Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (June 19, 2015)
Page 8A FAITH East Oregonian Friday, June 19, 2015 Cowboy pastor teaches brokenness Lesson for EOCI inmates centers on obedience to God By KATHY ANEY East Oregonian AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush speaks to residents during a town hall meeting Wednesday in Pella, Iowa. Jeb Bush: ‘I don’t think we should politicize our faith’ Francis is an extraordinary leader of a church whose teachings I try to follow, WASHINGTON, Iowa — and it doesn’t need to get Jeb Bush cautioned against any more complicated than blending politics and religion that,” Bush said. “But I think Wednesday, signaling he it’s better to solve this in the will not necessarily heed political realm.” Bush has said he accepts the pope or pander to social conservatives on policy in his WKH VFLHQWL¿F SUHPLVH WKDW campaign for the Republican the climate is changing and believes that examining the nomination. “I don’t think we should causes should be a priority. politicize our faith,” he said, But he’s contended that the speaking in a state where science is not clear on how evangelical Christians wield much global warming comes VLJQL¿FDQWSROLWLFDOLQÀXHQFH from human activity. %XVK RQ KLV ¿UVW YLVLW “I think religion ought to be about making us better as to Iowa as a candidate, was people and less about things asked at a public event what he that end up getting into the would do to put God in public life. He sidestepped some- political realm.” His comments came on the what, saying he would more eve of an encyclical by Pope broadly promote the defense Francis that is expected to of religious liberty. “The next HQGRUVHWKHVFLHQWL¿FYLHZWKDW president needs to establish human activity contributes to religious freedom as one of the climate change — a conclusion ¿UVWIUHHGRPV´KHVDLG Daniel Wright, a challenged by many Republi- electronics cans and several of the party’s 32-year-old salesman from eastern Iowa, candidates for president. Bush, who converted to said Bush was unafraid of the Catholicism, suggested he question, which impressed will not be beholden to a him, but he felt he dodged it. ³6SHFL¿FDOO\,ZDVWDONLQJ faith-driven policy agenda wherever it comes from about God, not religion because his religion is a collectively, from a Christian personal beacon, not a polit- point of view,” Wright said. “I would have loved to have ical roadmap. “I go to church to have kept the question on God and my faith nourished, to have not religion as a whole.” It was a rapid introduction my faith challenged,” the former Florida governor told to Iowa caucus politics for reporters after the outdoor Bush, whose positions on meeting with about 75 immigration and education eastern Iowa Republicans have raised questions among in the back yard of a local some on the right about supporter. “That’s why I go whether he’s conservative to Mass. I don’t go to Mass enough. He’s been reaching for economic policy or for RXW WR LQÀXHQWLDO &KULVWLDQ conservatives for months things in politics.” On the coming encyclical, but has spent less time in he said he would read and Iowa than some other leading UHÀHFW RQ LW ³, WKLQN 3RSH rivals. By THOMAS BEAUMONT Associated Press BRIEFLY Free workshop traces genealogy HERMISTON — A genealogy workshop designed to help people learn more about their roots will feature live presentations, videos and hands-on computer labs. The Family Discovery Day is hosted by the Hermiston Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The free event is Saturday, June 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 850 S.W. 11th St., Hermiston. A brown bag lunch will be provided. The event will include activities for all ages. 6SHFL¿FSURJUDPVIRU children from ages 5-11 run from 12:15-3 p.m. For more information, call 541-571-1706. Due to some class size limitations, those planning to attend are asked to register at www.lds. org/familydiscoveryday. In addition, the Family History Center is open to the public for research Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call Jeanette Byers at 541-667- 7668. Nazarene church celebrates with special service HERMISTON — A special God & Country Day is planned at the Hermiston Church of the Nazarene. The church invites everyone to attend and celebrate God and his blessings on the country. The special service is Sunday, June 28 at 10:30 a.m. at 1520 W. Orchard Ave., Hermiston. A barbecue will follow the service. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/1430590223916887 or call 541-567-3677. Aglow fellowship meets in July WALLA WALLA — Shellie Canada, who has served for many years with Aglow International, will share about her experiences in the upcoming gathering of Walla Walla Aglow Community Lighthouse. Aglow, which started in 1967, is an international organization that seeks to minister to its members and share God’s word in the community. Everyone is invited Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Whitman Court, 305 Ash St., Walla Walla. A freewill offering will be taken for the event, which includes lunch. For more information, call Paula McKee at 509-220-1408 or Darya Tucker at 509-876-1668. For more about Aglow, visit www.facebook.com/ aglowtricities or www. aglow.org. Father’s Day car VKRZEHQH¿WV Made to Thrive HERMISTON — New Hope Community Church will host a Father’s Day Show N’ Shine car show from 9 a.m. to noon June 21 at the church, 1350 S. Highway 395. Registration begins at 8 a.m. There is a $10 entry fee, and trophies will be awarded by class. For more information, call 541-567-8441. The 100 inmates gazed at something they hadn’t seen for a while — a horse. A Tovera mare nervously circled the pen as the men soaked in the sight on Monday on the grounds of the Eastern Oregon Correc- tional Institution. During the next 30 minutes, Pastor Todd Pierce, of Riding High Ministries, would use his horse whispering skills to break the colt. Pierce, a former jockey and professional bronc rider from Idaho, doesn’t bother hiding his faith under a bushel, or his cowboy hat. He quoted scrip- ture during his microphone check. “I am the way, the truth and the life,” he intoned. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” While Pierce tested his equipment, Roses and Champagne (aka 6XPPHU ÀLFNHG KHU HDUV and eyeballed the inmates. She seemed oblivious to the Brown Family Band performing a Patsy Cline song on the prison lawn. The musicians eased into “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” a song that no doubt resonated with many of the men. “I am a man of constant sorrow. I’ve seen trouble all my days.” Pierce himself experi- enced trouble in days past with addiction and violence, eventually evolving into a man of faith. As a profes- sional cowboy, Pierce competed in the Pendleton Round-Up six times, and now serves as chaplain for Staff photo by Kathy Aney Todd Pierce, of Riding High Ministries, breaks a colt as inmates from Eastern Oregon Correctional Institu- tion watch Monday. Professional Bull Rider athletes. Pierce stepped into the enclosure and sized up the mare as she began running in circles. Summer’s owner, Jackie Peck, executive assistant to EOCI Superin- tendent Jeri Taylor, watched with curiosity as Pierce approached her horse. “She’s only been broke to the lead,” Peck said. “She hasn’t been saddled.” The inmates observed as Pierce drove the mare around and around the rail using a rope that never actually touched the animal. As he worked, the cowboy talked to the men about people who feel trapped and directionless and go in circles. Finally, the horse slowed and approached Pierce. He stroked her head. Before long, he had slipped a bridle over Summer’s nose with only mild protest. When he eased onto her back like a human blanket, she did some quick stomps and turns. She calmed as he repeated several times. Slowly, Pierce said, Summer was opening her heart to him. Pierce isn’t a guy who gets HDVLO\ UXIÀHG 7KLV SHUVRQ- ality trait serves him well. “As long as she’s looking at me, she’s feeling peace,” Pierce said. “I’m communi- cating to her that she’s safe. As long as I have peace, she senses that.” Soon, the horse allowed Pierce to climb onto her bare back and they circumnavi- gated the enclosure several times. Then, he signaled his son, Colton, to carry in the ¿QDOSLHFHRIHTXLSPHQW²D saddle. The horse expressed irritation, but allowed Pierce to strap it on. As he worked the buckle, he warned the men to step back from the fence. Summer would need to buck. They watched as the horse got wild and airborne, before again returning to Pierce. “It’s a battle,” Pierce said. “Her instincts are saying one thing and her heart is saying another.” The cowboy climbed aboard. As horse and man trotted around the ring, Pierce made sure the inmates didn’t miss the metaphors. The colt breaking was something of a life lesson for anyone focused on life’s distractions instead of the man upstairs. “Every one of us is born with an instinct of indepen- dence … it robs most people of the freedom they can have in Him,” Pierce said. “God’s not wanting to have control over you, he’s wanting to have connection with you.” The horse trainer assured the inmates they could expe- rience God’s peace even inside a prison. “Although you can’t change your address right now,” he told the inmates, “freedom is available to you.” ——— Contact Kathy Aney at kaney@eastoregonian.com or call 541-966-0810. Church Directory s h i W o r p w i t h u s ! Adams Community Churc h Duane Geyer, Pastor 140 N. Main, Adams, OR 566-9457 Worship 9 am OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR www.graceandmercylutheran.org Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School Check Out our Facebook Page or Website for More Information 541-289-4535 Tom Inch, Pastor Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA 164 E. Main St. / P.O. Box 1108 Hermiston, Oregon 97838 Gladys Ave & 7th Hermiston Fr. Dan Lediard, Priest. PH: 567-6672 “Proclaiming God’s word, growing in God’s grace” FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM 712 SW 27 TH ST. 541-276-1894 www.fcogpendleton.com FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Living Word Christian Center in Mission for Christ LCMC Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 PM -Presbyterian Church (USA)- 201 SW Dorion Ave. Pendleton Service of Worship - 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School - 10:20 am Fellowship - 11:00 am www.pendletonpresbyterian.com Open Hearted...Open Minded 401 Northgate • Pendleton 278-8082 www.faithpendleton.org www.livingwordcc.com Community Presbyterian Churc h Faith Center Church 241 SE Second St. Pendleton (541)276-3809 www.pendletonepiscopal.org Sunday Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship Noon Wednesday Evening Prayer and Pot Luck 6:00 p.m. All Are Welcome Come meet Jesus at PENDLETON BAPTIST CHURCH 3202 S.W. Nye Avenue, Pendleton, OR 541-276-7590 Sunday Morning Worship 8:30 & 11:00 AM Sunday Bible Classes 9:45 AM Sunday Youth Group 6:00 PM Awana Kids Club Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:00 PM K - 6th Grade (Sept-May) P eace L utheran C hurch 210 NW 9th, Pendleton ELCA Join us Sundays 9:30 Sunday Worship 9:30 am am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Fellowship 11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Class Sharon Miller, Pastor ( Oregon Trail Room ) Red Lion Hotel Family service 9am Sunday FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 555 SW 11th, Hermiston 567-9497 Nursery provided for all services Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:00 AM Sunday Worship . . . . . . . . . . . 10:30 AM All People Are Welcome Scripture, Tradition and Reason Grace Baptist Church Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:45 AM 6:00 pm Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM St. Johns Episcopal Church ~Come and be at Peace~ on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday Worshiping God • Loving People 108 S. Main • 276-9569 Sunday School 9:30 am 14 Martin Drive, Summer Sunday Worship Umatilla, OR 10:00 am 922-3250 Wed. 7:00 pm Praise, Prophecy & Prayer Worship: 10 AM Sunday Sr. Pastor, Ray O’Grady School at 11:30 pendletonfaithcenter.org Seventh-Day Adventist Churc h Saturday Services Pendleton 1401 SW Goodwin Place 276-0882 Sabbath School 9:20 am Worship Service 10:45 am To share your worship times call Amanda Jacobs 541-278-2683 Sunday Worship Services: 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. First United Methodist Churc h 352 SE 2nd St., Pendleton, O R Office 276-2616 New Pastor Dr. Jim Pierce Worship Service 9:00 AM Fellowship 10:15 AM Broadcast KUMA 11:00 AM Childcare Available Choir practice Sundays 8:30 AM 585 SW Birch, Pilot Rock, OR 97868 (541) 443-2500 prbconline.blogspot.com Sunday School: 9:30 am Worship Service: 10:45 am Wednesday Services: Kids’ Club: 6:00 pm Youth Group: 7:00 pm
