Elgin Portland United Church Council
Minor Gold, a duo on tour from Australia, brings their harmonies and folk-rock chemistry to Elgin United Church at 7:30 pm Saturday, March 15th.. Sponsored by the Tippedship, tickets are $28 available at the Tippedship, thetippedship.ca or at the door.
The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club will meet again on Thursday the 20th of March at the Junction Restaurant at 9 am. Let Clint or Ted know so we can reserve space for us before noon Wednesday the 19th. All are welcome………….Ted
Mark Friday, March 21st on your calendar for a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings put on by the PUC, UCW. 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, veggies, coleslaw, cranberries, home-made buns and pies. $20.00 for adults, $10.00 for children under 12 years. Proceeds will go to varied community needs. Invite your friends and neighbours.
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/
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 Karen Myers. We hope her special day was extra special.
Happy Birthday to John Carley, today, March 16th. Enjoy your special day John.
Jim Carbino celebrates on March 17th. Happy Birthday Jim.
Devotional Reflection
March 15, 2025
How do you expect the unexpected? Recently we have talked extensively about the journey. I have one more chapter in me.
A couple were on holidays, staying in a hotel with 4 floors. Since they were on the 4th floor, they most often took the elevator. Beside the elevator, there was a sign, pointing to the stairs. On a particular morning, the elevator was being used more than usual. They decided to take the stairs. To their surprise, the stairway was not at all like most stairways. Stepping through the door, you immediately entered a world of beauty. The walls were covered with stunning art. Each landing contained a small table with fresh flowers. And a chair or two were placed, as if inviting you sit and take in the picturesque surroundings.
Because they ignored the sign on most days, they had almost missed the most scenic, and memorable, part of their journey.
It causes me to believe that I have missed many an important part of my journey. In my rush to get somewhere else, the evident blessings were ignored.
We are moving into a new season. Perhaps now would be a good time to refresh our memories of the blessings to look for.
On the day you have to walk through slushy parking lots, mud-caked shoes, and being drenched by a car racing through the water-filled potholes, will you be able to laugh out loud and remember that spring has come?
On the day you rush to an appointment, only to remember that it was cancelled and you forgot to mark that on your calendar, will you thank God that you now have time to call a friend and go for coffee.
On the day your basement floods because of melting snow will you thank God that you have a plumber on speed-dial? Will you thank God for the blessing of housing? Will you pray for those who live on the streets?
This next part of my reflection is much more personal. It is written to you, my friends, who are going through changes in your lives.
On the day your loved one must enter a nursing home, will you recall the blessings of years past, the good times you shared? Will you thank God for nursing staff and dedicated PSW’s who have walked with you through this difficult journey? Will you pray for others to walk with you?
On the day your grandchild entered this world, did you thank God for the blessings of a safe birth? Did you raise your voices in gratitude for the opportunities you can anticipate having to talk about the Lord with her?
On the day your grandchild came to church and shared her musical gifts with us, did you thank God for blessing each person who heard her?
On the day your loved one left this earth to be with God, did you praise Him for His promises that she has entered her Eternal Rest?
This reflection gives you insight into the blessings I experience each day, as I walk with many of you on your journey. But it is also a reminder that I still must take the stairs and stand in awe as new blessings and opportunities are given to me. The unexpected is always there for us. Choose to make it count! Always remember you are blessed and loved.
Liz Church,
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
