Weekly Announcements
MUSIC LOVERS take note:
“Handbells speak what cannot be expressed…”
Portland United Church which owns a 3-octave set of handbells & chimes is presently seeking a director for this community choir.
While a large selection of secular & religious music is available there is also a budget for acquiring new music.
For further information please contact Katy 613 929-9351 or Jane 613 272-2524; or email office@eppc-ucc.com
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The Young @ Heart Breakfast Club meets Thursday the 27th of August at 9:am at the Junction restaurant. All are welcome. If you are coming let Clint or Ted know by noon the 26th so we can reserve a spot for you. ………Ted
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Bible Discussion Groups
Meetings will resume on Monday, September 14th and Tuesday the 15th following our summer break. We plan to explore the Bible book of Revelation. Study books will be provided. All are welcome to join this study; no prior Bible knowledge is required. If you would like to attend contact Jim Barton 613-328-4089 or ccjimbarton@gmail.com. Meetings are held Monday evenings in Portland 6:30 – 7:45 and in Elgin at 10am on Tuesdays.
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Devotional Reflection August 14, 2026
I love Wednesdays during the summer. Our restaurant is closed for Monday and Tuesday so Wednesday means everything is fresh. I start with a clean state of provisions for the week ahead.
Today was no different. I arrived at work to start my usual preparations. You know how it is. Turn on the lights, the fans. Make sure the fridges are all in working order. Turn on the fryers. Fill the dishwasher. The list is extensive but by now it is ‘old hat’. Comfortable.
I make a coffee, start the ‘prep’ list for those who will arrive in a couple of hours – and I’m off to a great start. Every morning is the same routine so I’m not paying much attention – until – I realize the fryer I need has not heated up! I check the others – they are all good – so I know there is propane. I open the bottom door and see the issue. But I don’t have a clue how to fix it. It’s never been a problem in 2 years that I have worked here. No one showed me what to do in this scenario.
I c
an hear you chuckling to yourselves – light the pilot, silly girl! Well, duh! I know that! But I can’t see a place to light it. Even down on my hands and knees (no easy feat, for me) and it is still not visible. I’m searching for that little blue light that provides the flame needed to light the gas coming out of the main burner. It is no where to be seen. I check the other fryers. I see the tiny flame in those – but not mine.
A half hour has passed. And the main Marina is opened. I know who to call – who will come to my rescue! And within the next 15 minutes, he arrives and as they say – the spark has been ignited! And all is well.
I write this story as a reminder to myself and to others.
When I became a Christian, God lit a light within me. At first, it was barely able to be seen, but it worked. I learned so many lessons during those early years and I continued to fan that flame with God’s power burning within me.
But I recall a time when I could not feel that ‘pilot light’ – the spark was dying. And I felt like to was gone. Too far gone. And all the love that was given to me, I turned it off.
But I am a strong believer that what God has given us, he will keep alive. So, I started my search for the light again. I did not have to venture very far at all. Right there before me, on my hands and knees, God showed me that button and guided my hand toward it. He turned on the gas and I came to life again.
I believe there may be times in our lives when we don’t see that light, the Spirit of God, alive within us. But I tell you, my friends, it is always there. Allow God access, turn on your faith, and you will set the fire of Holy Spirit working in you and through you.
I know there are many who read this devotional. And some of you are struggling – disappointments, health concerns, spiritual dryness. Situations you did not plan for; and you feel like you are not prepared for.
Take a moment, kneel down – the intent and humility of your heart matter far more than the physical flexibility of your knees. So whether you are kneeling on your knees, bending at the waist, sitting in a chair, lying on your bed, bow your head, close your eyes. Now, reach out toward that tiny flame. And you will feel the power return and God’s strength will help you to rise, invigorated and renewed.
You are blessed.
Liz Church, Director of Pastoral Care
Elgin/Portland Pastoral Charge
