and exchanges with other faith groups, school classes whose curriculum includes visiting the places of worship of different religious groups (most particularly through programs in the Catholic Board of Education), and opportunities to work in partnership in community outreach or social justice actions (e.g. supporting foodbanks, addressing poverty, violence prevention)

I spoke about the positive impacts of EMUC's long association with Solel Synagogue and the congregation's part in the initial development of the 905 Faith Leaders Forum which focuses on issues of hunger, housing and poverty in Peel.

I also reminded folks that many congregations like EMUC are diverse in and of themselves and so that learning to live together with respect and in harmony is something that is important within our own faith community as well as in relationships with other faith communities. And with the United Church of Canada's initiative to move from being a multicultural church to being an intercultural church, we are called into a more integrated life together where we don't just enjoy different traditions, foods, and heritages on an occasional basis, but where we are shaped into a community where we are enriched, changed and challenged by our diversity. All of this takes time, the building of trust, and many opportunities to celebrate the steps along the way.

After my evening at Solel, I reflected that it has been a while since EMUC hosted members of Solel or folks of other faith traditions at a special event or over a meal for conversation and connecting. Is the time ripe to consider such an invitation in the near future?

As a member of an interfaith group of religious leaders in Peel, I know that our gatherings over a meal have built ties of friendship, respect and understanding, which is no small thing in a world where diversity is often a source of conflict.

Recently, I heard a ministry colleague speak enthusiastically about Chung Hyun Kyung, who was one of the theme presenters at a continuing education event. Chung Hyun Kyung is a lay theologian with the Presbyterian Church of Korea. She has been active in the World Council of Churches and currently an associate professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Chung Hyun Kyung was so disturbed by the extreme views and negative media that surrounded Muslim women in the post 9/11 world, that she decided in a recent sabbatical to do research through a year-long immersion experience with Muslim women, who are involved in peacemaking work in 16 different Islamic countries. It is her hope that her project will provide a creative way of Christian dialogue with the Islamic world.

This is kind of a reverse missionary action. We missionaries went all around the world and tried to teach Christian gospel, what people are supposed to live. But I think this is a time for us to listen to people from other traditions, especially very much demonised traditions like Islam in the West. So rather than preaching the gospel to them, I want to hear what women want, what Islam women want, and it is a woman to woman, grass root, interfaith dialogue. (quote by Chung Hyun Kyung in an interview on Compass - an Australian TV program reflecting and exploring faith, belief and values in Australia and around the globe.)
http://www.abc.net.au/compass/s1979591.htm

Her words are food for thought.
Peace, Kathy Toivanen

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am: Worship with Baptism, programs for children & youth and nursery care. We continue in our Lenten Journey as we explore the pilgrim's practice of compassion and gratitude.

Following the worship service, stay for a potluck lunch (A-M sandwiches, veggie trays; N-Z fruit, cookies, squares) and the congregational meeting. The meeting will approve the 2009 financial statement, 2010 budget and elect new leaders.

Green Tip of the Week
Give up bottled water for Lent'and why not for life! 7 out of every 10 water bottles are not recycled but end up in landfill sites. Plastic bottles are a petrochemical product and millions of litres of oil are used to make them (and more is used to transport them!). Bottled water is not necessarily saferin Mississauga, water is regularly tested - bottled water is not! Water that is collected from regional aquifers for bottling and for sale can adversely affect the water tables and impact the agriculture, wildlife and plants in the region. Water from the tap is a lot cheaper!! For more information go to insidethebottle.org.

Friday February 19, 2010

Practice, Practice, Practice!

On Wednesday February 17th we enter the season of Lent. Over the years, Lent has often had a bad rap as the gloomiest and most austere season of the church year. Historically, Lenten practices have included giving up those special treats and pleasures we enjoy; fasting or at least eating plain food and avoiding meat; focusing on humanity's sinful ways; singing dirge-like hymns about Jesus' suffering and death and generally living in a rather joyless way for 40 days (Lent is 40 days long; not including Sundays).

Some of us grew up in Protestant traditions where Lent wasn't marked as a unique period before Easter - it was only something that the Catholics did! However, over the years a number of Protestant denominations, including the United Church of Canada, have reclaimed this ancient Christian season as an important period of preparation before the festival of Easter. But that doesn't mean that the season of Lent has to be an experience of taking nasty medicine that makes us well enough to enjoy the treats of Easter.

One of the things I like about the Lenten Season is that it offers an opportunity to deliberately focus on a spiritual or Christian practice for a designated period of time. What do I mean by a Spiritual Practice?

Craig Dykstra writes, 'Christian practices are not activities we do to make something spiritual happen in our lives. Nor are they duties we undertake to be obedient to God. Rather, they are patterns of communal action that create openings in our lives where the grace, mercy, and presence of God may be made known to us. They are places where the power of God is experienced. In the end, these are not ultimately our practices but forms of participation in the practice of God."

Dorothy C Bass, Craig Dykstra and others are part of Valparaiso University's project on the 'Education and Formation of People in Faith'. Both are well-respected Christian educators and writers. They have a comprehensive website at www.practicingourfaith.org where you can delve deeper into some Christian practices. One of their key messages is that Christian practices are not odd and bizarre activities that are unrelated to real life in the real world. Rather, practices make us think about who we truly are as the created and newly created children of God. An important claim is that Christian practices address "fundamental human needs." We live in a culture that is very confused about what people need -- a culture where a plethora of dubious "needs" are constantly being constructed and marketed. In contrast, awareness of Christian practices helps us to reflect theologically on who people really are and what we really need.

This year, during Lent, EMUC offers opportunities to take part in a variety of Christian practices.

1.Each Sunday during Lent we'll focus on a particular practice - trust, compassion, gratitude, joy, forgiveness, generosity in worship

2.A Lenten reflection/discussion group will be offered to guide us in discerning how our everyday practices with money can draw us into closer alignment with what it means to be a friend of Jesus.

3.The booklet There's No ATM in the Wilderness will be used as a resource for group discussion and can also be used by individuals who wish to engage in the practice of daily readings, reflection and prayer during Lent. (booklet is $10 & available at EMUC)

4.A Lenten Calendar from KAIROS will be available for those who would like some specific and practical activities to help them be more intentional in the practice of living with respect in creation.

The point of all of this practice is not so much that practice makes perfect; rather practice can shape our life together so that we are more aware and open to God's blessings and more able to extend those blessings to the world.

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship for all and childcare for younger children.
A celebration of Black History month with music, prayers and reflections that lift up the experience, history, and faith of Black people.

Tuesday at 6 pm: Annual Pancake Dinner to celebrate Shrove Tuesday!
Gather at 5:45 (or simply come when you are able after work) for a feast of pancakes, sausages, ham, veggie and fruit platters. Buy tickets at the door: $10/adult, $5/child (Maximum for a family $25) Please bring your own dishes and cutlery. To help with the food preparation, or with set up and clean up please call the church office or sign up on the bulletin board in the church foyer.

Tuesday at 7:30 pm: Full Official Board Meeting - all members, chairs, and convenors of committees, along with the Leadership Circle are asked to attend.

Wednesday at 6:45 pm: An Ash Wednesday Service of anointing with ashes, prayers and communion.

Friday at 6:45 pm: Family Games night with an Olympic theme. Households with children & youth are invited to participate in games, crafts and trivia. Contact Rob Ford 905-820-4690 or the church office for more information.

Saturday at 6:30 pm: Annual Euchre Challenge, hosted by local Scout Groups. Your $20 ticket will help to support these groups and will offer you an evening of fun, desserts and prizes. Contact Tim Hayes for tickets through the church office.

Upcoming Events at EMUC
EMUC Congregational Meeting
Sunday February 28th following the 10 am worship service. Stay for a potluck lunch (Families with last names beginning with A-M please bring sandwiches, veggie trays; Names N-Z fruit, cookies, squares) and the congregational meeting. The meeting will approve the 2009 financial statement, 2010 budget and elect new leaders.

The Christian Life - What's Money Got to Do with it?
A discussion series for older youth and adults of all ages to explore our often conflicted and confusing relationship with money and faith. To participate in the series:

1. Register for either the Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings sessions (there is flexibility to move to the alternate time slot if you need; and it is not compulsory to attend all sessions). Register by either emailing kathy@emuc.ca, or by contacting the church office or by signing up at the church.

2. Pick up the resource booklet: There's No ATM in the Wilderness, available at EMUC for $10.

3. The 4-week series will be offered:
Wednesday evenings: Feb 24, March 3, 10, 22 from 7:30 - 9:15 pm or
Friday mornings: Feb 26, March 5, 12, 26 from 10 - 11:45 am
For more information contact Kathy Toivanen

Cool the Kitchen
Remember the festive times we have had in the Lower Hall. Remember the streamers, the twinkling little lights, the music, the laughter, people lining up for food. We get to know each other better as we have the time for extended conversations sitting down at a meal together. The children eat quickly, and then run around a bit, much to our delight.

Remember when EMUC had a kitchen that made those good times possible. Remember the excitement, the anticipation, the friendly banter and join in so that the food and conversation will flow once again. The plans have been made for the restoration of the kitchen. A contract for the cupboards is ready to be signed. What is now needed are generous donations to meet the goal of $25,000. Your contributions are welcomed!

Green Tip of the Week
When you use the ATM, decline a receipt. Keep track of your bank balance online instead. Every bit of paper saved (along with the chemicals used to bleach it) makes a difference, especially when you think of how many receipts you could rack up over time.

You may have read or heard many media stories of late criticizing climate science. Go to the link below to read the op-ed piece in Tuesday's Globe and Mail which responds to the criticisms of climate scientists and WWF.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/your-square-jawed-hero-is-in-fact-the-scientist/article1461995/

February 5, 2010

Becoming an Intercultural Church

At the last General Council meeting of the United Church of Canada, delegates agreed that the UCC would commit to becoming an intercultural church?. So what does that mean? We live in a nation of diversity among peoples of many backgrounds and cultures. In a multicultural society, cultures live side by side. We often celebrate another's culture by eating their food, enjoying their music, listening to their stories and celebrating their festivals.

To be intercultural means to go a bit deeper. In committing to become an intercultural church, it means that intercultural dimensions of ministries will be a denominational priority in living out its commitment to racial justice, where there is mutually respectful diversity and full and equitable participation of all Aboriginal, francophone, ethnic minority, and ethnic majority constituencies in the total life, mission, and practices of the whole church. (from the record of proceedings of the 30th General Council)

The statement is a bit of a mouthful! In plain language, as a church we are being called to become more fluent in each other's cultural values, patterns, and ways of looking at life. This is especially true for those of us who are part of the racial, ethnic, and cultural majority. Since birth, most of us English-speaking White peoples have been able to operate on autopilot, assuming that our way of doing, being, and seeing is the Canadian way. Members of racial, ethnic, and cultural minority communities have had to be fluent in the ways of the majority culture in addition to those of their own culture. They have much to teachand we have much to learnabout how to walk on more than a single pathway.
(excerpt from an article by Steve Willey in the Ethnic Ministries Newsletter of the UCC)

So what are some of the things that congregations can do to move beyond a multicultural way of being to becoming an intercultural community? A number of suggestions are offered on the website of the United Church of Canada.

* regularly let different cultural groups influence the style of worship (once or twice a year isn't enough) share leadership among racial, ethnic and cultural groups

* provide opportunities for meaningful encounters with other cultural communities - workshops, exposure tours identify racism and prejudice and work with leaders and groups to increase a climate of respect and understanding in meetings and decision-making, ask: Who is present? Who speaks? Does everyone feel included?

Erin Mills United is a congregation that includes people of diverse cultures. It is my hope that as a growing community of faith that offers opportunities for all persons to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ? (EMUC mission statement) that we will continue to work toward becoming an intercultural congregation. We've made some steps in worship services with the singing of hymns from diverse cultures, visuals that reflect people from many heritages, services during the year that lift up specific cultural groups or races (e.g. Black History month worship service, a service to celebrate those of Asian heritage, and services that lift up the spiritual traditions of First Nations peoples). Some folks in the congregation have gone on exposure or work tours to different countries or among different cultures. The Erin Mills Youth Outreach Program offers opportunities for the youth in our diverse community to play and learn together. In the gatherings of the 905 Faith Leaders, we experience leadership from people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. In affirming this work, I pray that we will continue to deepen and strengthen the trust and respect among us and become more open and appreciative of the gifts of the many cultures and heritages in our church community and our nation.

February is Black History Month. Why not take this opportunity to learn more about the contributions of African Canadians? Join EMUC for worship on February 14th at 10 am for a service to celebrate Black History Month.

To learn more about becoming an intercultural church? go to
http://www.united-church.ca/intercultural/becoming

To learn more about the contributions and history of African Canadians go to:
http://blackhistorycanada.ca/

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship and Nursery Care & programs for children & youth. Communion
Theme: The Tower of Babel: This is only the beginning? (Genesis series concludes today)

The February Communique is now on line at http://emuc.ca/News/022010Communique.pdf

Upcoming Events at EMUC
Mardi Gras, Pancake Dinner
On Tuesday February 16th all are invited to enjoy a feast of pancakes, sausages, ham, veggie and fruit platters. Gather at 5:45 pm for dinner at 6 pm (or simply come when you can after work) Buy tickets at the door: $10/adult, $5/child

(Maximum for a family $25) Please bring your own dishes and cutlery. To help with the food preparation, or with set up and clean up please call the church office or sign up on the bulletin board in the church foyer.

Family Fun & Games Night Friday February 19th @ 6:45pm
Olympic Theme Night EMUC (Lower Hall)
Ø Games, Crafts, and Trivia and maybe we'll throw in some fun.
Admission: FREE donations welcome // snacks and drinks included for both Children and Adults

EMUC Congregational Meeting
Sunday February 28th following the 10 am worship service. Stay for a potluck lunch (A-M sandwiches, veggie trays; N-Z fruit, cookies, squares) and the congregational meeting. The meeting will approve the 2009 financial statement, 2010 budget and elect new leaders.

The Christian Life - What's Money Got to Do with it?
A discussion series for older youth and adults of all ages to explore our often conflicted and confusing relationship with money and faith. To participate in the series:

1. Register for either the Wednesday evenings or Friday mornings sessions (there is flexibility to move to the alternate time slot if you need; and it is not compulsory to attend all sessions). Register by either emailing kathy@emuc.ca, or by contacting the church office or by signing up at the church.

2. Pick up the resource booklet: There's No ATM in the Wilderness, available at EMUC for $10.

3. The 4-week series will be offered: Wednesday evenings: Feb 24, March 3, 10, 22 from 7:30 - 9:15 pm or Friday mornings: Feb 26, March 5, 12, 26 from 10 - 11:45 am

For more information contact Kathy Toivanen

Cool the Kitchen
The Kitchen Committee, after many meetings, visits to several stores, and viewing other church kitchens, has drawn up the final plans for the new kitchen. The cupboards have been ordered, paint colours and new flooring have been chosen. All the appliances which include the range, microwave, refrigerator, and freezer must be replaced due to smoke damage from the fire.

For the first time a commercial dishwasher/sanitizer will make the clean-up chores easier. In accordance with Peel Heath, a new hand-washing sink, separate from the dishwashing sinks will be installed.

In addition to the money EMUC receives from the insurance company, the additional cost to the church for these much improved facilities will be $25,000. Consider the important role that eating meals together has for the congregation and the community we serve. We come together as the people of God to share our stories, to lift up each others spirits, and to enjoy the nourishment provided. A functioning kitchen is key area in helping these rich events to happen again. As we all make a generous financial donation, we will reach that goal of $25,000. Thank you.

Green Tip of the Week
In the new Bell Yellow Pages that arrived this week, there is a comprehensive ecoguide with information about recycling household items ; everything from paper to appliances, safe disposal of hazardous waste, along with a list of centres for recycling and disposal in the Peel Region. There is a section explaining the various eco certification guides and labels on products and a list of ways to conserve energy. It's a great handy resource!

You're Invited!
The EMUC Leadership Circle invites you to participate in a leading edge leadership development initiative:

Strengths Based Leadership Workshop
Saturday February 13, 2010
8:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m.
Everyone interested in leadership development (personally, professionally or at EMUC) is invited to undertake the StrengthsFinder assessment to discover and share your unique talents/strengths and to attend the ½ day workshop to learn about your strengths and to see how collective strengths could support EMUC priorities

Register by email by Mon. Feb. 8th; buy the book (StrengthsFinder 2.0) available at the EMUC office for $10; do the online assessment using the access code in the book; send your list of 5 strengths to Barb Jennings (barbara_jennings@sympatico.ca ) by Wed. Feb.10th; attend the workshop Sat. Feb. 13th.

To register, email Barbara_jennings@sympatico.ca or laura@mayfairlegacygroup.ca

Friday, January 29, 2010

Inspired by Clara Hughes

In two weeks, the 2010 Winter Olympics open in Vancouver. Many of us will be glued to the TV watching our favourite winter sport and cheering on our favourite athletes.

Earlier this week, I listened to an interview of one of Canada's Olympic Champions. Clara Hughes is an amazing athlete, winning 5 Olympic Medals in cycling and speed skating - in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, she won both gold and silver medals in Speed Skating.

Clara Hughes is a source of inspiration both on and off the ice. After winning the gold medal in Turin, she donated $10,000 of her own money to the NGO Right to Play, whose mission is to improve the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace. Clara has been to Ethiopia and Ghana with the organization and continues to work to raise awareness and funds for it. At home, in Canada, she is engaged in helping to make sports and athletic opportunities more accessible for aboriginal youth in remote areas.

In Monday's CBC radio program, The Current hosted by Anna Maria Tremonti, Clara spoke about her experience of skating. Admitting that training and competing at an Olympic level can be a painful experience, she also expressed great satisfaction in not settling for less and giving the best of what her brain and body can offer. One of her personal strategies in racing and in training is to stay in the moment and not get ahead of herself where there is greater risk of tripping and falling. Although the ice can be very unforgiving at times, Clara says it can also give you wings.

While we might never be part of that elite group who rise to the status of an Olympic Athlete, we can be inspired by Clara Hughes in giving the best of our body, mind and spirit to the life and the work that God calls us to be about in the moment. And when, like Clara we face our own unforgiving ice we can take heart that by whole-heartedly committing our lives, we too will find our wings and soar.

How is God inviting you to commit your life whole-heartedly? How are you soaring and taking wing? How does your life give wings to others?

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

(you can listen to the January 25th interview with Clara Hughes by going to the CBC's The Current and searching for Clara Hughes in the archives of pod casts)

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Saturday at 6:15 pm - Junior Youth & their parents gather at EMUC to car pool to Merciful Redeemer Catholic Church to attend the Youth Mass at 7 pm.

Sunday at 10 am Worship and Nursery Care & programs for children & youth.
Theme: Noah & the Ark: Beginning Again (a continuation of the Genesis series)

Cool the Kitchen
The kitchen is a sad sight with no lights, cabinets or sinks. We remember how the meals shared at EMUC have helped build the spirit in the church and wider community. With monies from fire insurance and from $25,000 raised in special campaign that begins on Sunday, the kitchen will be rebuilt and restored to be more serviceable than before. This week, a letter was mailed to EMUC participants, with more details. Please take time to read the letter and to prayerfully consider your contribution to the $25,000 campaign. Complete the blue form and enclose your cheque in the envelope with the logo Cool the Kitchen. You can place your gift on the offering plate during Sunday worship, drop it off at the office or mail it to the church. Thank you for your generous support of this project.

Winter Green Tip
Make the most of how you are heating your home. Check for drafts and seal them off. Make sure that you don't have furniture or drapes blocking radiators or heating vents, trapping their output. With a little rearranging, you may be able to lower the thermostat a degree or two.

Friday January 23, 2010

Waiting in Vain?

In early December, the summons arrived in the mail from the Ministry of the Attorney General. That's why on Monday afternoon, I found myself in a room at the courthouse in Brampton along with over two hundred other residents of Peel Region, waiting for the jury selection process. Given that last Monday was the day that a life sentence was committed to Zakaria Amara, convicted of masterminding the plot to bomb various government and business locations, the courthouse was very busy and our jury selection process had to be delayed to the next day. I went home grumbling about the pointless afternoon I'd spent waiting and of the tomorrow that would be spent in much the same way. The long and short of it is that after waiting an hour on Tuesday, my group of potential jurors was informed that the case had been settled and we were no longer needed!

We all grumble about the waiting we often have to endurewaiting in line at the bank, grocery story, or theatre; waiting on a stretch of road of idling cars during rush hour; waiting for our computer to process information or reboot; waiting in the dentist's or doctor's office. And while we complain about our time wasted in waiting for these ordinary matters, all of that comes into stark focus when we witness the suffering and misery of people who are waiting for news about the safety of loved ones and for food, water, medical aid, shelter and protection from violence. We've seen all that and more in the news reports from Haiti after the devastating earthquake.

And with the destruction of seaports, roads and so much of the country's infrastructure, those who are willing and able to give much needed aid also wait in frustration for a way to reach those in need.

When we are used to living in a culture of quick results and immediate gratification and when multi-tasking has become the norm, we can become very impatient about any kind of waiting. As a result, we can be too quick to change allegiances (look at what happened in Democratic stronghold in Massachusetts this past week with the election of Brown to the Senate) or move our support to another cause that appears to be on the fast-track.

The work of peacemaking, justice-building and compassion is not a quick fix; but rather a way of living. Rebuilding and restoring Haiti is going to take more time than we can possibly imagine and there will be many more days of heartache and suffering as people wait for aid and wait to offer aid. The people of Haiti and others in our world who wait day by day for justice and mercy deserve our long term commitment. So let's not turn away and give up quickly; rather may we be tenacious in prayer, tireless in action and generous in giving to those who wait for the blessings of lifefor this is our life's work.

At Erin Mills United Church, we have already gratefully received over $2,500 designated for the United Church of Canada's Haiti Relief. There are still opportunities to give financially by placing your donation in the designated envelopes available at EMUC or by contributing on line at the United Church of Canada website.

In peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Tonight at 6:45 pm Family Fun night for households with young children. Movie night with a feature presentation at 7 pm.

Sunday at 10 am Worship and Nursery Care & programs for children & youth.
Theme: Cain and Abel: A Violent Beginning (a continuation of the Genesis series)

Cool the Kitchen
On August 20, 2009, a fire occurred in the kitchen on the lower level of the EMUC building. Smoke damage was extensive and it has not been possible to fully use the kitchen since the fire. Subsequently, a Kitchen Committee was appointed to deal with the insurance company, and to plan for the restoration of the kitchen. The committee is using this as an opportunity to improve the layout and equipment in the kitchen so that it is more functional and supportive of the many social events which enrich our Christian life together. You may remember the Shrove Tuesday Pancake dinners, the Strawberry Socials, and the receptions after events like music concerts and special worship services.

The kitchen has been gutted; walls are sanded, sealed and wait to be painted. The insurance will pay for most of that. Other improvements which include a new refrigerator, freezer, range, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, and island work-space will cost about $25,000.

On January 17, 2010 the congregation voted to have two financial campaigns, one to restore the kitchen and the second one to improve the lighting in the church. On January 26, 2010, EMUC will begin the financial campaign for the rebuilding of the kitchen. We are calling this campaign, Cool the Kitchen, as our response to the fire. You are actively invited to support this important renovation project. A letter with further details about the campaign and ways to contribute will be mailed to EMUC households next week.

Friday January 15, 2010

Haiti and Copenhagen

We've been overwhelmed this past week by the news and photos of the staggering numbers who are dead or suffering following the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on Tuesday. Both the Haitian prime minister and the consul general to the U.N. have said that as many as 100,000 people are likely dead and that one-third of the total population has been affected by the quake.

The United Church of Canada, like other churches, faith groups and aid agencies are responding to the crisis.

Any funds raised through the UCC's Haiti Appeal will be channeled through our partners in Haiti and through 'Action by Churches Together' (ACT) the network of churches and Christian aid agencies that enables global responses to emergencies. The United Church's partners in the region are The Methodist Church of Haiti and The Karl Lévêque Cultural Institute (ICKL).

In addition to launching this emergency appeal, the United Church has also immediately committed $20,000 for Haitian relief and reconstruction from its Emergency Response Fund (ERF). The United Church is exploring further options to respond to the crisis in Haiti in collaboration with other Canadian churches to take advantage of matching funds from CIDA have been offered.

According to information from the National United Church offices, The Emergency Response Fund is used to help alleviate the effects of humanitarian crises caused by nature, human action, or a combination of both. The fund is replenished annually from the Mission and Service Fund and member donations. Fifteen percent of all donations received and intended for emergency relief, reconstruction, and rehabilitation are deposited into this fund for use in future emergencies that do not receive intensive media coverage. The remaining 85 percent of the monies received are directed as designated by the donor.

It is important to note that unlike many charities, and thanks to regular donations to the Mission and Service Fund, the United Church is able to absorb the staffing and administration costs of processing donations whenever an emergency appeal is launched. Therefore donors can be assured that there are no administrative charges deducted from donations received.

To contribute the United Church of Canada's Haiti Appeal you can do so either through Erin Mills United Church or directly to The United Church of Canada's national office, 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4. Cheques should be made payable to The United Church of Canada and marked "Haiti Appeal." Online donations can be made at www.united-church.ca. Choose "Emergency Response" and specify "Haiti Appeal." All donations are eligible for tax receipts. Further information about the United Church's Haiti Appeal has been posted on the United Church's website and will be updated as new information becomes available.

The following prayer has been offered by Rev. Neal D. Presa, Convenor/Chair of the Caribbean and North American Area Council (Canacom) of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches:

Let us pray for:
those who lost loved ones
those who are missing
those who lost their homes, church buildings, and businesses
first responders, rescue workers, relief agencies, church aid workers
hospitals, doctors, nurses
all those evacuated
We extend our love and prayers to our sisters and brothers of the affected areas, and our solidarity with them for the facing of this hour.
Gracious God, extend your loving kindness, mercy and compassion upon all, we pray. Thank you for aid workers, first responders, churches, communities and families who are extending a loving, helping hand to one another. Grant us Your grace that we may respond in love, with kind and determined action, and with fervent prayer: mourning with those who have loss, labouring with those who seek to rebuild, and aiding those who seek to prepare for the next storm. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

This Sunday, Mardi Tindal, Moderator of the United Church of Canada will issue an open letter to all Canadians, entitled, "Where Is the Hope after Copenhagen?" This letter arises from the Moderator's recent experience at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. As Mardi Tindal reads her letter in Sunday worship at Sydenham Street United Church in Brantford (her home congregation), 10 former Moderators will also deliver her message in congregations where they will be worshipping - in communities that span the country from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Sechelt, British Columbia.

At Erin Mills United Church, excerpts of the letter will be read and the entire text will be made available. If you are not able to attend worship this Sunday and wish to read the Moderator's letter, it will be posted on The United Church of Canada's website on Sunday.

In our daily lives, in our practice of prayer, and in the use of our resources, may we respond generously to those affected by the disaster in Haiti and to the global climate crisis that affects the entire world.

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship and Nursery Care & programs for children & youth.
Theme: The Garden of Eden, Part Two

Following worship, plan to attend the congregational meeting to discuss and ratify a capital appeal for

renovations to the kitchen (servery) and lighting upgrades.

Friday January 22
at 6:45 pm Family Fun night for households with young children. Movie night with a feature presentation at 7 pm. (please note that this event originally scheduled for Friday January 15th has been postponed until Friday 22nd.)

Friday January 8, 2010

Endings and Beginnings

December 31st brought to an end the calendar year of 2009, and on January 1st, we not only entered a new year, we began a new decade! The words, 'In our end is our beginning' (lyrics of Natalie Sleeth's, hymn 'In the Bulb There Is a Flower' (Voices United #703) remind us that our endings and beginnings are intricately woven together. Night gives way to a new dawn; graduating from a course of study or an education program opens the door to new vocational opportunities; retirement begins a new chapter in life; a special birthday announces the end of childhood and launches us into adulthood. Of course we don't always welcome endings. When a relationship ends, when we are terminated from a job, when a loved one dies or when a dream fades away, facing a new beginning can be painful, frightening and challenging. Often our endings don't easily reveal the direction of a new beginning and we are left feeling lost, confused and bewildered.

Many of you know that on the last day of 2009, my family buried my father, Jack. The funeral service marked the end of his 95 years on this earth; the end of his 56 years of marriage my mother, Barb, and the end of his 55 years of parenting me and my two siblings. While those endings filled us with loss, grief and pain, we were glad to see the end of Dad's suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Our grief and pain at Dad's end of life was also tempered by the overwhelming support our family experienced through the love and comfort expressed by so many of you - in phone calls, emails, cards, prayers, flowers, music, visits before, at and after the funeral. Through your actions, we truly experienced the words of the United Church Creed, 'In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.' Such concrete and visible expressions of God's presence give us the courage and the faith to trust that God will guide us into new beginnings; into new life that rises out of death.

My extended family joins me in thanking you for 'walking with us' through this time of endings and for your faithfulness in reminding us that 'God is with us, we are not alone' in all our endings and beginnings.

In the mysterious ways of God's Spirit at work among us, in my advance planning for the New Year, I had decided to offer on a series of sermons based on the first book of the Bible; the book of Genesis. Karen Armstrong writes in her book, In the Beginning: Genesis, is the story of beginnings: the beginning of the world, of the human race, of the people of Israel, and of our experience of the reality that we call God. It speaks of the difficulty of human generation, of the pangs of childbirth and the anguish of family life which introduces us all into the world. But like any scripture, Genesis has been treasured not only for the light it throws on the irretrievably distant past but for its timeless relevance to the present.

In the tangled mix of endings and beginnings in your own life, I invite you to join with the worshipping community of Erin Mills United Church to consider once again or for the very first time the wisdom offered in this ancient book of beginnings. This Sunday will focus on part one of the story of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:4b-25).

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship with the celebration of Communion. Nursery Care & programs for children & youth.

Tuesday at 7:30 pm Leadership Circle Meeting with a focus on 2009 financials and budget for 2010

Friday at 6:45 pm Family Fun night for households with young children. Movie night with a feature presentation at 7 pm.

Next Sunday after worship plan to attend a congregational meeting to discuss and ratify a capital appeal for EMUC renovations.

Friday December 18, 2009

A Baby for Christmas

What is the focal point of every nativity scene? What do the Christmas carols sing about? What do the angels tell the shepherds that they will find in a manger? A baby! A squalling, red-faced, helpless and totally vulnerable baby! According to our Christian faith, this baby is not just God's miraculous gift of love; this baby is Emmanuel - God with us.

Carolyn Pogue, in the cover story of the most recent UCC Mandate Magazine, wrote: Moving through Adventwe may recall times when the sight of the helpless infant filled us with an overwhelming sense of responsibility or longing. The sight of this babe, born into danger, can stop our hearts; but then, an infant in any circumstance can bring us to our knees - and to our senses.

As we draw closer to the night of nativity pageants and the celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus in a manger, it is worth pondering how this holy infant brings us to our knees and to our senses. What does it mean to celebrate a Christian festival where we lift up a baby as the central focus?

Surely, among other things, it means that we lift up as infants and children in today's world as precious gifts of God; as miraculous signs of God's love among us. And yet the exploitation, the impoverishment, the oppression and the abuse of infants and children around the globe speaks otherwise.

As we enjoy Christmas cakes, cookies and candies, 6 million children under the age of five continue to die of hunger each year. (CARE) In Canada alone, 260,600 children rely on food from foodbanks. As we purchase gifts and wrap presents, 1 in 9 children in Ontario live in poverty. (Campaign 2000 - 2008 Report Card on Child & Family Poverty) As we snuggle into bed at night in a warm home, 1.2 million children are trafficked each year as cheap labour or for sexual exploitation. (Unicef)

Into this distressing picture there are signs of hope. Many of us remember Raffi - yes Raffi of Baby Beluga and the composer and singer of countless songs for children. It is estimated that over 10 million adults grew up with Raffi's music and many are now sharing his songs with their own children. A few years ago, Raffi (Cavoukian is his surname) realized that it wasn't enough simply to be a children's entertainer. His concern over the state of the youngest and most vulnerable in our world led him to pursue a vocation as a children's advocate. Raffi has created a Centre for Honouring Children along with a covenant of principles for caring for the youngest in our world.

The principles include:
* respectful love which instils self-worth in children
* introducing children to diversity which opens children to the abundance of natural wonders and wealth of cultures;
* caring communities that positively affect the lives of their children
* conscious parenting which supports parents in child-rearing practices that are neither permissive nor oppressive
* fostering emotional intelligence in children
* creating a culture of non violence in homes and communities
* safe environments for children that are free from toxins and manipulation
* sustainable societies not just in terms of resources but also in terms of the potential of every child
* ethical commerce where economies are devoted to the well-being of the very young

You can find out more about Raffi's Child Honouring Principles and his centre at www.raffinews.com And if you are a Beluga Grad, Raffi includes a particular message and invitation to you!

Raffi's efforts are linked with others who are working for a sustainable world that respects creation and cares for future generations - Alanna Mitchell, David Suzuki, Craig Kielburger to name a few. In our celebration of Christmas, we too can honour God's gift of love of the baby in the manger by embodying in word and deed, our respect for creation and our care for future generations. As Carolyn Pogue concludes in her Mandate article:

We can all travel to the cradle of the universal infant in the company of ancient stories and modern-day wise ones. We can have as our 'star' the invitation form Lakota Chief Sitting Bull (1831-1890) who said, Let us put our minds together and see what life we will make for our children. May we dust off our wisdom and name our common sacred dreams for all babies. When the infant brings us to our knees, and to our senses, imagine how the angels will sing!

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Tonight at 6:45pm Family Fun Night - Carol Singing, Games, Movie with lots of fun and food. Bring your kids and join in the fun!

Saturday at 10 am Nativity Pageant Rehearsal - speaking parts only

Saturday at 4 pm Receiving & Packing Food at EMUC for the Deacon's Cupboard. Come out and volunteer for an hour!

Sunday at 10 am White Gift Sunday with the annual Jr. Youth White Gift play, A Not So Perfect Christmas and new this year, a youth band! Please remember to bring your White gifts of food for the foodbanks & Springfield Breakfast Club, wrapped gifts for the Christmas baskets. A special White Gift Sunday envelope will be provided for financial contributions to EMUC Youth Outreach projects, the Benevolent Fund, the Deacon's Cupboard and the United Church of Canada's Mission & Service Fund. We will light the Candle of Joy, place another nativity figure in the stable and enjoy carols and seasonal music.

Sunday at 6:30 pm Candlelight Carol Service with carol singing, candle lighting and music from EMUC's choirs & musical groups. Reception follows. Bring along friends and neighbours!

Wednesday at 2 pm Annual Christmas Tea with food, conversation & carol singing. Please contact the church office if you require a ride.

Friday at 9 am Come and help pack the Christmas hampers.
Saturday at 9 am Come and help deliver the Christmas hampers.
Saturday at 10 am Christmas pageant rehearsal for all parts!

Other Events & Opportunities during the Advent Season
Advent Candlelighting readings and reflections are available on line at www.emuc.ca by clicking Advent on the home page.

Christmas Hampers There is still lots of opportunity to contribute food and gifts to the hampers distributed to those in need in the community. Pick up the information on Sunday or call the church office.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come: let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing,
and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.

For many Joy to the World is their favourite Christmas carol. Each year at EMUC's candlelight carol service and at the Candlelight Communion service on Christmas eve, we sing this carol while holding high a lit candle. In word and in actions we express our faith in Jesus Christ who is born to be a light not just for us, but for all the world.

Over the next few weeks, many Christians are praying, fasting, keeping vigil, speaking up and taking action to remind the world that to sing the words joy to the world and heaven and nature sing actually means something deep and profound.

To sing the carol means to declare that God's gift of light and life, joy and peace is not just for Christians, not just for people, but for all the world; all creation. To sing Joy to the World is to unite with other people of faith and goodwill to take action so that the earth can rejoice and all nature can sing.

Mardi Tindal, the Moderator of the United Church of Canada, is part of a small UCC delegation going to the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen on our behalf from December 12-18. Her participation and representation demonstrates encouragement and support for global leaders to take action to reduce the human impact on global climate change. Starting December 6th, Mardi's blog will reflect her experiences leading up to and at the conference. To receive her blog, go to www.united-church.ca/moderator and click on any of the blog links.

Bill Phipps, a former Moderator of the UCC, will fast from December 6-13 to add his prayerful support to the Climate Change Conference. Bill says, 'For the healthy future of our Earthly home, I believe the Copenhagen meetings are a critical moment in human history. My fast is a prayer of hope, encouragement and solidarity for the leaders who gather there. Each and all of us bear responsibility for the ecological legacy we leave for future generations. I invite us to look into the eyes of children and grandchildren to gain courage and take bold action.' Bill invites others to join him in a fast - for a week, for a day and/or to spend time in prayerful vigil. You can hear more from Bill during his fast by going to www.billphipps.ca.

On December 13th, during Sunday worship at EMUC, we will add our prayers of hope and solidarity for the climate change conference. After worship, the church bells, like other church bells around the world, will be rung to draw attention to this global concern.

As you take time in this Advent Season for some moments of quiet reflection, prayer and meditation, I invite you to pray this prayer by Bill Phipps.

- With prayers for peace in our homes, our communities, our nations and on earth, Kathy Toivanen.

Spirit of God,
groaning with Creation
and all living things
for healing and wholeness
Creep into our hearts
to inspire our spirits
Enrage our minds
to love passionately our Earthly Home
Move our feet
to places of action
May we open ourselves to your
hope, peace, joy, love
that these candles of Advent light
may lead us to a new day of
humble respect for all the earth
and all her living mysteries
Spirit of Creation justice
give us courage
so that Earth may rejoice in
her gracious abundance
May it be so. Amen

(Bill Phipps)

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship with candlelighting, carol-singing and the celebration of communion. Seasonal music by Sing Out Loud, Encore and Chancel Choir. Jr. Youth White Gift Drama Practice & Sing Out Loud will practice after worship.

Monday at 7:30 pm Sr. Youth practice for Christmas eve drama, It's a Wonder

Wednesday at 7:30 pm Advent Oasis, reflection & discussion group

Friday at 10 am Advent Oasis, reflection & discussion group

Friday at 6:45 pm Family Fun Night - Carol Singing, Games, Movie with lots of fun and food

Saturday at 10 am Nativity Pageant Rehearsal - speaking parts only

Saturday at 4 pm Receiving & Packing Food at EMUC for the Deacon's Cupboard

Other Events & Opportunities during the Advent Season
Advent Candlelighting readings and reflections are available on line at www.emuc.ca
by clicking Advent on the home page.

White Gift Sunday, December 13th at 10 am with the annual Jr. Youth White Gift play - new this year, a youth band! Please remember to bring your White gifts of food for the foodbanks & Springfield Breakfast Club, wrapped gifts for the Christmas baskets, and financial contributions to the United Church of Canada, Mission & Service Fund.

Candlelight Carol Service, December 13th at 6:30 pm with carol singing, candle lighting and music from EMUC's choirs & musical groups. Reception follows.

Annual Christmas Tea, Wednesday December 16th at 2 pm. Food, conversation & carol singing.

Friday November 27, 2009

The Rhythm of A New Season

In the rhythm of the Christian calendar, we are moving into a new season, the season of Advent. In these four weeks before Christmas, we are invited to make space in our lives for the Spirit to awaken us, shape us, guide us and inspire us as we once again travel to Bethlehem to greet the Christ-child in the manger.

Advent is a pregnant season; a season to prepare our hearts, our homes, our communities and our world to welcome God's precious gift of a child. The season can't be rushed, just as the period of any pregnancy can't be rushed. If you were a stranger our culture and arrived here for the Advent Season, you you'd find a deep contradiction between this understanding of Advent and our actual behaviour in this season. Rushing around with shopping, decorating, wrapping, cooking, baking, planning and attending parties is much more the norm.

If you'd like to slow down a bit and savor this season, I offer a few suggestions.

1. Jot down or review in your mind your weekly or daily routine and take note of the regular and consistent practices that nourish your spirit. It may be an evening walk around your neighbourhood, a quiet time each morning at breakfast, the preparation of a meal, playtime with your children, a conversation with a family member after work, listening to music in your car, reading before you go to sleep. Cherish these moments and practices and give thanks to God for the gift of these times. As you reflect back on your day or your week, notice how God has been present to you in these times.
2. Read again, or for the first time, the biblical accounts of Jesus' birth. Take time each day or a couple of times a week to read Luke (chapters 1 & 2, and Matthew (chapters 1 & 2). What is new and fresh for you in these familiar words of scripture? With your children, you may wish to read aloud these stories from the Family Story Bible. There are copies available at EMUC.
3. Take part in the ritual of lighting Advent Candles. A booklet for lighting candles each week in your home is available on the EMUC website or as a hard copy at the church.
4. Plan to attend the Advent Oasis event offered at EMUC on Wednesdays December 2 & 9 (7:30 - 9:00 pm) or Fridays December 4 & 11 (10:00 - 11:30 am). With warm cider & Christmas goodies we'll enjoy some Christmas music and reflect on the meaning of the nativity stories for us today. (register by contacting the church office or by signing up at the church)
5. Pick up a copy of Whose Birthday Is It Anyway? The booklet has stories and ideas for gift-giving, for celebrating more simply and sustainably. (copies are $2 & available at EMUC)
6. Consider the question: 'What is my heart's deepest desire?' As you reflect on your response to the question, offer it as a prayer to God. 'God, give me the gift of (name your heart's deepest desire). Amen Be alert to the ways that God may answer your prayer.
7. Worship with EMUC during the season. As well as regular Sunday and Wednesday worship, there will be other special services and events. Complete details are available in the November issue of the Communiqué which is online at the EMUC website: www.emuc.ca
8. Go to the website of the United Church of Canada to read or listen to the Advent message of Mardi Tindal, our moderator. Check out the website each week for other seasonal messages. www.united-church.ca

Saturday at 7:30 pm At Erindale Presbyterian Church (1560 Dundas St. W) a reading of Dickens' Christmas Carol. $10 admission. All proceeds to support the Deacon's Cupboard.

Friday November 20, 2009

Validation
Please take time to view the You Tube Video Validation. It will only take 15 minutes of your time and it may be the smile you need today!
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbk980jV7Ao

You are a gifted person. You have many strengths to offer. Your contributions to me/our family/the community/the world make such an important difference.

When was the last time you heard those words addressed to you? When was the last time you spoke those words to someone else? When and where in your life do you feel validated?

We often drift through days and weeks and even years without feeling affirmed and validated for who we are; for the strengths and gifts that we offer to others. And sadly, we often neglect to affirm and validate others for their strengths and gifts. And when we are assessed and evaluated - at places of learning, on the job, in our voluntary work, we tend to focus on our weaknesses, what went wrong and how we failed.

What if we turned it around and focused on our strengths instead? What if we claimed those strengths as a blessing in our own lives and in the lives of others?

Recently, Gallup scientists decided to do just that. They studied over 1 million work teams, conducted more than 20,000 leader interviews, and interviewed more than 10,000 followers around the world. In the process, they identified that knowing your own strengths and investing in the strengths of others are the keys to effective leadership.

Gallup discovered that 'people who have the opportunity to focus on their strengths every day are six times as likely to be engaged in their jobs and more than three times as likely to report having an excellent quality of life in general'.

On Saturday November 28th from 8:45 am - 12:30 pm, EMUC is hosting a half-day event to focus on your strengths. Prior to Saturday, participants will complete the on-line Strengthsfinder assessment. At the Saturday event, there will be the opportunity learn more about your strengths and how they can enhance your leadership and relationships in your family life, on the job, and in your participation in various community groups and in the life of EMUC.

It is hoped that by participating in the Strengthsfinder assessment and the half-day event that folks will feel validated for who they are and encouraged to offer their strengths as they join others in building and creating homes, communities, and work environments that make a positive difference to the lives of people and to the life of this world.

To participate please follow the instructions below:
Please register by Saturday November 21st by emailing
Barbara_jennings@sympatico.ca or laura@mayfairlegacygroup.ca

Obtain the book StrengthsFinder 2.0 (by Tom Rath) from Peter Kiteley in the EMUC office or purchase your own copy at Chapters. Participants are requested to pay $10 toward the cost of the book (if you purchase your own, EMUC will pay the difference)

At the back of the book is an individual code to access the online assessment at www.strengthsfinder.com. Click on StrengthsFinder 2.0 to do the assessment (it takes about 30 minutes)

Print your results. Send your list of strengths to Barbara Jennings by November 25th.

Questions? Contact Laura Macro 905-593-9434; laura@mayfairlegacygroup.ca OR Barbara Jennings 905-607-1626; Barbara_jennings@sympatico.ca

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Tonight! at 6:45 pm: EMUC Family Fun Night of skating at Erin Mills Twin Arena. All are invited.

Saturday at 7:30 pm: Amadeus Concert at EMUC featuring Christmas music - traditional and contemporary. Tickets are $30 and are available through the church office or at the door.

Sunday November 22nd : Worship at 10 am. Stay after worship to enjoy a pot luck lunch (A-M brings sandwiches, veggie trays, crackers & cheese; N-Z brings cookies, squares, fruit trays) and to decorate the church for the Advent & Christmas season. Children & Jr Youth will make decorations in their programs for the church. As a lead-in to a Christmas outreach project that the children & youth are invited to support, a speaker from the youth shelter Our Place Peel will be a special guest at EMU Club, Jr. Youth & Teen Talk.

Saturday November 28th at 8:45 am: Strengthsfinder Event.

The festive season of Advent begins on Sunday November 29th.

Here's how you can participate:
Share in the gifts of Christmas in any of the following ways:
* donate warm outer clothing (new or clean & in good condition)
* contribute warm knitted items to the Mitten Tree
* sign up to provide food for Christmas dinner for households in need in the community
* and/or take a gift tag and purchase a gift

All items are to be brought to EMUC. For details about dates of collection, contact the church office or read details in the Communiqué newsletter.

Make time for an Advent Oasis
Over a cup of hot cider & some Christmas goodies, discover anew, the blessings of the Christmas message. Small group gatherings will include discussion, music, prayer/meditation & a relaxed atmosphere. Come and restore your spirit!

Option #1: Wednesdays: December, 2nd, 9th 7:30 - 9:00 pm
Option #2: Fridays: December, 4th, 11th 10 - 11:30 am.

Sign up to register or call the church office.

Special opportunities for children & youth during Advent & Christmas
EMUC marks each Sunday during the Advent season as well as the three Christmas Eve services with a brief candle lighting ceremony. The tradition at EMUC has been to have the young families of the congregation participate in this ceremony. New this year is the opportunity to add a figure to the crèche (something for the youngest!) If your family is interested in participating, please contact the EMUC office or sign up at the church.

Are you looking for a way to give back during the holiday season? Don't forget to select a gift tag from our tree. Items on the tags are needed to fill the Christmas hampers which are given to families in need in our community. This is a great way to teach your children about giving to others. Bring the gifts back to EMUC on December 13 as we celebrate White Gift Sunday.

Christmas Family Fun Night - Holiday Song and Show Night
During a time when the Festive Cheer is here, we invite all young families to bring the kids out for a night of fun, crafts, cartoons and son. Ho-ho-hope to see you all join in some childish fun! Fri. Dec. 11th, 6:45 to 9:00pm in the Lower Hall at EMUC. Free admission - donations welcome. Snacks, juice, coffee and tea provided. For more information please contact Robert Ford (905-820-4690 / email: robert@arfgmarketing.com) or the EMUC office (905-820-4966 / email:office@emuc.ca).

Junior Youth
The junior youth group is working on their annual Christmas play for the December 13th service. All kids in grades 6 to 8 are welcome. Practices are: November 29 and December 6 at 10:15 am.

Candlelight Carol Service
Join us for the Candlelight Carol Service on December 13 at 6:30 pm. Voices young and old will join in singing familiar carols.

Sing Out Loud
Sing Out Loud is a choir group for children from kindergarten to grade 8. They will be practicing each Sunday after service and will be offering their gift of music during various times during the Advent and Christmas season.

Christmas Eve Children's Pageant
Christmas is fast approaching and so is our annual children's Christmas Eve pageant! This exciting event is part of the 4:30 pm Christmas Eve service and there are both speaking and non-speaking parts available. You may want to play the part of Mary or be a cow in the stable ? all children are welcome and encouraged to be part of this special pageant. Practices will be held on Saturday Dec. 12th (speaking parts) and 19th (speaking and non-speaking parts) from 10 am to noon. A sign-up sheet will be at the back of the church for anyone interested in participating. For further information, contact Lauren Witterick (lauren.witterick@gmail.com or 905-826-9698) or Bonnie Turner (bonnie-turner@sympatico.ca).

High School Youth Christmas Drama
Practices for the Christmas drama at the 7 pm Christmas eve services are on Mondays at 7:30 pm. Contact Ian Blackport to join the drama team & for more information

EMUC Nursery
The nursery will be open and available for children under the age of 5 throughout the Advent and Christmas season. As always parents are welcome to stay with their children to help them feel comfortable.

Friday November 13, 2009
The Art of Creating Change

Last Sunday during worship, I showed a You Tube clip by Playing for Change: Peace Though Music; a global group of musicians. According to the information on their website playingforchange.com, Playing for Change is a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. The idea for this project arose from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. No matter whether people come from different geographic, political, economic, spiritual or ideological backgrounds, music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race.

In order to create their music, Playing for Change built an adaptable mobile recording studio that could be used in locations from Ireland to Ghana, Bethlehem to Cape Town. Their videos and CDs feature local musicians singing in their own languages and in many cases, playing instruments unique to their own culture.

In 2007, the group created the Playing for Change Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to give back to the communities and musicians who had shared their musical gifts in Playing for Change recordings.

Now, musicians from all over the world are brought together to perform benefit concerts that build music and art schools in communities that are in need of inspiration and hope.

The contributions of Playing for Change remind us that in addition to the important role of governments and other world leaders in working for peace and addressing the concerns of global climate change, poverty and health, we cannot leave out the vital role of musicians, artists and other more informal collectives who creatively draw attention to these global concerns. In working for justice, legislation is important and so is a change of heart - and more often than not, it is the work of artists, not politicians who move our hearts to change and take action.

As I write, actor Morgan Freeman is being interviewed on CBC radio. With funding from Freeman, high school youth in Charleston, Mississippi participated in their first integrated prom night. Oakville filmmaker, Paul Saltzman filmed the documentary Prom Night in Mississippi which opens in theatres today. Freeman and Saltzman are representative of the many artists and actors who using their craft not just to entertain us, but also to bring about a change of heart.

Here's the link to the clip War/No More Trouble shown last Sunday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgWFxFg7-GU&feature=fvst

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United
The November Communique is now online - connect at http://www.emuc.ca/News/112009Communique.pdf.

Friday -tonight at 8 pm: It's not to late to join a group from EMUC (about 24 so far) who are attending a special service at Solel Synagogue to commemorate 'Kristalnacht' (the night of broken glass). Arnold Friedman, a Holocaust survivor will speak and members of the Holocaust Centre of Toronto & representatives from the Centre for Diversity & Culture will be in attendance. Solel Synagogue is at 2399 Folkway Dr. (close to Erin Mills Pkwy on the north west side)

Sunday at 10 am: Worship service & programs for children & youth. Sing Out Loud children's choir practice after worship.

Friday Nov 20, at 6:45 pm: EMUC Family Fun Night of skating at Erin Mills Twin Arena.
All are invited.

Saturday at 7:30 pm: Amadeus Concert at EMUC featuring Christmas music - traditional and contemporary. Tickets are $30 and are available through the church office. Reserve yours by responding to the office.

Sunday November 22nd : Stay after worship to enjoy a pot luck lunch (A-M brings sandwiches, veggie trays, crackers & cheese; N-Z brings cookies, squares, fruit trays) and to decorate the church for the Advent & Christmas season.

Erin Mills United Church - Friday November 6, 2009

Erin Mills United Church - Friday October 23, 2009
350 A Global Movement!
What do Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Bianca Jagger, international human rights activist; Dr. James Hansen, head of the NASA Institute for Space Studies; Dr. David Suzuki, Canadian scientist & environmentalist; Vandana Shiva of India, and world-renowned environmental leader; Will Steger, renowned polar explorer; and Liz Thompson, environmental leader in the Barbados all have in common? They along with 21 other leaders around the globe have given their voice and support for 350.org and its mission to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis.

As I've mentioned in a previous Friday message, the reason for the number 350 is to draw attention to 350 parts per million - the level scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere. Currently the level is at 387!

Tomorrow, over 4,000 events are planned in over 170 countries for 350.org's International Day of Climate action. This is the single most widespread day of political action that the earth has ever seen.

As the day unfolds across the globe on Saturday, images from these global 350 actions will be displayed on the video screens of Times Square in New York City and then presented to UN delegates and climate negotiators in Copenhagen December 7-18th.

Here are just a few highlights from events planned around the world:

In perhaps the world's largest collaborative art project, people from different nations will form giant 3, 5, and 0 puzzle pieces to draw attention to the climate crisis. As the day starts in the East, large 3's will be formed at the Sydney Opera House in Australia and the Great Wall in China. Giant 5's will be formed in Delhi and London. And large 0's will be formed in Quito, Washington DC and Copenhagen (site of the UN Climate Conference in December).

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 10,000 schoolchildren will participate in a mass fun run and tree planting.
In Philadelphia, at the site of the Liberty Bell, bells will be rung 350 times.
In St. Kitts and Nevis, the Caribbean Youth Environmental Network will stage a round-the-island relay race.
In Budapest, more than 350 bathers will have a soak in the famous Szechenyi Baths.
In the Maldives, hundreds of divers will perform a 24 hour underwater 350 formation relay.
In India after a day of tree planting, hundreds of school children dressed in the colours of their national flag will form a human 350 chain on the sand flats of the disappearing Yamuna River, directly beneath the Taj Mahal.

Concerned Palestinians, Jordanians, and Israelis will put aside political differences and gather on the shores of the Dead Sea to draw attention to this shrinking body of water.

In one of the first political demonstrations in Antarctica, scientists at the McMurdo Station will rally on the melting sea ice.

In Ottawa, people will gather on Parliament Hill at 2 pm to 'Fill the Hill'. Speakers, music, dancing and more will draw attention to the need for climate action.

If you are looking to be part of the action closer to home, there will be a 350 rally at Queen's Park, Toronto at 2 pm.

In Oakville there will be a tree planting at Aspen Forest Park (10 am - 12 noon) and Whole Foods Market is inviting folk over to the store for a 350 cake after the tree planting.

Erin Mills United Church is hosting a 350 event this Sunday beginning with worship at 10 am. The day will include a special visit from Angela Watts of the Peel Region. We'll see some photos of 350 actions around the world, hear from those who attended the rally at Queen's Park, 'leaf' a tree with 350 acts of 'green' and ring the church bell 350 times! You are invited to take part and add your voice to the global call for climate action now!

For more information on this International Day of Climate Action go to www.350.org

Peace, Kathy Toivanen

This Week At Erin Mills United Church
Saturday at 6:00 pm Fall Dinner & Auction - see separate email for list of items.

Sunday at 10 am EMUC lifts up the Day of Climate Action with the worship theme of 'Creating a Climate for Building Hope'. Come and hear guest Angela Watts, add your act of 'green' to the tree, and join in as we count 350 rings on the church bell!

Sunday at 6 pm Banquet for those being confirmed along with their families and sponsors

Friday October 16, 2009
Busy, Busy Busy
'I'm sooooo busy.' That seems to be the typical response to the question, 'How are you?' And it shows; it shows on our tired faces; it shows in our distracted actions. Why we can't even be present to each other anymore without interrupting a conversation to respond to a call or a text message, or to check our blackberry. In my household of only three people, due to our hectic and conflicting schedules, we only found time to sit down at the dinner table together once in the space of these past 7 days! Instead of face to face conversations, we've taken to leaving notes for each other on the breakfast counter or sending a quick email.

And our busy life, like your busy life isn't busy with unnecessary activity. We are busy with many good things: meaningful work, opportunities to learn, contributions to the larger community, visits with extended family members, physical exercise, connecting with friends.

And yet, when do we pause to rest, to take time to reflect, to check our direction and reevaluate our priorities? When do we get off the treadmill or turn off the blackberry? As I was driving from a day-long meeting in Toronto on my way to an evening program at EMUC, I could feel my stress level rising knowing that with the slow traffic, I would be rushing around trying to get ready for the evening's activities. And so it was timely to listen to Barbara Killinger, a clinical psychologist who writes extensively on workaholism , as she was interviewed on CBC radio.

With more and more airlines offering WiFi in flight, passengers are cramming more work into their travel time. Barbara is seeing more clients with increasing and dangerous levels of stress leading to serious health consequences such as hypertension, stroke, heart attacks, a host of mental health ailments, not to mention breakdowns in relationships with family and loved ones.

According to the Judeo-Christian stories of creation, God builds in a day of rest for all that God creates - the land, birds, fish, animals, people and yes, even for the Creator! This day of rest and refreshment is called 'sabbath'. As a concept the sabbath is a noble ideal, a great hope and marvelous vision for how life could be lived but how do we actually get there?

Wayne Muller's book Sabbath, offers some helpful steps for gradually beginning to add moments of pause, rest and reflection into our daily lives. He draws on practices of a variety of faiths as well as our own Judeo-Christian roots.

One practice comes from the Buddhist community. One of the monks in the community periodically rings a 'Mindfulness Bell'. Upon hearing the bell, everyone stops, and takes three silent, mindful breaths. Then they are free to continue their work, awakened ever so slightly by the Sabbath pause of mindfulness. We can choose anything to stop us like this - the telephone ringing, a stoplight when we are driving, whenever our hand touches a doorknob, before we eat or drink. Choose one common act during your day to serve as a Sabbath pause. Whenever this arises - whenever you touch a doorknob or hear the telephone - simply stop, take three silent, mindful breaths, and then go through the door or answer the phone. See how it changes you to take these tiny Sabbath moments every day.

If you are reading this article on line, why not take a few sabbath moments right now to watch this video by Rob Bell called 'Shells'. You can find it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KJ4p_mfi18

Perhaps by taking these 10 minutes, you may be moved to pause even longer to reflect on what the Spirit is calling you to say 'yes' to in life.

Peace, K. Toivanen

This Week At Erin Mills United Church
Tonight - Friday at 6:45 pm Another fantastic family fun night of games, prizes, food and connecting. This program for younger households is free. Bring your friends. (note: children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/caregiver).

Sunday at 10 am Worship & programs for children & youth. Theme: "Creating a Life-Giving Climate"

Wednesday at 7:30 pm Green Team - come out and be part of caring for God's creation.

Saturday at 6:30 pm Fall Dinner & Silent Auction. Purchase your tickets for $20/person from the office or after worship on Sunday. Auction donations are accepted during the week.

Friday, October 9, 2009
Thanksgiving
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, may our gratitude to God be expressed: in the feast we share with friends and family around our many tables, in the food we generously give to foodbanks, in our advocacy for those who are hungry, in our respect for the land and in the honouring of the many hands that grow and prepare our food.

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

Thanksgiving Message, the Moderator of the United Church of Canada
At the General Council meeting of the United Church of Canada in August, Mardi Tindal was elected the new moderator of the United Church; a position she will hold for three years. A few days ago, Mardi communicated this Thanksgiving message.

A few years ago, my southern Ontario congregation decided to host a regular Sunday supper for anyone who needed it. My husband and I became team leaders and spent every third weekend from November to April shopping, cooking, and serving a meal for as many as 120 people.

After a couple of years, we and other volunteers began to feel the strain of this commitment. In fact, the coordinator even wondered if we might have to end the dinner, though it filled a critical need during the cold winter months.

But in this moment of apparent scarcity, we experienced unexpected abundance. Members of the Muslim community, with whom our congregation has a lively relationship, heard about our concerns and asked if they could take care of one Sunday a month. We gratefully accepted. Soon, the Seventh-day Adventist congregation with whom our church shares its building offered to coordinate another Sunday. The Sikh community also got involved, and other community members continued to give leadership.

The weekly supper is now entering its fifth season as an energetic intercultural and interfaith venture. Kitchen and guests have been introduced to menus from around the world. To me, it is an example of the abundance that can be found in community if only we open ourselves up to the possibilities. As many Canadians gather this weekend with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, it offers a powerful message of hope in a society that often tends to see what is not there, rather than what is there, and what might be.

The story of our church supper reveals a truth, and a paradox, described by Parker J. Palmer, founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal in Washington state. Palmer points out that when we think something is scarce, we tend to act in ways that increase scarcity. We fear food shortages so we hoard, decreasing the supply. We fear rejection so we withdraw affection, diminishing relationship.

But when we act as if we believe in the abundance of what appears to be scarce, we create conditions that help generate abundance. When we do this in community, the power that arises from our common action is almost unbelievable.

This isn't magic, and it's not just 'Pollyanna.' And please don't confuse it with the notion that abiding by religious beliefs is the route to being rewarded with stuff, or the damaging idea that our ambitions can be limitless. To the contrary, one of our greatest challenges is recognizing the natural limits of the earth and living within these limits for the sake of life itself.

Rather, it is an invitation to imagine what it would mean to trust in the supply of whatever seems scarce in our lives today. It is an invitation to courage.

Each of us has fears, and many people from marketers to political leaders try to capitalize on them. When election posturing heats up, for example, I'm struck by how political leaders tend to wield fear like a weapon: 'You must support us, or there will be [name your fear]: scarcity of economic prosperity; scarcity of physical safety; scarcity of healthy food, clean air, and water.'

We need courage to resist such manipulation, and we should demand it of our leaders.

The degree to which there will be enough food, shelter, and ecological resilience is the degree to which we trust that these are shared desires and that the rest of our extended community, those in other political parties, cultural groups, faith communities, and families will work with us to bring them about. Why would we assume otherwise? Why assume that others don't want good things for their children, or that they aren't prepared to work as hard toward these goals as we are?

Over the past few years, living in my small southern Ontario city, I've grown accustomed to meeting friends and neighbours everywhere I go. But, after a recent move to Toronto, I'm tempted to perceive manifold scarcities when I go out into a sea of strange faces scarcity of friends, scarcity of comfort, scarcity of trust. It takes courage to perceive these unknown multitudes as potential friends on a common journey.

One recent evening, my husband and I took a stroll in our new neighbourhood. We noticed a nearby church and decided to take a look inside. The back door was open. We came upon a few activities going on here and there as we wandered through the large structure. People glanced at us, complete strangers to them, but no one asked us who we were or what we were doing. Smiles and words of greeting were all that were offered.

In the face of such abundant trust, we think we may have found a place to belong, a place to bring food to a table where everyone is welcome and where we trust that we, too, will be fed. A table of Thanksgiving. - Mardi Tindal, Moderator, The United Church of Canada

This Week at Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am: Thanksgiving worship service for all ages. Theme: 'Creating a Climate for Growing Gratitude' Remember the Fall Food Drive for the foodbanks. EMUC collects food for the Deacon's Cupboard and other Mississauga Foodbanks. Special Thank offerings will be received.

Tuesday October 13th at 7 pm: Planning for Advent & Christmas season. Come out and share with others your creative ideas for the season - music, worship, drama, food & fun, outreach, and special events.

Wednesday October 14th at 7:30 pm: A viewing of the documentary film, 'Home' produced by Yann Arthus Bertrand. The film builds on the message from Al Gore's film, 'Inconvenient Truth'. Refreshments and discussion will follow the viewing of the movie. No charge, but please RSVP to the church office.

Friday October 16th at 6:45 pm: EMUC family fun night includes a unique version of Family Feud &, Wheel of Fortune, Snacks, prizes and lots of fun for everyone. This new monthly activity night for younger households was a big success in September.

Future Dates:
Saturday October 24th at 6:30 pm: EMUC's Fall Dinner & Silent Auction
Tickets are $20/person, available through the church office. Donations for silent auction can be received by calling the office or dropping by the church.

The October edition of the EMUC Communiqué is now available online at www.emuc.ca or
http://www.emuc.caNews/102009Communique.pdf

Friday October 2, 2009
Extending the Feast
The grocery store flyers are featuring golden brown turkeys and pumpkin pies.

Roadside farm stands and markets are brimming with apples and squash, potatoes, cabbages and other recently harvested crops. With the arrival of October, and in anticipation of Thanksgiving, we enter into a glorious season of feasting off the bounty of the land.

Like many churches, EMUC enjoys eating together. Whether it's a fall dinner (reserve October 24th for this year's dinner) or potluck lunch, gathering around food is something we celebrate. And we enjoy growing and preparing food too. This past summer, along with many home gardens, most of the plots in the Erin Mills Community garden were overflowing with beans and tomatoes, squash and lettuce, peppers and zucchini. A number of EMUC folk came together over the summer to pick seasonal fruit and preserve it. A few weeks ago, on a retreat, the Confirmation class learned how to make their own bread. When they tasted the warm bread, kneaded and shaped by their own hands, their delight and pride was evident!

Food nourishes us and connects us in so many ways. And so it isn't surprising that the sharing of meal is a central religious activity of so many faith groups; the Feast of Passover for Jews, Eid for Muslims, Krishná Jayanti for Hindus, Wesak for the Buddhists, and The Lord's Supper (Communion, Eucharist) for Christians.

This Sunday, Christians around the world gather in a global feast in the celebration of World Wide Communion. Given the diversity of our churches because of region or denominations the breads that we break and eat will be varied and the fruit of the vine that we drink may be either wine or grape juice. We are, however, united in remembering that Jesus is the host of the feast; we are united in remembering that Jesus fed the hungry crowds, he shared a meal with the outcasts of his society, and he said to his disciples, ˜You give them something to eat."

In our remembering, we are called to extend the feast beyond the circle of those who gather at the communion table on Sunday. Here are some suggestions for extending the feast:

1. Donate the equivalent of a week's worth of groceries in non-perishable food to your local foodbank (or make a cash donation). EMUC receives donations of food and will contribute cash donations to the Deacon's Cupboard.
2. Volunteer your time at the Deacon's Cupboard or Springfield Breakfast Club (inquire through the EMUC office)
3. Make a financial contribution to a humanitarian organization that is seeking to feed the hungry not just through emergency measures but through long-term justice work so that people can feed themselves: Oxfam, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, The United Church of Canada Mission & Service Fund are a few examples
4. Purchase FairTrade foods that are grown sustainably and ensure that those who grow and produce the food receive a fair wage (EMUC takes orders for FairTrade coffee, tea, chocolate, and sugar)
5. Get to know where your food comes from and support local farmers. When food is cheap ask yourself, what might this cheap food be costing someone else? For further study you may wish to read, Cheap by Ellen Ruppel Shell.
6. Learn more about how global climate change impacts farming & food production because of increased drought, flooding, or the loss of habitat of food sources.  KAIROS, has information at www.kairoscanada.org/en/ecojustice/climate-change/kairos-week-of-action/
7. Pray this prayer: God who connects us all, make us hungry for justice and a fuller life in you. (From Fast for Change, 7 Days of Food for the Soul, Canadian Foodgrains Bank)

Saturday October 24th at 6:30 pm   EMUC's Fall Dinner and Silent Auction. Tickets are $20/person, available through the church office. Donations for silent auction can be received by calling the office or dropping by the church.

Friday September 25, 2009
Everyone is doing it!
People are writing songs about it; making movies about it, writing books, blogs, letters and twittering about it, they are staging demonstrations and holding public forums about it, walking and riding bikes to draw attention to it, signing and sending petitions about it, turning off lights and power about it and making phone calls to talk about it!

The it is action on global climate change. A huge global movement has been unleashed to wake up world leaders to take action on the climate change crisis. It's a movement that includes a diverse group; grandparents and teenagers, toddlers and young adults, religious groups and environmental organizations, writers and actors, politicians and scientists, health care providers and business people, communities in North America and folks in countries like India and Bolivia.

The gift of this global movement is the creative and compelling ways that diverse groups and individuals are drawing attention to the global climate change crisis.

On Monday, September 21st, in 134 countries, 2632 events were staged in the TCKTCKTCK campaign as people participated in a global wake up call.

People were mobilized by Avaaz.org, a global web movement with a simple democratic mission: to close the gap between the world we have, and the world most people everywhere want. Avaaz means Voice in many Asian, Middle Eastern and Eastern European languages. Protection of the environment, greater respect for human rights, and concerted efforts to end poverty, corruption and war are part of the mission of Avaaz.

On Monday, tens of thousands of phone calls were sent to government leaders around the world calling for action on the global climate change crisis.

To watch a video of some of Monday's action, go to http://www.avaaz.org/en/sept21_hub/

Another creative day of action is scheduled for October 24th, The International Day of Climate Action. Groups like KAIROS and 350.org are encouraging individuals and organizations to plan for creative actions that draw attention to the number 350; the most important number in the world. It's what scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Two years ago, after leading climatologists observed rapid ice melt in the Arctic and other frightening signs of climate change, they issued a series of studies showing that the planet faced both human and natural disaster if atmospheric concentrations of CO2 remained above 350 parts per million.

EMUC will host a Day of Climate action on October 24th with activities and actions that will draw attention to 350. Go to the 350.org website so see what some of the creative actions have been to date.

And during the entire month of October, EMUC will lift up the theme, Creating a Life-Giving Climate. In worship, group study and action, through film and the arts, in stories shared by those here at home and those around the world, and in personal reflection and action, you will have the opportunity to join this global movement to create a life-giving climate.

Watch for updates in the Friday email message, the October Communiqué Newsletter, the EMUC website and regular announcements at EMUC.

Just to help you plan your calendars, here are some scheduled events:
1. Worship with EMUC on Sundays at 10 am in October
Worship services each week will focus on the theme: Creating a Life-Giving Climate. Hear inspirational stories of challenge and hope from our own community and from the global community. Each week resources for information and taking action will be available.

2. October 14th 7:30 pm at EMUC
A viewing of the documentary film, Home produced by Yann Arthus Bertrand. The film is full of beautiful aerial shots of the earth, and builds on the message from Al Gores film, Inconvenient Truth. Refreshments and discussion will follow the viewing of the movie.

3. October 17th, Growing Grass Roots Justice. a KAIROS event
9:15 am - 2:15 pm at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church,
210 Silvercreek Parkway North, Guelph, ON
The event will focus on justice issues including climate change. Christina Ora, a 17 year old from the Solomon Islands, will speak on the impact of climate change on her homeland.

4. October 24th International Day of Climate Action
EMUC will host an event for all ages in the afternoon.
Details will follow shortly.

Other Erin Mills United Church Events:

On October 24th a Dinner and Silent Auction will be held at EMUC. Tickets are available from Sue Ogilvie, Barb Jennings or the church office at $20 per person. Donations of services and items for the auction are still being received. Please add your donation to the donation sign-up sheet on the bulletin in the Narthex. The information required is: your name and telephone number, the service or donation and the $ value. Please call Barbara at 905-607-1626 if you have questions.

November 21 Amadeus Choir. Tickets will be available in October. Mark your calendar.

Friday September 18, 2009

Dance Partners

Over the summer I had the delightful privilege of taking part (either as a guest or in a leadership capacity) in a couple of weddings. In the receptions after the marriage service, I noted a few things about the dancing that followed the dinner. People danced in groups and young and old danced together! It was great to see 20-somethings moving about with 70-somethings, and young children urging their grands and great-grands on to the dance floor. What a far cry from the high school dances and the wedding receptions of my generation when those without a date were usually relegated to the sidelines to watch the couples move about the dance floor.

I like to think of such a dance floor as a metaphor for the church. In a faith community, such as EMUC, we have wonderful opportunities to partner with and join the dance of life with such an eclectic and diverse group of people; people that we might never connect with and befriend if it werent for the common faith that draws us together.

After serving as your minister at EMUC all these years, I celebrate the friendships that I have seen develop and thrive over the years; friendships that cross generations and ethnic and racial heritages; friendships that don't depend on a common educational, vocational or economic status. It's wonderful to witness how these friendships have not only enriched the lives of individuals, but also the life of the community by collectively encouraging and strengthening us to be creative and resourceful in offering our gifts and talents in expressing the love of Jesus Christ.

In his teachings, Jesus reminds us that when it comes to dance partners, God often chooses to partner with the unpopular ones, the ones who are most uncertain of the dance steps, the ones who have known the pain of rejection, the ones without a lot of experience or status in this world.

And when Jesus' disciples argued and vied for top spot on God's dance card, Jesus directed their attention to a child - someone with limited experience, status and power. And Jesus said to them, when you welcome and partner with one such as these, then you will welcome me and then you will truly know what it means to partner with me in the dance of life. Jesus' words are a reminder to look around and see who is lingering on the sidelines of our communities; who is forgotten, neglected, overlooked? Whom might we stretch out our hand to and invite into the open dance circle?

Each week you are invited to participate in the dance at EMUC as you build new and unconventional partnerships that the cross barriers and boundaries that limit so much of the life that God holds out to us. You are invited to join a spirit-filled dance where no one is left on the side-lines and where people of all shapes, ages, sizes and backgrounds move to the rhythm of Christ's love.

in peace, K. Toivanen

This Week at EMUC
Tonight - Friday evening Family Movie Night open to the public but all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The fun begins at 6:45 pm and concludes at 9 pm.

Sunday at 10 am: Worship & learning programs for children and youth.

Wednesday at 2 pm: The Circle of Friends Women's group hosts a tea/coffee party in support of the Alzheimer Society. All are welcome.

Saturday September 26th at 8:30 am: Depart from EMUC for a visit to Curve Lake First Nations Community. Visit includes a meeting with the chief, lunch in the community and a trip to Whetung Art Gallery. To ensure a lunch and a ride, please register by Sunday at the latest.

Friday, September 11th, 2009
Religious Education in Changing Times

With the return of students this week to public institutions of learning, many Christian churches and other religions also begin a new season of religious education. At EMUC, Christian education programs with children and youth begin again this Sunday at 10 am.

In the 60's when I attended Sunday School, religious education, at least in mainline Protestant denominations followed a fairly consistent pattern. In my experience, the pattern included:

* the singing of a children's hymn (Jesus Loves Me, and When Mothers of Salem spring quickly to my mind)
* the reciting of memory verses (how well I remember the agony of Saturday night as under the watchful eye of my mother, I recited my assigned scripture verses over and over)
* passing around the offering plate and listening to the dimes or quarters clunk on the felt pad
* reciting a prayer line by line after the teacher
* listening to a Bible story or a story from one of the mission leaflets
* answering some questions related to the story and learning the moral lesson for the week
* doing a craft
* going home with my Sunday School leaflet and the assigned memory verse for next week

Religious education on Sunday also meant dressing in appropriate attire - as a girl I always wore a dress, Sunday shoes (patent leather was a favourite), white gloves, and sometimes a hat (never one to like something on my head, I managed to get out of wearing one most Sundays!) Boys often wore gray flannel pants or shorts and a white shirt with a tie or bow tie. A cardigan or a suit jacket completed their outfit.

In some of the larger United Churches with a history going back to the 50s and 60s you will often see photos of Sunday School classes of well over 100 children all dressed up in their Sunday best.

How that snapshot has changed in churches and faith communities today! The attire has certainly changed, not only for children but for youth and adults as well. And so have the numbers - in my childhood, there was no competing activity scheduled on a Sunday morning. Now with sports, shopping, and other community events, Sunday worship and Sunday School is not the only choice in town. Regular weekly attendance at churches on Sunday is a thing of the past.

Mainline denominations like the United Church of Canada are asking the questions, How do we do religious education in the 21st century? What do congregations need to offer to support the faith formation of children, youth and adults? How do we learn about who we are and whose we are? How do we grow into mature Christians?

In October, I've been invited to attend a symposium of United Church of Canada educators 'to consider recent research regarding ministry with children and to reflect on how what we say we believe about the importance of children is actually or can actually be practiced throughout the church.'

In the meantime, this Sunday, we'll start to explore what we mean by 'religious education' and 'spiritual growth'. Are they different? Do they overlap? Is one passé and the other the way to go? Let's begin the discussion.

Peace, Kathy Toivanen.

This Week at Erin Mills United Church

Sunday at 10 am: Nursery Care for infants and preschoolers; EMU Club for children in Gr. 1 - 5; Junior Youth for children in Gr. 6-8; Teentalk for high school youth; worship with music by the Chancel Choir and Encore (youth choir); the celebration of the sacrament of communion.

Friday at 6:30 pm: Family Movie & Activity Night. Join other EMUC families & their friends for a social evening of refreshments, games, movies (family rated) and a chance to get to know each other. Plan to attend these regular family nights every 3rd Friday of the month. Contacts: R. Ford & N. Sweetnam.

Friday at 5 pm: The Youth Confirmation group departs to Kincardine for a weekend retreat.

The September newsletter is online at:

http://emuc.ca/News/092009Communique.pdf.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Worship & Work

For many of us the long Labour Day weekend marks the end of the summer; the end of relaxed or carefree routines; the end of leisure time. On Tuesday morning the alarm clocks will go off early. Commuter traffic will be inching forward on the highways, school buses will be out in full force and cars will be lining up in the 'drop off' zones of school and transit parking lots.

Labour Day also marks a beginning. Some of you receiving this email are newly retired this fall. Before you lies unexplored territory which can be both liberating and a bit daunting. Take time simply to be and to breathe deeply before filling up your calendar with activities and agendas. Savor the gift of this sabbath time; take time to reflect; renew relationships that may have suffered with a full work schedule; restore the sacred balance in your living.

Some of you are beginning new work and new learnings this month. One parent spoke to me this week about the excitement of her child who will be starting grade one at a new school on Tuesday. All week, her child has been eagerly planning the 'menu' that will go in his lunch bag the first day - will it be oatmeal or chocolate chip cookies? Will he have made new friends by lunch time? Some of you are traveling far and wide to pursue new educational opportunities in BC or Nova Scotia or at any one of the post secondary institutions here in Ontario. Your departure will create new configurations in your family context back home. Others of you have graduated from educational institutions and will be starting your first full-time job. Whatever your age and stage, don't forget the eagerness of that first grader as you begin this new chapter in your life. You have a marvelous opportunity to discover and learn so much about yourself: your gifts and your talents, your strengths and yes, even your weaknesses as you open yourself to ways that you can join others to serve our God-given communities and world.

Of course, many of us are returning to familiar routines of working or learning in the same contexts where we may find it a challenge to remain inspired, challenged and motivated. Sometimes work is toxic and life-draining; sometimes learning experiences are dull or even painful.

The EMUC community includes folks whose experience of work and learning reflects all these many variations and more. After a summer where many of us have been away from the usual connections with the congregation, we draw together this September to celebrate with and to support one another in all that we face. We gather to be reminded of the Psalm writer who declares that God's works are to be praised and that the act of praising God in our learning and being and doing is really what our life's work is to be about.

Next week, the September issue of the Communiqué Newsletter will be posted on line and available at the church. Be sure to take time to tune in to the opportunities to be part of worshipping, learning, and working together as a faith community that our collective work may praise the God who 'works in us and others by the Spirit'.

Here some words of wisdom for all your labours, whatever they may be in the weeks ahead.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God's work?We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that 'We are the workers, not the master builders, ministers not messiahs' (excerpts from a prayer attributed to Oscar Romero)

Peace, K. Toivanen

This Week At Erin Mills United Church
Sunday at 10 am Worship service; Theme: Economic Realities

Thursday at 7 pm Chancel Choir Practice - those interested in joining the choir are most welcome

Friday Communiqué Newsletter will be available