Elgin Portland United Church
EUC The Official Board meets Tuesday Nov. 28th 7 pm.
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.
BUILD A MOUNTAIN OF FOOD – SATURDAY DECEMBER 9th – 9 am to 12 pm. Portland LCBO and RBC
Elgin United Church
Twenty people attended the Dementia Education Session, hosted by Elgin United’s Care Group, at the Elgin Municipal Complex, Sunday Nov 19th from 1-5. Feedback has been very positive and we are planning another for 2024.
Elgin United’s Online auction went live on Facebook November 22nd and closes Wednesday November 29th. Check out the many amazing items and bid often and freely. Proceeds support Mumma’s Here Neonatal Animal Rescue, our Aiding Rural Community Health fund and our Building Our Future United campaign..
Happy Birthday to Carl Leggett, Tuesday Nov 28th. There is a birthday celebration for Carl at the Forfar Hall, from 1-3 on Sunday, Nov 26th. All are welcome to fete this amazing man and neighbour on this special occasion.
Elgin Church Council meets at 7 PM, Thursday November 3oth at the church.
Sharing the Light of Christ will take place in Elgin on December 3rd. We start at Bethel Tabernacle at 6:30 pm, then EUC 7, and the Red Brick School at 7:30. Then to the Elgin Municipal Complex for hot chocolate, cookies and carols. Bethel Tabernacle, Elgin United Church and St. Luke’s Leeds are participating.
Canadian Women in Song Reboot concert is Saturday, December 9th at 7 PM. Very few tickets remain. If you don’t already have your ticket, go to Eventbrite.com today. Don’t be disappointed. Proceeds to support St. Luke’s Leeds Coalition of Angels Fund and Elgin United’s Building Our Future Campaign.
Elgin United Church Council
Portland United Church
Welcome Everyone to the Monday evening Bible Study group.
While we go about our busy lives, it’s always important to make time for the Lord. All are invited to share some quality fellowship as we interactively explore the Bible teachings of Jesus Christ together. No matter your current level of Bible knowledge, this is an excellent opportunity to enrich your relationship with the Lord and His disciples. Monday evenings at 6:30 at the Portland United Church. Contact: Jim Barton 613-328-4089 ~ ccjimbarton@gmail.com; Liz Church ~ lizchurch1@hotmail.com; Will French ~ William.french@ucdsb.on.ca
It’s time to renew or begin your subscription to Broadview Magazine (formerly the Observer). $30.00 annually. Please let Connie know if you would like your name added. Portlandparadise55@gmail.com
Helpers welcome for Christmas in Portland event Sunday, December 10 from 2:00-4:00. For setup, help with cookie decorating, singing and supervising on the wagon, decorating and cleanup. We had a great time last year. Let’s do it again! If anyone has a small tree and some decorations we could borrow it would be appreciated. Please contact Connie at 613-220-7914.
UCW “and friends” Christmas Lunch is at The Junction on Tuesday, December 10 at 12:30. Carpool available from the church parking lot at 12:00. Everyone welcome. Please confirm your attendance with Connie at 613-220-7914
PUC Council Meeting CHANGED TO December 5th @ 7 p.m.
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Reflection
November 26, 2023
I am not one to rush the Christmas Season but this year it seemed to come quickly. Before Hallowe’en was over, the Christmas decorations were filling the shelves.
In a slight twist of thinking I realize the anticipation for many is exciting. Oh, that it would be so for the world and their experience with God and the Perfect Gift we have received.
When you hear the expression ‘Big things come in small packages’, have you reflected on this tiny baby who changed the world? I have listened in awe and wonder as person after person coos, and sings and smiles at a baby in a carriage or in a mother’s arms. I have sat for ages watching my own precious babies – each move they make, each milestone they conquer. The pride as I watch them now with their own children – wanting the best for their children. Hours slip away at an airport as people come and go, tears of joy (or sadness) as family members mingle together.
And then I pause and ask: Have I changed the world? That little girl who longed to be strong in the Lord – have I continued in faith? Through the easy times, I can honestly say, of course!
But what about those times of conflict, of discord, of sadness, of grief? What then?
I walk away from the beautiful scene of the baby, move forward some 33 years and see the child – grown into manhood, following the life chosen for Him. Scripture tells us He had moments of deep sorrow, despair. But we are blessed for this reason – Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white as snow.
This season is likely to come and go. And some of us will put it behind us and move on. O that you, my dear friends, will keep it deep in your hearts. And as we celebrate this time of waiting and expectation, may we recall the beauty of the season is centered around us because we have the Perfect Gift and we want to tell the world about it!
May you be motivated once again to strip away the wrappings and see the Glory of the Lord – Emmanuel – God with us!
Be blessed and refreshed this day.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
