Elgin Portland United Church
Happy Mother’s Day. May God’s Grace bring comfort, peace and happiness to all on this special of days.
Plan to attend the 130th anniversary of Elgin United’s iconic building on Sunday May 26th. Our grand Ole structure was dedicated May 27, 1894. Rev. Shaun Seaman, whose local roots include much involvement, is leading worship.
Bible Discussions Groups
People who attend the Bible Discussion Groups find them engaging, informative and enjoyable. Please consider checking them out so that you may enrich your relationship with the Lord. Every Monday evening in Portland UC (6:30pm) also at the Elgin Community Room (Municipal Complex) on Tuesday mornings at 10am. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Elgin United Church
The Untied Church of Canada (not a spelling mistake)
June 6, 2025 the United Church of Canada celebrates 100 years of union. Dr.Brian Arthur Brown has authored the book “the Untied Church of Canada” unfettered for 2025 celebrations. This book is intended to celebrate the diversity and influence of The United Church of Canada throughout the vast reaches of this land.
The book lists at $39.95; however, orders of twenty-five (25) of more are $9.95. Let us look into individual purchases, council purchases, and other means, including partnering with Portland United so that our charge can meet or surpass the magic number.
I have the charge copy of the book, we only received one, and will share it with you to scan through if you wish. It is an interesting and enlightening read, and worthy of a prominent place on your bookshelf or coffee table.
Please let me know ASAP if you wish to purchase an individual copy. Blessings…Clinton Halladay
An entry from the United Church of Canada Book Store reads:
Much like to the Confederation of Canada which preceded it, the glorious church union that formed The United Church of Canada was consummated by straight, white, English, male settlers. On June 10, 1925 there was no vote, no voice, and no participation by women, LGTBQ2S+, Indigenous, Black, and Asian Canadians (or even francophones, in the case of the church). Then in freedom from unnecessarily restrictive credal and social traditions, those in racial, linguistic, and gender bondage got “untied” during the following century, and share now in full participation and leadership.
After mid-century expansion, with changing demographics and smaller families, the United Church has now slimmed back down to its 1925 size of 300,000 active households, but is discovering that being leaner can actually mean being healthier in certain important ways. That “untied” church is now “an ecclesial machine; lean, green and keen,” implementing a Strategic Plan for 2023–2025, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, and preparing for its next century in an evolving Canada.
The YaHBC will meet again on Thursday the 16th of May at the Junction Restaurant at 9 am..
So the restaurant knows how many are coming would you let Clint or Ted know but whatever means you are comfortable with by Wednesday the 15th at noon. Hope to see you there……………Ted
Portland United Church
As always, you are invited to drop in weekly on Thursdays to Chit Chat, downstairs between 10:30 and 12:00 noon.
May 14th – PUC Council meeting @ 7 pm
Portland UCW Meeting @ 1:30
The Hoogeboom’s are holding a huge yard and garage sale on the Victoria Day Weekend at their home at 7 Cachet Drive, Smith Falls. All proceeds donated to the Long-Term Care Home Maple View Landings fundraising efforts to improve the lives of residents.
An advance planning event:
This is a notice of the second annual ecumenical worship service and potluck event held at Bethel United Church. Last year, we had a lovely time with about 45 people with 7 different churches represented. The sentiment “we should do this more often” was heard many times.
So, we are!
Bethel United Church would like to invite you to be part of this on July 7 beginning at 4:30 PM. We will have an informal worship service, that I hope all of you can participate in, and it will be followed by a ‘true’ potluck supper. Last year the tables were groaning with food!!! I’m considering using Matthew 18:30 “Where 2 or 3 are gathered….” and that we can specifically address rural and small church issues.
Volunteer Appreciation Event
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Reflection
May 11, 2024
Have you ever pictured yourself as an amazing individual. If I were to guess, I would think that most of you would believe this to be very presumptuous. I have news for you – according to Scripture you are a super-amazing, super-charged, over-the-top Christian! Get that faith of yours into working mode, attune yourself to the Holy Spirit, and prepare for this incredible journey into the life of:
“AWESOME INDIVIDUAL” – AI
Maybe you have never heard yourself referred to as AI. The world can spin this into any form but we had a claim on it first! It’s true, Here’s the written proof!
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 New Life Version
“The Holy Spirit works in each person in one way or another for the good of all. One person is given the gift of teaching words of wisdom. Another person is given the gift of teaching what he has learned and knows. These gifts are by the same Holy Spirit.
One person receives the gift of faith. Another person receives the gifts of healing. These gifts are given by the same Holy Spirit.
One person is given the gift of doing powerful works. Another person is given the gift of speaking God’s Word. Another person is given the gift of telling the difference between the Holy Spirit and false spirits.
Another person is given the gift of speaking in special sounds. Another person is given the gift of telling what these special sounds mean.
But it is the same Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, who does all these things. He gives to each person as He wants to give.”
Now I don’t know about you, but this gives me that giddy feeling in my stomach. I am AI – an AWESOME INDIVIDUAL.
So, to-day, when you receive this good news, make sure you take the time, look in the mirror and claim this truth as your own. I am an AI! That gift you keep buried, get out and share it with others.
And on Sunday morning, when I see many of you, don’t be surprised when I greet you by: “GOOD MORNING AI”.
Hide it no longer! Shout it out! God has made me an AWESOME INDIVIDUAL.
Discover your gift and share it with all. Be energized. Know that you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge