Announcements
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.
Thank you so much to Liz for helping to spearhead the fundraiser at Portland United for Luz Mariela, and the Colegia Bautista school in San Salvador, and to the congregation for your support of this mission project. We were able to send approximately $400 US dollars to support Luz Mariela with her schooling and her medical expenses related to her vision. We also received a new letter from Luz Mariela, and it’s posted on the bulletin board in the Friendship Room.
Bible Discussion Groups
Two meetings each week. Monday evenings at Portland UC (6:30-7:45PM) and Tuesday mornings at the Elgin Guthrie House (10 Perth St.; 10:00AM-11:30AM). All are welcome to join in the friendly discussions and fellowship. For more information contact Jim Barton @ ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089.
Devotional Reflection January 10, 2026
Today was one of those days that I struggled to move. Not because I was tired. Not because I was lazy. No, not that! It was because of the weather.
We had so much snow even the snowplows seemed hesitant to come out!
And I had 3 appointments to keep. None close to me, of course!
As I drove, all my concentration was on the road – clear patches, build-up on the headlights – frozen wipers. All making the drive impossible.
But you can never get enough of snow-laden trees, boughs bent. And the thoughts of them sending showers of snow over an unsuspecting, eager walker in the next day or two brings smiles to my face!
It occurred to me – this beauty must be shared.
A very serious idea does come my way – I am out here in this snow! Am I prepared? I am heading out to a clinic, to a hospital and a few other stops. I jumped into my car, never worrying whether my winter tires would work. I had fueled the car on one of those stops I mentioned. I knew I had a blanket in the back of my car; my phone was charged; everything was in my purse so it would not fly around should I have to break suddenly, or maneuver around another car in the ditch.
After so many years of Canadian winters, I kind of have this feeling I am prepared.
And now my mind wanders past this winter stuff to the times I have left my home without some. I am a Christian. And there are certain times we take everything for granted. I prayed yesterday, don’t have much else to say today, Lord.
I want to share this gift of salvation with another, but I have not even taken time to ask for guidance or refresh my soul or my mind?
Just crazy to think about, right?
And then I got to thinking about what I need to carry with me as I go out into the world.
We are fortunate these days with cell phones and the Internet. There is no lack of information out there to help you.
So, as you prepare to head out, walk boldly, carry your little arsenal of good words and prayers. And before you know it, you might be the one to lead a lost soul to Christ.
It I an experience you never forget – get ready to be blessed!
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge