Elgin Portland United Church
EPPC condolences to family and friends on the passing of Charlotte Witty on October 25th, 2023.
May everyone have a safe and fun Hallowe’en.
Remembrance Day service EUC & PUC Nov 5th.
Remembrance Day Service November 11th, 2023
- 11AM @ Portland Legion on Harlem Road
- 1:30PM @ Elgin Cenotaph at Heritage Park next to the Red Brick Schoolhouse at 3 Halladay St. Elgin
- 3:00 PM @ Portland Cenotaph on HWY 15 by the Emmanuel Heritage Centre
All are followed by a light lunch at the branch and all Remembrance Day Poster Poems and Essays from our local schools will be on display.
The Official Board meets Tuesday Nov. 28th 7 pm EUC.
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.
YAHBC
The Young at Heart Breakfast Club will meet Thursday Nov. 30th at 9 am at the Junction restaurant.
Both churches are invited and everyone that comes enjoys themselves and we are getting folks from both churches.
In order that the restaurant can accommodate us let Clint 613 217 0054 cell or Ted 613 340 3527 cell know by whatever means you find most comfortable by noon Wednesday. Hope to see you there.
Elgin United Church
The Rideau Lakes Swans are hosting a breakfast from 8 to noon at the Elgin Municipal Complex on Saturday October 28th.
Congratulations to Leggett’s Maple Syrup, Carl, Bruce, Kathy, on being judged Reserve World Champion. This is Leggett’s second Reserve Champion award, and the first time it has been awarded twice in the history of the Royal Winter Fair. Well done Carl, Bruce and Kathy.
In-person meeting regarding the Elgin Visioning project, November 4, 2 – 4pm at the Elgin Municipal Complex. Come and express your vision for the future of Elgin. Your voice matters.
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
Bible Study Group at Portland UC to Continue
Those who attended the recent Monday night Bible classes in Portland UC are so very thankful to Doug Powell for the studies he shared with us on the book by John Ortberg titled: “God is Closer Than You Think”. It helped us to have a heightened sense of God’s presence in our lives.
As the Bible classes wound down this past week, we are looking to extend the studies and fellowship time together with classes focused on reading and understanding the Bible. It will be a great opportunity to work together to discover the richness of God’s word. All are welcome, no matter your current Bible understanding. All you really need is your faith and a desire to help it grow. Any questions you may have are welcome. Meetings will be at the Portland UC Friendship room each Monday at 6:30pm to about 7:45ish. Pre-registration is not necessary, just come join us on Monday night. The meetings are interactive and informal. Let us grow together in knowledge of life!
Please feel free to contact any of the following with questions: Jim Barton ~ 613-328-4089 ~ ccjimbarton@gmail.com; Liz Church ~ lizchurch1@hotmail.com; Will French ~ William.french@ucdsb.on.ca
New hours for Portland Chit Chat on Thursdays – 10:30 to 12:00. Come and meet your neighbours!
Tourtiere Pies – Place your orders before Nov. 10th please. There is an order sheet on the bulletin board at PUC or call Sheila at 613-272-3531 or MJ at 613-222-9070. Pies will be made on November 14 between 9:00 and noon and again on November 17 from 9:00 until noon. If you would like to help, please call Sheila and let her know.
UCW meeting will be held November 14 right after pies are made. We have some business to attend to, so please plan for a brief meeting.
You may notice some construction activity at PUC. The solar panels are being installed on the roof!
PUC Council Meeting November 29th @ 7 p.m.
Portland United Church – Pillowcases for CHEO
Portland UC hosts a group of dedicated women on the 3rd Wednesday of each month were colorful pillowcases are made for the young patients at CHEO.
The women can be found sewing, cutting, pinning, ironing and matching fabric colors, all while enjoying a time to work and socialize together for a good cause.
Donations are also greatly appreciated to help buy fabric & other supplies.
New volunteers are most welcome. Drop by at 9 a.m.!
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Thought, October 28, 2023
Shadows. Do you remember when as children we would try to run away from our shadow. In fact, one of my grandchildren would cry because she thought it was chasing her. It took a lot of cajoling and explanations to ease the mind of a frightened, little girl. After all, she could still see her shadow! This moment, so long ago, still brings me to laughter. But also, a moment of contemplation.
Just this week, as I prepared for bed and before I turned out the bedside lamp, I was intrigued by the shadows being cast on my bedroom wall. Some were obvious – my hands, as I made shadow figures on the wall; the lamp itself, reflecting. But other shadows took longer to work out. Moving things around I was able to decipher most of the shadows – my pillows, the bed covers, my phone, a book, the trees outside my window. The closer I looked, the more shadows I could see.
As I fell off to sleep, I began to think about the shadows we experience in our lives. And I realized we too have a tendency to run from them. Then I must ask the questions: What are your shadows? Are you running from them? And I will admit, even as I write these words to you, there are shadows I want to run from, even knowing it’s an impossible task! Or is it? We all know that shadows can dissipate in the light, or by a change of direction they can be transformed! So, I want to leave you with some powerful Scripture, verses you know well. As the shadows start to envelop you, run to the Lord and away from your doubt, your fear, your turmoil. Claim these promises in your life.
Deuteronomy 31: 8 New English Translation – The Lord is indeed going before you—he will be with you; he will not fail you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged!”
Isaiah 41:10 New Life Version – Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will give you strength, and for sure I will help you. Yes, I will hold you up with My right hand that is right and good.
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Modern English Version – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
John 16: 31-33 The Message – Jesus answered them, “Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”
Romans 15:13 J.B. Phillips New Testament – May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.
As you live your best life, may these verses give you guidance, peace and hope as you continue to walk in the Lord and in the Light of His presence.
Be blessed and refreshed this day.
Liz Church
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
