Elgin Portland United Church
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 #20: The Bible provides a firm foundation for us to build our faith. Luke 6:49 “But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin meeting this week will be the Elgin Community Room (next to the Post Office), Tuesday 10 am. Please join us for info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Don’t be left out, get your tickets for Jeff Rogers, Small Halls concert at Elgin United this Saturday, October 5 @ 7 pm.
Y@HBC will meet next on Thursday the 17th of October at 9 am at the Junction restaurant. Everyone welcome. More information the week before. Ted
Elgin Portland United Church Council
Elgin United Church
Leighton Leroy Coatsworth
It is with a heavy heart we share the death of Leighton Coatsworth, three weeks after his 80th birthday. Leighton was a community friend, neighbour, and loving husband for 45 years of Pat Greenhorn. Leighton’s obituary and celebration details can be found on the Scotland Funeral Home website: scotlandfuneralhome.com
Pat, Laura, and Heather welcome your prayers of support. Eternal Blessings.
Mark your calendars for the “You Can Call Me 80’s – Epic Hits Vol. 1” concert at Elgin United, on October 25th and 26th @ 7 pm. Tickets are on sale shortly, more details will follow.
This is a gentle reminder that the need at the Elgin Food Bank is continuing to increase. You can donate in different ways. You can donate via e-transfer to United Church Of Canada-Elgin <treasurer-euc@eppc-ucc.ca> You can also make a donation in your envelope under “other” or by PAR.
Elgin United Church
Portland United Church
UCW Meeting October 15th at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Portland UCW Apple Pie Sale. SOLD OUT Thank you for all your support.
UCW Fall Rally at Portland United Church on October 8th, 2024. Registration @ 9:30, starting @ 10: $15.00 for Lunch. Guest Speaker: Rev. Lynne Gardiner
Portland United Church
Devotional Reflection
September 28, 2024
‘Those who walk in God’s shadow, are not threatened by the storm’. Andrea Garney
I read the above statement earlier this week. My mind began to focus on all those around me, within my own fellowship group, who are facing those storms.
As children, our imagination had no problem picturing a huge hen and being safe and secure under it. We would do this with a simple object. So, let’s experiment to see how we do now:
Take the largest, fuzziest blanket you can find. Drape it over yourself. And just peek out to see what you can imagine! Here goes. I’m covered up. I’ve turned out the lights. It’s dark under here. – a little scary. I’m sitting in my big chair. But I can feel something happening around me, the sensation of wind. It is growing stronger. In fact, I have to hold on to my blanket. It is being tossed about. And I am in the middle of it – afraid, lonely, miserable. And then I hear a sound, like someone talking to me:
He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Remember, my child, I’m surrounding you.
I sit. The moments pass. But there is still a trepidation – the storm is still all around – pulling me. I cannot seem to find the peace I search for. I hunker further into the blanket, now totally engulfed in the warmth surrounding me. And again, I hear: “There, there, my child. Trust me. I will hold you safe.”
Within moments, I believe. I rest inside the blanket, inside the shelter. The tears lessen, and I begin to softly sing, ‘Don’t be afraid, God’s love is stronger’. I continue, making it a personal prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord. He has shown me His promise is true – He is always near!
I come out from under the blanket. My life is still filled with chaos – but I know what to do.
For those reading this devotional today, you may find yourself in a similar place – fighting against the storms of life.
Allow me to ask you: Have you taken refuge, knowing God is always near? Can you feel His breath as He calms you, breathes with you? His heartbeat, when you are afraid – can you hear it? Living in you, around you. You are never alone.
Keep that blanket handy. And as you live, take refuge in the Lord Almighty, under God’s shadow!
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
