FAITH Friday, December 15, 2017 East Oregonian Page 7A LIMEY PASTOR The North Wind blows: Approaching the arrival of the Savior T he smell of If there was any place Christmas coming colder than Eastern is beginning to Oregon I think that North percolate like fresh Dakota would fit that bill. coffee — a chill air and I had once driven across a sense of brooding. The the country, through the glorious moment, in its 600 miles of Montana, resonant echo, approaching and pierced the heart of in the affairs of human Bismarck, North Dakota, Colin history. There is a sense of — thick with snow winding Brown pregnancy, of imminence, in the wind — on my way Faith of a holiness beginning to to Minnesota. North Dakota rise like the rising sun on a appeared to be at the back mountaintop. of the North Wind. It started with an email from Many years before, before I North Dakota — a church is graduated from my seminary, I had looking for a pastor to serve its thought about North Dakota and I people. I reflected on this to see had thought about God’s delirious what feelings rose up in my breast. and challenging sense of humor. It tingled with the same sense of For some reason I thought that my possibility, of a call that I once felt track might take me to this place, when I received my email from at the bottom of the Northern Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Lights where the music of silence a sense of a command emanating and prayer would harmonize from it. together. So I am excited to respond, as well as being dreadfully fearful. The lesson I have learned, or one of the lessons that I have learned, is that I am required to step away from all the backup plans. When I came to Boardman I came as a part-time pastor, someone who would work at a day job in the week and would work from Friday to Sunday in the pulpit pen. This seven-day-a-week workweek brought me to the brink of death and heart bypass surgery. It wasn’t as trusting as I should have been. North Dakota is full-time church work, where I can leap into the many homes and lives of this flock, where I find myself with them — as well as my God — ‘til death do us part. I am no longer of a double identity. Of course, it is not just my stepping forth; this congregation must also step forth if they are interested in me. Will they appreciate this limey pastor floating into their world? As if to tempt or tease, I called the church and the voice that answered sounded a little familiar. We chatted for a bit. He was the interim pastor. I said to him, “You don’t by any chance know my old professor at seminary, Jim Nestingen?” He laughed. “He is my brother,” he said. I could hear a bell tolling in heaven. A Norwegian bell with a sound that reached around the world. He has served as my mentor and guide for at least ten years. As if to further underline the currents in the ethers, when I later sat down in front of the television to watch PBS, the same familiar face of my professor — the craggy features of my teacher like ancient rocks — Dr. Nestingen was discussing the momentous events of the reformation. Of course, coincidences like these can happen. But the significance of these were clear to me, with the anonymous voice of my Lord making me quiver in my core. So I am stepping toward the unknown. I have seen the Northern Lights before, staggeringly beautiful and strange with the flavor of an enchanted planet. I shall offer myself to my God of all possibilities to see what is needed — if God wants me to show up, or just to show willingness to go all in. I shall trust in the Lord as that is all I can do before the throne — and do it in his joy and peace. Amen. ■ Colin Brown is the former pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boardman. BRIEFLY S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. The special service features music, scripture, poetry and prayer to speak to your soul. Those attending can light a candle, receive a gift of the season and enjoy a cookie and fellowship afterwards. Coordinated by the First Presbyterian Church, Peace Lutheran Church and Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, everyone is welcome. For more information, contact fpcp@ pendletonpresbyterian.com or 541-276-7681. Living Nativity shares biblical Christmas story PENDLETON — The biblical story of the birth of Jesus, his death and resurrection are featured during the Pendleton Living Nativity. The free event involves live actors and animals, including Izzy the Camel. A dromedary camel who resides in Waitsburg, Washington, Izzy is highly sought after during the holiday season. The Living Nativity is Sunday at Roy Raley Park, 1205 S.W. Court Ave., Pendleton. People are invited to walk through between 6-7 p.m. Then, from 7-9 p.m., visitors may choose to walk or drive to view the scenes. In addition, Izzy will also appear prior to the nativity from 5-6 p.m., across the street in the parking lot of Dave’s 12th Street Food Mart, 220 S.W. 12th St. Coordinated by Pendleton Faith Center Church, organizers share the story of Christmas and invite people to experience the joy and love Christ has for all mankind. The presentation features 12 scenes with props and reader boards with Bible scriptures describing what is being portrayed. Also, auxiliary lighting illuminates each scene and music is amplified in the park. For more information, call Rev. Ray O’Grady at 541-276-9569 or search Facebook for “Pendleton Living Nativity.” Pendleton Faith Center Invites you and your family to: File photo Three angels pose during the 2015 Living Nativity in Pendleton. Featuring multi- ple scenes portraying the biblical story of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection, this year’s event is Sunday at Roy Raley Park. St. John’s hosts advent services HERMISTON — The public is invited to celebrate the advent season at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Hermiston. A traditional period of introspection and preparation for the coming of the Christ child on Christmas, advent services continue Sunday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 24 at 9 a.m. The church is located at 665 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston. In addition, there is an evening prayer service Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Also, the first service on Christmas Eve is Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. It features the singing of carols. A second service, which starts at 7:30 p.m., includes special music and holy Eucharist. For more information, contact Rev. Chuck Barnes at 541-567-6674 or chuckb@eotnet.net. Blue Christmas Service offers comfort PENDLETON — The darker days and longer nights of winter can bring depression to some people. The loss of the light, loved ones, relationships Sunday School: 9:30am Worship: 10:40am Fellowship to follow Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-F, 8:30-12:30 www.fccpendleton.org 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 Seventh-Day Adventist Church Saturday Services Pendleton 1401 SW Goodwin Place 276-0882 Sabbath School 9:20 am Worship Service 10:45 am 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 First United Methodist Church Pendleton 352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR 401 Northgate, Pendleton 401 Northgate, Celebration of Worship Pendleton Sundays 10:00am CELEBRATION Youth: 0-6th grade OF WORSHIP Midweek 10:00 Service am Sundays Youth: Wednesdays 6:00pm 0-6th grade Youth: 0-6th grade Overcomer’s Outreach MIDWEEK SEVICE Tuesday’s 6:00pm Wednesdays 6:00 pm In the Annex Youth: A Christ Centered, 12 Step 0-6th grade Recovery Support Group Pastor Sharon Miller Pastor Sharon Miller 541-278-8082 541-278-8082 www.livingwordcc.com www.livingwordcc.com Redeemer Episcopal Church 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 Sunday Worship 9am • 541-276-2616 Worship Broadcast on KUMA 1290 @ 11am Worship Livestream at www.facebook.com/FUMCPendleton/ Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor The Salvation Army Center for Worship & Service Sunday Worship Service 9:30 - Sunday School 10:30 - Worship Service 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 or employment can result in people feeling anything but merry during the holiday season. In addition, diminished physical or mental abilities, pain and isolation can bring deep sadness. For people feeling like they don’t quite fit in, there is an opportunity for God to minister to their soul. The Blue Christmas Service offers an ecumenical expression of God’s deep love and care, especially for people in need. People are invited to the Blue Christmas Service Sunday at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 T HE 2017 L IVING N ATIVITY P RESENTATION Sunday, December 17th, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM @ Roy Raley Park, Pendleton, Oregon Visit Izzy the Camel across the street @ Dave's Chevron 5-6 PM Walk Through - 6-7 PM - Drive or Walk 7-9 PM “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 Worship Community 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! P eace L utheran C hurch ——— Friday’s faith page features local, national and international faith-related news. Send information about local faith-related news and events, including concerts, special speakers and activities to community@ eastoregonian.com or drop off to the attention of Tammy Malgesini at 333 E. Main St., Hermiston or Renee Struthers at 211 S.E. Byers Ave., Pendleton. Call 541-564-4539 or 541-966- 0818 with questions. Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 Family Fellowship Meal • 6:00 Bible Study COME AS YOU ARE Faith Center Church Worshiping God Loving People 108 S. Main • 276-9569 Worship Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 9:30am Sr. Pastor, Ray O’Grady pendletonfaithcenter.org 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 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church LCMC Sunday worship at 11:00 AM 420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR 541-481-6132 Colin Brown, Pastor FIRST SERVICE 8:30 AM SECOND SERVICE 10:30 AM 712 SW 27 TH ST. 541-276-1894 www.fcogpendleton.com 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 150 SE Emigrant (541) 276-3369 417 NW 21st St. • Pendleton, OR 97801 www.facebook.com/ PendletonLighthouseChurch Community Presbyterian Church FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 14 Martin Drive, Umatilla, OR 922-3250 in Mission for Christ LCMC Sunday Worship.........9:00 AM Bible Study......10:00 AM Worship: 10 AM Sunday School at 11:30 Come meet Jesus at PENDLETON BAPTIST CHURCH Red Lion Hotel ( Oregon Trail Room ) www.faithpendleton.org 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 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 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.