Elgin Portland United Church
Bible Discussion Groups
Reason to read the Bible #11: The Bible encourages us to trust in God during challenging times. Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin public Community Hall, Tuesday 10am. Please join us. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Thank you to the Loonie Sports Club and Garth, Anne, and their helpers for organizing and hosting a wonderfully successful fish fry Saturday evening in support of EUCs Building Our Future Campaign. Honorable mention to Adrian for the idea. A super evening of great food, stimulating conversation, and all-around camaraderie. Thank you all.
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
Y@HBC.……… The Young at Heart Breakfast Club will meet again on Thursday the 15th of August at the Junction restaurant. More information closer to the date………Ted
Portland United Church
Bill Baxter – Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Smiths Falls on Saturday evening, July 13th, 2024 at the age of 94 years. Family and friends will gather to share memories and honour his life at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 112 Beckwith St. N., Smiths Falls on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. True Britons Masonic Lodge will honour Bill with a service at the funeral home Sunday at 1:30 P.M.
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 and Christine Parker 613-272-9448.
Thank You
Portland United Church Council
Devotional Reflection
July 27, 2024
Through a glass darkly. This is the phrase I have been using for a few months now. At my last visit to the optometrist, in January, I was informed that I have developed cataracts on both eyes. An appointment with a specialist was not available until this past week.
For a while, I was able to ignore it. But within the last few months it has become increasingly difficult to see, especially in my left eye.
Now I know, in this day and age, cataract surgery is simple and so I have not really worried about it. And as there is no pain, except for my lessening vision, I spent little time moping over this. But the insidious invasion into my eyes has got me thinking – Can I compare this to our human condition?
Here’s what I mean. Look at the sin in our lives. Like a cataract, it can slowly grow, and affect our spiritual lives. We tend to ignore those little interruptions, those moments of tiny invasions of ‘sin’. I’ve mentioned them before – envy, jealousy, ego, arrogance, conceit – a long list! Each of these adding to the cloudiness, many times ignored – just like the cataract.
I wonder – how long before we begin to notice our lives turning blurry; before the blurriness really is evident to us? How long before we recognize the issue and seek out guidance from the Healer of All?
I know not many will want to focus on those moments when we decide to err. Or when this ego slipped into my daily living; or when I realized I was envious of my friend’s new position at work. It may even be something that no one else even knows about and it’s been hidden.
But just like a cataract, we need to rid our bodies of this invasive intruder.
The blessed side of this is that victory awaits us.
My surgery is scheduled. All will be well. The blurriness will be corrected and I will once again get back to my puzzles, and being able to fasten snaps, or cut in a straight line ( on the real line rather than the one I think it is!). Before long, this interruption will be behind me.
On the spiritual side though, it is my belief these interruptions can be changed into blessing. The jealousy can be turned into compliment. The envy can be changed into a congratulatory remark. And whatever sin, ‘so easily besets us’, can become a huge learning curve on how to deal with the cloudiness that slips into our lives. 
Keep the armour of God shining within you. Never lose heart. You are in the best of Hands – The Great Physician.
You are blessed. You are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge