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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2017)
FAITH Friday, September 1, 2017 East Oregonian Page 7A LIMEY PASTOR Spike and Lance, prayer warriors M AP Photo/Khalil Hamra Muslim pilgrims pray on top of the Jabal Al Rahma holy mountain, or the mountain of forgiveness, upon their arrival to Arafat for the annual hajj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday. Two million Muslims gather near Mecca for peak of hajj pilgrimage By OMAR AKOUR and AHMED HATEM Associated Press MOUNT ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — With their palms facing the sky in supplication, and many with tears in their eyes, about 2 million people from around the world gathered Thursday in an effort to start anew, erase past sins and beg God for forgiveness and guidance in the peak day of the hajj pilgrimage. From dawn until dusk, the massive crowd of people will be gathered here in Mount Arafat to spend the day in supplication and contemplation. It is here, on this mountain surrounded by desert, where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon more than 1,400 years ago. “We hope that Allah will forgive our sins, and we hope to have a new start with our God,” said Khaled Ahmed, a 47-year-old pilgrim from Egypt. In his sermon, the prophet called on his followers to repay their debts, beware of Satan, perform five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan and give to charity. He also called on those with the means to perform the hajj once in a lifetime. He also reminded worshippers of the rights that women have, and said that no ethnic group or race has superi- ority over another except in piety and good action. During the hajj, pilgrims are expected to shed symbols of materialism, though the trip itself can be quite expensive for most. Male pilgrims are required to wear seamless, white terrycloth garments for the entirety of the hajj. Women wear loose clothing, cover their hair and forgo makeup and nail polish to achieve a state of humility and spiritual purity. The large crowds gathered from more than 160 countries around the world, dressed in nearly identical white garments, are meant to symbolize unity among Muslims, humility and equality before God. The rich and poor among men are to dress the same while performing the rites of hajj. The hajj is required of all Muslims once in a lifetime. The physically demanding journey tests pilgrims’ patience as they withstand long waits and thick crowds on their path to achieving spiritual purification and repentance. Noura Sulieman, a pilgrim from the Philippines, said she’d been to the hajj many times before and was here again to pray for her family. “I came here to Arafat to pray for my family, for my daughter, and my son, and all my family, and all the Philip- pines Muslims, and all Muslims in all countries,” she said. “God willing, Allah will accept our pilgrimage.” Muslims believe the rites trace the footsteps of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail — Abraham and Ishmael in the Bible. The movement of such a large and diverse crowd of people in a short period of time in limited spaces is a logistical challenge for the Saudi government. Authorities have deployed more than 100,000 security forces to secure the hajj and assist pilgrims. Additional doctors, nurses, ambulances and mobile health centers are also deployed in the areas of hajj. Many begin their pilgrimage by traveling to Medina, the site of both the Prophet Muhammad’s first mosque and where he is buried. The rites of the hajj, however, begin in Mecca, the site of Islam’s holiest place of worship. There, pilgrims circulate the cube-shaped Kaaba and kneel in prayer facing it. The Kaaba represents the metaphorical house of God and the oneness of God in Islam. y friend Spike died member of his congregation. and his memorial He would put a photograph service was held of each member in front of recently at his new church him, bring their needs to in Washington state, this mind and also pray for those very day of writing. needs he did not I write this for him, know about — but with thanks for his God did. It drew heart and soul, his him closer to each gift of prayer. Spike member, and also and his friend Lance closer to God. were instrumental in Of course, my life in the spirit. praying is not just Both congregation for pastors. Far from members of Christ it. It should be part Colin Lutheran Church, of the world for each Brown they invited me Christian; it is the Comment to join the weekly interface with God, prayer group at the and it is the rock face church as a new of the mountain of member of the congregation. love. Without them and their What do you say when weekly spiritual gift of you pray? Why, anything coming together for those that comes to mind or the we cared for, loved or were heart. It isn’t so much what concerned about, I wouldn’t you say, but the direction that have kept twitching forward you are pointing in. Does the in my walk. direction include the person Spike had been angry at you are praying for and the God for a long time before God you are addressing? he forgave God. His wife Anything else is vain. and child had been killed in a God invites us in prayer to tornado. It was years before, be partners with him, sharing and drove him away from the love that he has given the Father. Then something birth to in our heart with mysterious happened and Jesus. We can raise up the God and man were recon- greatest load in prayer — we ciled. He remarried. Spike can raise up poor flooded Texas and its people, we can and his new wife came back raise up the children traded to the church in Aurora. in slavery around the world, Without this weekly we can raise up ourselves gift of practical prayer for others, I wouldn’t have because we must also tend to learned much. Their spirit ourselves to help us repent of always coming to God, of our sins and to grow more giving thanks and asking like the son of the carpenter. for needed interventions It is the heavy lifter. planted roots in me. Later Eastern Oregon, I on, their spirit (as well as challenge you to become a Pastor Craig’s) encouraged prayer leader of the West, me to go to seminary, to praying continually and intern in churches as trainee incessantly, like a flowing pastor and at a hospital as a mountain stream. Receive chaplain. They provided a lot mercy and give your prayer of wind under the wings. up for the least of your One of our congregation people. Bless them with members at the church had mercy. Love wholly. Imitate her father, a retired pastor, Jesus in his passionate work. come regularly to visit. I Amen. asked him what he did as a ■ spiritual practice. He told Colin Brown is the pastor me that every day he would of Good Shepherd Lutheran pray individually for each Church in Boardman. BRIEFLY hermistonnaz@gmail.com, 541-567-3677 or visit www. hermistonnazarene.org. J.O.Y. Group hosts special activity HERMISTON — A J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) event is planned for those ages 50-and-older. The JOY Group invites “older youths” to join them in a special activity Saturday, Sept. 9 from 8-10 a.m. at Hermiston Church of the Nazarene, 1520 W. Orchard Ave. For more information, contact Evangelist leads Pendleton revival PENDLETON — Rev. Preston Plemons returns to Pendleton for the Fires of Revival. The special event kicks off Sunday at 6 p.m. at Pendleton P eace L utheran C hurch 210 NW 9th, Pendleton ELCA Join us Sundays 9:30 am Sunday Worship 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:30 am Fellowship 11:00 am Sunday School & Adult Class ~Come and be at Peace ~ on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday Come meet Jesus at PENDLETON BAPTIST CHURCH 3202 SW Nye Ave Pendleton, OR 541-276-7590 Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Sunday Bible Classes 9:45 AM Sunday Youth Group 6:00 PM Mon. Community Women’s Study 9:30 AM & 6 PM Awana Kids Club (K-6th grade) Wed Men’s Study 6 PM MOPS meeting the 1st Thur of the Month 6 PM FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH in Mission for Christ LCMC Bible Study.........9:00 AM Sunday Worship......10:30 AM Red Lion Hotel ( Oregon Trail Room ) www.faithpendleton.org Lighthouse Church, 417 N.W. 21st St. The services continue Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. In addition, the church is hosting a Labor Day Potluck Monday at 12:30 p.m. People are invited to bring a dish to share with others and enjoy a time of food, fellowship and fun. For more information, call 541-377-4252 or visit www. pendletonlighthousechurch. 401 Northgate, Northgate, Pendleton 401 Pendleton Celebration of Celebration of Worship Worship Sundays 10:00am Sundays 10:00 am Youth: 0-6th Youth: 0-6th grade grade Midweek Service Midweek Sevice Wednesdays 6:00 pm Wednesdays 6:00pm Youth: 0-6th 0-6th grade grade Youth: Overcomer’s Outreach Overcomer’s Outreach Tuesday’s 6:00 pm Tuesday’s 6:00pm In the Annex In the Annex Christ Centered, A A Christ Centered, 12 12 Step Step Recovery Support Support Group Recovery Group Pastor Sharon Miller Pastor Sharon Miller 541-278-8082 541-278-8082 www.livingwordcc.com www.livingwordcc.com 241 SE Second St. Pendleton (541)276-3809 www.pendletonepiscopal.org Sunday Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Holy Communion Noon Weekly Adults Spiritual Life Group All Are Welcome Grace Baptist Church 555 SW 11th, Hermiston 567-9497 Nursery provided for all services Sunday School - 9:30 AM Worship - 10:45 AM 6:00 pm Wed Prayer & Worship - 7:00 PM “Proclaiming God’s word, growing in God’s grace” To share your worship times call 541-278-2678 HERMISTON — With school back in session, the Hermiston Assembly of God Church is resuming its weekly children’s program. The Boys & Girls Clubs Launch Night is Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 6:30-7:45 p.m. at the church, 730 E. Hurlburt Ave., Hermiston. Open to kids through fifth grade, participants don’t have to be affiliated with the church to attend. The weekly event includes games, crafts, snacks and much more. Also, transportation can be arranged. For more information, call 541-567-5831 or visit www.facebook.com/ hermistonassembly. BAHA’I FAITH Worship Community Community Presbyterian Church 14 Martin Drive, Umatilla, OR 922-3250 Worship: 10 AM Sunday School at 11:30 First United Methodist Church FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH -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 “The Unity of All Mankind” Pendleton Baha’i Center at 1015 SE Court Place Devotions Sundays @ 11:00am; Everyone invited! (541) 276-9360 visit us at www.pendletonbahais.org St. Johns Episcopal Church Join Us Join On Our Journey With Jesus. Scripture, Tradition and Reason Family service 9am Sunday N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston PH: 567-6672 We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all. Center for Worship & Service 9:30 - Sunday School Sunday Worship 9am • 541-276-2616 Worship Broadcast on KUMA 1290 @ 11am 10:30 - Worship Service Worship Livestream at www.facebook.com/FUMCPendleton/ Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor 5:30 Family Fellowship Meal • 6:00 Bible Study Seventh-Day Adventist Church Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Saturday Services Pendleton 1401 SW Goodwin Place 276-0882 Sabbath School 9:20 am Worship Service 10:45 am Sunday worship at 11:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study COME AS YOU ARE 150 SE Emigrant (541) 276-3369 541-289-4535 Tom Inch, Pastor Grace and Mercy Lutheran Church, ELCA (First United Methodist Church) 191 E. Gladys Ave. / P.O. Box 1108 Hermiston, Oregon 97838 PENDLETON LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH Sunday Service: 10am & 6pm Tuesday Kingdom Seekers: 7pm Wednesday Bible Study: 7pm We off er: Sunday School • Sign Language Interpreters • Nursery • Transportation • & more! Pastor Dan Satterwhite 541.377.4252 417 NW 21st St. • Pendleton, OR 97801 www.facebook.com/ PendletonLighthouseChurch Worshiping God Sunday Worship Service Pendleton OPEN HEARTS – OPEN DOOR www.graceandmercylutheran.org Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. (Nursery Provided) Fellowship, Refreshments & Sunday School Check Out our Facebook Page or Website for More Information Faith Center Church The Salvation Army 352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR Redeemer Episcopal Church Hermiston church launches kids clubs FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM 712 SW 27 TH ST. 541-276-1894 www.fcogpendleton.com Loving People 108 S. Main • 276-9569 Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sr. Pastor, Ray O’Grady pendletonfaithcenter.org LCMC 420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR 541-481-6132 Colin Brown, Pastor Behind These Stone Walls Beat the Hearts of Some of the Warmest Most Sincere, Most Caring People in Pendleton. We Invite You to Come Get Acquainted! Summer Worship 9:40 am Fellowship to follow Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-F, 8:30-12:30 www.fccpendleton.org Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Mid-Week Children & Youth Weekly Adult Life Groups 1711 SW 44th St. 541-276-6015 www.pendfmc.org
