LIFE AND WORK OF EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH

MARCH 2017

April Issue Submission Deadline: Monday, March 20, 2017

WELCOME TO EMMANUEL UNITED CHURCH

Where the church is the body of Christ with each member having unique gifts to share and a ministry to offer. We invite you to come and visit, to worship, to join in our fellowship, to participate in our many activities, and to enrich your faith. For information on any of our church activities, please call 613-733-0437 or email office@emmanuelunited.ca or go to our website at www.emmanuelunited.ca

No Scents Makes Good Sense Emmanuel United Church provides a scent-free

environment. Please avoid wearing or using scented products as some individuals have environmental

sensitivities. Note: The online version of the Packet has the

personal phone numbers and email addresses of Emmanuel members removed. Contact the

office (613-733-0437) for further information.

Telephone: 613-733-0437 Fax: 613-733-0125

Website: www.emmanuelunited.ca

Sunday Worship at 10:00 AM

Church Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm (closed 12:30-1:00pm for lunch) Friday 9:00am – 1:00pm Christine: Monday – Wednesday Catherine: Tuesday-Thursday

Minister Rev. Dr. Christine Johnson minister@emmanuelunited.ca Christian Education Minister Rev. Catherine Gutjahr youth@emmanuelunited.ca Office Administrator: Pat Harris office@emmanuelunited.ca Leader of Music Ministry Theresa Clarke music@emmanuelunited.ca Webmaster: Will Selkirk webmaster@emmanuelunited.ca Assistant-Webmaster Russ Pastuch assistant.webmaster@emmanuelunited.ca Envelope Secretary: Keith Jeacle envelope.secretary@emmanuelunited.ca Newsletter Editor: Bob Armstrong newsletter@emmanuelunited.ca Volunteer Associate Minister: Stewart Hewlett vam@emmanuelunited.ca

AFFIRMING TASK GROUP As we prepare to vote on Emmanuel United Church becoming an Affirming congregation, the Affirm Task Group has put together some materials which might be useful. The February Life and Work packet had information regarding some frequently asked questions about Affirm United and the Affirming process. A complete letter to the congregants and adherents is available on line and as hard copies in the narthex. Background Information: Emmanuel United Church began the Affirming process in September, 2015, in response to several members who thought it time to join other United Churches within the Ottawa Presbytery (an Affirming Presbytery), who had declared themselves as Affirming congregations. Affirm Task Group reports have been included at all Emmanuel Council meetings since then. A congregational meeting has been called for Sunday, March 12, 2017 to vote on a proposal from the Affirm Task Group requesting that Emmanuel United Church become an Affirming Ministry. The meeting will take place immediately following a shortened worship service in the sanctuary. What Emmanuel United has done prior to an Affirming Vote: Several educational activities have taken place as we learned more about the struggles of LGBTQ+ people, and how churches have traditionally marginalized them. Some highlights of Affirming activities over the past 2 ½ years at Emmanuel are:

- Responsive reading of the weekly Welcoming statement which includes a welcome to “people of all sexual orientations”

- Attendance at a workshop in Peterborough by two of the EUC Affirm Task Group

- Emmanuel’s Council generated 26 questions to reflect on - Discussions at EUC committees and groups using some of

the Council-generated questions - Sermons regarding inclusivity as inspired by Jesus, with

express response following the 2016 Orlando killings - Topical storybooks read for Children’s Time during

Worship services - Information and updates in all EUC monthly Life and

Work packets - EUC newsletter articles - EUC website posts with LGBTQ+ information - Bulletin board displays - Library books purchased on the recommendation of the

Task Group - Safe Spaces weekend workshop, attended by 35 people,

funded by the EUC Council - Sunday School rainbow painted banners to welcome Safe

Spaces presenters - TGIW presentation by guest Rev. Jenni Leslie regarding

discrimination as an ordained lesbian minister - Attendance at the Ottawa Gay Pride Parade in 2015 and

2016 - Attendance at Affirm United's 2016 annual conference &

AGM - Affirming Worship service, January 2017, including

testimonies of LGBTQ+ perspectives - January 2017 Affirming lunch with questions, surveys and

discussions in small groups

As always, we welcome any questions or comments, and are available to discuss any of this with you. Thanks for your participation!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY This year, there is a nursery and class for the youngest children, a class for children aged 4 through Grade 3, a class for children in Grade 4 through 7, and a class for those in Grade 8 and above.

Youth at Emmanuel are an integral part of our faith community. There are times to serve, times to learn and times just for fun. You can come to one thing or everything. If there is a fee and it is a challenge for you, we can help support that opportunity. All are welcome!

Emmanuel at the Ottawa Mission Volunteering at The Ottawa Mission is your chance to make a difference in your community. On the third Sunday of each

month, from September to May, Emmanuel youth will help prepare meals at the Mission. Forms are available on the youth board. For more information, please see Mary Turnbull or Catherine Gutjahr. Youth will be at the Mission on March 19.

JAM JAM is for young people in high school, post-secondary school and beyond at Emmanuel. It is an opportunity to explore Christian contemporary music and secular music with a spiritual or social message. If you are interested in joining JAM this year, please talk to Jim Lamb.

OYP brings together youth from across the province to build friendships, debate current issues, and explore their spirituality.

Congratulations to Emily Sams, elected Premier for the 2018 Ontario Youth Parliament.

CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT Family Night - Friday March 24 5-7 pm Come explore a Lenten theme. Join us for a meal, craft and games and a short family worship. Emmanuel United Church Book Club

The Book Club will meet on Monday, March 13 in the Lounge. We meet for refreshments at 7pm followed by a discussion of The Summer Before the War by Heather Simonson.

Emmanuel's Summer Food Sovereignty Program - We are looking for two students to work at Emmanuel from May through August 2017 to plant and maintain our garden, provide gardening programs for our youth and education on local food and food sovereignty issues to the entire congregation. Please see Catherine Gutjahr for more information.

Camp Awesome is an awesome opportunity to make crafts, sing, dance, play and learn our faith stories. Emmanuel will host Camp Awesome from July 4 - 7, 2017. Friends, neighbours, grandchildren

– everyone aged 4 - 12 years old is welcome. The camp runs from 9:30 am until 4 pm for the four days. Pre and post camp care from 8:15 am until 5:30pm will also be available each day. Registration forms are available on the Youth Board outside Catherine's office. Youth entering grade 7 and 8 are invited to continue to attend Camp Awesome and learn leadership skills. Applications for the Emmanuel Junior Leader in Training program are available on the youth board. For more information see Catherine Gutjahr. Canoe Camp 2016 - A canoe camp for youth entering Grade 4 - 9 will be held from July 10 - July 13. Youth will prepare for the trip on Monday July 10. We will canoe to our site on Lac LaPeche on Tuesday, camp two nights and return to Emmanuel on Thursday afternoon. Registration forms are available on the youth board and online. See Val Lines for more information. Family Camp 2017 - Mark it on your calendars! Everyone is invited to Camp Misquah (formerly Camp Bitobi) on the weekend of August 25 through August 27. Camp Misquah is located near Gracefield, Que on Lake Bitobi and has a beach, cabins with electricity and a large main hall. For more information see Val Lines. The Thursday Morning Discussion Group (affectionately known as Heretics to honour our lively and open discussions) meets 9:30 to 11:00am weekly. Currently we are discussing a book by Brian McLaren called the The Great Spiritual Migration. We welcome new people. If you have questions call Marg Armstrong or just drop by any Thursday.

Rendezvous 2017 - Being held at Concordia University in Montreal, August 16-19. A United Church of Canada conference for youth and young adults from across Canada. There will be interesting speakers, workshops and more! If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about this event, please see Christine Hywarren or Catherine Gutjahr.

Emmanuel's Tuesday afternoon Coffee & Conversation folks meet at Three Sisters Bakeshop (2211 Arch St) from 2:00-3:00. All are welcome to join in for camaraderie (... without an agenda!)

Bridge – meets on Wednesdays from 1:00pm-3:30pm in the C.E. Hall. Teleos – will meet on March 29 at 7:00pm in Room 24. Anne Squire has written a little memoire called “Colours of My Life” organizing stories of her life around colour, illustrated by her daughter. She ran out of copies so Teleos and the office are taking orders for coloured photocopies. The cost is $10 in advance and will be a fundraiser for an Emmanuel fund of Anne’s choosing. Call the office to order (613-733-0437). Zatoun olive oil is available at Emmanuel. If you wish to buy Palestinian Zatoun Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, please contact Ross White or watch for it from time to time on Sunday mornings in the C.E. Hall.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES & GROUPS

Campbell Soup Labels We have recently found out that after 19 years in Canada and 42 years in the U.S. that Campbell's is no longer running the Labels for Education program.

Men’s Club Breakfast – Saturday, March 11 at 8:15am, Perkins Restaurant (corner of Coventry and Ogilvy Road). All men are welcome. Monday Night Christian Meditation Group – The meetings are Monday evening from 6:30-7:30 pm. For further information contact Bill Meek. Active Artists – Room 9/10, Wednesdays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Drop-in style. Water colours, acrylics and oils on board. New members welcome. BYOL (Bring your own lunch). For more information, call the church office at 613-733-0437 or Shirley.

Lunch Out

Come and join us for a fellowship meal in the Christian Education Hall on Wednesday, April 5th at 12 noon. This is an event to which all are invited. Following the meal, Bill Meek will

lead us on a tour of the Yukon via his pictures and talk. We do ask that you sign the list in the narthex before Monday noon, April 3rd to indicate you plan to attend. We need to know how many to prepare food for.

Used Stamps - Emmanuel collects used stamps, which are sorted and given to Oxfam Canada, who sell them and use the funds to support the needs of many worldwide people

who are suffering because of drought, famine, floods, etc. All stamps – Canadian, U.S. and International – are important. Please leave stamps in the box on the table by the mail slots.

Quilting – on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. You don’t need to come for the whole time – just drop in as suits your schedule. For further information, contact Joan Foster- Jones.

Lenten Art Retreat “Let Your Life Speak”

On Saturday, March 11, you are invited to join Christine and Catherine for a Lenten Art

Retreat here at Emmanuel United. Using resources from Parker Palmer, we’ll be exploring how our life speaks to our faith. In Lent, we’re invited to a process of deep listening, reflection, and contemplation. Sometimes it means taking the time to question who we are and where we are heading. And this happens throughout one’s life, checking for the changes age and wisdom bring to our true self. As we explore some of these ideas, we’ll be using the right side of the brain to tap into our creative natures. It’s not necessary to have any art experience. We’ll be using simple collage, paper crafts and art journaling techniques to have fun and to allow for an open space in our hearts to ask questions and discover meaning. The cost will be $15 to cover lunch and art supplies. The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and treats and end at 3 p.m. We need a minimum of 10 people to participate. All ages welcome. A signup sheet is located outside of Catherine’s office.

COUNCIL Agenda Planning Committee will meet on Tuesday, March 7. Council will meet at 7:15pm in the C.E. Hall on Tuesday, March 21. At the March Council meeting there will be a vote on Remits #1 and #2. There will be a study session on Remits #3 and #4 at Emmanuel on Saturday April 1st. We will have the assistance of Rev Paul Dillman, chair of the Presbytery Finance Committee to help explain Remit #4 which deals with financial matters under the new structure. There will be a vote on Remits #3 and # 4 at the council meeting in April. For information on the remit voting process contact Catherine Gutjahr or Phyllis MacRae. Ottawa Presbytery will hold an informational workshop for congregational representatives on Remit #3 (Office of Vocation) and Remit #4 (Funding a New Model) on Wednesday evening, March 8th from 6:30-9:30 at Rideau Park United. The workshop will be repeated on Saturday morning, March 18th from 9:00-12:30 at Cityview United. Whit Strong and Brian Cornelius will be available as resource persons. Remit #3 proposes establishing a denominational Office of Vocation to set standards for the training and accreditation of ministry personnel, as well as oversee discipline, admission and support.

Remit #4 proposes adopting a new denominational funding model based on equitable and centralized assessments while directing Mission and Service dollars solely to ministry and mission activities. These Remits should be of interest to every congregation and require a vote from each. Presbyters and other congregational representatives are encouraged to attend either workshop to strengthen their understanding the implications of each Remit in advance of congregational decision-making.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Emmanuel Fundraising Events 2017

Ongoing year round: Quilting Commissions: Fund as stipulated by donor (Joan Foster-Jones) Slides to Digital: Revitalization (Ron Squires) Simplify Your Celebrations: Revitalization (Irene Bakker) Fair Trade Sales: (Palestinian products, Bridgehead, Camino) CD Mission Trip Fund (CD Committee) Feb. 28 Shrove Tuesday Pancake

Supper (Mary Turnbull & Betsi Collins)

CD Camp Fund

March 31, 2017

Shantymen’s Dinner (Men’s Club – Graham Campbell)

Revitalization

May 13, 2017

Spring Fashion Show (Pat Harris, Karen MacPherson)

General Fund

June 2 Music Variety Night. CD & Global Partners (Ellen Brohman, Phyllis MacRae & Theresa Clarke)

CD Mission Trip Fund (Camp Chipembi 2017)

Emmanuel Men’s Club Shantymen’s Dinner

March 31, 2017 The Emmanuel Men’s Club invites you to join us for the Shantymen’s Dinner on March 31. Tickets are available now for two sittings at 5:15 and at 6:45. Cost is $15 adults, $5 (children under 12), $40 family. These dinners feature hearty fare of homemade beans, bread, ham, coleslaw, and dessert. The Emmanuel men do all the cooking, serving, and yes, even the clean up! Back by popular demand this year are Shantyman Dan Perkins and the Emmanuel River Boys. You will hear the music that helped fill the long evening hours after a long hard day in the bush. There are lots of other jobs to go around. We are calling on all Emmanuel men and boys, of all ages, to lend a hand. If you are interested in helping out in the following areas, please speak to the following lead Shantymen:

Beans David Burness Bread Leon Page Coleslaw Pierre Peron Dessert Daniel Gilroy Tea & Coffee Tom Kannemann Serving David Wray Clean-up Blake Lines

Please speak to these Shantymen or to the undersigned if you would like to get involved. Get your tickets during Coffee and Conversation or through the office.

And bring a friend or neighbour for hearty food and great music on March 31. The proceeds from the evening will reduce the long-term debt associated with the revitalization of the Christian Education Building. Save the date! Saturday, May 13 at 1:00pm Emmanuel will host a Judy Joannou Designs fashion show and tea. Come and see the Emmanuel ladies modelling the latest fashions and accessories. Look for more information in the April packet.

HEALTH COMMITTEE

A Reminder: If the school busses for OTTAWA are not running due to bad weather, then the TTtbW exercise class is also cancelled. To find out if the busses are running listen to CFRA radio or go to www.ottawaschoolbus.ca , they have all the bus schedules and cancellations there.

Debbie Meek will be taking the Monday March 13th class and Friday March 17th and Monday March 20th classes will be CANCELLED as Kris is away on a holiday.

KEEPING IN TOUCH Keeping in Touch will host a Newcomer’s Lunch on March 5. The event will be held in the CE Hall following coffee and conversation, giving everyone a chance to meet the newcomers before they are served lunch. Thank you to all who will help with the preparations and a warm welcome to the newcomers!

We encourage everyone to wear a nametag as a sign of hospitality. If you need a new one, or wish to change the style of yours, there is a sign up sheet in the narthex. Free coffee to everyone wearing a nametag when Keeping in Touch hosts coffee and conversation on March 5. Bev Laplante has volunteered to craft cards for Keeping in Touch and we are looking for a volunteer to write Easter messages. Please contact Joyce White if you can help out.

The next meeting of the Keeping in Touch Committee will be Monday, March 20 at 1:30pm. A warm welcome to new committee member, Kelly Gilroy.

MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL

Update from the Joint Search Committee The search process is proceeding well for two permanent ministers for Emmanuel: the Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care (full-time), and the Minister of Christian Development (3/4 time). The application period ended on February 13, 2017. The Joint Search Committee is hoping to complete the search process and make recommendations to the Emmanuel Council and then to the congregation near the end of March 2017 to enable possible start dates in July 2017. On behalf of the Joint Search Committee, Graham Campbell (co-chair), Nyla Garrett, Christine Hywarren, Jon Jones, Jim Lamb, Nick Langner, Val Lines (co-chair), Kat Lorimer, Wendy McCracken, Carol Scott, and Beth Sweetnam representing the Ottawa Presbytery

MINUTE FOR MISSION

Equipping a Child for School Our gifts for Mission & Service support education. Let us hear a story from one of our global Mission

& Service partners who works toward full inclusion of all children in Indian society. For most Canadian children a day off school is a cause for celebration. But for many children in India, an education is something they can only dream of. India remains a divided society with a clearly defined caste system. People in the lowest caste experience widespread discrimination and are often limited in the kinds of jobs open to them. They are usually relegated to low-paying and unstable work. Most families in these castes, many of them headed by women, live below the poverty line. Poor families struggle to survive. For many, survival depends on all members of the family working, including children. The most basic of school supplies are beyond their means, as are school uniforms and fees. In spite of government support programs, the school dropout rate for children living in poverty continues to increase. Imagine being stopped from continuing your education for the sake of a school bag, a notebook, a pen, and a geometry set. Recently, the Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation supported 520 children living in poverty to continue their secondary school education. Thanks to this support, 302 girls and 218 boys received basic school supplies, and their uniforms and school fees were covered. We sing thanksgiving that, through working with others, Mission & Service changes the dream of an education into a reality for children in India.

Your donations to Mission & Service through Emmanuel’s General Fund result in over $54,500 in annual contributions. Thank you.

OTTAWA PRESBYTERY

The Metcalfe St. Andrews United Church is having their annual Irish Night Dinner on Friday St. Patrick’s day March 17, 2017 in the church. Please come out and enjoy a lovely Roast Beef Dinner, dinner 5:30 pm -6:30 pm. Entertainment after dinner by the Gallaghers. Tickets for Adults are $15.00, Children Age 6 – 12 $7.50 and kids under 5 free. Martha Robertson 613-821-1708 and Bruce Patterson 613-821-2221. Limited Space - take out available.

PASTORAL CARE There is a binder in the Library available to all, containing "Frontline" articles, a newsletter for those experiencing bereavement or loss and/or for their caregivers. These newsletters may help give comfort to individuals, or offer suggestions for those who visit family or friends undergoing a serious illness or loss. Recent articles include: Winter 2017 issue: - Helping a Friend in Grief - When a Loved One is Dying Fall 2016 issue: - Help Yourself Heal During the Holiday Season (memories exist after death) - Suicide Through the Ages Summer 2016 issue: - The Courage to Grieve Again (related to Alzheimer's and memory loss)

- The Importance of Semantics (resolution versus reconciliation) Please keep us informed of any pastoral concerns. We are available to visit if anyone is in hospital, or has had a bereavement, or is shut-in, or would like a visit from the Minister, or a home communion or for any reason would like to talk to someone from the Church. If you know of someone who is in need of a visit/support, or home communion, or if you would like a visit, please call the church office (613) 733 0437. We prefer to hear more than once rather than not at all, because if we don’t know we can’t help.

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Farm Boy and Loblaws Gift Cards – will be on sale during coffee and conversation on Sunday, March 5. Food Bank Sunday is March 19. A list of items most needed is located on the front of the Food Bank Box in the narthex.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE Throughout Lent we will be exploring the theme of Lament - Seeking Right Relations.

“Lent is a time of lament within the Christian tradition. In this 150th year since the formation of the confederation of Canada, we are invited to spend time to acknowledge the truth and damage that European immigration as well as Christian assumptions and actions did to the First Peoples of this land, to lament the deep harm done through the devaluing of customs, traditions, and spiritual practices.”

(adapted from Lent /Easter 2017 – Gathering - worship resources)

March 1 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of 40 days of Lent. Some people think of Lent as a time to give up something like chocolate, meat or wine. However, without intending to, that could be like trying to reconstitute those New Year’s resolutions that didn’t quite stick, and using Lent as an opportunity to try again. What if we thought of giving up something in order to make space for something else that enhances spiritual growth? What if creating more open space provided the opportunity to be more intentional in our choices – more in line with our faith focus? We could consider giving up an entrenched belief system that wasn’t serving us well, in order to embrace a more spiritually expanding awareness. Perhaps by choosing a specific time to do some reflective reading or writing on a daily basis, or being intentional to learn about the 1998 UCC Apology, or carving out time to sit in silence, or to indulge in an art or music practice, we could be surprised by a radical shift of thinking, acting, or being. Lent might just be the opportunity to hit the re-set button as we prepare to go through the painful passages of our lives and come out the other side as transformed people!

Come and find the quiet centre In the crowded life we lead,

Find the room for hope to enter, Find the frame where we are freed.

Clear the chaos and the clutter, Clear our eyes that we can see

All the things that really matter, Be at peace and simply be.

VU #374

Worship Services: Wed. March 1 7:00-7:30 Ash Wednesday Lenten

Service led by Christine & Catherine

Sun. March 5 Lent 1 Communion, reception of

new members, led by Christine & Redwing Blackbird Followed by Newcomers’ Lunch

Wed. March 8 7:00-7:30 Lenten Service led by

Christine Sun. March 12 Lent 2 Worship followed by the

Affirm Vote, led by Christine Wed. March 15 7:00-7:30 Lenten Service led by Social Action Committee

Sun. March 19 Lent 3 Worship led by Rev. Daniel

Gilroy, Emmanubells Wed. March 22 7:00-7:30 Lenten Service led by Catherine Sun. March 26 Lent 4 Worship led by Jeannie Page

(Licensed Lay Worship Leader)

Wed. March 29 7:00-7:30 Lenten Service led by Cuba Pilgrims

Sun. April 2 Lent 5 Worship led by Christine

Wed. April 5 7:00-7:30 Lenten Service led by Rev. Daniel Gilroy

Please feel free to contact any of the Worship Committee if you have questions, comments or suggestions: Rev. Dr. Christine Johnson, Rev. Catherine Gutjahr, Irene Bakker, Janet Campbell, Theresa Clarke, Shelley Ferrell, Joan Foster-Jones, Ann Frederking, Jean Henderson, Christine Hywarren, Jennifer Mogridge, Jean Murray, Priscilla Neill, Hilde Reynolds, Carol Scott, Stephanie Warren, Nanette Whitwam.

Abundant Blessings on your month of Worshipping. ... "Wherever you are, God is!"