Elgin and Portland Announcements
David and Rhonda, we are so deeply sorry to hear about the passing of David’s mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Jim Earl, Karen Myers, John Carley and Jim Carbino. May each of your days be truly special.
Summer time is just around the corner, and that means summer fun for kids! Christian summer camps are one way for kids to be kids during the summer as they immerse themselves in an atmosphere of adventure and the teachings of Jesus. That said, going to summer camp brings about large costs for families. For example, one week at a local camp is approximately $850. People able to donate money towards sending kids to camp are invited to make a donation marked “Summer Camp” anytime in the coming weeks – either online or with Sunday offerings. All donations will go directly to families to help offset costs and are fully tax deductible. Last year, with the generous support of numerous donors and the generosity of the UCW, we supported 6 area children attending Camp IAWAH.
Please reach out to Pauline French (613-331-6876) with any questions.
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“By now you would have noticed that the e-news is being sent out a day earlier. This will be the new schedule from now on and we may even try to send it out earlier than that. We hope this is of benefit to you.”
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Bible Discussions Groups
Two meetings each week – Monday evenings at Portland UC (6:30-7:45PM) and Tuesday mornings in Elgin at the 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.
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Wondering how to get involved with the Clothing Coop? Or perhaps do a little shopping? Buy a bag of clothes for just $5! The Elgin-Portland Pastoral Charge Clothing Coop is located at the Country Roads Community Health Centre in Portland. Reach out to office@eppc-ucc.com with any questions.
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The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club will meet again on Thursday March 19th at 9 am at the Junction restaurant.
All are welcome to join us. If you are coming let Clint or Ted know by noon Wednesday, the 18th so we can reserve a spot for us. Ted.
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Advance Notice for the Easter Week Services:
April 2 – Maundy Thursday Joint Service – 7:00 pm. at Portland (with communion)
April 3 – Good Friday Joint Service – 7:00 pm at Elgin
April 5 – Easter Sunday
- Sunrise Service – place/ time TBA
- Continental Breakfast at Portland following Sunrise Service
- Portland Easter Service with Communion – 9:15 am
- Elgin Easter Service with Communion – 11:00 am
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Devotional Reflection March 13, 2026
Over these past few weeks, it has come to my attention that many of our people are going through some challenging times.
I recently read some writings from one of my favorite authors, Henri Nouwen. He sparked an idea for me about the importance of reaching out.
When I was a younger minister, I studied to be a Chaplain. This spiritual vocation took me to many places – prisons, forensic units in Mental Health facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, police and fire stations. The ministry I carried out during those times was not only inspiring, but it was a constant reminder of the necessity to ‘touch’ lives in a meaningful way. Henri Nouwen expressed it as ‘wordless words of love’.
In our present living, we have had to rethink how we can still reach out to people in significant ways.
Back then, we referred to this as ‘therapeutic touch’ – when you were allowed to enter another person’s safe space. These moments were truly sacred. Restoration, reconciliation, reassurance was the spiritual outcome of those encounters.
Most know that I have spent many months on a healing pathway. I recently had the chance to give back to a number of the caregivers who have been part of that journey with me.
So often the Lord has opened doors of sharing with them, ways to offer them a listening ear.
And then it comes to me, like a light bulb being turned on. How many times have I read in Scripture of the healing touch of Christ. So many reached out, in faith believing, and they were healed.
That same Great physician, is also here for us. But so many in the world have ignored His touch in their lives. This love, given so freely, given as a gift. And yet rejected by some, squandered by some, ignored by others.
“Your touch, is what I long for, you have given life to me!” – the line of a song expressing the desire for the healing touch of our Lord.
I sit here, in the closing moments of the day, reliving moments when those around me could have used a caring hug, a listening ear, a phone call.
And I recall watching others as they did exactly that – sitting with a cup of coffee in a friend’s living room because they are confined to home, reading to a loved one who has lost his eyesight, doing a load of laundry, taking groceries to a destitute person.
The challenge for most of us is not wanting to reach out. It is fear. The reminder in Scripture says it all – Be not afraid, I have overcome.
Reach out and touch the Lord. And He will guide you to reach out to another.
You are blessed. You are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge