WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Krista and Todd Gill. May you enjoy an exceptionally wonderful day and many more.
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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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The Young @Heart Breakfast Club meets this month on Thursday the 23rd of July at 9 am at the Junction Restaurant. All are welcome but let Clint or Ted know by Wednesday noon the 22nd if you are coming but any means you are comfortable with. ……..Ted
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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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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 10, 2026
This week is one I was looking forward to for quite a few months. I have been working hard in preparing to have my granddaughter come and visit. My son and I have been rearranging my apartment to make sure we will all be comfortable for the next month.
I was somewhat stressed out with all my planning. But Tuesday arrived, and the time for the airport trip was at hand, although I was running late for her arrival time!
We were well on our way to the airport and I had a stomach-dropping moment – I had forgotten my wallet, containing my driver’s license, credit cards, and cash – it was sitting safely on my kitchen counter. All I had in my hand was my phone. That moment of panic was not pretty!
I was at the petrol station. I needed to get fuel for the car. My son had already filled the car. Fortunately, he was able to pay for the fuel.
Our lives were already crowded and crazy busy, and an interruption like this felt like the absolute last straw.
But then, a quiet realization broke through the panic. I was on my way to pick up my granddaughter. I was on a mission of pure love.
In that moment of tension, Christ met me in the front seat of my car. It was as if He whispered, “Slow down. Hold your plans with an open hand. Look at why you are on this road.”
I realized that while I had left my physical wallet at home, I hadn’t left my true source of security behind. The modern world tells us that peace comes from having everything under control—our schedules packed, our wallets full, our lives moving smoothly. But Christ offers a completely different kind of peace. It is a supernatural calm that doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. It breaks into our chaotic schedules and settles our racing thoughts.
In our hyper-scheduled, fast-paced world, forgetting your wallet feels like a catastrophic failure.
The panic of the missing wallet was real, but the presence of Christ allowed me to navigate the chaos and arrive at the arrival gate with peace, ready to welcome her with open arms.
Christ has that way of clearing our minds. In a moment of clarity, I was able to call a friend, have her send money into my son’s account and we proceeded as if we had everything under control.
The chaos of the missing wallet didn’t ruin the day because Christ had anchored my spirit. When I saw my granddaughter standing on the arrival’s platform, I wasn’t a stressed-out, distracted mess. I watched as her father ran over to her, as they gathered her luggage and came across to the car. I was fully present to welcome her.
This is a story of sacred priority and love. This is a story of God’s provision. Our lives will always have moments where the schedule shatters, the keys go missing, or the wallet is left behind. But we don’t have to let the craziness of the world dictate the condition of our souls. Even in the midst of a frantic day, Christ can step into your situation, quiet the storm in your mind, and fill us with a peace that passes all human understanding.
So here is what I learned – the next time your day gets completely derailed by a stressful interruption, don’t rush to fix it in fear. Take a deep breath, pause, and invite Christ into the chaos. Ask Him to replace your panic with His peace, reminding you of what truly matters.
You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
