WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kourtney Gill, Zachary Campbell and Cindy Carbino. May each of you enjoy your special day.
Celebrate Elgin Days Jul 9th – 12th. Elgin United will again be in full participation on July 11th with bake table, raffle table and pulled pork sandwiches. Drop by and pick up some scrumptious baking, win something you’ve always wanted and have a satisfying lunch. And there’s always time for a chat with friends. All in front of the church. See you there.
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It’s back for Elgin Days! The Kitchen Party at St Columbanus Church Hall, Sun July 12 from 2-4pm. Free admission, donations towards the church roof. Full audio setup with keyboard and Bluetooth capable speakers. Light refreshments served. Doors open 1:30pm.
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Huge congratulations to Allison on graduating from Grade 12 ! 🎓✨
Allison, your entire church family is incredibly proud of you. Seeing you hold your sign today—“Serving Him by serving his people” future Nurse—reminded us all of your beautiful, servant-hearted spirit. ❤️🩺
Nursing is a true calling, and we know God is going to use you to bring so much healing and comfort to others. We love you, we are praying for you, and we are cheering you on as you take this next big step.
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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MARY’S MERRY MINSTRELS
Celebrate
Music that brings us together
Thru
Fiddles, Friends, Tunes and Songs
Saturday, July 25, 7.00 p.m.
Portland United Church
10 Colborne St, Portland
Air Conditioned
Refreshments Served
Admission by Freewill Offering
Offerings to Country Roads Community Health Centre Flex fund
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Devotional Reflection July 3rd, 2026
It was hot! And I really wanted a chocolate dipped vanilla ice cream cone. They were on sale. I had bought a package with 5 cones in it. My son and I devoured them within a couple of days.
While we were in town, we decided to buy more. They were still on sale. Walking into the grocery store we could see them in the ice cream freezer. We made quick work of picking up a few packages and then driving straight home.
Packed safely away in the freezer, I was anticipating this treat for a few hours before I succumbed.
That tantalizing first bite – the satisfying crunch as you break through the double dipped chocolate. It is then I realize – it is coffee ice cream, not vanilla. Now I have to tell you, I was disappointed. Of course, I love coffee but I like it hot, in a mug! Not in my ice cream! While obviously not inherently bad, it just wasn’t what I wanted or thought I had chosen. I’m sure you can understand my letdown in that rather anti-climactic moment!
This experience got me thinking. I wonder how many times I have handed God my exact order of what I want – a specific job, the perfect timing in a situation, or the exact outcome. I’ve done this. I’ve set my sights on a particular goal.
And then God handed me back something else. Of course, my initial reaction is disappointment, even though what He handed me was good.
I began to contemplate the number of times I have used God as a Vending Machine – punched in my request, expecting of course, what I asked for. He hands me back the exact flavor I need!
How do you feel when God changes your order?
Take a moment and read this verse of Scripture that clarifies what I am trying to share: Isaiah 55: 8-9 in very up-to-date rewrite:
“My thoughts don’t operate like yours,” says the Lord, “and your ways are not My ways. For just as the heavens tower high above the earth, My vantage point and My plans are infinitely higher, wider, and better than anything you could ever map out.”
So, what is the take-away from this reflection? I must be willing to recognize that getting the wrong flavour of ice cream may have been a good thing!
Through this simple displeasure I was able to see a totally marvellous new thought. I was focused on the one thing, but God sees the big picture, the whole screenplay of my life.
God’s satellite perspective opened up a whole new thought process of reliance on Him.
So, the next time you get the wrong flavour of ice cream, or a change in plans, or a rainy day when you wanted sunshine, or a flat tire when you are in a hurry; whenever life tastes unexpected, stop and ask: “God, what are you inviting me to appreciate about this unexpected flavor?”
And then pray: “Help me Lord to trust Your taste over mine.” You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
Please take note the change in the Office Hours
Elgin Portland Pastoral Charge
PO Box 251, Portland ON K0G 1V0
Web site: www.eppc-ucc.com (or.ca)
Church Office: (613) 272-2002
Office Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Secretary: Annette Clarke, E-mail: office@eppc-ucc.com
Chair of the Official Board – Clint Halladay
Church Council Chairs:
Elgin: Clint Halladay (613) 359-5607
Portland: Will French (613) 803-4684
Pastoral Care Director: Liz Church (902) 441-5357
lizchurch1@hotmail.com