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 #23: The Bible illuminates the path to eternal life. The Bible illuminates the path to eternal life.” Two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; Elgin meeting this week will be at the Elgin community Hall next to the post office, Tuesday 10am. Please join us. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Don’t miss out on the concert of the year. You Can Call me 80s – Epic Hits Vol. 1 showcases October 25th & 26th 7 pm at Elgin United. Checkout the poster on Facebook, Website and bulletin boards in the area. Tickets are now on sale at Eventbrite.ca.
Elgin Portland United Church Council
Elgin United Church
Happy Birthday Mark Bee. May you have an exceptionally enjoyable day.
Leighton Coatsworth – All are invited to join Pat and her family to share stories and memories and celebrate Leighton’s life, at the Elgin Lions Hall on Sunday, October 20th from 12 to 2 p.m.
A celebration of Life will be held for Jim Rowat on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall. All are welcome.
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
Portland United Church is excited to announce their partnership with the Fundraising Committee of the new G. Tackaberry and Family Home at Maple View Landing’s Long-Term Care, Athens. Portland United Church will be donating $5,000 towards a Resident Room at the new Maple View Landing. These funds have been made possible through the financial support of people attending concerts hosted at Portland United Church in addition to donations to our Memorial Fund. May God’s light continue to shine throughout our communities. PUC Council
Pre-Order Your Christmas Tourtieres before November 13th, 2024. The Seventh Annual Tourtiere Sale By Portland United Church UCW. Pies are frozen and ready to bake. 8″ pies @ $20.00 and 4″ pies @10.00. Please order: Call Sheila @613-272-3531 or Connie @ 613-220-7914.
Jane Pickard and Jan Haskins will be playing with the bells at a Concert In Memory of Ann McMahon.
Portland United Church
Devotional Reflection
October 19, 2024
Today started out soooo dull – at least in the weather department. The chill of winter is just around the corner. And being cuddled under warm blankets, with a steaming hot coffee seemed to be the appropriate response. Still recuperating from a cold, these moments were perfect.
But the day’s plans needed to happen. So, with reluctance, I did my morning ablutions and away I scurried in my car.
I arrived at a friend’s house for Bible Study. I chose my seat. Sitting there with open Bible, coffee in hand, the group began to delve into the Word of God.
Suddenly, without any warning, I began to feel a warmth coming over me. My back to the window, I didn’t realize at first the sun had begun to shine. Gently, ever so slowly, I was enveloped in a blanket of warmth. As I sat, listening to the voices around me, I felt myself being encompassed in this secure moment, as if the very arms of God surrounded me in tenderness.
Everyone was still engaged in conversation, yet here I was, in a ‘God moment’, given just for me! I looked around the room. No one else seemed to see or feel what I was experiencing.
At that very instant, it was me and the Comforter – just us – having a moment! I wanted to stay there, soaking in that Presence, that feeling of strength, renewal and love.
As quickly as it came, it began to fade. I had an instant of wanting to stand and run after it. To feel it again, in the same way.
As if like a flash, I hear the whisper of God: ‘Look around you, you are not alone. These, your friends, are here with you. You are learning more about Me. You are sharing what I have opened to you. They are sharing what I have shown them. Cherish this time, just as you have our moment of closeness. And before you know it, I will be back.’
As He moves to the next soul who needs encouragement, I hear Him say: Liz, I will see you soon and you can tell me all about your day!’
As I try to share on paper, these moments that are given to me, I am reminded that each of you experience God’s Presence in a way that speaks to you.
As you focus today on the tasks at hand just remember that you are never alone. Whatever your struggle, God shares it with you. Whatever your joy, God rejoices with you. Wherever you are, God is there.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
