Elgin Portland United Church
The Lyndhurst Turkey Fair celebrates its 30th Anniversary on Saturday September 21st between 10 am and 4:30 pm. They are looking for volunteers for the day of the fair. Call Diane Joliffe at 519-389-7797 if you are interested. The fair lottery funds this year will be going to the Sweet’s Corners Elementary School Playground equipment Fundraiser
Bible Discussion Groups
Reason to read the Bible #4: The Bible provides us with instructions in the ways of righteousness, so may stand approved of the Lord’s mercy in judgment. 2Timothy 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 .”Please join us. There are two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin UC on Tuesday 10am at the Elgin Municipal Complex Community Room. Please join us. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Summertime is just around the corner, and that means summer fun for kids! Christian summer camps are one way for kids to be kids during the summer as they immerse themselves in an atmosphere of adventure and the teachings of Jesus. That said, going to summer camp brings about large costs for families. For example, one week at a local camp is approximately $800. People wishing to donate money towards sending kids to camp are invited to make a donation marked “Summer Camp” anytime in the coming weeks. All donations will go directly to families to help offset costs. Please reach out to Pauline French (613-331-6876) with any questions.
Young at Heart Breakfast Club
The next meeting of the YaHBC will be held on Thursday the 20th of June at 9 at the Junction restaurant.
More information to come the week before. Ted
Elgin United Church
Joanne McLean has relocated to Smith Falls hospital. Please keep both she and John in your prayers.
Volunteers urgently needed for Elgin Community Garden program. If you are able to give a few hours of your time to help feed your community with fresh and healthy food, please contact Geri Baker at 613-583-7509. Thank you! Pat
Happy Birthday to Mackayla Gordanier, June 13th. Have a wonderful time with your friends.
Happy Birthday to Krista Gill, June 15th. Take a day off from 23&Co, and enjoy some “me” time.
Kudos to the Rideau Lakes Public Library for offering the wonderfully entertaining Community Theatre play “Murder by the Book”. Kudos also to our own Graham Lowe and all of the cast members for bringing this intriguing play to life. Thank you.
Portland United Church
Yvonne Caldwell: Yvonne is starting a new chapter in her life. After 30 years of worship here in Portland United Church she is moving to a beautiful new place that will take her too far away
to join us for worship each week. After months of preparation, the move will take place in the next few weeks. As her spiritual congregation, we want to celebrate this occasion with her. You are all invited to a celebration tea next Thursday June 13th afternoon at 1:30.
Clear your calendar and join us in bringing well wishes to this beautiful lady.
As always, you are invited to drop in weekly on Thursdays to Chit Chat, downstairs between 10:30 and 12:00 noon.
UCW Annual Spring Pie Sale
Preorder by June 14, 2024
Pickup schedule will be arranged later. Please have exact change.
Blueberry, Cherry, Strawberry/Rhubarb. Frozen, ready-to-bake. $20.00 each
To pre-order call Sheila @ 613-272-3531 or Connie @ 613-220-7914
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.
Shine On, Shine On
AS OF June 1st
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Reflection
June 8, 2024
This time of year is so beautiful, that I hate to bring up this complaint. These last few days have been exceptional with delightful hot weather, trips to the beach, picnics….and that’s where I’m heading with this complaint.
Not sure about you, but I have experienced quite a few uninvited guests, that has been bringing out the worst in me!
Now I know I am not alone in this. To some extent, you have probably all been affected by these visitors – that will stick around for the better part of 4 months.
They cause you to run for cover after only a few minutes and rob you of the joy of the outdoors.
By now, you have figured out the pesky mosquito has taken the top spot for annoyance!
Not only do they buzz right into your ear, eyes, up pant legs, down the front of your shirt, and places you cannot even name, but you can do little to prevent it. You spray that horrible solution on your skin and still they come. You rub fabric softener sheets all over your clothes and body to stop them, and lo and behold, they find that one spot you missed.
And you know they don’t only aggravate you. In fact, if you have a sense of humor and can stand to watch the antics, take a look around you. First the swatting begins, then the dancing, then the running! No one sits there, undisturbed.
I want to take a few minutes of your time and relate how this could easily apply to your spiritual life.
Just when you think your doing really good in the spiritual living department, that frustrating , drive you mad, enemy sneaks in to trip you up. Let’s name him for what he is, Satan.
He stood by watching you make progress – getting better at reading your Bible, reaching out to others and sharing God’s love with them; then Whammo! Disappointment befalls you because of something that has been said, or done against you; you receive bad news; your car breaks down! I’m not sure what your list would contain but we all have those moments when despair, hurt, or even neglect get us into a situation. And the attack is on – Satan will try at every turn to mess you up.
Something more than your basic repellant will be required. Only a frontal attack, no back doors, is what you need.
To stand against this enemy is serious business. He will infiltrate even the smallest space you give him, or where you have not safeguarded. He will start out allowing you to think you are protected but before long, he sees any places you may have missed – that moment of gossip, those little outbursts, a white lie (if there is such a thing), jealousy, nastiness, hate. He is insidious.
As Christians we are open targets. I say this because being aware of the desire to live a holy life causes Satan to work harder at reaching us.
My reflection is coming to an end. But not without warning signs:
The next time you see a mosquito, remember, it is not likely to stop after one attack. And if you swat, make sure you stop it dead in its tracks! Don’t let the enemy steal your spiritual life!
Be blessed. Know that you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
The next time you are being attacked by Satan remind him that you are Protected