Elgin Portland United Church Council
Annual General Meetings (PUC/EUC/OB) are scheduled for Sunday, March 9th. OB will be in Elgin. The Annual Report is available on the charge website, limited hard copies are available at each church.
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.
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
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, 1500 Rideau Ferry Rd.
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.
Elgin Music Hall Presents Minor Gold On Tour from Australia at Elgin United Church. Saturday, March 15th 7:30 pm. Tickets are $28.00 at thetippedship.ca or at the door.
Happy belated Birthday to Gary Petro and Morgan Wright who celebrated milestone birthdays last week, in the midst of a February blizzard: Gary, Feb 16th; Morgan, Feb 18th. Let’s all wish these two special gentlemen a resounding HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Happy Birthday to Mary Carbino who celebrates this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mary, enjoy your day.
Special wishes to Georgina and Jim Campbell as they celebrate an especially monumental Anniversary this week. Congratulations!
We are saddened to hear of the sudden passing of John Wanless. We will remember him fondly for his ministry of music which we enjoyed here at Portland. The obituary can be found on the Blair and Sons Website in Smiths Falls. Visitation will be held at Blair & Son Funeral Home, Smiths Falls, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Smiths Falls on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, with a reception to follow in the Westminster Church Hall.
Devotional Reflection
February 22, 2025
This may seem like a strange time to talk about the beauty of trees. We normally talk about how they shelter us under their foliage, protect us from the beating sun or the raindrops of a surprise summer shower.
My thoughts today look deeper than what we see. It is at this time of year when the sap has begun to flow. The life-blood of the tree starts its journey from the root, up into the trunk of the tree. From there it spreads the life-giving food to the branches and into the twigs. Before long, we will see the process at work, as the buds form and a new season is activated.
Let us, for a moment, embrace this winter image. There are many maple trees in this area where I live. I am sure those who earn a living from the flow of the sap have already been out, tapping trees, readying for a new season of the sweet nectar. And those who ‘tap’ trees for a hobby are anxious to get started on the arduous process of making maple syrup.
But even before this ritual begins, picture yourself in the midst of a forest, glancing at each tree. By now the questions are flowing from you as you talk to Whom? What? The trees? God?
I can almost picture my friends out there, walking through their grove of trees. I would venture an educated guess that there are many who walk into that forest and feel a ‘presence’ – the life-blood from a tree pulsating to the rhythm of your footsteps. And within those moments you have a sense of peace, everything will be OK.
You look around. You hear nothing. But in the silence of the trees, you have been given a message. The trees stand there, no judgment given, no over-reaction to your anxieties. They do not run after you. They send the message: ‘I am here! Come to me! My arms are outstretched, ready to receive you.’
I must now tell you a story. Long ago, it was written in Scripture (Isaiah 11:1) that a root would rise up. And again, in Romans 15:12 it says: “Isaiah says, ‘The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.’
This story I am telling you is true. The life-blood remains alive – in Christ. And just as a tree sends out the signals of life so too, Christ stands with arms outstretched.
Here is the catch. God cannot make you love Him. He has offered you eternal life, you must choose it.
Many who read these words understand this process of growth. But there are some who will question, some who will scoff.
We are approaching the Easter Season and you will hear much about what I have told you. But this season, as you walk through the trees, allow God to speak to you. Feel His presence, know His strength, His peace. And as you enjoy the nectar you make, remember that God’s love is sweeter than anything you can imagine.
You are loved. You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
This is how much I love You.
