Announcements
Annual reports were due in the office by January 20th. Treasurers’ reports are due by January 27th.
The 2025 Annual Congregational Meetings are scheduled for March 1st.
PUC: following worship service
EUC: following worship service
EPPC: following EUCs ACM
Bible Discussions Groups
Two meetings each week – Monday evenings at Portland UC (6:30-7:45PM) and Tuesday mornings in Elgin at the Guthrie House 10 Perth St.; (10:00AM-11:30AM). All are welcome to join in the friendly discussions and fellowship. For more information contact Jim Barton @ ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Madeline Perrin best wishes for an awesome day. Happy Birthday Madeline.
Devotional Reflection January 31, 2026
I have to tell you something. It’s a bit of a secret and once I write it and you read it, many people will know. I am not sure that I can do it justice as I tell you, but I will try.
It happened this morning. The snow banks in my neighborhood are definitely much too high to see clearly around them. As each intersection is reached, it is imperative that you slow down, approach cautiously and then move forward.
It does not matter whether you are on foot, in your car or even on your snowmobile, you must pay attention.
And that is what I was doing this morning as I made my daily trip into town. The sun was shining brightly so I had to take a few extra minutes to check for traffic.
With the road clear, I pulled out! I was safe!
But then I saw it. Before my very eyes, was the most amazing sight. Here, in the midst of one of the coldest days of winter, was a spectacle I expected to see a few months from now. Out of nowhere, there were three Canadian Geese making their way across the clear sky! As they made their way across the icy lake, I began to wonder and to worry a bit for them.
Of course, I realize that not every goose flies south. And I know by now you all have an explanation to share as to why, in the dead of winter, I should be privy to the magnificence of God, as these birds took flight.
But, for just that moment, I felt my heart react to my surroundings. Why were there only 3? Had they been stranded? Where were they spending these cold days?
Are they are soaring, searching, combing the horizons, looking for a place to rest, to find shelter, or food!
Or perhaps, they, like me, are reacting to the longer days of sunlight. I know so many who have struggled through the darker days of winter and are enthusiastic to see daylight hanging on until 5:00 p.m. They too have spirits soaring with thankfulness for this first sign of the changing seasons.
In this world we have so much to be thankful for. It has nothing really to do with seasons, or wealth or even health.
In a world that has lost their way, we are the ones who soar. We are the ones who search out the safety for people who cannot do it on their own.
So here is the secret – you will be seen! Someone will spot you as you walk through this journey and they will wonder – they will question why you choose to serve the Lord. They will be confused when you show up and offer to walk with them.
They may even try to follow you, believing you know the Way. And you do!
Be prepared for this! Be amazed by this! And most importantly, be willing, with open hearts to be the one who shares a refuge – a refuge found in the Lord!
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
You are my Hiding Place! Psalm 32:7