The Gift of Time – July 28, 2019

Below is an article that was written to honour Doug and Peggy Bond…
May it be a blessing and a reminder that whatever we do, we do for the Greater Good…

So, offer your Gifts, Talents, Time and Finances to make a difference…
******************************************

Time is a rare and precious commodity that many people do not realize. In the Portland United Church and the greater community of this area, we have a man of faith who has dedicated all his life to the Mission of God, alongside was his late wife. These individuals are Doug Bond and his late wife, Peggy.

Doug has attended Portland United Church all his life. He will be turning 78 this fall. Besides his career in teaching Geography at Rideau District High School and being involved with the local Boy Scouts, he is one of the pillars of Portland United Church. He has made his way to become the team leader for the building and grounds committee of this small church, the cemetery, even being a dedicated member of the choir, and many more other aspects of the church that we cannot all list. In 1980, when he and Peggy married, Doug’s human resource power doubled in the Community of Faith and beyond. Peggy not only married Doug, but she also married her efforts with his and together they helped this little community blossom with love to each other and to all. Peggy was a dedicated volunteer at Sunday School, UCW (United Church Women),  Clothing Co-Op, Forfar Hall Board, Rideau Centennial School, and the Portland United Church Pealers (Bell Choir). Together, they have gifted the community thousands of hours of love and care and millions of minutes of grace.

Back in January, of 2019, the Portland United Church Council realized this gift called Doug and Peggy Bond in our midst and decided to have a rock placed on the church grounds dedicated to them. We echo with Apostle Paul, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”, 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV).

On July 28, 2019, we are going to take some time during our morning worship and have a dedication ceremony to the greatest gift that Doug and Peggy Bond have and still give to others – TIME!

On behalf of the leadership team at Portland United Church, I would like to invite you to come and experience this special Dedication Service where we offer this simple rock for the sacred work of Doug and Peggy Bond; and be reminded that if we want to transform this world to the better, the best gift to give is time as no money can buy time.

Join us as you are able and celebrate the gift of volunteers who work diligently behind the scenes because they know deep in their hearts, whatever Good we do for the world is not in vain. Every goodness gives birth to more goodness and that is the best legacy that one can leave behind.

Join us on July 28, 2019 at 9:15 a.m. at Portland United Church in expressing our gratitude to this wonderful couple and enjoy special music, as the Portland Pealers share their talent with special music. You can find us at: www.eppc-ucc.com