Portland United Church is enjoying streaming Sunday Services live on their YouTube Channel. Whether you are unable to attend in person, want to watch a Sunday service again mid-week or know someone who might want to check us out, simply click on the following address https://www.youtube.com/@portlandunitedchurch4900 to be taken directly to the Portland United Church YouTube Channel.

Please consider hitting the ‘Subscribe’ button (once you’ve navigated to the YouTube channel) as shown below. Note, only people with a Gmail account can easily subscribe by clicking this button. Clicking on the ‘Profile Picture’ (an example is shown below on the far left) for Portland United Church will provide you with other options such as viewing past recordings. Reach out to the EPPC office with any questions: office@eppc-ucc.com; 613-272-2002.

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Thanks, Media Team at Portland United Church

Devotional Thought, April 15, 2023

I never tire of sewing. As a child, my mom would often be seen sitting at the treadle sewing machine, making a new batch of diapers, for the newest addition to our family. I would be sitting next to her, holding on to one of the younger siblings, and trying to learn the intricate steps to hemming (a straight line).

By the time I was 10 or 11, I knew my way around the sewing machine and was beginning to sew my own clothes, simple at first, but continually improving. The old adage, practise makes perfect, was my mantra. There were many times I tried to rush the process. Therefore, I learned how to use a seam ripper pretty quickly. I can hear my mother saying: ‘Take your time. Look closely at your garment and you will see the proper way to construct it.’

Back then, a pattern often came from my imagination. And I would use some old newspaper and cut out some pieces of a jumper, hold it up to myself for sizing, and then proceed. Between Mrs. Zwaren, my home economics teacher, and my mother, I learned about basting, facings, darts, appliques, and so much more.

Over the years, I can see how I applied this same technique to my daily living. I could read a Scripture passage, I would hear the sermons, I would write out my thoughts in a prayer journal. And then I would attempt to do the right thing.

The pattern was there in front of me (Bible). It was useless unless I read it. And then I learned how to piece it together (basting); figuring out how God’s Word fit into my life. And finally (although learning never ends), I was able to add all the extra tips for a well-fitting garment (salvation, holiness, trust, belief and so much more).

There are times when the darts in my garment (my life) are not well-fitting; when the facings are askew; and when I have to go back to basics and start fresh. And my prayer becomes: “Send a new touch of power on my soul, Lord”.

Do you sometimes feel this same way, like the garment that is your life is somewhat ill-fitting, not quite what it should be? It happens. I would challenge each of you who read this to take that time and examine your garment. Is the hem crooked, are the seams tearing open, are those little extra appliques really adorning your garment, or are they just not the right choice for the masterpiece God has created and you are adding to?

Ephesians 2:10 states clearly: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

To each of you, may you be blessed.

 

Liz Church

Pastoral Care Director

Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge