Elgin Portland United Church
Bible Discussion Groups
Reason to read the Bible #10: The Bible teaches us the promises of God, upon which we base our eternal hope. Genesis 12:3 “In you [Abraham] all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” There are two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin UC on Tuesday 10am meeting, at the UC church this week. Please join us. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Elgin Days at EUC was a super weekend. Saturday saw the bake table and smoked meat sandwiches sell out and the raffle table was steady all day. The “beach” band on the lawn was awesome and played on our second-place prize-winning float. The 4 Pillars Ecumenical Worship Service Sunday afternoon was well attended with everyone enjoying the beautiful music of the combined choir and musicians, and the leadership of our community’s four church leaders. The offering of $260 was donated to the Elgin Foodbank. Thank you, everyone, for your vision, inspiration, hard work and leadership. Community Committed, Community Strong!
The Celebration of the Life of Joanne MacLean will be held at Elgin United Church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 27, 2024. A reception follows at the Elgin Municipal Complex.
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
Elgin United Church
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
Portland United Church
We have received news that our dear friend Bill Baxter has passed away. Further information is forthcoming.
Last Wednesday the UCW and friends got together at the Hawk’s Nest Restaurant for some food and fellowship. There were 17 of us. We had a lovely visit and lunch and I want to thank everyone that joined us, as well as those that wanted to but had previous commitments. Thank you to Elizabeth Wright for her loving grace. We are so fortunate to have so many people respond for us when we have fund raising events for the UCW. The community as a whole chips in. Thank you to everyone!
Connie Cochran
President, Portland United Church Women
Come and Join the Seniors at Mill Bay Court On August 3rd. We are hosting a variety of items for sale with all proceeds going to the Portland Food Bank. If you would like to donate items for the sale or bake goods please have them in by August 2nd at Mill Bay Court. Annette Clarke 705-817-4678
Thank You
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Reflection
July 20, 2024
At one time, in my growing up thinking, when events happened that were unexpected, we might have referred to them as unanticipated.
But in the last 25 years we have come up with a word that kind of rolls off the tongue – Serendipitous. I really like the sound of that – serendipitous!
And this past week I had one of those serendipitous moments – finding something good without looking for it!
First let me tell you, my readers, how much I appreciate your support and caring comments you send me.
Not even I realized, when I started this venture, how God would use my efforts and bless them to bless you, my readers.
Back to that moment.
While working in Len’s Cove, a man and lady came in. I talked with her for a moment. Then she asked: “Are you Liz Church?’ I did not recognize her, but then she told me her name. Alice McAlpine. I was floored. This is a faithful reader, who subscribes to our E-News. She often sends a thoughtful note to the office which is given to me. She had just been passing through on her way back home and wanted to meet me. I have to admit,
I was almost speechless. She sought me out to thank me. I was honoured to meet her. Even more than that, I was humbled!
When I first attempted to write to you, I remember singing a little refrain I know. The words are extremely powerful to me and have been brought to my remembrance many times:
To be used of God,
to speak, to sing, to pray.
To be used of God,
to show someone the way.
I long so much to feel the touch of His consuming fire!
To be used of God, is my desire!
It is my belief that God equips each of us, with our own gifts that we might sing, speak and pray.
I have seen you, my readers, doing just that and I want to send out that word of encouragement to you – keep up the good work! Look around you and you might be surprised at what you are accomplishing in the name of the Lord.
Nothing we do is done in our own strength alone. We rely on others who have taught us. We thank those who have been examples of good works. And mostly we give praise to God for allowing us to be a part of His kingdom-building.
So, the next time someone says : You have a lovely garden! Know that your talent to grow plants has been a blessing to another.
And when you sit on your lawn-mower and mow the grass next door, and you see that beautiful butterfly flit by, know that you have received a blessing of hope.
If you see a neighbour who needs help up the stairs with their groceries, walk up beside them and lighten their load.
Be amazed at how many serendipitous moments come your way.
You are blessed. You are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge