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.
Sunday, March 2nd St. Columbanus Hall, Elgin, 2-4 pm. Kitchen Party!! Bring your talent – song, dance, poetry or dramatic reading, or just come to encourage! Free will offering. Light refreshments. See Below
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.
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
Elgin United Broadview subscriptions are due for renewal. The annual subscription rate is $30. EUC subscribers can pay by e-transfer $30 to Mark Bee mark.bee@rideau.net or by cash. If you would like to start a new subscription for yourself or as a gift, see Mark.
The June issue of Broadview will be a historic keepsake edition celebrating the United Church’s 100th anniversary. Subscribers will automatically receive a copy. You can pre-order additional copies and when you make a memoriam donation before March 15, the name of the person you are honouring will be published in the keepsake issue. Go to the link below for details: https://broadview.org/donate/100th-anniversary-keepsake/. At PUC there are two copies of the Broadview in the Friendship Room
Mark Bee Connie Cochran
EUC Broadview Rep PUC Broadview Rep
Congratulations to Allison Gibson. She has been appointed as Student Trustee for 2025-2026. She will serve as Vice-Chair of the Student Senate.
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.
Happy Belated birthday to Barb Rowat. She had a beautiful sunny day to celebrate, mirroring her always sunny disposition.
Happy Birthday Marion Cooper. May you have a most enjoyable day.
Liz Vanderschiut
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Liz Vanderschiut. Liz came to Canada in 1958 with her husband Jim and her 2 year old son Wybo. They resided in Portland. Liz attended Portland United Church with her family. She was involved for many years as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the Choir, played the organ when needed and was a UCW member. We wish to extend condolences to Liz’s family. Futher details will be forthcoming.
Devotional Reflection
March 1, 2025
The patina of life – you are probably wondering where I am heading with this thought. Some will not have even really heard of the word, patina.
Let me start at the beginning. A new baby is born, not just any child – you were born! After a few days in the world, your skin is super smooth. And your face glows. Many gazed in wonder at the beautiful creation before them, staring in awe. Life has begun for this precious gift. Hope is born.
Were we to follow your life, I wonder what we would find?
The patina of life – as you grew, there were many moments of shining brightness – you were cared for, loved. School plays, church concerts, swimming lessons, boating, activities & vacations that dreams are made of. Living life with the exuberance of youth.
The patina of life – Teenage years strike. Broken hearts, failing grades, a loved one dies, a friend gets sick. The glow of life is tarnished. The protective 
coating has been sliced open. And you are reeling. Your life has become stained with a reality you do not want. And no matter how hard you try, you cannot stop the process – you are growing up!
The patina of life – And before long, because years turn into decades more quickly than we realize, the stains are deep. Life was not easy. Every plan did not come to fruition. You were not exempt from the hurt, burdens of the day, tragedy.
The patina of life – The story of every human on earth begins the same. And when the time comes, a choice must be made. Not all are as blessed as I am, or as you, my dear friends. You see, you have accepted the Light of Lights, the glory of God surrounds you. Your patina has been polished. Layer after layer of prayers have covered you. You have been called by God, and accepted Him as your Guiding Light. The stains of your life have been washed away. You shine!
The patina of life – This is transfiguration Sunday. You will hear much about the glory of God, the shining light that radiates, so bright you must cover your 
eyes. And I want to believe that you know with certainty that you are covered. You have been polished. The glow of Christ radiates in your life. As you walk through your pathway, others are drawn to this light. Share this joy with others. All may come. God loves everyone.
The patina of life – The next time you see a polishing cloth, reflect on these words. Pray for those who had to grow up too quickly, for those whose lives are still broken, for those who feel life is too tough. Reach out and help them feel the love of God.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
