WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Anniversary to Karen and Ron Pyne and Jess and Michael Gordanier. May your day be remarkably special. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.
A huge shout out of thanks to all the planners, participants, food providers, helpers and attendees of the Spirit of Pentecost Worship Service May 24th. May the inspiration of collective gathering for worship strengthen our resolve and faith going forward.
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”.
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
Devotional Reflection May 29, 2026
One of my favorite stores to shop in are fabric stores. Over the years I made many visits and I have always found that ‘flawless piece of material’ to purchase – not big enough for a full garment but certainly big enough to make a perfect bow for a garment or some special trim on a blouse, or…. In fact, the first place I look is the remnant bin – the scrap bin, for just that absolute ‘perfect’ scrap!
I have recently been trying to declutter my apartment. I came across my own scrap bin, which I have not looked in for quite a few years. As I dug through it, my mind wandered to when I bought the material and what use I had in mind for it – baby blankets for grandchildren (who now range in age from 13-22); beautiful patterned material for doll clothes for my 8-year-old granddaughter (now 13); a summer top for myself (as if I will find the time!) There is material for pillow shams, dresses, curtain material. It’s a long list. I can see the value in these pieces of material, even the scraps I have saved from other projects.
Needless to say, I have not got very far in the decluttering process – nostalgia, memories, and the wondering what to do with it has prevented me from moving forward.
I began to think about my spiritual life – looking at it as a piece of beautiful material. Last week I focused on God as the Mapmaker – directing our life. This week I would like to call God the Master Craftsman. God sees value where we often see useless scraps. From the beautiful scraps of our lives God make intricate art. He takes the smallest fragments and creates the most unique patterns. The worth of these pieces is determined by God Himself.
I often remind myself to read Jeremiah 18:4 – “But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot…”
And should we take the time and link the verse from Jeremiah with one found in Isaiah 64:8 “We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand”, we would discover for ourselves that God would never throw away those scraps – there is a purpose for them, for us.
You may view your life as unimportant, broken, exhausted, or reduced to scraps. We might often find ourselves feeling like we must be whole, perfect and completely put together for God to use us.
I am here to remind you that God does not need a perfect piece of material, a detailed mosaic of art, or an untouched canvas. He cares deeply about the fragments – your brokenness, your struggling faith, your depleted energy. This is exactly what God wants to work with – and from the bits and pieces, he builds something entirely new.
I must ask you a question: Are you holding back those broken pieces, those beautiful scraps, because you think they are too small or useless? Bring them all to Jesus.
I believe that when we bring them all to Jesus He will piece them together and make them into something beautiful, for His glory.
You are blessed, you are loved.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge