Elgin Portland United Church Council
Bible Discussion Groups
Reason to read the Bible #28: The Bible helps us become spiritually mature and feel fully assured in the will of God. Colossians 4:12 “Epaphras, …a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” [see also: Colossians 1:28] Two meetings each week: Portland UC on Monday at 6:30; The Elgin meeting will be held every week at: The Guthrie House (10 Perth Street, Elgin). Tuesday 10am. Everybody is welcome. For info contact Jim at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
UCW Meeting November 26th at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.
Elgin United’s on-line auction wraps up on November 27th. Go to Elgin United Church Facebook page to view the many quality items and bid often and freely. Thank you
Happy Birthday to Carl Leggett, November 28th. I’m sure Carl will appreciate a card or phone call.
Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, the Hospice Hub, is hosting a Palliative Care Education Day: “essential keys to Palliative Care”, Thursday November 28th , 12:30pm (light refreshments & networking) and the session from 1:00pm– 5:00pm, at Oakfield Rugby Park, 2585 Drummond Con. 2, Perth. Register online at tinyurl.com/PCED-2024
The Tipped Ship hosts a concert featuring Rob Lute’s, 7 pm on Friday November 29th at Elgin United Church. Tickets $25 trish@redleafmusic.ca
Annual Community Christmas Celebration with Rideau Lakes & Westport Community Christmas Choir Sunday, December 1st @ 2:30 p.m. Knox Presbyterian Church, Westport.
Portland Council meeting on December 3rd @ 7 p.m.
OB Meeting December 10th at 7 p.m. A light agenda is expected so we will meet via Zoom.
Happy birthday wishes to Anna Greenhorn, who will celebrate her 95th birthday on December 4th! She is finally leaving twenty-nine behind for this milestone event! We invite you to join in the celebration at the Delta Old Town Hall on Sunday, December 8th from 1-3 p.m. *(Please note the change of date and time) Best wishes only, please.
Advance notice JAN 25, 2025 our Canadian Women in Song troupe plays the Joshua Bates Centre, Athens. Get your tickets early. joshuabatescentre.com
Elgin United Church & Portland United Church
Devotional Reflection
November 23, 2024
This coming Sunday was once traditionally called ‘Stir-Up’ Sunday. From about the 1700’s, the tradition was that on this Sunday the Christmas Pudding would be made. Everyone in the family participated. Preparations were made, ingredients prepared. Starting with the youngest child, each member of the family would take turns at stirring the Christmas Pudding, until it was ready to be steamed.
In looking into this tradition, I discovered that earlier than this time period, it was a religious tradition. In 2 Timothy 1:6, we read that Paul reminded the people that they were given gifts of the Spirit. They must continue to use them, ‘stir up’ their faith so it would grow and others could find their way to the Lord by their witness.
I am reminded of how much is actually entailed in making a Christmas Pudding. But a few words jump out at me. “SOAK” and “SIFT” and “STIR”.
I would like to take liberties and remind you how these words apply to us in our spiritual life. What in our life needs to be soaked? Are there those nooks and crannies that need to be taken out of hiding and be allowed to soak up more of Christ. Allowing the Spirit to move in and get you ready for the next surprise that awaits you. Take the focus off what you are and place it on what you are becoming.
In the midst of that, there may be some sifting to be done. Getting rid of some of the bumps that are causing your way to be less smooth than you desire. In the sifting process, you become less burdened by the baggage you carry. You allow some things that have hindered you from growing spiritually to be tossed out as you sift through your spiritual life.
Only after the soaking and sifting process are completed are you ready for the final stage – STIR! You have begun to recognize how significant a part you play in God’s Kingdom. You may not have realized that you are a key ingredient to helping grow the Kingdom but the soaking and sifting process is at work in you. It may very well have been difficult. You may have thought it would never end. But you are indeed ready now to be STIRRED.
Paul’s words for God’s people: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipli
ne.”
As I write to you, my deepest desire is that you will be stirred again. Be touched afresh with God’s Spirit and share with as many as you can the joy of being an essential ingredient inthe building of God’s Kingdom.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Touch Your People Once Again