Elgin United Church
Celebration of Life for Elsa and Ab Emmons (parents of Wanda Seward) this Saturday, July 22nd at 11:30 am at Elgin United Church follow by the interment burial at Halladay Cemetery. Family is inviting you to the Lions Hall for refreshments.
As we enter the final week of July, the mid point of summer, let us remember all who are experiencing troubles including the unprecedented loss and devastation from forest fires that have consumed over 10,000,000 hectares and continue to grow, as well as the many other disasters and social unrest that is unfolding. BUT, let us also rejoice with positivity as we we move forward with the love and grace of God.
Don’t be left out. Book your tickets now for the Ontario Small Halls concert with Mikhail Laxton, October 13th at Elgin United. Tickets at ontariosmallhalls.com
Elgin Council
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Portland United Church
Pauline French has agreed to join Arie Hoogenboom as a PUC representative on the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
This committee is an important group for the Elgin Portland Pastoral Charge helping to ensure that we collectively are treating our personnel fairly ,equitably and with respect .
We all thank Pauline for her willingness to accept this new position
Thank-you for accepting this challenge .
Blaine Tackaberry reports that the Portland United Church cemetery has been upgraded with the addition of the Columbarium. Plans are in the works for landscaping and he welcomes your ideas and assistance to implement them. Pricing is in place to accommodate both individuals and families.
Thanks to all who attended the County Roads 44 concert on July 15th. It was a fabulous evening, and we are grateful to the group for giving their time to our fundraiser.
Don’t miss the MarkOne concert this Saturday, July 22nd at 7:00 p.m Portland United Church. Anyone who has been to one of Mark’s concerts is looking forward to attending this one.
July 27-30th Delta Fair.
Mary’s Merry Minstrels – Old Tyme Country and Gospel Music concert on August 19th at 7:00 p.m. Portland United Church. Admission by Freewill Offering. Refreshments Served.
Portland Council
Devotional Thought, July 22, 2023
Do you remember when someone would try and give you that unanswerable question: ‘Does a tree falling in the forest make a noise if there is no one there to hear it?’ or ‘How do you know that you exist?’ or ‘Why does the sun lighten our hair colour but darken our skin?’
Every once in a while it is fun to sit and think on these brain teasers! But here is a question I don’t think we will read on Google. ‘Is the sanctuary filled when we leave the church?’
The picture you see above was taken by Annette a few weeks ago. She was drawn by a light showing through the door of the sanctuary. Upon entering, this is what she saw. She sent me a video of the light moving and from where the light was shining through one of our glass windows, the Hand of Jesus, outstretched!
Immediately upon viewing this, I saw an angel – relaxing, floating around! And a song we sang when I was young came to me: ‘All day, all night, angels watching over me!’ Now, you may think I’m silly but here is what I know – God is everywhere. God sends us comfort. His peace fills our lives. And He lives in us.
Unexpected messages – flashes of light, a formation in a cloud, a path through the forest, a memory – all given to us, when we need it. That powerful lesson comes to us when it is least expected, but always as a reminder that we are not alone.
Whatever your circumstances this week, take those moments to look around you and see God. His Presence will fill your life!
May you shine as God’s Light in the world!
Liz Church
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
