North End Food Bank
Portland members have supported the work of the North End Food Bank for several years by collecting non-perishable food, personal care items and other grocery products. We are aware of the great, and growing, need for this support in our community. Each year the North End Food Bank reports an increase in the number of families that are relying on their services and Portland has tried to respond regularly in different ways. During Advent members are invited to use a “Reverse Advent Calendar”. One grocery item is listed for each day of Advent and all of the donations are delivered to the North End Food Bank in January.  On Thanksgiving Sunday the congregation is invited to bring fresh produce to decorate the sanctuary which is then donated to the Food Bank.

Muffin Ministry
During the school year, members of the congregation make homemade muffins for the students of Princess Elizabeth School.
 
Pancake Supper
Each year on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, we open our doors at Portland United Church to the community for a festive Pancake Supper — a delicious way to mark the start of the Lenten season. Enjoy pancakes, sausages, baked beans, and a homemade dessert (which may change each year, but is always made with care).

There is no set admission fee, though we gratefully welcome a free-will donation from those who are able. It’s a warm, welcoming evening full of good food, conversation, and community — and we’d love for you to join us!
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Clean Up day
In the spring a group of dedicated volunteers come on a Saturday morning equipped with garbage bags, gloves and a good sense of humour to clean up the parking lot and grounds around the Portland building. This is done in conjunction with a city-wide spring clean-up effort.

Music at Portland
For ten Tuesday evenings in June, July, and August an hour-long musical concert involving a selection of local artists with a variety of musical styles. There is no charge however people are invited to make a cash donation to the North End Food Bank.​
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Block party
Portland United Church’s annual block party is a highlight of our year, bringing together our congregation and neighbours from across the community. There’s something for everyone — hot dogs, chips, drinks, and cake, plus face painting, games, and live music that keeps the energy high. It’s a joyful celebration of community, connection, and fun, and we love welcoming everyone to join in the festivities.
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School Supplies
Portland members contribute school supplies in August and September for children in our community. These many donations are distributed between Centennial, Hazen White/St Francis and Princess Elizabeth Schools.

Saint John Community Christmas Exchange
​Portland is part of a network of 35-plus churches and community organizations who work together annually to register families and individuals for Christmas food support.  In conjunction with the Salvation Army, the group also registers children for toys.  Portland's annual Christmas Cheer campaign helps to fund its contribution to this program.

Christmas Tea
Portland United Church’s Christmas Tea and Social is a festive highlight of the season! In December 2025, over 90 people joined us for an afternoon of delicious food, community, and holiday cheer. Fancy sandwiches, sweets, and steaming cups of tea and coffee are served on tables beautifully decorated for the season.

Santa Claus makes a special visit, handing out presents to everyone, and the afternoon wraps up with a joyful sing-song. It’s a warm, fun-filled event that brings our congregation and community together to celebrate the season — and everyone is welcome!

Christmas Bags
During the first year of the pandemic the women from the Friday Fellowship Group decided to keep in touch with some of our more vulnerable seniors and shut-ins and to let them know that were thinking of them. We prepared bags with craft items, candy, including home-made fudge and a card. This practice has continued and is a welcome way to keep in touch.
 
Mitten Tree
Each Advent season we have a Mitten Tree in the Church hallway. Individuals are invited to “decorate”  the tree with warm mittens, scarves and hats. Several of our women spend the year knitting these items however we welcome any donations. After Christmas the decorations are delivered to Centennial, Hazen White/St Francis and Princess Elizabeth Schools to be distributed to the students. 
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Prayer Shawls
A group of dedicated individuals have kept busy knitting and crocheting beautiful Prayer Shawls for those in need of strength, comfort, peace, patience or even a celebration. These are available in the Narthex for anyone.