Elgin and Portland Announcements
May everyone enjoy the unofficial start to summer, have a wonderful Victoria Day long weekend, and above all, be safe.
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Please drop off donated items for the yard sale to Portland United Church (Friendship Room) from 1-4pm Friday May 15. Also still looking for volunteers to cover 3 hours shifts on Saturday May 16 8-11am or 11am-2pm please call Anita at 613-430-5372
“Portland Helping Portland” Neve Wells, a Realtor at Rideau Realty, is in the planning stages of hosting a community event on May 16th , the Saturday of the long weekend. At this event she is hoping to have a community mid-day BBQ and Raffle Baskets with all proceeds going to Portland Food bank. The slogan for this event is “Portland Helping Portland”. People are encouraged to have their own yard sales at their homes in Portland and spaces will also be available in Rideau Realty’s parking lot for others to set up tables. Owners will keep their profits from the yard sales (unless they wish to donate them to the food bank.) Having the yard sales and the BBQ will help create some traffic for the raffle sales. See Norma with any questions.
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Hoogenboom Huge Family Garage/Yard Sale, Victoria Day Weekend, over 25 tables.
All proceeds to local charities, 7 Cachet Drive, Smith Falls. Rain or Shine
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The Rideau Players present “Spectres & Speed Trains” an original comedy of chaos written by Tao-Lynn Carr, produced by Chris Witty and directed by Beth Hart. The cast includes Michelle Knapp and Graham Lowe.
Performances are at 7:30pm at the Delta Old Town Hall, May 29, 30 & 31, and Elgin United Church June 5 & 6. Tickets are $25, refreshments available. See posters or Facebook “Rideau Players”.
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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 at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
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The Young @Heart Breakfast Club will meet again on Thursday the 21st of May at 9 am at the Junction Restaurant.
All are welcome but if you are coming let Ted or Clint know by noon Wednesday the 20th so we can reserve a spot. Ted
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Pentecost Sunday, May 24th is fast approaching. How exciting to once again be able to are excited that we will once again be able to gather with other United Churches within this rural area. Plans are in full swing to meet at the Lion’s Club at 10 a.m. in Elgin for this event. Our special guest will be our own Regional Executive Officer, Eric Hebert-Daly.
Lunch will be provided in a similar style to last year.
Come hungry – food for the soul and food for the body will be available in abundance.
Please bring along a non-perishable food item for the Food Banks.
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Devotional Reflection May 15, 2026
As children we played a game where everyone formed a circle by holding hands. One person was in the centre and had to break out of the circle. As long as the person standing next to you held tightly to you, it was impossible to break through.
Circles – you see them everywhere. Even when you are not looking for them. And I have always thought being surrounded by a circle of friends was great.
When I start to examine my circle there are numerous ideas that surface for me. The first fact is that everything within the circle is safe – my friends, my church, my family, my co-workers. These things are more or less predictable so I can interact comfortably.
Of course, you might have had the unfortunate experience of finding someone within your circle has failed to follow the rules. Now What? Do you make them leave? Do you leave? How stringent are your rules for being in the circle?
We used to say, a circle has no beginning and no end. So how do I get into the circle?
Some of the points I believe about circles do not lead to very productive living. As a Christian, my circle has to have a way into it. Otherwise, I cannot fulfil my ministry to others or the work God has chosen for me.
So, what exactly does it mean for me?
My mind at the moment, is focused on the people who live outside a circle, or perhaps live within a circle where they are trapped – trapped by tragedy; trapped by grief; trapped by homelessness.
It is hard to open your circle – who wants to be bothered by people who don’t understand you? Or to be challenged by ideas that might throw a curve-ball into your calm existence.
And what about the circle people live in, where our generosity and goodwill cannot solve their problems.
That idea does not fit our circle of safety that surrounds us.
It is a dilemma we face daily, I believe.
How much can I let in to my circle? Is there a new person who has not yet established any friendships? Can you see yourself opening your circle and letting them join? Do you offer encouragement?
What about the circle of poverty that is becoming more prevalent in our societies? What can you do to expand your circle to include conversations with others or to help another.
I’m not sure where your circles will be found but somewhere in your life, the circle of living is evident.
The question we must ask ourselves is:
‘Am I willing to reach out of my comfort zone and discover that in reaching out we become free – free to live a life that is full of the unexpected. A joyful life, lived to the full.
We have a beautiful hymn we sing that teaches us the benefit of reaching out to others, bringing inclusiveness into our circle. The words are simple: ‘Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide.’ (Words by Gordon Light, 1994)
You are blessed, you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge