Announcements
Happy Anniversary to Rev. Takouhi and Gary.
Wishing one and all a happy and healthy 2026. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Joint service at 10:00 in Elgin on December 28th.
Normal service times resumes on Jan 4th , 2026
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The 2025 Annual Meetings scheduled for March 1st
PUC: following worship service
EUC: following worship service
EPPC: following EUCs ACM
Annual reports are due to the office by January 20th, treasurers’ reports by January 27th.
Free Art Classes in the Portland Village – 6-12 yrs. Monday 4:30-6:15 at the Portland Restaurant & Pizzeria. Visual Art Teacher – Darlene, call to book your spot 905-801-5060.
Bible Discussion Groups
The two weekly Bible Discussion Groups will take a few weeks off during the holidays and resume their meetings in the new year on January 5th and 6th. This past year the groups have completed reading the New Testament two more times and have read the first half of the Old Testament (up to Job). In the new year, we will resume our study in the second half of the Old Testament, while reading again the New Testament. If you would like to start your new year with greater understanding of God’s word, please join us for lively discussions and encouraging fellowship. Contact Jim Barton at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or (cell) 613-328-4089.
Devotional Reflection
December 27, 2025
Here we are. The end of another year. And I have no idea what words of wisdom I can possibly write to you.
If I talk on New Year’s resolutions, you may have a long list to add to the ones I would make.
If I talk on how tough this past year has been, I cannot possibly know just how BAD it was for each of you, my readers. But I pray that someone walked with you through those most difficult times.
What I share with you each week, comes from a place deep within me. That brings me to this place, at this moment.
Have you ever taken the time to look around you – I mean really look at the lessons that abound, that can encourage us, uplift our spirits and help us to continue this journey.
Just in these past few days a reminder came to me. As I glanced around at the beauty of winter, my eyes were drawn to a snow-covered lane. And as I meandered down the pathway, the trees on both sides were weighted down with the snow of the past few days. But I am free, walking along, thinking perhaps it is better to be me – free to wander where I will.
And then a thought occurs to me – these trees in the maple grove are amazing! They do not have to worry. They are rooted, just as they need to be. They have been preparing for months for their new adventure. They have taken in the sustenance that surrounds them. They are primed with anticipation for what lies ahead. One day at a time draws them to the sweet task of producing nectar that will be used for processing maple syrup.
My mind continues down this same path. Lying there, just under the snow, the crocuses begin to prepare. They will make their way to the surface.
But, while they wait, they gain all the nourishment they need to come back to life.
So now I must ask: Are you drawing the nourishment you need to survive? There is never really a dormant season for us. We move from day to day, in the knowledge that God has promised us life. And we don’t know exactly what that means. And so, we make plans for the future and how to fill our days.
I guess what I’m asking you for this time of the year is to take stock on how you are preparing for this next year of your journey. For some, it will be a rough one. For others, you will feel most fortunate for your blessings of family and friends who surround you.
And for many you will be the blessing that another needs.
So, if there are New Year’s resolutions you must make? Be sure to include these:
- Get out and exercise
- Pray every day
- Read God’s Word
- Reach out to another
- Take stock of all your blessings
- Live your life to please God
You are amazing. God has given you a life. Use it to honour and adore Him.
You are blessed and loved!
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
