Elgin United Church
With heavy hearts we share the news of the peaceful passing of our friend and neighbour, Earl McFadden, formerly of Elgin, in his 96th year on Friday April 29, 2022. The family will receive friends at Elgin United Church, 77 Main Street, Elgin on Saturday May 28, 2022 from 10 a.m. until time of Memorial Service at 11 a.m. Interment, Halladay Cemetery, Elgin. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to Elgin United Church or the Charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. We extend our sincerest condolences to Linda and family and hold them in our prayers. Out of respect of the family, the wearing of masks would be appreciated The Elgin United Church Family.
The best gig in town is only one week aaway! Elgin United Church is hosting an Ontario Festival of Small Halls concert on Friday May 20th featuring GREAT LAKE SWIMMERS. This is a one set performance which is certain to satisfy your musical and entertainment hunger. With a blend of acoustic instruments and wistful vocals, Great Lake Swimmers are a critically acclaimed indie-folk group, renowned for their homespun folk and lush, intimate Americana in their live shows. They have been shortlisted for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize and nominated twice for Canada’s Juno Awards, with the CBC calling them “a national treasure.”Don’t be disappointed, book your tickets early and enjoy an evening of “big music in a little place”.Tickets: ontariosmallhalls.com Venue Address: Elgin United Church 77 Main St, Elgin, ONParking: StreetMunicipal Hall, 47 Main StreetMunicipal Parking, Halladay StDoors open: 7:00 pmPerformance: 7:30 pm – One set onlyIt is on the decline; however, COVID is still with us. To all who have been exposed to, or contracted it, know we are thinking of you and praying for your speedy and complete recovery.Much has been happening these last few weeks. The Rideau Lakes Early Learning Centre expansion is moving right along. The renovations and refurbishing of the kitchen and office are amazing. We have purged a number of items from the office; however, there is still much to do in evaluating material for archives and/or digitizing. The contents of the kitchen, now in the furnace room, is next, followed by the choir room. We will let you know when we will be at it again and if you can spare some time to help, you will be welcomed.Progress is being made on the roof replacement. As approved at the Annual Congregational Meeting, we will be contracting with Forestland Carpentry, with an expected completion date of late summer or early fall. Our grant request to Church Extension was successful and will help immensely with funding. Stay tuned for more information on this important project.
Frances French Halladay Burial Place Annual Memorial Service Sunday June 5, 2022 @ 2:00 PM In Elgin United Church. Donations towards upkeep are welcomed.
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
Rev Shaun Seaman will lead our service this Sunday.
A reminder that there is a UCW meeting downstairs on Tuesday, May 17 at 1:30. New members are always welcome!
This past week 8 members of Rideau Sewers group met at Portland United Church to work on lap quilts for the local hospitals – patients in palliative care, with cancer or on dialysis. 4 quilts were completed by this industrious group. The Sewers meet on 2nd Wednesday of month from Sept. To June.
There is a PUC Council meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, May 24th Bob and MJ Leblanc will host the Community Luncheon at 12:00 noon. Come and bring your friends. Proceeds will go to Country Roads Community Health Centre’s Flex Fund.
On June 1st there will be an Official Board meeting at Portland United Church at 7:00 p.m.
The CEC is organizing a community yard sale and a BBQ by the Volunteer Firefighters scheduled to take place at the Portland Community Hall and Hanna Park on Saturday, June 4th . Proceeds are going to help people in the Ukraine. If you would like to reserve a space or donate to this worthwhile cause, please get in touch with Jan Bonhomme at 613-272-5396.
Also, as part of the celebrations on June 4th in Hanna Park at 11:00 a.m. there will be a dedication of a plaque mounted on a beautiful stone in memory of Doug Good. Come and join us!
Council discussed returning to coffee and cookies after church but in light of the number of Covid cases in our midst it was decided to defer until the beginning of June.
Helen Smith Celebration Portland United Church Saturday May 28, 2022 @ 11 AM. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow.
See Joan Kelly regarding the following two concerts:
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Thought – May 14, 2022
Have you ever heard of the Joshua Tree? I had not, until listening to a song being sung with these words in it. And, of course, U2 created an album in reference to this tree. With this in mind, I felt compelled to look up information on this. All info I came across refers back to earlier settlers walking through the Mojave Desert in California. Legend says when they saw these trees, they were reminded that God was with them just as He was with the Israelites in their desert experience.
This gave me cause to think of my desert experiences and what brought me through them. Survival, resilience, and beauty borne through perseverance – a symbol of faith and hope in the midst of desert times.
As I pray for you, my readers, I wonder what desert times you have been through recently – what has brought you to the brink of despair and what has called you back? When did you fall and feel the gentle hand of God lift you up and comfort you? When did survival seem impossible and there before you appeared the answer, the open door?
I relate best when I have something concrete to picture in my mind. And there before me, are the Joshua Trees – a friend calls me to come for coffee, a song plays on the radio and I am enveloped in thankfulness and praise, a mother’s prayer is answered, a child finds new employment, a meal is offered, a card arrives in the mail!
When we really take the time, those Joshua trees stand before us and surround us. Your prayers are answered, or your perseverance is rewarded, or someone walks the difficult path with you. In all these occurrences, hands lifted in prayer – your hands, my hands, the hands of a friend.
Walk the desert, but never walk alone.
Peace and love to each of you,
Liz Church -Pastoral Care Director
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge