Elgin and Portland Announcements
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to sister and brother Jessica Gordanier and Dylan Carbino. May you each enjoy your special day. Happy Birthday.
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On behalf of your UCW, a huge thank you to all the volunteers, food donators and those who purchased turkey dinners last Friday. It was a huge success. We sold tickets for 148 meals. Just scraps were left and our volunteers didn’t even get real meals unfortunately.
Great work everybody!
Connie
Anyone wishing to contribute homemade muffins or other baked goods to our Easter Morning breakfast held at Portland United Church following the Sunrise service is most welcome to! Please just let Pauline French know in advance either in person or via email at pwfrench21@gmail.com
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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.
Easter Sunday will be our final week for collecting donations; please reach out to Pauline French (613-331-6876) with any questions.
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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
Devotional Reflection March 27, 2026
We are now a few months into this year of 2026. And we have been waiting what seems a long time for Spring to come. And it has arrived.
But I have a new thought running through my mind these days. We think about the New Year commencing on January 1st. But that is not so for everyone or everything.
As I write to you, the sap from our maple trees has been flowing for a while. Their New Year began in the midst of winter, as the sap began its life journey. And it readil pours itself out for us, humans, to enjoy.
But it does not wait forever. You must take it while you can, while it is available. There is no delaying the process.
And as you collect its life-giving vitality, you notice more things around you. The days are warming. The buds on the trees are moving toward full foliage. Their limbs seem to surround you with comfort as you walk from tree to tree, partaking in the beauty of your surroundings. The silence envelops you. And for a moment, you are cocooned in the breathtaking beauty of a fresh New Year.
And as each season passes, and a new one begins, a New Year blooms for another part of God’s World.
All this meandering is to share with you the message of this season – A New Year that is celebrated by all who believe in our Saviour. Jesus Christ, himself, gave us the commencement of this spiritual New Year – the day He gave His life for us – that was the beginning of new life.
This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday – Palms that signified a victor’s crown. They represent peace, and homage.
We will have opportunity to wave palm branches as we recognize the Kingship of Jesus.
But there is a reality in this festive occasion – our time to praise and worship, to serve our Risen Lord, to share his love with others will not last forever.
I was reminded of a plaque that hung on the wall in our dining room. “Only one life, ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
There is a spectacular message in this time of year. All the goodness, that is flowing for us, nourishes us, is sweeter than honey, flowing freely. There is no price assigned to this abundant, life-giving nectar – except, it is only there for a time. Scripture clearly reminds us that we do not know when Christ will return. We need to be ready. There is no guarantee for the next year.
As you enjoy this New Year from the Maple Tree, it might be your time to start your New Year, with Christ.
And for those who already know the abundance of God’s love, share it with others that they too will walk in the beauty of this world and rest in the Presence of their God.
This season of Passion, walk along with Jesus through his path to the Cross.
You are blessed, you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
lizchurch1@hotmail.com
May Jesus Christ Be Praised