Elgin United Church
Advance notice of EUC’s on-line auction Nov 23 – 30. More details will follow.
John Carley has returned to hospital awaiting a decision on surgery. Please keep John and Joanne foremost in your prayers.
Georgina Campbell is home and diligently doing her physio following knee replacement surgery.
Happy Belated Birthday to Mark Bee who celebrated Monday, October 24th.
On October 25th & 26th, local Grade 7 & 8 students were treated to a viewing of the new Elgin storyboards, sponsored by the Elgin & Area Historical Society. Members of EAHS were on site to talk about the many historical pictures by the amazing photographer, Clifford Pennock.
A huge thank you to Shaun McCullough & Friends, Michelle Knapp, Graham Lowe and Morgan Wright along with all the volunteers for bringing an outstanding concert to Elgin United last Saturday, October 22nd. Our local talent is amazing!
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
Graham Mowat October 7, 1933 – October 27, 2022
We have received word that Graham passed away on Thursday, October 27th.
After a lengthy illness he died peacefully at Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Home in Perth, under the compassionate care of the Palliative Care Team.
Our condolences are sent to Lois at this time. We know that God’s comfort and peace will sustain her.
Portland United Church is looking for a replacement Music Director/Pianist. If you have any contacts or suggestions please pass it along to Duncan, Katy, Joan, or Norma.
Kathleen Seward is continuing to improve and hopes to be back to Darwin and Wanda’s soon. She has had a long haul and your prayers are appreciated.
Our prayers for quick healing go to Vicky Zwiers after her surgery this week.
We welcome Janet McKeage as our musical leader and pianist this Sunday.
Portland United Church – Community Lunch on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 was a huge success. Thanks to everyone for supporting the Country Roads Community Health Centre’s Flex Fund.
The weekly Chit Chat coffee group moves from the Portland Hall to Portland United Church. Everyone is welcome each Thursday 10:30 to noon.
This Sunday we welcome Rev. Shaun Seaman to the pulpit for Portland United Church and Elgin United Church.
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Thought – October 29, 2022
I have a friend, a gentle giant of a man, who shaped my spiritual life. He was actually my boss. When he walked into a room, he commanded attention. His 6’5” frame and his curly, white hair was the envy of many. He was meticulous in his words and lacked in no measure when he spoke – captivating. While those things impressed, they did not hold me spell-bound. But when he sang, I was mesmerized!
Songs he sang I still remember so clearly. ‘Star of the East’ at Christmastime was requested many times. His deep, bass voice reverberated through the church. But there is one that haunts me, daily. Do you know it? ‘There is a Balm in Gilead’. When Bill sang that song, I was transformed. It was like God speaking directly to me, ‘Liz, accept this Balm, be healed.’
As I write these thoughts, you are on my heart. We, as God’s people, are no different than in Jeremiah’s time – a wayward people, prone to discouragement, wanting to go our own way, struggling in many ways – health, job-loss, broken relationships, death, discouragement and the list goes on. Jeremiah questions God – ‘Is there no balm to heal the people?’ And God answers Jeremiah, ‘Go to Gilead and get the balm. But the people will not be freed of their sin if they still refuse to accept MY love for them.’
I struggle to put into words the depth of love I have for you, the desire that your daily lives be fulfilling and God-honoring. There is no balm of healing more powerful than God’s love, given to us through Christ and living daily with us through the Holy Spirit.
I write you this day to remind each of you that as your journey continues, you are never alone. God provides. Rely on Him. Accept His ‘healing BALM’!
And if you have a chance, go to YouTube and play this hymn. Your spirit will be lifted and encouraged.
Blessings, peace and love to each of you,
Liz Church -Pastoral Care Director
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
