Elgin Portland United Church
Many, many thanks to everyone who had any part in our very successful “We’re Singing for Your Supper” concert. Performers, donors, workers, audience members, bakers – all of you. Not only was it a wonderful concert, it was a financial success as well. You all helped to raise $2,432. for the Food Bank which is awesome! Thank you so much! Louise and Norma
Norma your dedication and hard work in organizing this event have left PUC & EUC members in awe. Thank you for an exceptional experience! Thank you for turning a simple gathering into an extraordinary event.
Advance notice JAN 25, 2025 our Canadian Women in Song troupe plays the Joshua Bates Centre, Athens. Get your tickets early. joshuabatescentre.com
Bible Discussion Groups
Reason to read the Bible #18: The Bible helps us to enrich our relationship with Jesus, so He may become fully formed within us. Galatians 4:19 Paul wrote to the Galatians: “[You are my] my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” Two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin meeting this week will be at Marian Cooper’s home in Chaffey’s Lock (1555 Chaffey’s Lock Road), Tuesday 10 am. Please join us. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
The Y@HBC will meet at 9 am Thursday the 19th of September. Clint will be away so the best way to let Ted know is via phone or text at 613 340 3527. That should be by noon on Wednesday the 18th and then I will call the restaurant. I already have a decent list started so looking forward to seeing everyone……..Ted
The Official Board is called to meet at 7 pm at Portland United on Sept 24th.
On behalf of Elgin United, I heartily thank Portland United for hosting an amazing concert Sunday afternoon in support of the Portland Foodbank. Thank you to the entertainers for freely sharing their amazing gifts. There is no end to exceptional home grown talent in our midst. Thank you all.
Elgin Portland United Church Council
Elgin United Church
Happy Anniversary to Shannon and Mack Montgomery, may you have a super celebration.
We send our prayers and support to Darlene Smith and family on the sudden death of husband, father, grandfather and friend Bob. May God’s Grace bring them comfort and peace.
Jim Rowat suffered a fall and is receiving care in Smiths Falls hospital. Please hold Jim, Barb, Krista and Scott in your prayers.
Elgin United Church
Portland United Church
UCW Meeting October 15th at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Portland United Church
Devotional Reflection
September 14, 2024
What inspires you? Have you ever really thought about this?
My brother, a fellow United Church member from Mount Forest, was in contact with me this week.
He wanted to share that a recent devotional I had posted had inspired him to write a spiritual song. And to let me know that his worship band at church would begin learning it this week.
I was deeply moved by this and we both gave thanks to God for the gifts we receive.
Again, I ask, what inspires you? Perhaps it’s a painting, a movie, verses of scripture, a song!
Every day, as we look around us, we are reminded of the state of the world – poverty, famine, war. At one time we thought it was just over there, you know in those countries we know so little about. But now, it is here on our own doorstep. Just last week a child walked into a school and killed two students and a teacher. People right here in our own little communities are hungry – they have no money for food, no job, no transportation – not even hydro. Money coming into the household leaves two choices – food or heat!
What can we do to build a community of caring and shout it from wherever we are – we care – we at the Church care!
I must write about one more inspiration I received this past week. And it happened here in our own community. I’m referring to the concert that took place. Local talent gave of their time and gift of music. And we celebrated with them. What an amazing show it was.
But beyond that inspiration was the generosity of people. From the organizer (thank you, Norma) to the musicians ( and great musical talents you each have (thank you for sharing) many were involved. As a fund-raiser for our community food bank, it was successful. But as an act of caring, it was inspirational!
Today I want to share with each of you, my dear friends, that your life makes a difference – you may not know how you impact another life but you do!
God gives to each of us gifts to share. Take a chance, look around you. Find your inspiration and share!
You will bless and be blessed. We are heading into that season when the world around you gives abundant reason to be thankful. Take inspiration from this.
Write a poem and share it. Write a prayer and share it. Read Scripture, sing a song for someone. Whatever you do, you will be inspired and tremendously blessed.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Colour outside the 
lines you have for yourself and see where God takes you.