Elgin Portland United Church Council
Happy Birthday to :
Jessica Gordanier – March 30; Dylan Carbino – April 1; Madilene Halladay – April 5.
May they each enjoy their special day.
Advance notice of EUCC meeting via Zoom – 7:30 pm, April 15th
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
Devotional Reflection
March 29, 2025
It may seem a bit strange to talk with you about this week’s discovery. In two simple words, that no one wants to see together – ROAD KILL.
I’m sure you are familiar with it. So, I won’t write to many descriptive words. But a few are necessary – pulverized, crushed, unidentifiable, bloody, destroyed, dead!
It’s the emotions surrounding this that I focus on today. ‘Ah, that poor little fox – must have missed his training lesson from his mom on how to cross a busy highway!’ ‘Oops, not fast enough. I couldn’t avoid it. One more dead squirrel. We won’t miss it!’
‘How idiotic! Why did that deer not stay at the side of the road until I passed him? Stupid, stupid! This is going to cost time and money, I cannot afford. Grrrr..!’
How silly I am. Voicing such thoughts out loud! What I really want to say is so much more painful. To have these thoughts about God’s creation is one thing. And I am with you there.
But to have similar thoughts about humanity, pains me deeply. Week after week, day after day, we are confronted with the visual effects of sin on this world. We 
encounter ‘HUMAN ROAD KILL’ – people who have lost their way, who constantly struggle with life, who are desperate. And I must ask: What is your response to them? Do you look at them, and write them off? Do you blame them, not knowing what effort they have gone through to restore and repair their broken lives?
Being in ministry for more than 50 years has given me insight into many tragic situations. And I have struggled with my response sometimes. ‘Street people’ who would seem to have loving families are still on the streets. And as I talk with them, and try to understand, I have to curb that side of me that wants to judge.
Families that have two jobs and still wrestle with affording food or electricity – how many conclusions do you jump to, easy solutions you think will work! Did you really think it through? Don’t you think they have tried?
Perhaps I am crying out to you – what can we do? How do we make this world better?
Let me repeat those unthinkable words again – pulverized, crushed, unidentifiable, bloody, destroyed, dead! This is humanity without understanding, without love.
Of course we have the answer. JESUS! But how do they hear if we don’t tell them? How do they see if we don’t show them.
And when we have poured out all we have in love, in understanding, and still they perish? The words of Jesus tell us: Love, love, love.
And the next time you see ‘crushed’ human road kill, pray for that person in your life, in your community, in your church, in your family, who may be experiencing defeat and brokenness. Forget about the fault-finding. Pray for discernment and sensitivity. Pray for healing of mind, body and spirit.
And God Himself will be gloried through your giving, your caring, your love.
You are blessed and loved.
Liz Church,
Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
