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Part two of a three-part series by Clinton Halladay Hope, Hospitality and Holy Humour Now, let’s talk about the innkeeper. He’s often cast as the villain of the nativity story — the one who slammed the door in Joseph’s face. But perhaps we’ve been unfair. Scripture doesn’t actually say he was cruel. It simply says there was no room. Picture Bethlehem during the census: crowded streets, every guest room filled, families packed wall-to-wall. The innkeeper could have said, “Sorry, nothing I can do.” Instead, he offered what he had — a stable. Not glamorous, but it was shelter. That small …

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This the first in a series of three parts by Clinton Halladay Hope, Hospitality, and Holy Humor Christmas is a season of light breaking into darkness, of joy arriving in unexpected places, and of kindness shown in small but profound ways. At its heart lies the miracle of Jesus’ birth — a story that has been told for centuries yet never grows old. Let us begin where the Gospel of Luke begins:  “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the …

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  Elgin Build a Mountain of Food will take place on Saturday, November 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. So many are struggling to put food on the table this year, and this annual event is essential for collecting supplies for the Christmas hampers and filling the shelves at the Foodbank. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!! If you can help out for a shift, please contact Sue Crump at church@bethelelgin.com Elgin United Church congregational meeting is called for immediately after church November 30th to address replacement of the tile flooring. Why was the shopper crying uncontrollably?  They missed the Elgin United …

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Elgin Portland United Church Council  Announcements  Happy Birthday to Carl Leggett, may he have an enjoyable, special day. Why was the shopper crying uncontrollably?  They missed the Elgin United Church online auction. Don’t you do the same.  The EUC online auction starts on Facebook November 26th and runs to December 3rd. Items will be posted on Elgin United Church Facebook page on opening day. Check in and bid often. An Elgin United Church congregational meeting is called for immediately after church November 30th to address replacement of the tile flooring. Elgin Build a Mountain of Food will take place on Saturday,  …

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Elgin Portland United Church Council  Announcements Happy Birthday to Brian Blowes, Rev. Takouhi, Wayne Kerr and Georgina Campbell.  May they each enjoy their special day in their own special way. Henry Reinders, the Ontario Regional Director of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, is speaking at Elgin United at 11 AM, November 23rd.  We invite you to join us to hear about the important issue of food security and hunger in our world, and what we can do to help. Please share this invitation with others that you feel might be interested.  Light refreshments will be available. Get a head start on …

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Elgin Portland United Church Council  Announcements Happy Birthday to Todd Gill, may you enjoy an exceptional day. Happy Birthday to Morgan Gordanier, may your day be filled with excitement and happy surprises. Tuesday, November 11th is Remembrance Day. The day we consciously acknowledge the sacrifice of our young men and women, who valiantly defended our freedom.   WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM. The Elgin United Church Council meets 7 pm on Tuesday, November 11th at Elgin United Church The Portland United Church is having a Council Meeting on November 11th at 7:00 pm. Please announce our UCW meeting at 1:30 on Tuesday, …

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Elgin Portland United Church Council  Announcements Sunday, November 2, 2025, 2:00:00 am clocks are turned backward 1 hour to Sunday, November 2, 2025, 1:00:00 am local standard time instead. Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 2, 2025 than the day before. There will be more light in the morning and less light in the evening.     Free Art Classes in the Portland Village – 6-12 yrs. Monday 4:30-6:15 at the Portland Restaurant & Pizzeria.  Visual Art  Teacher – Darlene, call to book your spot 905-801-5060.   LAST CHANCE to get your tickets for the Country Kitchen Jamboree hitting the Elgin United stage …

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Elgin Portland United Church Council  Announcements   Free Art Classes in the Portland Village – 6-12 yrs. Monday 4:30-6:30 at the Portland Restaurant & Pizzeria.  Visual Art  Teacher – Darlene, call to book your spot 905-801-5060.         Dig out your Stetsons and jeans! The Country Kitchen Jamboree is in full swing at Elgin United, 7 pm November 1st.  This jam(boree) packed evening features the talent of 11 local vocalists/musicians and 34 hits, from toe tappers to tear jerkers, of the country music genre. Book early. Not to be missed.  Tickets at eventbtite.ca or 613-359-5607 and leave a …

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