Elgin Portland United Church Council
Join a cluster of our local churches at the Delta Fair Hall on Sunday, June 1st, in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the United Church of Canada. Worship is at 10:30, followed by lunch and musical entertainment. A combined choir of some 45 voices will lead the worship music.
The Bible Discussion Groups meet on Monday at 6:30 pm at Portland UC & Tuesday at 10:00 am in Elgin at the Guthrie House. All are welcome. Info: ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Hoogenboom HUGE Family Yard Sale. Victoria Day Weekend – May 16th -19th. Over 25 tables. All proceeds to Local Charities. 7 Cachet Drive. Rain or Shine.
The Chit Chat will be moved to the Portland Hall on Tuesday, May 20th at 10:30 a.m. to Noon. Please note the Chit Chat is moving as of Tuesday, May 20th to the new hall on a new day TUESDAYS from 10:30 to 12:00.
Elgin United Church Council is called to meet via Zoom at 7 p.m. May 20th.
Halladay Burial Place Annual Memorial Service, Sunday, June 1, 2025. At 2:30 P. M. in Elgin United Church.
Plans are underway for Elgin United Church to host the livestreaming of the E.O.O.R.C. 100th Anniversary Service on June 15th. Further details will follow.
Eastern Ontario Outaouais Region UCW – 83rd Summer Event July 25, 26, 27, 2025 is being held at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Cornwall, Ontario. If you want more information, please see the bulletin board.
June 1, 2025 – 10: 30 am
This area of the Region will be celebrating
the 100th Anniversary with a United Service,
being held at the Delta Fair Grounds (inside).
Plans are well under way.
The Choir met this week and there were 45 in attendance for this.
Bonus: – Meal is being provided through the generosity of the 8 individual churches who are participating in this celebration.
Bonus, bonus: Musical Entertainment following the service is being provided by Wright & Lowe.
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June 15, 2025 – 11:00 am
The whole of our Region is invited to attend the mass celebration at the EY Centre on Ottawa. Please plan to attend this event with more than 1,500 fellow believers planning to be there.
You can participate in various ways such as joining the choir, ushering, first aid responders.
Further information can be found on the EOORC Website eoorc.anniversaryinformation@gmail.com
See you there!
Devotional Reflection
May 17, 2025
This morning, I came upon 2 families of goslings. Unhindered, until I arrived, they were sitting on the deck leading into the restaurant, oblivious, that in a matter of moments I would disturb their morning routine. I sat in my car for an extra few minutes, observing them. Did you know that even as young geese, these babies are like exact replicas of the parent geese? They waddle. They kind of fold their legs under them before sitting, and they peck at the grass around them just as the parents. And, something else. Once a baby hears that tiny sound coming from the parent, indicating danger approaching, they all rise together and head for the water’s edge, out into the lake, for safety.
Had I rushed over to them, there would have been a different reaction, I am sure. I am a little intimidated by 2 pair of geese and an undistinguishable number of chicks. My head does work faster than my feet. And that’s a good thing. I waited until they were all in the water before entering the restaurant.
An amazing blessing for me, early in the morning. I’m not thinking ahead to the mess that will have to be cleaned up before customers arrive. I’m just focused on the beauty.
Of course, there is always a lesson for us in such simplistic beauty. The geese seemed to have an innate ability of teamwork. There was no loud honking. Just a quiet murmur. And everyone moved as one. Care and protection in abundance. No second guessing what the aim was. Safety of all.
Have you ever been in a situation where all that was required was a little word, but your outside voice took over. And the whole world knew you were upset? Did it accomplish more? In retrospect did you review your reaction and think of a better plan?
Retrospection comes in here. I begin to contemplate how many times God has used His intended inside voice, and I failed to listen. And then, of course, the opposite must be viewed. How many times has the Lord had to use His outside voice so that I didn’t miss out on the blessing waiting for me?
Do you ever think of yourself as a teammate to the Lord? What role you play in delivering a message to those who wander, those who are hurt?
There is another fact I should mention here. Did you know that if a member in the flock of geese gets hurt, two other geese will stay with the injured one until it is ready to fly again? Teamwork!
You have heard me say many times – you are not alone! For just a moment, see yourself in the midst of your fellow believers, each one supporting the other. Such comfort!
I close this reflection with the words from More Voices # 90 – Don’t be afraid, My love is stronger. And I have promised to be always near.
So, the next time you see those family of geese, think of whom you will team up with to make a difference in the life of another.
You are blessed and loved.
Liz Church,
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
