Elgin Portland United Church Council
Annual General Meetings (PUC/EUC/OB) are scheduled for Sunday, March 9th. OB will be in Elgin.
Elgin United Church Council has a vacancy for a Community Partnership Coordinator. Cindy Carbino is stepping down; however, she is retaining the online auction. Please consider volunteering or if not in your comfort zone, consider nominating someone. Contact Cindy or Clint for more information.
Trinity United Church, Smiths Falls is holding a meet and greet with UCC General Secretary, the Rev. Michael Blair from 2-4, Saturday, March 1st. Those planning to go from Elgin, please let Clint know by Feb 20th so Trinity can plan for refreshments.
The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club meets again on Thursday the 20th of February at the Junction restaurant at 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 at 6:30 pm at Portland UC & Tuesday at 10:00 am in Elgin at the Guthrie House. All are welcome. Info: ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
Both the UCW and the Council at Portland United Church would like to help send our area children to Camp Iawah this summer! Camp Iawah is a non-denominational, faith-based Christian camp approximately 20 minutes past Westport on Wolfe Lake. They offer a variety of camp experiences for children, including overnight, week-long camps, and a Day Camp experience. If you know of children who would enjoy attending, please reach out to office@eppc-ucc.com and we will be in touch! Spaces are filling up quickly, so reach out today! For more information on Camp Iawah, please click the following link: https://iawah.com/about/
World Day of Prayer 2025 Ecumenical Worship Service Friday, March 7th at 2 p.m. Bethel United Church.
Gary Petro and Morgan Wright celebrate milestone birthdays this week. Gary, Feb 16th; Morgan, Feb 18th. Let’s all wish these two special gentlemen a resounding HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Maple View Landings, Athen, Ontario is the largest construction project in the history of the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville at a cost of $85 million dollars. Total number of residents beds is 192 (includes 60 residents currently at Maple View Lodge). WHY DONATE? Fundraising dollars will cover quality-of-life amenities that enhance residents’ lives. Donations can be mailed to Lesley Todd – Long-Term Care Fundraising Committee Coordinator, United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, 25 Central Avenue, Suite 100, Brockville, ON K6V 4N6 or contact Lesley,todd@uclg.on.ca phone number 613-340-6038 or e-transfer payments@uclg.on.ca. Cheque payable to United Counties of Leeds & Grenville.
Devotional Reflection
February 15, 2025
The Oval is back. There has been enough cold to allow the lake to become part of the solid landscape for a short period of time.
As the Zamboni glides around the ice, there are bystanders waiting patiently to don their skates and give the ice a try. The bumps and bruises of the last time you were on skates are forgotten as you lace up your single-blade wonders and head out.
The exhilaration is real – even after a fall of two. You know you will get the hang of things, given a little time. Determination (and a little bit of extra padding) pushes you forward. Finally, you have conquered the first trip around the Oval. You feel alive, invigorated by the knowledge that you can still do it. The ability is not lost, yet!
For a moment, you look toward the shore and take in the sight of people standing there, watching you. In my mind’s eye, I begin to wonder – have they ever ventured out on to the ice, were they a good skater, are they now filled with fear because of falling? Do you see their smiles as they reminisce of days gone by? Or is there a longing to be out there with you, wind whipping across their face, exhilarated by the challenge facing them?
And now, my thoughts take me to that other place. The precarious Oval of life. Many a time I have strapped on those thin blades, pushing the limits of my spiritual life, for good or bad. Wanting to stand on my own, regardless of the hazards. I felt the unstable steps, the wobbly gait. Not sure whether I would stand or fall, I continued. Many falls later, I look toward the shoreline. Standing there I see a Face, watching me, ready to come and steady me. But I ignore Him, still determined to do it on my own.
A few more attempts, a few more falls. Bruised and discouraged I finally allow myself to be helped. He takes my hand. With a steady pace, we glide along, in sync with each other, slowly at first, learning the rhythm. Before long, He releases me and I continue to glide, improving with each forward movement, momentum building as I move to the ebb and flow of that inward tempo – Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
As you say the name of Jesus, let it flow – Jesus. Another push forward – Jesus. Are you getting the rhythm? Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
There has never been a time when I have been alone. I have just refused to see, to take the help. The thin blade of life can be conquered. You can learn to push forward and stand in your faith. Stand in the knowledge that you are never alone. Move with the assurance of a Spirit-filled life – a life filled with excitement, with challenges, with possibilities and potential.
So, if you have fallen, and are sitting there, look around you. Take the help from the Outstretched Hand of Jesus. Rise up and with a steadiness of purpose, start moving.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
