Elgin Portland United Church Council
Announcements
Come aboard! The Elgin and Area Heritage Society’s “The Historic Rideau Canel” a pictorial display of all locks in the Rideau Canal System, opens June 28th for a summer run every weekend from 10 am – 3 pm through Aug. 31st at the Red Brick School, 3 Halladay St., Elgin, ON. More information on Facebook, the Elgin and Area Heritage Society, and our website eahs.ca.
Cindy Carbino celebrates a birthday, Friday, July 11th. Happy Birthday, Cindy.
Elgin Days 2025 is July 10th – 13th . EUCs bake table, raffle table, and famous smoked meat sandwiches happen in front of the church, 77 Main St., on the 12th.
Items for the bake sale can be brought on Saturday morning by 8 am. Items for the raffle table can be brought to church on July 6th.
Excavation for EUCs new septic system is scheduled for July 14th, and installation the days following.
County Road 44, Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m., Portland United Church. This is a Fundraiser for the Portland Foodbank. A free-will offering will be received. Refreshments will be served.
Mary’s Merry Minstrels, Saturday, September 27th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m., Portland United Church. This is a Fundraiser for the Portland Foodbank. A free-will offering will be received. Refreshments will be served.
Eastern Ontario Outaouais Region UCW – 83rd Summer Event July 25, 26, 27, 2025, is being held at the Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre, Cornwall, Ontario. If you want more information, please see the bulletin board.
Devotional Reflection
July 5, 2025
I saw them today. Frantically scurrying across the road in front of me. I kept on moving forward, and they safely flew off.
I saw them today, chasing each other around the tree trunks in a garden, oblivious to the outsider whose curiosity was peaked by the game they were playing.
I saw them today – gracefully floating on the water, long white necks tucked in as they rested in peace on the lake.
I saw them today as they hustled on to their Wave-runners, racing away from the dock, excitement overflowing!
I saw them today – children playing at the beach, enjoying the sunshine and cool water.
I saw them, parents with a watchful eye as their children bounced around.
I saw them today – as they shared a meal in the restaurant. With much laughter and story-telling they were engrossed in each other, unaware they were being watched.
I saw them today, sitting in a parking lot, in their car. The windows were closed so I could not hear them. But I saw them! Were they arguing? Maybe. That is what the grim facial expressions would suggest.
I saw them today, walking along the street, dragging their life’s possessions in a pull-cart. Dishevelled, sad expressions – another day of existence and hopelessness.
I saw them today. They were crying. The diagnosis from the doctor came as a shock.
I saw them today as they entered through the doors of the local Funeral Home – grief stricken, ashen faces, tears being wiped away – a loved one gone from this life.
Yet, I am not the only one who saw them! Did you see them? Who was it that walked by your window today? Did you take note of their countenance, their bent over shoulders, their slow-moving body as they walked by?
Did you see the laughter and wish to be a part of it?
Did you watch as the homeless beggar approached you, only to turn and walk away because he was afraid of rejection?
Did you take the time to approach her and offer a helping hand, offer to buy a coffee and sandwich. Or maybe even sit with them as you shared together!
Were you afraid? Were you sad? Were you even aware?
I started this devotional with the obvious. We often see the chipmunks, the swans, the birds. And we smile, our spirits renewed! And that is splendid. I expect it often happens. And you thank God for the beauty surrounding you.
We are often caught up the exuberance of children as they play. We are happy to see watchful parents. Life is calm, as it should be.
But in the middle of the calm, the unexpected comes to us– grief, hardship, loss. And we want to turn away. It hurts us!
And then it comes to you. In a fierce, pointed moment, you see and you respond. You pray! Lord, for those who are hurting, engulf them in Your love! Lord, for those who are feeling blessed, remind them to give thanks! And Lord, for those who are grieving, comfort them.
And then add to all these things – Lord, if I can help, show me the way!
I saw them today, and I prayed!
Did you see them?
You are blessed and loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge