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!
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WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Happy Birthday to Cindy Campbell. May your special day be totally amazing.
Thank you to all involved in any capacity, organizers, volunteers, donors, purchasers, everyone, for making EUCs 2026 Elgin Days celebration a huge success. Community Committed, Community Strong.
Sunday July 19, 1-3pm the Elgin and Area Heritage Society presents Music in the Park featuring Mark Easter, Jenn Mann and Jumpin’ Jimmy. Bring a chair and water bottle to Heritage Park, 3 Halladay St and enjoy an afternoon of music. Filling station on site. No rain date.
The Red Brick School, 3 Halladay St., is open for tours and viewing of the Elgin and Area Heritage Society’s 2026 display featuring nostalgic pictures of Elgin’s 1956 Centennial Parade. The open house runs from 10am – 3pm weekends through to September.
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
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
Devotional Reflection July 17, 2026
It finally happened. When I least expected it! And I was surprised myself by how quickly the event transpired.
I fancy being a calm person. I can work with a lot of distractions. And while I don’t love the heat, I can get through quite a few hours in a very hot kitchen.
This week has been just such a week – temperatures between 30-35 degrees outside; which means extremely warm working conditions in our restaurant kitchen.
But I go in early and get a lot done before the heat strikes.
We have a wonderful staff this year and we work well together – unless the unforeseeable happens, as it did this week.
I was busy preparing for the day. The lists were long, there was a lot of activity all around me and as the day continued, the lists seemed to be increasing. And for reasons I do not totally understand, I had a moment of frustration!
Sensory overload, tight deadlines and endless prep lists created a perfect storm. And I wanted to run! It was past my quitting time, not everything was completely ready, but time kept moving. And the only way for me to cope at that moment was to walk away! When I arrived home, I immediately started to review those moments.
What should I have done. How could I have handled it better? And I was aware that some spiritual refinement was necessary.
And so, I began a new journey into the spiritual anatomy of my Kitchen Prep. This is my new approach:
- My service is a form of worship. I am setting the stage to bring nourishment and joy to others.
- Others may not see or appreciate the meticulous dicing and slicing that takes place but I will continue to provide the best that I can.
- Every ingredient I handle is a contribution to the full experience I am providing. Whether it be onions, herbs, sauces, or protein, I will treat each element as a sacred gift that I give to another.
- As I work at the Prep Table, I will use this time to hone my skills of patience, love, understanding, genuine caring.
- I will remember that, should frustration begin to build, I need to step back and accept the chaotic reality of the moment and rejoice in the beauty of others who are in the midst of the turmoil with me.
There are times when our expectations cause us to over-react. A flawless shift now looks different for me – the chaos can be wonderful – everyone working together is impressive.
The number of teachable moments for me are endless. My amazing God allows me the privilege to be in service for Him – to let His beauty shine through.
For this, I give thanks to the Creator.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge