FAITH
Friday, June 8, 2018
East Oregonian
Trump hosts first Muslim iftar dinner
By JILL COLVIN
And ANNE FLAHERTY
Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Wishing Muslims
around the world a “Ramadan Mubarak”
— a blessed holiday — President Don-
ald Trump on Wednesday hosted his first
White House dinner for Islam’s holy
month of Ramadan, an overture that sur-
prised many in the Muslim community
after he skipped hosting such a meal last
year.
Speaking at an iftar dinner, which
breaks the daylong fast, Trump offered a
message of unity, recognizing members
of the Muslim community at home and
abroad.
“In gathering together this evening,
we honor a sacred tradition of one of the
world’s great religions,” he told an inti-
mate audience that included Cabinet
members and ambassadors from many
Muslim-majority nations including Saudi
Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and the United
Arab Emirates.
It was a dramatic departure from the
inflammatory rhetoric Trump used during
his campaign, when he called for a “com-
AP Photo/Andrew Harnik
President Donald Trump speaks at an
iftar dinner, which breaks a daylong
fast, celebrating Islam’s holy month
of Ramadan, in the State Dining
Room of the White House.
plete and total shutdown” of Muslims
entering the country, compared Syrian
refugees fleeing civil war to a deadly
snake and declared, “I think Islam hates
us” in an interview with CNN.
Instead, Trump spoke of “the renewed
bonds of friendship and cooperation”
forged with “valued partners” from across
the Middle East and said iftars “mark the
LIMEY PASTOR
coming together of families and friends
to celebrate a timeless message of peace,
clarity and love. There is great love.”
He recalled his visit last year to Saudi
Arabia — his first foreign trip — as “one
of the great two days of my life.”
“Only by working together can we
achieve a future of security and prosper-
ity for all,” he said.
The dinner came as the Supreme Court
considers legal challenges to Trump’s
travel ban, which critics say unfairly tar-
gets some Muslim-majority countries. A
ruling is expected as early as this month.
Several Muslim civil rights groups
pushed back, organizing a “NOT Trump’s
Iftar” protest at a park across from the
White House. The groups say Trump’s
heated rhetoric has contributed to an
increase in bullying and discrimination
against Muslim Americans.
Sharif Aly, CEO of Islamic Relief
USA, a humanitarian and advocacy orga-
nization, said the group was glad to see
the White House had reinstated the iftar,
“an event that should be hosted every
year, just like the Easter Egg Roll, the
Passover Seder and Christmas Open
House.”
FAITH BRIEFLY
Student ambassadors share
through music
BOARDMAN — Ambassadors from
Rio Grande Bible Institute will perform a
concert in Boardman.
The free event, which features music
with a Latin American flair, is Friday at
7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 200
Willow Fork Drive. Everyone is invited
to attend.
Based in Edinburg, Texas, the non-
denominational school was founded in
1946 by Rev. M.C. Ehlert. A Baptist pas-
tor and evangelist, Ehlert first went to
the Rio Grande Valley in 1937 to do tent
evangelism. He was inspired to provide
biblical training to Hispanic believers and
new converts.
In addition to the faith-based state-ac-
credited college, it offers a 9-month pro-
gram of concentrated Spanish language
instruction designed for Christian work-
ers whose ministry includes Hispanic
populations. The ministry also expanded
with broadcasting through Radio
Esperanza.
For questions about the free perfor-
mance, call 541-481-9437. To learn
more about the Rio Grande, visit www.
riogrande.edu/en.
Lutheran church rolls out
summer fun
HERMISTON — All area children are
invited to make crafts and create things,
play games, listen to Bible stories, learn
new songs and enjoy snacks at Trinity
Lutheran Church.
The Fun Maker Factory vacation
Bible school is Monday June 11 through
Friday, June 15. It runs daily from 9 a.m.
to noon at 485 W. Locust Ave., Hermis-
ton. All children are invited to participate
in the free event, regardless of religious
affiliation.
Classes will be available for kids that
are 4 years old through those who just
completed fifth grade. In addition, teens
are invited to come and help with the
classes and activities.
For more information, call Nancy
Carlson at 541-567-9660.
Musical minister releases
new video
PENDLETON — Rev. Marc Mullins
of the Pendleton First Christin Church
recently released a new music video.
It features an arrangement of St. Fran-
cis of Assisi’s “All Creatures of Our God
and King,” arranged by Mullins in 2012.
In addition, the video was produced by
Mullins this year with the audio recorded
and mixed at CrossWired Studio in Walla
Walla. In addition to Mullins (guitar, bass
guitar and vocals), musicians include Carl
Scheeler (harmonica) and Kevin Gutier-
rez (drums and percussion). To view it,
visit https://youtu.be/BMlOTUl9oZU.
The musical pastor also has a YouTube
channel; search “Marc Mullins” at www.
youtube.com.
COMING EVENTS
FRIDAY, JUNE 8
STORY AND CRAFT TIME, 2 p.m., Echo
Public Library, 20 S. Bonanza, Echo. (541-376-
8411)
SPRING FEST, 3-8 p.m., July Grounds, 73310
July Grounds Lane, Pendleton. Drumming, 3-on-
3 basketball tournament, clothing swap, potluck,
eating contests, bounce house, races, games,
prizes and more. (Chelsea Hallam 541-429-7904)
AFTER SCHOOL 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL,
3:15-5 p.m., Pendleton Recreation Center, 510
S.W. Dorion Ave., Pendleton. For ages 13-18.
Free. (Casey Brown 541-276-8100)
VFW BINGO, 6 p.m., Hermiston VFW, 45
W. Cherry St., Hermiston. Doors open at 6 p.m.,
games begin at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome. (541-
567-6219)
SATURDAY, JUNE 9
HELIX FUN RUN, 7-11:30 a.m., Helix Com-
munity Park, Concord Street, Helix. Check-in at 7
a.m., races begin at 8 a.m. One-mile, 5K and 10K
races, trophies for 1st place overall of 1-mile and
SUNDAYS
female and male winners of each age category of
the 5K and 10K races. T-shirts will be available for
purchase. Cost to enter is $20 in advance (https://
heartofthecountry.itsyourrace.com/register/), $25
day of race at check-in. Proceeds will help buy
new pool furniture for the Helix city pool. (Breanne
Parker 541-805-4611)
FREE FOR ALL, 9:30-10:15 a.m., Pendleton
Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendleton.
Free art classes for children up to age 12. Chil-
dren under 8 should be accompanied by an adult.
(Roberta Lavadour 541-278-9201)
YARN CLUB, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Hermiston
Public Library, 235 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston.
(541-567-2882)
HIP & HANDMADE, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Pendle-
ton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St., Pendle-
ton. Free drop-in project class for adults. (Roberta
Lavadour 541-278-9201)
HELIX COMMUNITY DAYS, 11 a.m., Helix
City Park, Concord Street, Helix. Annual potluck
(brings a side dish or dessert), swimming, games
and relay events for the kids following the Helix
BAHA’I FAITH
IN PENDLETON
Morning Celebration - 10am
Morning Kids Place - 10am
Evening - 6pm
Adult - Study
Youth - Small Group
Kids - Rangers & Girl’s Ministries
“See ye no strangers, rather see all men
as friends, for love and unity come hard
when ye fi x your gaze on otherness.”
– Abdu’l Baha
Fun Run. Everyone welcome. (Breanne Parker
541-805-4611)
COUNTRY HOEDOWN, 1-4 p.m., Mil-
ton-Freewater Neighborhood Senior Center, 311
N. Main St., Milton-Freewater. Live music, danc-
ing and singing. Admission $2, refreshments
available for purchase. (541-938-3311)
IRRIGON FARMERS MARKET, 3-7 p.m.,
Irrigon City Hall parking lot, 500 N.E. Main Ave.,
Irrigon. Local vendors, local produce, crafts and
more. (Aaron Palmquist 541-922-3047)
SUNDAY, JUNE 10
MUSIC IN THE PARK, 5-7 p.m., Heppner City
Park, 444 N. Main St., Heppner. Enjoy live music
from your blanket or lawn chair. Food concessions
will be available for purchase. Free admission.
(Sheryll Bates 541-676-5536)
INFORMATION AND OUTREACH FELLOW-
SHIP MEAL, 6 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church,
515 S.W. Seventh St., Hermiston. Dinner and
discussion of “Extending Hope to Those Facing
Pregnancy Decisions.” Free, but RSVP required.
(Debbie Cissna 541-567-2393)
WORSHIP
COMMUNITY
Page 7A
The many
wills of God
M
any years ago, back in the 1990s,
after my first year of training in Sister
Pat McCrann’s program of Spiritual
Direction in Oregon, she had said to me that
I needed to do something and that she didn’t
know what it was, but I was to take some time
and go and do it. This had come to her in prayer.
I had no idea what was being asked of me. It
was a very strange feeling. At the time I had no
intention of diving into the life of a clergyman.
But I stopped, prayed and stepped into the bright
darkness.
Within weeks I was traveling down to San
Francisco where I went to
work on a project with Wells
Fargo, and somehow, I can’t
remember now how it happened,
but I was invited to serve on
the Technology Committee of
the United Religions Initiative
headed by the Anglican Bishop
Colin
Swing of Grace Cathedral.
Brown
I had to enter the cathedral
Faith
in a secret elevator because
there were death threats from
fundamentalists who believed that the Antichrist
was behind it.
All that was behind this project was the
commandment to “love one another as I have
loved you.” This commandment is ignored by
many.
As we see, our world is still fractured, our
faiths are still in pieces, seeing through a dark
glass more darkly every day it seems. Religion
seems part of the problem, not the beginning of a
solution. This problem still burns like a festering
wound.
Why am I writing this, you may ask? It is
because I am feeling called by something that
is commanding as well as disquieting. God is
moving in my breast, like a shark under the
water. I have no idea what is being asked of me.
The Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
said that God’s will is not just one will, but can
be many. We are given the freedom to choose if
we are quiet enough to discern. We are not slaves
of God, but brothers and sisters of Jesus and God
gives us the dignity of choice — a free choice.
Such a freedom is dramatic and can be
terrifying — our choices bend the universe as we
twist and turn. Our love is alive in this maelstrom
of discernment. God’s design is melded with our
multiplicities and we are not puppets but dancers
riding the foam of possibilities. We all count in
this dance.
So this week I ask for your help. Please pray
for me to discern the right next steps and where
the most blessing and joy will arise for my
master, Jesus, if I find them.
Last week I received a letter from a reader, a
most thoughtful and heartfelt letter. I give thanks
to her for it, for it touched on my blind spots and
helped me see more clearly. What a blessing!
I pray for you, dear friends of East Oregon. I
pray that new gifts will descend on you and your
churches as we enter uncertain times. I pray that
your journey will draw you close to Jesus Christ
and that you will bring a holy eye to all the
matters in your life as you ask yourself what the
next steps will be and look toward the challenges
and joy to come.
Amen.
■
Colin Brown is the former pastor of Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church in Boardman.
St. Johns
Episcopal Church
Join Us On Our Journey With Jesus.
Please come visit with us at
Scripture, Tradition and Reason
The Baha’i Center:
Family service 9am Sunday
THURSDAYS
1015 SE Court Place
Celebrate Recovery - 6pm
Celebration Place - Kids - 6pm
The Landing - Teens - 6pm
Everyone invited!
N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston
PH: 567-6672
We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all.
WEEKLY
Groups For All Ages
AN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH
1911 SE Court Ave.
541.276.6417 • pendletonfi rst.com
Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church
LCMC
Sunday worship at
11:00 AM
420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR
541-481-6132
Evening Service at 5 o’clock
401 Northgate, Pendleton
Celebration of
of Worship
Celebration
Worship
Sundays 10:00 am
Youth: 0-6th grade
Midweek Service
Midweek Service
Wednesdays 6:00 pm
Youth: 0-6th grade
Overcomer’s
Outreach
Jr./Sr. High
’
Pastor Sharon Miller
541-278-8082
www.livingwordcc.com
Pastor Sharon Miller
Sunday Devotions @ 11:00am
Sunday “Pure Prayer” (no talk, just prayer) @ 6:30pm
Wednesday “Discover the Baha’i Faith” @ 6:30pm,
Thursday Seminars on World Religions @ 7pm
To share your worship times
call 541-278-2678
(541) 276-9360 or visit us at
www.pendletonbahais.com
www.facebook.com/pendletonoregonbahais/
Seventh-Day
Adventist
Church
Saturday Services
Pendleton
1401 SW Goodwin Place
276-0882
Sabbath School 9:20 am
Worship Service 10:45 am
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
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”
Service of Worship - 10:00 am
Children’s Sunday School -
10:20 am
Fellowship - 11:00 am
www.pendletonpresbyterian.com
Open Hearted...
Open Minded
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
Worship: 10 AM
Sunday School at 11:30
PENDLETON
LIGHTHOUSE 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
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
Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-Thr, 8:30-12:30
www.fccpendleton.org
Sunday Worship 9am • 541-276-2616
Worship Broadcast on KUMA 1290 @ 11am
FAITH LUTHERAN
CHURCH
PENDLETON BAPTIST
CHURCH
Come meet Jesus at
in Mission for Christ LCMC
Sunday Worship.........9:00 AM
Bible Study......10:00 AM
Red Lion Hotel
( Oregon Trail Room )
www.faithpendleton.org
Worshiping God
Worship: 9:40am
Fellowship to follow
Pendleton
352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR
on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday
Faith Center Church
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!
First United
Methodist
Church
Worship Livestream at
www.facebook.com/FUMCPendleton/
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Rev. Dr. Jim Pierce, pastor
~Come and be at Peace ~
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
-Presbyterian Church (USA)-
201 SW Dorion Ave.
Pendleton
P eace L utheran C hurch
210 NW 9th, Pendleton
14 Martin Drive,
Umatilla, OR
922-3250
Redeemer
Episcopal
Church
All Are Welcome
Community
Presbyterian Church
Loving People
108 S. Main • 276-9569
Special Guest Speaker
Pastor Jeff Geesey
Worship Service: 10:30am
Sunday School: 9:30am
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
The Salvation Army
Center for Worship & Service
Sunday Worship Service
9:30 - Sunday School
10:30 - Worship Service
Wednesday Bible Study
5:30 Family Fellowship Meal • 6:00 Bible Study
COME AS YOU ARE
150 SE Emigrant
(541) 276-3369