Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Welcome back Rev. Seaman and hopefully you are recovering well.
As another school year started, we wish all students, teachers and staff a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for learning and social growth.
We ask all drivers to be cautious and observant at all times when behind the wheel, and even more so when in the proximity of school buses, school zones and children. Mind your speed, be alert, keep everyone safe.
Breakfast
We have been asked when the next meeting of the YAHBC would be held. Clint will be away until the 22nd and some said it should be after pension day so the day will be Thursday the 28th of September at the Junction Restaurant. Folks from both churches are invited. More information and contacts for reservation will be in the bulletin and e-news the weekend before the 28th.
Elgin United Church
Belated Happy Birthday to Marion Steacy Tuesday, Sept 5th. We hope you had a most enjoyable day.
Reminder to mark your calendar for a busy October with Elgin United:
- Small Hallas Concert October 13th, featuring Mikhail Laxton at Elgin United. Tickets at ontariosmallhalls.com
- Crafters & Vendors Market October 14th at 300 Hartsgravel Rd, Elgin
- Canadian Women in Song concert October 21st at Elgin United.
Advance notice of a Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) in Dementia Care education session hosted by Elgin United Pastoral Care Group from 1-4pm Sunday, November 19th at the Elgin Municipal Complex. All are welcome. More information will be shared closer to the event.
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
We offer our sincere sympathy and prayers to Liz Church and her family on the death of her sister, Irene, in Hamilton, Ontario.
It must be Fall! The UCW will soon be making apple pies. Be sure to get your order in. Call Connie @ 613-220-7914 or MJ @ 613-222-9070 to order before September 19th. Order forms are also on the bulletin board.
Chit Chat is open on Thursday mornings from 10:00 until noon downstairs. Come and enjoy a coffee or tea and visit with your neighbours.
Again, this fall, Rev. Doug is offering another series of self reflection on our relationship with Christ. Anyone wanting to join the Bible Study is welcome but participants are asked to commit to the entire series, as possible. Along with scripture, we will be using the literature of Author John Ortberg’s Study Guide: God Is Closer Than You Think/If God is always with us, why is he so difficult to find? to help facilitate discussions. Email Will French or call Annette Clarke in the Church Office with questions, to indicate an interest in participating or to sponsor purchasing resources for attendees to use. We will meet in the upstairs Friendship Room of Portland United Church on Mondays beginning September 18, 25; Oct 2, 16 and 23 from 6:30-8:00p.m.
The Community Clothing Co-op will be closed from Monday Sept 25 to Friday Sept 29, reopening on Saturday Sept 30 to facilitate the change of season clothing from summer to winter season. In storage at Kin Park we have about 25 bins of winter clothing to be moved to our present location at CRCHC and then summer bins back to Kin Park. If you would be able to help us sort clothing or transport bins, please contact Joan Kelly at 6132723134.ThanksJoan
Annette received a call from Hydro One saying there will be a power outage on September 10th from 8 a.m. to Noon with Postal Code K0G 1V0. We are still going to go ahead with the service at Portland United Church.
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Thought, September 9, 2023
I Made It
I’m sure you have noticed that goodbyes are mixed with so many emotions. This week, on the first day of school, I observed so many emotional moments. Children getting on a bus, some for the first time – parents are crying, children are crying or being brave with the quivering lip in full view. Then you have those children who yell: ‘Bye Mom, bye Dad, see you later and scamper on to the bus with delight because they are going to see all their friends again.
I was on the school yard when the buses arrived. Those same ‘bus’ children had arrived safely at school, to be met by the principal and teachers, so many with smiling faces.
But my eyes were drawn to a small little boy, hanging on to the chain link fence, while his mother tried to console him and reassure him that he would be fine. He was having no part of it. The tears and loud sobbing had a number of parents with streaks of tears running down their faces. I even said to one teacher, ‘Starting school seems so traumatic for him. She replied: ‘This is his second year, it just takes a few days to adjust’, a look of empathy on her face. ( I did catch a glimpse of him today, still crying but I think a little less, and no longer hanging on to the fence! )
I said a final good-bye to my sister, Irene, this week, as she left us here and joined the throngs in Heaven. In her final moments I am told that her smile was radiant. My brother and sister-in-law, who were with her, is sure Irene whispered ‘hello’ – perhaps to her young son who left this world in his early twenties, or maybe to our Mom, or other loved ones gone before, all welcoming Irene, as she entered into the Presence of the Lord.
A good-bye for us to one who has meant so much to us and others and lived her life for others. And we are left here, grieving at our loss, and rejoicing, in the knowledge that her suffering on earth is over. A good bye with mixed emotions.
There are so many instances in our lives when good byes are tough but what is before us sets our hearts rejoicing. Scripture talks of this in a spiritual realm. The old is gone, and we put on the new. As you contemplate all things and people you have said good bye to, rejoice in what lies ahead as you walk faithfully in the company of the Holy Trinity.
Be blessed and refreshed this day.
Liz Church
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
