WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Fathers Day to all fathers and father figures. Know you are special and loved.
Happy Anniversary to Chloe and Adam Murray and Candace and Lee Whitley. May your marriage continue to be ever blessed.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Christina Halladay, may your special day surpass your wildest imagination.
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The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club meets this month on Thursday the 25th of June, note now the 4th Thursday, at the Junction Restaurant at 9 am. If you are coming and as usual all are welcome, let Clint or Ted know by noon Wednesday the 24th by any means you are comfortable with…………..Ted
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UCW Fruit Pie Orders Now Open!
The UCW Ladies will soon be baking their famous fruit pies. We are officially accepting orders now.
Pie Options & Details:
Flavours:
Strawberry-Rhubarb, Cherry, or Blueberry
Price: $20.00 each
Condition: Frozen and ready-to-bake
Note: The exact pickup date depends on the strawberry harvest.
How to Order:
Please contact one of us to place your order:
MJ: 613-222-9070 –
Connie: 613-220-7914
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The Portland Food Bank is actively looking to increase its volunteer work force at this time. We are looking for people to assist with the weekly grocery shopping, and someone interested in learning the administration behind the scenes operational processes for our food bank. Our hope is to have a team of 6 shoppers (we currently have 3) so no one needs to shop every week. Please see Anita Cox 613-430-5372 or Norma Cummings 613-430-5372 if you would like to get involved with this worthwhile endeavour. ALSO, there are 2 items remaining from the May 16th garage sale, a pink bicycle suitable for 9-13 year old and large dog carrier. Make an offer and proceeds will go to Portland Food Bank.
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Bible Discussions Groups
We are taking a break for the summer.
For more information contact Jim Barton at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
Devotional Reflection
June 19, 2026
I am visiting my daughter. Her backyard is like a piece of her own personal forest – beauty beyond imagination.
I was awakened very early this morning, before daylight, to the delightful singing of birds, like a symphony. The sky, still in the dark colours of night, has just begun to lighten on the horizon.
Yet, the birds are not delaying – they do not wait for proof of sunshine, or the heat of the day. They do no check the weather forecast for rain. Their song of joy happens, to signal the dawn of a new day, knowing that light follows darkness. They anticipate that a new day will dawn.
I lay there, listening. Each songbird has a unique trill. Their song is their own voice, singing praise to the Creator.
I pick up my phone, then hesitate. I would normally check the weather station. Instead, I lay silently, taking in the day given to me. And I thank God for this day – whatever is in store for me! I cannot see what the day will hold, but in faith, I lift my heart to the Creator knowing He will be there.
Has it ever occurred to you how often we thank God, after our problem is solved, after the light has broken through? I wonder if this causes our spiritual life to exude less anticipation – does your joy shine through the sombre moments, those moments that test your faith? Do you sing your praises in the middle of the drab moments, those moments of fear, those experiences of defeat? Or are you able to sing, before you know the outcome, praising God, in all details of living. Are you choosing to praise God before you see the full breakthrough?
We can learn a lesson from nature – no need to wait for circumstances to perfectly line up before you give thanks or find your joy.
Psalm 30: 5 reminds us that God’s grace and joy are eternal. The darkness of our lives, the unhappy days, the sorrow, the defeat – all those temporal things that cause us sadness will one day be replaced because we have confidence that a new day is coming – the day of victory over this life and the joy of eternity!
So, if you are in the midst of a dark season, remember this is not your final destination. When the night feels long, sing to the goodness of God and allow your praises to God bring joy to your life.
You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge