Elgin Portland United Church Council
February 8th, the troop will present a collection of their favourite numbers from both Canadian Women in Song and You Can Call Me 80’s – Epic Hits Volume 1 at 7 pm at Elgin United Church. This “With Love – A Favourite Hits Reprisal” is a fundraiser for the St. Columbanus R.C. Church roof. Tickets are $25, available on Eventbrite.ca with a limited number at the door. Get them early, enjoy an amazing concert, and support a worthy cause. See you there.
UCW meeting Feb 11 at 1:30.
EUC Council meeting on February 11th 7 pm via zoom
CEC fundraising Farmer’s Breakfast Family Day – Saturday, February 15, 2025, 8:00 am- noon (or when we run out!) @ Portland United Church. a real deal – $10.00 each proceeds for the playground equipment. Skate on the oval while you’re in town!
Annual General Meetings (PUC/EUC/OB) are scheduled for Sunday, February 16th. OB will be in Elgin.
The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club meets again on Thursday the 20th of February at the Junction restaurant 9 a.m. Please let Ted or Clint know if you are going to join us. All are welcome…Ted
The Bible Discussion Groups meet on Monday (6:30 pm) at Portland & Tuesday (10:00 am) in Elgin at the Guthrie House. All are welcome. Info: ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
Trinity United Church-Smiths Falls is inviting you to a time of gathering and reconnecting with each other and with our General Secretary, Rev. Michael Blair, on March 1, 2025; 2 – 4 P.M. If you are attending from Elgin please let Clint know by February 20th.
Devotional Reflection
February 8, 2025
I am constantly amazed at what God picks out for me to notice as my eyes take in beauty around me.
Twice this past week, in the midst of our cold winter days I have seen miraculous signs, given for my spiritual benefit.
I mention cold because both images took place outside. The first one was on the side of my apartment building.
Someone had thrown an over sized snowball against the bricks. When I saw it, I immediately saw the shape of Newfoundland.
Annette and I stared at it. I told her it was a sign she should book a trip to her hometown. Who knows, it may just be a snowball or maybe a sign!
The second time happened on Sunday. I was leaving Portland Church, heading to Elgin. In between the two church services it is my habit to pray as I travel to Elgin. As I started the car, my gaze focused on a house rooftop. The picture above shows clearly what I saw – snow in the shape of a heart. I’m sure no one climbed up there to place it. But I believe it was one of those moments, meant for me.
And as I prayed my heart was filled with gratitude to God for a very real reminder that He is my first love.
And I begin to focus on other surroundings. What am I missing as I rush from place to place. Do I see God in all things? Am I missing out on blessings that are mine because my attention is on the next escapade, or what’s for supper?
Have I missed those little moments when I might have been able to share the awesomeness of God with another who needed that word of encouragement?
They say that during the winter many people get tired because they have not been out in the sun enough. Sunshine boosts energy levels, gives you that kickstart to your day.
It begs me to write about “SONSHINE”. A children’s song said this: ‘Sonshine, Sonshine, I got a different kind of sunshine.’ Do we allow the love of God to shine through us? On those dismal days, and we all have them, are you able to change your focus, widen your lens, see a fuller picture? What incredible sketches in the sky, in the snow, in the dust on your coffee table, have you missed? What small messages from God, blessings from above, have you overlooked as you sought out bigger blessings.
Believe me, when I say I see God in all things. There are times when I have every reason to sit and stare at my four walls. But even then, the warmth of God’s love speaks to me and reminds me, I am not alone. And a further reminder writes on my heart the name of a person who needs to feel that love of God.
I cannot imagine how busy God must be just looking after me. He sends a sign, a tiny voice, and I miss it. And He has to almost trip me to get my attention. I remind myself: ‘Become aware of Him’. This is my prayer.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge