Friday, February 26th, 2021

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840 Bruce Street, Port Elgin ON 519 – 832 – 9540

peunitedchurch@bmts.com www.portelginunitedchurch.ca FRIDAY FILE

MINISTERS NOTES:

Life is a journey filled with unexpected miracles! As we say “good-bye” to February and “hello” to March we do so with excitement! What lies ahead is transformation and change. We can look forward to longer and warmer days set to the soundtrack of dripping icicles and the call of the Robins. There will be a gradual return of colour to our drab flower beds filled with snowdrops, daffodils and tulips. And, we will replace our snow shovels with rakes and gardening tools. As the earth wakes from its winter slumber we will be traveling our Lenten Journey toward the horrors of Good Friday arriving to its inedible destination; Resurrection Sunday! May we commit ourselves to making the most of these remarkable days and remembering that life is a journey filled with unexpected miracles! And, may we have the vision to see and the heart ready to receive these divine miracles. It reminds me of an old favorite hymn: Open My Eyes, That I May See:

Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth thou hast for me; Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free Silently now I wait for thee Ready, my God, thy will to see Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

Blessings,

Rev. Heather McCarrel

Check Out Rev. Heather's Weekly Blog https://stainglasslens.wordpress.com/

Friday, February 26th, 2021

CHAIR OF COUNCIL NOTES:

“To the pain of many people, we witnessed an act of arson that destroyed Westley United Church on Saugeen First Nation as well as two other Churches that were damaged by the same arson. In all cases it took only a single match to create such destruction of such beloved building structures, Church, people's lives and livelihood. In many ways, the damage experienced at the three churches on Saugeen First Nations is no different than what we at PEUC are facing, not literarily thank God, but damage just the same. I am talking about rumours and gossip, “our single match”, that seem to be within our church, our place of worship. Nothing hurts a church more than the spreading of rumors and gossip. Being honest with ourselves, all Christians must admit that at one time or another we have spread rumors. It might be something that is done quietly without serious intent, among just a few “close” friends. What may start off as a somewhat innocent statement can fast become something else as folks down the line add a little spin and/or twist when passing it on the next person. Sometimes the spin and/or twist is intentional … meant to drive home a point, tear down a reputation, or simply put someone’s integrity into question. It is particularly harmful to the church. It is an unhealthy activity that can unnecessarily bring about unjustified harm to church leadership and the Lord’s mission for the church.

I write to you today for your help, if you hear rumours or gossip kindly tell those spreading rumors that nothing good can result from such and that you don’t make a practice of participating in the rumour mill. Insinuations, gossip and half-truths when repeated often enough somehow become believable … even to the person responsible for initiating the information and it is very hurtful whom the rumours and gossip are directed.

It takes only one rumor to harm a brother or sister, and it’s tough to recover once the rumor’s out. We only weaken the family of God through gossip. Gossip harms reputations, destroys trust, causes division, and is destructive to our church family. Our congregation has always and continues to show love, passion and compassion to each other and during these very difficult times let's show each other that we are strong in our faith and love in God and love for each other by stopping rumours and gossip. Let's remember who we are and whose we are and why we are here.” I am open to having a conversation if you would like to discuss this further.

Regards, Dennis Kazimer 519 832-9875

Gordon & Laura Williams Update: Rev. Heather was in touch with the Williams family on Wednesday February 24th and is glad to share that although Laura remains in the hospital she is improving. Gordon is doing well and enjoying his time at his son's home. Please keep an eye in the Friday File for further updates.

Happenings At PEUC:Big “THANKS” to Victoria Starkey for the Valentine’s craft kits that went out (porch delivery) to 51 young children the week prior to Valentine’s. The families

expressed their gratitude through emails, photos and a video thank you!

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Every Sunday during COVID public gathering restrictions, we will gather on ZOOM for a time of social virtual fellowship & conversation. Watch for the ZOOM invite included with the youtube link in

Sunday mornings email.

Sunday 1:00pm

During the time of COVID, Kathleen will continue to be available to offer Administrative Support. She can be reached by calling into the church office 519 832-9540 or through email peunitedchurch@bmts.com. She will be in the church office from 9am – Noon on Friday. Please ring the bell to the left of the front doors.

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Calling all Bakers! The UCW is looking for people who would like to contribute baking to a bake sale to raise funds for UCW missions. To make it simpler we are asking for only the following items:

Cookies (1 dozen) Muffins (6) Brownies (1/2 pan) Butter Tarts (6)

Banana Bread (1/2 loaf) Lemon Loaf (1/2 Loaf)

Baking is to be packaged in Ziplock bags and dropped off at the front door of the church on Friday March 12th & Saturday March 13th between 9:00 and 11:00am

Please follow the link provided in the body of the email to sign up to bake – just type your name in under the item(s) you want to bake (it auto saves) or you can call Kathleen at the church office 519-832-9540 or Louise Jack at 519-832-5630.

Deadline to sign up to bake March 4th.

Calling all Eaters! Watch next week’s Friday file for instructions on how to pre-order the goodies you would like to purchase. You can pay by e-transfer peucfinance@bmts.com or exact change. When you order, you will be asked to choose a pickup time on the afternoon of Saturday March 13th. Your treats will be brought to your car. Details next week.

We are reaching out to all interested solo musicians or groups who would be willing to share their talents on occasional basis as part of our worship services as "Special Music" If you are interested in serving our congregation & praising God in song, please contact June Van Bastelaar, Chair of Worship 519-832-5800 junevanbastelaar@yahoo.ca

Praise the Lord!

Special Music

Friday, February 26th, 2021

Lent February 17-April 4

The Mission & Outreach Committee is asking you and your family to participate in our annual Lenten Collection. Funds donated this year will be given to the Living Hope Food Basket run in Maple Square Mall Tuesday and Thursday from 12 Noon to 3 PM.

Adult donations can be made by cheque payable to Port Elgin United Church with the word "Lent" in the memo line. Cheques should be mailed to Box 486, Port Elgin, N0H 2C0 or E-transfer peucfinance@bmts.com Using either method you can include your Lent donation with your regular offering, just specify how you want your offering broken down.

If you have children in your family, we have arranged with Kathleen to design a liner you can put inside a recycled jar. The liner appears above. If you print this page of your Friday File, you can cut out the liner. If you have more than one child, you can print as many liners as you want. Perhaps you will want your child(ren) to put a coin or coins in their jar every day as a teaching tool. You can explain the story of Lent and the importance of helping others in our community at the same time.

We have a limited number of old-fashioned Lenten Boxes. John VanBerlo has kindly offered to deliver Lenten Boxes as they might bring a feeling of normalcy. If you would like a Lenten Box, please let Kathleen know.

I will let you know in April how the. Boxes and jars will be collected. Public Health rules will guide us. Pray for your Church. Be kind. Stay safe.

Penny Inkster, Chair, Mission & Outreach Committee pennyinkster@bmts.com 519-832-4926

PORT ELGIN UNITED CHURCH Name:

Envelope #:

A bequest in the amount of $20,000 was issued to Port Elgin United during the 2020

year from the Helen Wuerth Estate. She was a devoted member at PEUC & volunteered

for many organizations within our community. She died July 17, 2019