Elgin and Portland Announcements
You give your heart, soul and energy to those you care about, and your impact on others is invaluable.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
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Happy Birthday to Mac Montgomery and Dave Alderdice. May your special day be super enjoyable.
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The Portland Council meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, is being postponed.
Any congregants with immediate concerns can reach out to Katy Gibson or Will French.
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UCW meeting Portland United Church -Tuesday 12 May at 1:30. New members most welcome. Connie
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John Brian Wright
April 22, 1946 – April 24, 2026
Suddenly on Friday April 24, 2026. John Wright of Elgin, in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Elizabeth (Irwin) Wright. Loving father of Kevin (Beverley) of Pickering, Morgan of Elgin and Andrew (Amanda) of Lansdowne.
A Memorial Service will be held in Elgin United Church on Saturday May 9 at 11 a.m. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Elgin or Portland Food Banks would be appreciated.
Obituary information for John Brian Wright https://share.google/61znjQ5FTab6kMh0O
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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 at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
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“Portland Helping Portland” Neve Wells, a Realtor at Rideau Realty, is in the planning stages of hosting a community event on May 16th , the Saturday of the long weekend. At this event she is hoping to have a community mid-day BBQ and Raffle Baskets with all proceeds going to Portland Food bank. The slogan for this event is “Portland Helping Portland”. People are encouraged to have their own yard sales at their homes in Portland and spaces will also be available in Rideau Realty’s parking lot for others to set up tables. Owners will keep their profits from the yard sales (unless they wish to donate them to the food bank.) Having the yard sales and the BBQ will help create some traffic for the raffle sales. See Norma with any questions.
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The Young @Heart Breakfast Club will meet again on Thursday the 21st of May at 9 am at the Junction Restaurant.
All are welcome but if you are coming let Ted or Clint know by noon Wednesday the 20th so we can reserve a spot. Ted
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Hoogenboom Huge Family Garage/Yard Sale, Victoria Day Weekend, over 25 tables.
All proceeds to local charities, 7 Cachet Drive, Smith Falls. Rain or Shine
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Pentecost Sunday, May 24th
is fast approaching. Most people are excited that we will once again be ale to gather together with other United Churches within this rural area. Plans are in full swing to meet at the Lion’s Club at 10 a.m. in Elgin for this event. Our special guest will be our own Regional Executive Officer, Eric Hebert-Daly.
Lunch will be provided in a similar style to last year.
Come hungry – food for the soul and food for the body will be available in abundance.
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The Rideau Players present “Spectres & Speed Trains” an original comedy of chaos written by Tao-Lynn Carr, produced by Chris Witty and directed by Beth Hart. The cast includes Michelle Knapp and Graham Lowe.
Performances are at 7:30pm at the Delta Old Town Hall, May 29, 30 & 31, and Elgin United Church June 5 & 6.
Tickets are $25, refreshments available.
See posters or Facebook “Rideau Players”.
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HASKIN; CATHRYN JANICE (NEE GOODMAN)
July 8, 1953 – May 4, 2026
Jan passed away unexpectantly on Monday morning, May 04, in the Hematology Unit at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre.
A Memorial Service will be held in Portland United Church on Saturday July 18, 2026 at 11 o’clock.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Bruce, Ian and Lesley and the extended family as they move through this time of mourning.
For all those who were part of her circle, we will miss her. Her positive attitude of life spoke deeply of her commitment to the Lord, her family, her church, those who learned under her direction in the Bell Choir and those who shared with her in other Bell Choir Groups.
Jan went the extra mile to help others. Many of us have benefitted from her generosity. She was indeed a confidant and friend to so many.
Her expertise in sewing, quilting, and so much more will be remembered by all those who shared these leisure pastimes with her.
Well done, good and faithful servant!
Devotional Reflection May 8, 2026
Through my lens – I see!
This week, had many enthusiasts finally being able to take their morning trek through the woods, carrying their cameras, their binoculars and even watching more closely from their balconies.
There is no doubt that spring is in the air. Bird calls are aplenty. The scurrying of small animals, trying to find a tree to nest in, brings constant enjoyment to those of us looking around. As we take in this newness surrounding us our hearts are filled with joy and wonder.
As I drove through the countryside early in the week, I saw a wolf. And as I slowed down, he stopped, watching closely, making sure I was not approaching any closer. Then, he silently melted into the forest.
But as you know, whether I see what is happening or not, the movement through nature happens all around us. Plants will grow, animals will reproduce, rodents will forage, birds will fly, and the cycles will go on.
It doesn’t stop, just because I fail to see it.
I’m saying all this just as reminder to us. Whether we recognize it or not, God’s love is all around us – it envelops us. We may or may not take note of it.
Those moments of despair overwhelm us, God is there – he sends you a friend, he brings a memory to you, you see a picture –everything is there for us; to tell us again and again – you are not alone, you are loved.
We w
ere reminded a few weeks ago of the disciples as they walked along the road to Emmaus. Only as Jesus broke the loaf of bread and blessed it did they recognize Him. But they felt Him as they walked that day.
I believe that God surrounds us at all times. We can fail to identify His presence. Or we may not acknowledge Him. But that does not mean He has left you.
My God, your God is always there.
Our thoughts this week have been disrupted – by loss, by sadness, by joy, by newness of life. Everywhere around us, life is happening.
Take time – talk with the Lord. Call to Him. Be strengthened by Him.
You are blessed, you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge