Elgin and Portland Announcements
Portland Council would like to thank our UCW for organizing the Turkey Supper tonight! Come out and support the many initiatives which the UCW support and enjoy a turkey dinner and a piece of homemade pie in the meantime! See you at 5:00!
Summer time is just around the corner, and that means summer fun for kids! Christian summer camps are one way for kids to be kids during the summer as they immerse themselves in an atmosphere of adventure and the teachings of Jesus. That said, going to summer camp brings about large costs for families. For example, one week at a local camp is approximately $850. People able to donate money towards sending kids to camp are invited to make a donation marked “Summer Camp” anytime in the coming weeks – either online or with Sunday offerings. All donations will go directly to families to help offset costs and are fully tax deductible. Last year, with the generous support of numerous donors and the generosity of the UCW, we supported 6 area children attending Camp IAWAH.
Please reach out to Pauline French (613-331-6876) with any questions.
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“By now you would have noticed that the e-news is being sent out a day earlier. This will be the new schedule from now on and we may even try to send it out earlier than that. We hope this is of benefit to you.”
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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.
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Wondering how to get involved with the Clothing Coop? Or perhaps do a little shopping? Buy a bag of clothes for just $5! The Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge Clothing Coop is located at the Country Roads Community Health Centre in Portland. Reach out to office@eppc-ucc.com with any questions.
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The third in the Tipped Ship’s Winter Concert Series at
Elgin United Church.
Two gifted artists share the spotlight, trading songs back and forth in a warm, conversational style that offers you a rare glimpse into the creative process.
Ali McCormick is a true folk troubadour, known for her powerful voice, vivid imagery, and fearless lyricism. Ali’s performances are full of authenticity and emotional depth. Sharing the stage is Ron Mills, a seasoned songwriter whose music carries the spirit of classic folk and country storytelling. With a natural ability to connect, Ron brings both substance and soul to every song he shares.
Together, in a song trade format, Ali and Ron will alternate tunes, stories, and spontaneous collaboration. The result is an intimate musical experience, part concert, part conversation, and you are drawn into their shared creative journey.
Elgin United Church
77 Main St., Elgin, ON March 28
Doors open at 7 pm. Music starts at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $25 plus tax, available online or at The Tipped Ship, 3 Main St., Elgin
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Advance Notice for the Easter Week Services:
April 2 – Maundy Thursday Joint Service – 7:00 pm. at Portland (with communion)
April 3 – Good Friday Joint Service – 7:00 pm at Elgin
April 5 – Easter Sunday
- Sunrise Service – 6:30 am @ Carl Leggett Farm
- Continental Breakfast at Portland following Sunrise Service
- Portland Easter Service with Communion – 9:15 am
- Elgin Easter Service with Communion – 11:00 am
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Devotional Reflection March 20, 2026
I often think about how fickle we are. This thought came to me as I gazed out my window this week.
Do you remember last week almost all the snow had melted, seemed like overnight. I was glad. The winter season had hung on long enough. Buds were beginning to pop out. The bluejays were in abundance in the trees. Robins were already gathering sticks and rotting leaves to add to their nesting materials. Sprouting flowers could be seen along driveways. Indeed, spring was in the air.
That ‘fresh as spring’ fragrance, though, was still not present – just mud, decay, left-over remnants of dog walks from winter treks through mounds of snow. Yes, spring had not yet sprung completely. But the promise was evident in the changes happening around me.
Monday morning arrives. I wake up, rush to the window to peek out at the day. And there before me is the most striking vista – pure white snow had fallen. I must cover my eyes from the dazzling brightness as the sun bounces off a field of the fresh white covering of snowflakes that have accumulated into 10 centimeters of beauty.
And my mind plays that fickle tune I mentioned above. One day, I am longing for spring, warm weather, spider webs glistening in the early morning sun. And here I am gawking out my window at a sight that words cannot capture.
Perhaps, because I know it won’t last, I drink in the beauty and raise my face to the rays of the fresh morning, giving thanks to God for His creation.
As we move into this picturesque season of beauty I am reminded of new life. Not just in the springtime flowers, or the buds of the trees. Not even of the flowing streams or the sounds of new hatchlings. All these are delightful – magnificent proof of our Creator taking care of nature. But there is so much more!
This season is a chance for new beginnings. We accept this. But in reality, this is a season for each human to be reminded of the most precious of God’s gift to us.
We are in the midst of celebrations to a God who gave us everything. He gave us Jesus Christ. He gave us eternal life.
And as I continue to gaze over the snow-clad fields, I am reminded that Christ has washed my sins away. He has made me white as snow. Imagine for a moment how clean you are.
The difference, of course, is that you, and only you, can keep this reality alive – Jesus came to give you life – life everlasting. And you must strive to live for His glory.
As the newness of Spring speaks to you, allow your life to shine for Him, the Saviour of the world!
You are blessed. You are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
When He was on the Cross,
I was on His mind