Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 13, 2019)
6A FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 H IGHLIGHTS Koinonia works on cookbook tomorrow LA GRANDE — The sermon at Faith Lutheran Church in La Grande Sunday will be from Luke 15, in which Jesus tells the parable of the lost coin, revealing that God works diligently for the sake of those who are lost. The service will begin at 10 a.m. The women’s group, Koinonia, will meet at 10 a.m. Saturday. It will be a regular meeting and the members will work on a cook- book to be ready for the holidays. God works even in the in-between moments LA GRANDE — The La Grande Church of the Nazarene offers Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. During the 10:30 a.m. worship service, Pastor Kevin Goss will conclude his “An Altar in the World” series with a message from Genesis 33:22-32 titled “God in the In-Between.” Sometimes we fi nd ourselves at de- fi ning moments that have a lasting effect on the outcome of our lives. But God may be at work even in the in-between moments, in ways we might easily miss if we aren’t paying attention. Holy Eucharist celebrated at Episcopal Church LA GRANDE — St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of La Grande will celebrate Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. Sunday. Reverend Roberta Smythe will offi ciate. Coffee hour and fellowship will All welcome at Patriot Day gathering in Summerville W ith the divisive po- litical climate of our nation, I fear many have forgotten what has gotten us to the place we are today. The reason we should not allow reconstructionists to rewrite our nation’s history is because we need to learn from the past. The reason we have historic monuments is to help us not forget our past no matter how bad or good different periods may be. We need to be reminded of the Civil War, because we must never return to the racist attitudes that allowed for slavery, while at the same time fi nding ways to honor state’s rights to allow them to govern themselves within reason. The reason we need the Pearl Harbor Memorial is to remind us that we can never be too prepared for an attack from those who hate us and to remember those who died in that attack. The reason we need the memorial in New York City is so we never forget what happened on Sept. 11, 2001, when haters of our country used our own commercial airliners as missiles to bring down two iconic buildings of the past. Patriot Day is to remind us of the sacrifi ces made on that day by many workers, law of- fi cers, EMTs, fi refi ghters and FROM THE PULPIT FRANKLIN HUMBER other emergency personnel. These people serve us every day and put their lives on the line as part of their normal routine of work. Along with these, it reminds us of those who serve to protect us nationally and internationally in our armed forces of the military. All of these brave men and women serve us at home and abroad to protect our freedoms and to defend us from future at- tacks on our homeland. They enable us to enjoy our liveli- hoods and to sleep at night without the continual fear of attack from our enemies and those who desire to destroy our way of life. This Sunday, Sept. 15, Summerville Baptist Church, along with many other churches in our valley and throughout our nation, will gather for a time of re- membrance to recognize our emergency personnel and our military in the morning worship service. We would be honored to have guests join us for this special 11 a.m. service, to recognize, honor, support and pray for these public servants who are truly our heroes every day. follow in the Parish Hall. Congregant delivers message LA GRANDE — A member of the La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church will share the message, “Many Parts, One Body,” Saturday. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Sister Becky Craven’s message focus of teaching LA GRANDE — The “Come Follow Me for Individuals & Families” lesson for the week of Sept. 16-22 for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be based on 2 Corinthians 8-13. Members of the Stake High Council will be speaking The story of our life is being written W hen it comes to fi nding our place in this world, let’s consider two categories. The fi rst one I call “fl oating down the river.” Picture a scenario of someone nap- ping in a small boat without a com- pass or a paddle. Having a spectator mentality, this person has no map or intentional direction but rather is just hoping for the best. It’s also common for these individuals to throw pity par- ties from time to time, as a happy-go- lucky lifestyle usually runs into serious disappointments. Often haunted with thoughts of being left behind, they are caught in a vicious cycle of confusion and discouragement. As a Christian counselor, I’ve tried to help those who are stuck in this drifting mindset and certainly have compassion on them, but we all have to do our share of searching and pray- ing. No doubt it’s extremely diffi cult to fi gure out our calling, but it’s also not helping the situation by living in denial and blaming everyone else for our problems and failures. It’s always scary to move out of our comfort zone and face reality because sometimes life can seem like a huge mountain that’s impossible to climb. If you’ve ever tried to help someone fi nd their direction, you understand when I say we cannot force anyone to do any- thing, and neither can we help those who are not willing to help themselves. Sunday at the Sacrament Service of Sister Becky Craven’s recent general conference talk titled “Careful vs. Casual.” The second hour of meetings will be Sunday school. Sister Craven’s talk and past general conference talks can be viewed or read at www. churchofjesuschrist.org Adult Forum meets after team meetings LA GRANDE — Zion Lutheran Church in La Grande will worship at 9 a.m. Sunday. Holy Commu- nion will be celebrated. Pastor Roberta Smythe will offi ciate. A time of fellowship will follow. The Adult Forum will continue with the topic of “Climate Change” after brief team meetings. LIVING ON PURPOSE BILLY HOLLAND In every area of life, those who desire a healthy state of being must see the truth about their own circumstances and be willing to do something about it. Since God’s character and nature is divine order, we can agree there are no mandates or divine commissions for fl oating aimlessly through life. The good news is that God is patiently waiting to help us whenever our pas- sion to change becomes stronger than our excuses. I believe that having Jesus Christ as the Lord of our life is the meaning and purpose for everything we do, and this brings me to the second category. God is the author and fi nisher of our faith, and his word reminds us that he’s drawn a general outline and a specifi c one-of-a-kind blueprint for each per- son’s life according to his perfect plans. It’s true, he rarely writes, “John Smith will be a plumber” on the wall, but the basic concept of the Christian life is to be determined to listen and trust him. This truth encourages and moti- vates us, but another aspect of this challenge is to realize there are certain conditions and responsibilities on our part. In order for his plan to be fully activated, it will require surrendering our will to him. You see, with God being the pot- ter and us being the clay, it’s critical to accept the fact that we are not to conveniently add God to the ambitions we already have, but rather to allow him to transform us into a brand-new creation. Yes, it’s painful not to be in control, but this is a very important part of our personal relationship with Christ. Our spiritual mission is more about him molding us into his image than Housing Matters Union County will meet at Zion from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Lunch will be pro- vided. The women’s evening Bible study will be at 7 p.m. Monday at Cathy Lease’s house. The Quil- ters will meet at Zion at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Christian Church Sunday school has fall kick-off LA GRANDE — Pastor Ray Smith’s message will be “The Unexpected Jesus” Sunday at La Grande’s First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Mark 3:20-35 will reveal that Jesus continually surprises us. The service will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday school will have its fall kick-off at 8:45 a.m. “Since God’s character and nature is divine order, we can agree there are no mandates or divine commissions for fl oating aimlessly through life. The good news is that God is patiently waiting to help us whenever our passion to change becomes stronger than our excuses.” blessing our ideas. He desires to be more than a savior. He demands to be our Lord. Personal change is not easy and anyone who advertises how wonderful it is to sacrifi ce, suffer and be un- comfortable probably has a degree in marketing. There’s nothing wrong with reading books about how other people have accomplished their goals, but even if we become experts on how to be successful, this does not automatically mean we will be. Besides, beyond the motivational seminars and the per- sonal achievement formulas that are available, you are a unique individual and God has arranged a special path for you to take. Allow me to include: There is no substitute for prayer and persever- ance if we are to become all that God has called us to be. Everyone who has experienced even a modest amount of success had to not only discover their spiritual blueprint, but to also arise from their couch and start building. Every idea needs faith and a plan, but without allowing God to lead and teach us, we will most likely never fulfi ll our destiny. May we remember, the story of our life is being written and if we choose to follow God’s plans, we are a true success and will never be disappointed or ashamed. Read more at www.billyhollandmin- Northeast Oregon Directory of Churches Services This Week I MBLER C HRISTIAN C HURCH 440 R UCKMAN , I MBLER 534-2201 www.imblerchristianchurch.org Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Worship Service First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 901 Penn Avenue 963-2623 lgdisciples@gmail.com Worship 10:00 a.m. ~Join us at The Lord’s Table~ CALVARY CHAPEL 1433 Jefferson Ave. SUMMERVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH Sunday Services: Sunday School & Adult Bible Classes 9:45AM Children's Church & Worship Service 11:00AM Family Worship Service 6:00PM Wednesday: Prayer Mtg, Children's Bible Club, Youth Group 7:00PM A church for your whole family Visit us at summervillebaptistchurch.org 963-5884 Contemporary Worship Expositional Teaching 109 18th Street • 963-3402 Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. C OVE U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH ROMAN CATHOLIC 1708 Jasper St., Cove, OR N ORTH P OWDER U NITED M ETHODIST C HURCH 390 E. St., North Powder, OR JOIN US... Catch the Spirit! Worship: 9:00 a.m. Cove Worship: 10:00 a.m. N. Powder La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church A Place where hope is found in Jesus Join us in Fellowship & Worship Every Saturday 9:30 a.m. - Bible Study/Fellowship 10:45 a.m. - Worship Service 2702 Adams Avenue, La Grande • 963-4018 Pastor: Mike Armayor www.lagrande22adventistchurchconnect.org Learning for Today and Eternity Little Friends Christian Preschool/Childcare 963-6390 La Grande Adventist Christian School Christian Education K-8th Grade 963-6203 LA GRANDE UNITED GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICES METHODIST CHURCH LUTHERAN CHURCH La Grande - Our Lady of the Valley “OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS” 1002 L Avenue Saturday 5:30 pm Mass Sunday 10:00 am Mass Weekdays 8:00 am Mass Union - Sacred Heart 340 South 10th Avenue Sunday 8:00 am Mass No Weekdays Elgin - Saint Mary’s 12th and Alder Sunday 12:30 pm Mass No Weekdays FIRST LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 1812 1st St. La Grande Pastor Dave Tierce • 541-605-0215 We use the King James Version Bible Sunday School - 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am Sunday Evening Bible Study - 3:00 pm (Effective June 10) Wednesday Evening - 6:30 pm “Where you can find TRUTH according to the scriptures” www.flmbclagrande.com 1612 4th Street – 963-2498 Pastor Taylor Gould lgumc@eoni.com www.lgumchurch.org Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-Noon Worship 10:00 am Fellowship Coffee Hour 11:00 am - Nursery provided - Zion Lutheran Church (an ELCA church) 902 Fourth Street, La Grande, OR (541) 963-5998 9:00 am - Worship 10:00 am - Fellowship & Refreshments 10:30 am - Classes Pastor: www.zionlagrande.org LCMC 667 N. Main in Union “We are called to Serve” Sunday School for all ages - 9:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Pastor Carl Seelhoff Phone: 541-786-0447 Sunday Service - 10:30 a.m. Studying The Book of First Corinthians Wednesday Service - 7:00 p.m. Studying The Book of Revelation Wednesday Night Youth - 6:00 p.m. Tune in to Calvary Radio 88.1 CSN Amazing Grace Fellowship 1316 T St., La Grande, OR 541-568-4567 S Su u nday 1 10:30 a.m. Sunday 1 My Grace is 2 Cor r 12:9 suf ff fi sufficient for you. grace.lutherancove@gmail.com 1531 S. Main Street, Union 541-562-5531 www.UnionBaptistOregon.org Sunday School 9:45 am Morning Worship 11:00 am Thursday AWANA 6:30 pm Birthing, Building and Being the Body of Christ I 40:31 IS First Baptist Church SIXTH & SPRING, LA GRANDE 541-963-3911 Sun. 10:00 AM - Worship Sun. 8:45 AM - Exploring the Bible Wed. 6:15 PM - AWANA
