Elgin United Church
Last weekend to visit the Elgin & Area Heritage Society’s WWI exhibit of memorabilia belonging to two local WWI veterans, Martin James Flynn and Arthur Thomas Cooper: Nov 19 & 20, 10am – 3pm at the Red Brick School, 3 Halladay St.
Elgin United’s 3rd Annual on-line auction featuring local businesses and entrepreneurs launches November 23rd and runs through November 30th on Facebook.
Birthdays this week: Brian Blowes and Rev. Takouhi celebrate Friday, Nov 18th and Georgina Campbell, Monday Nov 21st. Happy Birthday all.
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
For many years Sheila Campbell has prepared the Sacrament of Communion for us. She would like to pass the torch to someone new. We thank you Sheila for your dedicated service. Please contact Norma Cummings or Duncan Pickard if you would consider taking on this role for November 27th.
Build a Mountain of Food takes place Saturday, December 3rd in front of the Royal Bank.
As the year end and Christmas approaches many of us review our support of those less fortunate than ourselves and those who support them. As you do this, please include Portland United Church. If you find life gets too busy to make a donation in person, we remind you that there are 3 options for ensuring your donation gets to the church to support its activities, mail, e-transfer and on the EPPC website via the “donate now” button.
A Christmas Bake Sale! – Portland United Church – Saturday, December 10th from 10:00 to 2:00. Let us know what goodies you can offer and how you can help. Proceeds to the General Fund. Contact Connie Cochran.
Christmas in the Village! Watch for posters announcing this event Saturday, December 17th. Sponsored by the UCW. Wagon ride with carolers through the village, hot chocolate and decorating gingerbread cookies and Santa with candy! Looking for volunteers! Contact Connie or Pauline.
Portland United Church Council
Linda Carr,
RIDEAU LAKES COUNTRY CONDO
& LEAVE IT WITH LINDA
Rideau Lakes, Ontario
613-246-2081. 613-272-2227
Devotional Thought – November 19, 2022
Are you shocked when you walk into the stores, even before Remembrance Day has taken place, and you find the shelves filled with ‘XMAS’ stuff. I know some of you will deplore that I have used that term. But tell me, truthfully, have you seen any store shelves lined with “Keep Christ in Christmas” merchandise? I have never seen a section in Walmart called: ALL THINGS HOLY. I have never seen a lineup to buy decorations for the Christian household. And I certainly have never heard CBC announce record profits for Walmart in the ‘Real Christmas’ column of their budget books.
So, this got me to thinking. Many churches celebrate this Sunday as the ‘Reign of Christ’ Sunday. That is the formal title given. And what better time than now to remind us that Christmas is only 36 days away.
Add to these thoughts the opportunities you might have to hear Handel’s Messiah being sung throughout our area. Many choirs are back and anxious to perform this wonderful tribute to Christ, written in 1741 and performed first in 1742.
As I sit and write to you, I am encouraged to read once again those verses in Isaiah 9: 1-7 (alt) that talk directly on the Reign of Christ.
Nonetheless, those who were in distress won’t be exhausted. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. For those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest. You’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
These verses carry so much teaching for us. They express the power of Jesus, they show the character of Jesus and they also show us the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom.
As you prepare for your CHRISTmas season this year, be encouraged. Know you are loved and know there is life after this. God’s promises are trustworthy. Continue in sharing His love and abound in your generosity as you share of yourself with others that they may know and see in you the true meaning of Christmas and the Reign of Christ. May Jesus Christ be praised.
Blessing and peace to each of you.
Liz Church -Pastoral Care Director
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Picture by Chris Church, November 17, 2022