The Observer. (La Grande, Or.) 1968-current, August 13, 2020, Image 6

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The Observer., August 13, 2020, Page 6, Image 6

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Newspaper Page TextSpiritual Life 6A Thursday, August 13, 2020 HIGHLIGHTS UNION BAPTIST CHURCH Churches and faith-based groups are encouraged to submit Highlights for the Spiritual Life page by 4 p.m. Tuesday for publication Thursday. Submit by email to news@lagrandeobserver.com (with Highlights in the subject line). UNION — The Union Bap- tist Church’s Sunday schedule has changed. Sunday school now begins at 9:45 a.m., and the ser- vice is held at 11 a.m. FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH LA GRANDE — The sermon at Faith Lutheran this Sunday will use Matthew 15:21-28. In these verses Jesus has been working his ministry of caring for people in the varied needs of health, food and spiritual truth. He goes to a far northern region and he ﬁ nds his reputa- tion had preceded him. A for- eign woman greatly troubled over her daughter’s behavior and spiritual health cried out to him saying: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” She was persistent in her endeavor and Jesus com- pliments her with “O woman, great is your faith,” and we are told that her daughter was healed instantly. From this we learn that Jesus is merciful and desires to serve all people. There will be a church council meeting this Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH & ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH LA GRANDE — Due to COVID-19, in-person worship is not being held at either Zion Lutheran Church or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, both pastored by Rev. Roberta Smythe. On Sat- conventions across the world have moved to a streaming platform. This historic decision was made out of concern for the health and safety of local communities. Attendees from La Grande this summer were expecting to attend the three-day event this summer at the Toyota Center in Kenne- wick, Washington, where the regional conventions have been held since 1992. The theme of the 2020 con- vention is “Always Rejoice!” and it comes at a time when many are struggling with how to ﬁ nd happiness amid a pandemic. The virtual program is being released online in six installments from the weekend of July 11-12 through the weekend of Aug. 29-30. The installments may be accessed at any time. Virtual attendance is free and open to all. To view, go www.jw.org and under the “Library” tab choose “JW Broadcasting.” ingly never-ending cycle between humility and sinfulness in these chapters is often referred to as the “pride cycle.” This lesson focuses on how to avoid this cycle, ﬁ nd sanctiﬁ cation in our lives, and increase our faith. The study manual, referenced scriptures, and much more are all available for free from the church’s web- site (www.newsroom.churchofje- suschrist.org.) or from the free “Gospel Library” app. Members who have been won- dering why the Book of Mormon video series suddenly stopped during the latter chapters of Alma may ﬁ nd the answer and other interesting articles about this, temples and other church activ- ities in the “newsroom” on the Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- ter-day Saints’ website. Submissions urday, links to Zion’s online wor- ship service will be posted on the church’s website and Facebook page, and a link to St. Peter’s online worship will be available on its Facebook page. The con- gregations do not plan to meet in person until after Labor Day. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS LA GRANDE STAKE — The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat- ter-day Saints’ “Come, Follow Me” lesson for the week of Aug. 17-23 begins a study of the book of Helaman (chapters 1-6). The study manual points out the seem- JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES LA GRANDE — This year, the annual Jehovah’s Witnesses Should Christians make Sunday a holy day? Voicing gratitude despite O a messed-up world “R ender therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Romans 13:7) In Romans 13:7, God tells us to honor those to whom honor is due. In that context FRANKLIN HUMBER FROM THE PULPIT of holy scripture, God is ref- erencing those in authority and speciﬁ cally those in gov- ernment or law enforcement authority. Following the news coverage of the violent protests taking place in Portland and many other major cities in our nation, I have been reminded once again how thankful I am to live in a place where we have peaceful protests when- ever we have protests. It does not bother me to have people exercising the First Amendment right of freedom of speech, and I trust they will also tolerate and respect me when I exercise my own right to the same freedom. It made me sad when I saw the recording of a young journalist from a conservative news group being attacked as he was covering a protest in Portland. The report he gave was that he was attacked because he rep- resented a different viewpoint than that of the protestors. The freedoms of our Constitution are for each American, not just for those with a particular political views. The same freedoms that are meant to allow me to proclaim the truths of scripture are the same for those who burn our beloved ﬂ ag, even though I do not like what they are doing and even disagree with it. I am thankful that we still live in a nation where they can exer- cise that right without worrying about military tanks running them over as we saw years ago in China. I am thankful to live in a community in which the law enforcement are peace ofﬁ - cers and care about our com- munity, unlike the ofﬁ cers who were seen in Minneapolis a few months ago. I am thankful for a county government that is truly working for the good of our community and not on a quest for personal beneﬁ t as we see too often in politics. If we want to make pos- itive changes in things that are not right in our society, ﬁ rst we should pray for those in authority as instructed in God’s word. However, we also need to be engaged in the pro- cess of decision making at the most basic level of voting in each election. There is also a need for good, moral and eth- ical people to be willing to serve in public ofﬁ ce in order ur culture as a whole has clearly embraced secularism and the absolute autonomy of the individual as the credo for living. In keeping with this change, over the past several decades former societal practices that put God collectively above the individual, such as Sunday store closings for family, worship and rest, have vanished. to truly make a positive differ- ence for the well-being of their fellow man. I am thankful for the place we live and for those who serve well for the good of our community. I am also thankful that in our nation we can still call the ofﬁ ce of our elected leaders and voice our opinion even if it is diamet- rically opposed to that of the leader you are calling. There is much that is messed up in our world, in our nation, in our state and perhaps even in our commu- nity. Peaceful protesters may write things on the sidewalk or street in chalk, not paint. Peaceful protesters hold signs and voice their protest; they do not attack, kill or do bodily harm to those who have a dif- ferent position or who are there to keep the peace for everyone. Peaceful protesters may march in solidarity, but they do not loot, destroy and burn private property, busi- nesses or federal buildings. However, there is much to be thankful for as well. I am seeking to voice my concerns in my votes and in my personal communications, while at the same time express my grati- tude to the Lord and to those who serve well. DONALD BASTIAN CALL ME PASTOR Many Christians appear to have followed this change. Rather than making Sunday a true Lord’s Day for worship and rest, Sunday might include any-day tasks such as laundry, shopping for groceries, washing the car, mowing the lawn, cleaning house or spending hours in hard study. The question is whether we give up something precious when Sunday becomes like any other day of the week. The Sabbath originally referred to Saturday, but for the largest part of Christendom it has become Sunday. That’s because Sunday is the day of Christ’s resurrection and is therefore “the Lord’s Day.” Consider as well that on the Sunday of his resurrection, Jesus also appeared to his followers in the morning (John 20:1-19), afternoon (Luke 24:13-32) and evening (Luke 24:36-49). These meetings set the stage for the weekly celebration on Sunday of our Lord’s resurrection and the promise of our salvation and eternal life with him. For further support of Sunday observance, note Luke’s documenta- tion that a generation after Christ’s resurrection, when he and Paul were About the Author Franklin Humber is the pastor of the Summerville Baptist Church. in Troas, “On the ﬁ rst day of the week we came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7). And as well, Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside their special offerings “on the ﬁ rst day of the week” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The Sabbath principle really begins with the account of cre- ation. The Book of Genesis tells us that after six days of creation, “on the seventh day God rested (ceased) from all the work of creation that he had done” (Genesis 2:2-3). This “rest” is sometimes referred to as a Sabbath rite, a standard to be observed by God’s creatures. Then, in Exodus, the second book of the Bible, we learn that during Israel’s wilderness wanderings, God gave the miraculous gift of manna as daily food (16:12). Each morning the Israelites were to go out and collect enough for the family for only that day. But, on the morning of the sixth day, they were to gather enough for two days so they would not need to gather on the Sabbath (16:29). Again, this arrangement reﬂ ected God’s merciful call for them to desist one day out of seven from their weekly labors in order to rest in his mercy and celebrate his care. Then, later came the giving of the Ten Commandments. The fourth (Exodus 20:8) said, “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy” — setting it apart, sanctifying it. The ﬁ rst three commandments all start with the phrase “You shall not…” Commandment four begins with “You shall” — it is a positive command to remember and observe the special day. About the Author Donald N. Bastian, of Ontario, Canada, is the bishop emeritus of the Free Methodist Church of North America. Northeast Oregon Directory of Churches Services This Week First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) FIRST LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 1812 1st St. La Grande 901 Penn Avenue 963-2623 Pastor Dave Tierce • 541-605-0215 lgdisciples@gmail.com We use the King James Version Bible Worship 10:00 a.m. 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” ~Join us at The Lord’s Table~ 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: Roberta Smythe www.zionlagrande.org First Baptist Church LA GRANDE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH “OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS, OPEN DOORS” SIXTH & SPRING, LA GRANDE www.UnionBaptistOregon.org 1612 4th Street – 963-2498 541-963-3911 Sunday Morning Worship Service 11:00 am Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Pastor Taylor Gould lgumc@eoni.com www.lagrandeumc.org Office Hours: Mon-Thur 9am-Noon Birthing, Building and Being the Body of Christ Worship 10:00 am All services have been temporarily cancelled. Live-streaming Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. People can watch at: lagrandefbc.org St. Katherine’s Catholic Church Fr. Thomas Puduppulliparamban 301 E Garfield Enterprise Mass Schedule Sundays: St Pius X, Wallowa – 8:00 am St Katherine of Siena, Enterprise – 10:30 am Saturdays St Katherine of Siena, Enterprise – 5:30 pm Weekdays St Katherine of Siena, Enterprise – 8:00 am (Monday – Thursday and First Friday) All are welcome 1531 S. Main St. Union 541-562-5531 www.flmbclagrande.com GRACE COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH The Place 62848 Philynda Loop in Island City “We are called to Serve” 109 18th Street • 963-3402 Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages - 9:00 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Phone: 541-568-4230 grace.lutherancove@gmail.com Fellowship Coffee Hour 11:00 am Amazing Grace Fellowship 1316 T St., La Grande, OR 541-568-4567 Sunday 10:30 a.m. 2 Cor 12:9 My Grace is sufficient for you. IS 40:31 - Nursery provided - Imbler Christian Church 440 Ruckman, Imbler 534-2201 www.imblerchristianchurch.org Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Worship Service 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 Cove United Methodist Church 1708 Jasper St., Cove, OR North Powder United Methodist Church 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 Saturday 11am Outdoor Worship 2702 Adams Avenue, La Grande 963-4018 lagrandeor.adventistchurch.org Learning for Today and Eternity Little Friends Christian Preschool/Childcare 963-6390 La Grande Adventist Christian School K-8th Grade 963-6203