Portage Ontario and St John’s Elora are continuing a long mutually beneficial fellowship. We have a ministry with residents and staff, and they in turn minister to us in a variety of ways. Portage residents participate as: altar servers, Sunday School assistants, servers at PWRDF teas, and many other events.
Fr. David Mulholland counsels Portage residents generally once per week, and concelebrates many Sundays. Catherine Clail faithfully trains the altar servers each week, and then supervises them at the services. (Catherine also gives the servers an appreciation of wild Canadian bears.)
Mon. Night Bible Study at Portage is led by Sharon Barrett and Anne Crawford, with frequent help from Betty Knight and Melanie Love. The boys Bible Study is led by some combination of Jeff Ostic, Craig Love, Peter Scott, and Dave Tinker. All of the above can attest how much we learn from the residents and their questions. Thanks to Nancy K & Nancy S for coaching the Portage reader at 9am.
Our Epiphany Party at Portage is an annual event when the residents learn from three wise men bearing gifts that Santa Claus was not the founder of the gift-giving tradition. Small stuffed toys are collected for the event by Anne Tinker, Betty Knight, and Catherine Clail. By the end of the evening each stuffed animal is usually named and will sleep with the grateful new owner. During the evening a guitarist, story-teller, and various parishioners join the residents in songs. Arguably the high point of the evening is when Maestros Peter & Nancy Scott conduct “The !2 Days of Christmas”.
One of our church`s simplest, but most meaningful gifts to residents has been a willingness to lend an encouraging and attentive ear. John Knight and Jim Bottoms along with many others deserve kudos here.
If you want further involvement, one way is as a part-time driver, and Portage is looking. Peter Scott & Dave Tinker will be happy to answer your questions.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Tinker
SERVICES OF HEALING AND RECONCILIATION
Once a month, (Sep through June), our small healing ministry team gathers to assist those who seek help in rediscovering their relationship with God and with others as well as themselves. These services, like Jesus` ministry, is open to members, and non-members of our parish community. The services are hosted by St John`s and Elora United, usually on the 3rd Sunday.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Tinker