WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
O’ CANADA
Clinton Halladay
The icy spray stung her face like a thousand wasps. A thirty-foot wall of water hovered over her, ready to crush down like a boot on a bug. She reefed the wheel hard to starboard and caught the uprising of a forming wave just in time to miss the downward crush of the previous swell. The sky and water formed a united front, black and ominous with a total absence of horizon. The Naabikwaanens shuddered as the bloated swell tossed her feverishly upward.
Without warning the mounting plume split off, a tentacle soundly grabbing the bow and pulling it mercilessly downward. The second curl smashed through the wheelhouse. The tandem attack strained the small craft and captain beyond their limits.
It is a ghostly fact, that poetic phrase of Gordon Lightfoot: “Gichigami, it’s said, never gives up her dead when the skies of November turn gloomy.”
Yet within that haunting image lies a powerful truth about Canada. Canada is a nation shaped by vast waters, towering mountains, endless forests, and winters that test the limits of human endurance. From the raging storms of Lake Superior to the windswept shores of the Atlantic and the rugged peaks of the Rockies, Canadians have learned to respect nature, adapt to its challenges, and draw strength from its beauty.
Our history is one of perseverance and without question, we, the colonials, believing we were superior, inflicted great harm on the keepers of the land. Indigenous peoples thrived on this land for thousands of years, developing deep knowledge of its rhythms and seasons. Explorers, settlers, and immigrants followed, each adding their stories to the rich tapestry of the nation, not perfectly, but we’re working on it. Together they built communities in places where survival itself demanded courage and cooperation.
Canada’s greatness is not measured by conquest or power but by character. It is found in neighbours helping neighbours after floods and fires, in volunteers strengthening communities, and in the quiet determination of people who face adversity with hope. It is reflected in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and respt for one another.
Like the captain battling the storm on Lake Superior, Canada has faced challenges that seemed overwhelming. Yet time and again, the nation has endured, adapting and moving forward while remaining trueec to its values.
Like the Naabikwaanens, our sailing is not always serene. Yes, we have people and politicians who want to take their ball and leave, break up our unity over pet peeves, or gather under the suppressing umbrella of a grifter, or curate the communal strength of both local and world diversity. We are a nation forged in adversity, courage and civility.
As we celebrate Canada this July 1st Canada Day, we honour not only the breathtaking landscapes that define our homeland but also the resilient spirit of its people. Ours is a country forged by wind, water, and wilderness—a nation that stands strong because its people do.
From sea to sea to sea, Canada remains a beacon of courage, compassion, and possibility. O’ Canada, the true North strong and FREE.
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Happy Birthday to Shannon Montgomery (Carbino). May you enjoy a super, awesome day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
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Allen Mike Freeman passed away on March 8, 2026. The family will receive friends at the Scotland Funeral Home, 27 Main Street, Elgin, on Saturday July 4, 2026 from 12 Noon until time of Memorial Service in the Chapel at 2 o’clock. Inurnment Halladay Cemetery, Elgin. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Brockville General Hospital Foundation.
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Strawberry Social FORFAR Sunday, June 28 Forfar Community Hall 1544 County Rd. 42. Dinner includes ham, scalloped potatoes, salad, corn and roll with berries and ice cream for dessert. Advance ticket sales by calling Tammy or Doris Day at 613-272-2474. Tickets available by chance at the door after the 5 pm seating. Take outs are available – please call in advance to arrange a pickup time.
UCW – We will be making strawberry/rhubarb pies July 2 and 3. Please let Connie or MJ know if you are available to help. Connie 613-220-7914 MJ 613-222-9070
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Bible Discussions Groups
We are taking a break for the summer.
For more information contact Jim Barton at ccjimbarton@gmail.com or 613-328-4089
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Devotional Reflection June 26, 2026
This week in the news we have heard that many places across Canada have had huge windstorms.
I had occasion to be driving and could feel the wind whipping around my car, pulling at it, making it necessary to drive with much greater care.
And do you remember that as a child we would attempt to hold our breath, at least longer than a sibling. We made a game of it – not really giving much thought to lung capacity, cardio, or anything else. It was a game. Our breath was always there. We could inhale and exhale as we pleased.
Of course, as we aged, we are sometimes more aware of our breathing. It is harder to walk up the stairs; running a marathon is not likely; and holding our breath while swimming under water is a feat we may never accomplish. Many of our friends need the assistance of oxygen. And there are hundreds of people I know that use a C-PAP machine to help them breathe better at night.
Not once, I am quite certain, did you stop while reading this devotional and take note of the fact that you are breathing. Do you know how many respirations you have carried out in the last five minutes? In a day? A healthy adult typically takes between 17,000 and 30,000 breaths a day. Imagine, if you can, how time consuming that would be.
And so, I move on with this knowledge – from the beginning of time, we have been blessed. Our Scriptures tell us that God breathed into us the breath of life. He didn’t stand at a distance and speak it into us. He leaned down to the tiny form he had made, that fragile lump of clay and exhaled His very essence into our lungs – and we became a living person.
And so today your lungs carry more than just physical oxygen; they carry a continuous, rhythmic reminder that you are intimately sustained by the Creator. Every single breath you take is a personal gift from Him.
I started out talking about the wind – the breath of Creation! Perhaps there are moments, even now, in your life when you want to stop the whirlwind surrounding you. Life gets overwhelming, we tend to hold our breath. Anxiety tightens our chests, and fear tells us we are entirely on our own. But that is not true. God has breathed into us the Holy Spirit – an ever-present comfort closer than our next breath.
Perhaps this is your moment to pause – breathe in the breath of God and be renewed.
Today is a challenge day for you – and all you need to do is Breathe!
As you breathe in, imagine the peace, love, and grace of God filling your body and soul.
Hold for just a moment as you focus on allowing God to move in.
Exhale. And as you do allow your anxiety, your fear, your doubt to leave your body.
There is an ancient prayer rhythm you can use to help you for those moments of grief, fear anxiety and it goes like this:
Inhale:
“The Spirit of God has made me…”
Exhale:
“…and the breath of God gives me life.”
Always remember this: God is holding your very next breath. You are in Good Hands!
You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge