Announcements
Normal service times resumes on Jan 4th , 2026
Happy Birthday to Owen Gill, Jan 9th and Barret Montgomery, Jan 10th. BEST WISHES.
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.
Bible Discussion Groups
Bible Discussion Groups will 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.
The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club meets next on Thursday January the 15th at 9 am at the Junction Restaurant. If you are coming and everyone is welcome, let Clint or Ted know by what ever means you are comfortable with by noon Wednesday the 14th ……………Ted
Portland Church Council will meet on January 13th at 7:00 pm.
Devotional Reflection
January 3, 2026
Wasn’t that a bit of crazy happening earlier this week? How many of you took note of what the Weather Channel was saying? Did you prepare for the blackout? Were your battery packs charged? Did you have emergency candles? Were your medications all close at hand, should you have to locate elsewhere for a time?
Many in my apartment complex had worked out a plan that would help us all to cope more effectively. We were set. At least for a couple of days!
Were there memories of that terrible ice storm in 1998. Just thinking back to that time and the amount of recovery that had to take place, sends shivers through you. You pray that the weather persons really are correct and that it will only be a few days.
I have to say, around where I live, the impact this time was not bad. Most of us had no loss of power and our lives continued on, as usual – after scraping a ¼ inch of ice from off the car. If you have a garage for your car, blessings on you!
But I noticed something very significant as I took my daily trip into town. There were many people out clearing snow. Should you listen, there was the continuous faint rumbling of snowplows and snowblowers. You could hear them. But then I saw it! Totally startled me, in fact. And warmed me through and through.
All along the highway, at the end of driveways, something was happening. I haven’t noticed it often, at least not since I was quite young.
There they were – neighbours, talking. Leaning on their shovels, shutting down snowblowers, catching up with the news. Checking on each other. I saw that some were laughing. And, of course, there were some who just wanted to get the snow-cleaning job done.
To the side of the driveways, children were dressed warmly and playing in the snow. I could almost picture another neighbour walking down to offer a warm hot chocolate to those who were working.
It was like watching a summertime gathering, without the beach!
I must tell you, as I gazed at this Thomas Kincaid storybook picture, my mind is working overtime.
People love to spend time together. But in our busy, busy lives, it is something of a lost art. Our precious down-time is often spent catching up with laundry, schoolwork, sports and other such things.
Cultivating caring does not just happen. You must take those opportunities, even if it is an ice storm that precipitated the encounter, to reach out and build those relationships.
It is the same for us with our spiritual relationship with God. Even though I know He is right there, I must still reach out and spend time getting to know Him more intimately. Placing value on relationships allows you to know you are never alone.
The old slogan ‘Reach out and touch someone’ means more today in this world of isolation. Be that person who make a difference in another’s life!
You are blessed and loved!
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Some thoughts on moving forward in 2026…Clinton Halladay
From Crisis to Renewal: Humanity and Faith – Toward a Better 2026
2025 felt like a breaking point. Politics were chaotic, the environment was under pressure, and people were frustrated. Across Canada and around the world, protests grew as citizens demanded faster climate action, fairer economies, and leaders they could trust. The Canadian federal election focused heavily on environmental and economic issues, all while political tensions and shifting alliances raised deeper questions about our identity as a country. Caring for the planet — and protecting our future — became a political fight rather than a shared goal.
At the same time, the impacts of climate change became impossible to ignore. Wildfires, floods, and heatwaves disrupted daily life. Governments struggled to respond, and communities demanded real plans instead of promises. It became clear that environmental health, social stability, political trust, and economic strength are all connected.
Housing and affordability were also at the heart of this crisis. More Canadians faced rising rents, soaring home prices, and growing financial stress. Homelessness increased in cities and small towns alike, reminding us that climate disasters, economic inequality, and housing insecurity are not separate issues — they are intertwined. When people can’t afford a safe place to live, the entire social fabric weakens.
Yet beneath the frustration, something hopeful began to emerge: a renewed desire for compassion, connection, and moral clarity. This is where humanity and faith — the values that last longer than any political cycle — can guide us.
Humanity reminds us that we’re all in this together. Climate change, affordability, and homelessness don’t care about political parties. They affect families, workers, seniors, and young people alike. When politics becomes divisive, returning to human values helps us ask better questions: What protects people? What strengthens communities? What helps everyone thrive? These questions open the door to empathy, cooperation, and long‑term thinking.
Faith, whether rooted in religion, spirituality, or personal conviction, adds another layer of strength. Many traditions teach us to care for the Earth, support the vulnerable, and act with integrity. In a time of anxiety and uncertainty, faith can offer hope instead of fear. It can unite people, inspire action, and remind us that protecting the planet, supporting the homeless, and ensuring affordable living are not just political choices — they are moral responsibilities.
As we move toward 2026, we have a real chance for renewal. Governments can strengthen climate commitments, expand affordable housing, and support Indigenous‑led conservation. Citizens can re‑engage with democracy with clearer purpose. Faith communities can lead with compassion, advocacy, and practical support for those struggling most.
There’s a saying: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” With God’s help, may it be so.
Some thoughts on moving forward in 2026…Clinton Halladay
From Crisis to Renewal: Humanity and Faith – Toward a Better 2026
2025 felt like a breaking point. Politics were chaotic, the environment was under pressure, and people were frustrated. Across Canada and around the world, protests grew as citizens demanded faster climate action, fairer economies, and leaders they could trust. The Canadian federal election focused heavily on environmental and economic issues, all while political tensions and shifting alliances raised deeper questions about our identity as a country. Caring for the planet — and protecting our future — became a political fight rather than a shared goal.
At the same time, the impacts of climate change became impossible to ignore. Wildfires, floods, and heatwaves disrupted daily life. Governments struggled to respond, and communities demanded real plans instead of promises. It became clear that environmental health, social stability, political trust, and economic strength are all connected.
Housing and affordability were also at the heart of this crisis. More Canadians faced rising rents, soaring home prices, and growing financial stress. Homelessness increased in cities and small towns alike, reminding us that climate disasters, economic inequality, and housing insecurity are not separate issues — they are intertwined. When people can’t afford a safe place to live, the entire social fabric weakens.
Yet beneath the frustration, something hopeful began to emerge: a renewed desire for compassion, connection, and moral clarity. This is where humanity and faith — the values that last longer than any political cycle — can guide us.
Humanity reminds us that we’re all in this together. Climate change, affordability, and homelessness don’t care about political parties. They affect families, workers, seniors, and young people alike. When politics becomes divisive, returning to human values helps us ask better questions: What protects people? What strengthens communities? What helps everyone thrive? These questions open the door to empathy, cooperation, and long‑term thinking.
Faith, whether rooted in religion, spirituality, or personal conviction, adds another layer of strength. Many traditions teach us to care for the Earth, support the vulnerable, and act with integrity. In a time of anxiety and uncertainty, faith can offer hope instead of fear. It can unite people, inspire action, and remind us that protecting the planet, supporting the homeless, and ensuring affordable living are not just political choices — they are moral responsibilities.
As we move toward 2026, we have a real chance for renewal. Governments can strengthen climate commitments, expand affordable housing, and support Indigenous‑led conservation. Citizens can re‑engage with democracy with clearer purpose. Faith communities can lead with compassion, advocacy, and practical support for those struggling most.
There’s a saying: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” With God’s help, may it be so.