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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2019)
A6 FAITH East Oregonian Friday, March 1, 2019 High court’s cross case could Lent’s bright shadow affect monuments nationally M By JESSICA GRESKO Associated Press WASHINGTON — A 40-foot- tall, concrete cross on public land in a Maryland suburb of Wash- ington is at the center of a case before the Supreme Court. But similar monuments elsewhere in the country could be affected by the high court ruling, states have told the justices. The District of Colum- bia-based American Humanist Association, which is behind the challenge to the Maryland cross, acknowledges that at least a hand- ful of other monuments around the country could be affected if the court sides with them, though they disagree with those support- ing the cross that the number is vast. The monuments most likely to be affected are large crosses on public, not private, lands and where there’s a prominent cross that isn’t part of a larger memo- rial or setting such as a cemetery, said Monica Miller, an American Humanist Association attorney. By the same token, those mon- uments could be insulated from challenges if the other side pre- vails, as many observers think is likely given the court’s conserva- tive makeup. A look at the cross at the center of the case and cross memorials in other states: MARYLAND If the justices wanted to take a field trip to see the cross at the center of the case, it wouldn’t be hard. The cross is located on a large, grassy traffic median in Bladensburg, about 5 miles from the Supreme Court. Sometimes called the “Peace Cross,” it was completed in 1925. A plaque on the base of the cross lists the names of 49 soldiers from the area who died in World War I. While a trial court judge ruled the memorial was constitutional, an appeals court disagreed. Those challenging the cross are telling the Supreme Court that it should be moved to private property or modified into a slab or obelisk. They also note that the nearly 100-year-old monument has been deteriorating. Chunks have fallen off and restoration work planned years ago has been put off while the case has moved forward. FLORIDA A 34-foot-tall concrete cross in Pensacola’s Bayview Park has been the site of a sunrise Easter service for decades. The first Easter service was organized at the site in 1941. A wooden cross was put up for the gathering, which was organized AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Associa- tion, speaks near the 40-foot Maryland Peace Cross dedicated to World War I soldiers on Feb. 13 in Bladensburg, Md. by the local Junior Chamber of Commerce. In 1969, however, the group installed the concrete cross that stands today. Lighting and maintaining the cross costs Pen- sacola around $200 a year. Four people sued over the cross in 2016. They have the backing of the American Humanist Asso- ciation, the same group behind the cross lawsuit now before the Supreme Court, and the Wiscon- sin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation. Two lower courts have ruled against the cross. KANSAS A cross near Lyons, Kansas, honors Father Juan de Padilla, a 16th century Franciscan mis- sionary. Installed in 1950, the cross was a gift to the state by the Knights of Columbus. The Freedom From Religion Foundation sent a letter in 2018 objecting to the cross, asking that it be removed or moved to private property. NEW MEXICO A bronze cross on a concrete pedestal stands in the town plaza in the center of Taos. Paid for by private donations and dedi- cated in 1960, the cross is part of a memorial honoring young men from the area who fought and died in World War II. Beside the cross are flagpoles flying the flags of the United States and New Mexico, and in front of the cross is a sculpture of three soldiers. The town says it has been threatened with lawsuits simi- lar to the one currently before the Supreme Court. If the high court doesn’t side with supporters of the Maryland cross, Taos told the justices, it would “virtually guarantee Taos would be drawn into costly and unjust litigation to remove its memorial.” y grandson was born In the stories of our tradi- tion there was a time when one yesterday, in the Good language was available for us Samaritan Birthing Center, in Silverton. Nine pounds when God’s word emerged from his heart. The proph- of boy, 21 inches long. ets prophesied and those Another in the long line who asked God for his of descendants from aid received it. I believe Adam, another soul in that this is still so. the image of the father. When we ask for our I pray for his health, anxiety to be quieted, we his ambition, for his pos- sibilities. I pray that he feel life surge through becomes a lover of God us, and hope is raised up and a brave child who in our breasts. I felt that C olin tests himself in this world this week, when I was B rown praying, and all of a sud- against all the challenges COMMENT den a bright confidence that strengthen us. rose up in me. The day- I’ve been absent these pages a little bit, please forgive light outside my window seemed to flare up, and I felt a solid cer- me. I am going to be preaching tainty rise up in me. I reflected on five types of prayer in our on my life, and all the difficult Lenten services in Newberg, and moments, and how each of them have been spending much time in had been washed away by what I prayer and delving into the writ- remember as God’s certain pres- ings about these approaches. I ence and openness showing up reflected on how so much of my like a sunrise. I pray for you, my dear friends. head is either busy with trivia, with the burning refuse of anx- I pray for my congregation at my iety, with all the permutations Eastern Oregon church. I pray that of thought that does not result in the rock of God’s love may anchor much. Jesus told us to consider the you in peace and that his word sparrow, how the father serves this sings in your hearts with joy. May little fellow by providing the ber- God shine for you all the days of ries and nuts of the wild woods your lives. and what is needed is provided. Amen. In the same way, my new ——— grandson has arrived, and food Colin Brown is the former pas- is showered at him from all over. tor of Good Shepherd Lutheran The economy of God is abundant Church in Boardman. He can be reached at colin.brown@usa.net for him. He is loved! TEXAS The Seaman’s Memorial Tower in Aransas Pass used to be topped by a cross, but it’s been removed because of wear. The 80-foot-tall tower still has a cru- cifix on its front, however. Lu Arcemont, 82, who chairs a com- mission that oversees the tow- er’s maintenance, says she hopes to see a cross topping the tower again. Arcemont is the keeper of the tower’s history. It was dedicated in 1970 as a memorial to area fisherman who died at sea, their names on plaques on the tower. At first the tower was topped by a 22-foot wooden cross. A smaller, metal cross later replaced it. As for the crucifix on the tower’s front, Arcemont says her husband carved it out of a telephone pole. Arcemont hadn’t heard of the Maryland lawsuit, but she was quick to distinguish her town’s memorial. She called it a “living memorial” because names con- tinue to be added to it. People also sometimes scatter family mem- bers’ ashes at the site. “The rea- son we have a crucifix and a cross on our tower is so it represents both religions — Protestant and Catholic,” she said. Aransas Pass is about 20 miles northeast of Corpus Christi. FAITH BRIEFLY Ladies hymn sing introduces Impact Pendleton PENDLETON — A faith-based sing-along will serve as an introduc- tion to Impact Pendleton. The Women’s Benefit Hymn Sing is Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Pendle- ton Church of God, 712 S.W. 27th St. Light refreshments will be served. There is no nursery service, but children may attend. Ladies are encouraged to bring their friends to worship God with classic hymns and learn about Impact Pendleton, a mentoring program. After recruiting, training, and vetting its first group of mentors in the fall of 2018, Impact Pendleton is excited about matching students with volunteers. A love offering will be taken to benefit the program. For more information, contact Danae Stack at danae.stack@gmail. com or visit www.impactpendleton.com. First Christian Church offers parental support HERMISTON — A six-week campaign designed to address the most important things all children need is being offered in Hermiston. “50 Days of Parenting” will help parents find hope, solutions and support. A faith-based approach, the program is offered through the Hermiston First Christian Church. It includes small groups and wor- ship services. The program begins Sunday, March 10 at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the church, 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston. While not everyone is a parent at the present time, everyone has/had a parent and can contribute. With people of all ages interfacing together, it provides an opportunity to make new friends with people of different generations. Participants will receive a free daily journal to help guide them through a time of personal growth. There will be suggested readings from helpful books. For more information, contact 541-567-3013 or hermistonfcc@eot- net.net. Worship Community 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 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 SUNDAYS Morning Celebration - 10am Morning Kids Place - 10am Evening - 6pm Adult - Study Youth - Small Group Kids - Rangers & Girl’s Ministries Faith Center Church 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 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 401 Northgate, Pendleton Celebration of of Worship Celebration Worship Sundays 10:00 am Youth: 0-6th grade THURSDAYS Midweek Service Midweek Service Celebrate Recovery - 6pm Celebration Place - Kids - 6pm The Landing - Teens - 6pm Wednesdays 6:00 pm Youth: 0-6th grade Overcomer’s Outreach Jr./Sr. High WEEKLY ’ Groups For All Ages Pastor Sharon Miller AN ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 1911 SE Court Ave. 541.276.6417 • pendletonfi rst.com 541-278-8082 www.livingwordcc.com Pastor Sharon Miller 1909 SW Athens Ave., Pendleton Come join us for Worship at 10:45am on Sunday 541-966-8912 FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Worshipping God Loving People 108 S. Main • 541-276-9569 Pastor Jeff Geesey Worship Service: 10:30am pendletonfaithcenter.church St. Johns Episcopal Church Join Us Join On Our Journey With Jesus. in Mission for Christ LCMC Sunday Worship.........9:00 AM Bible Study......10:00 AM Scripture, Tradition and Reason Red Lion Hotel ( Oregon Trail Room ) www.faithpendleton.org Family service 9am Sunday N.E. Gladys Ave & 7th, Hermiston PH: 567-6672 We are an all inclusive Church who welcomes all. 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 Pastor Michael Smith Community Presbyterian Church 14 Martin Drive, Umatilla, OR 922-3250 Worship: 10 AM Sunday School at 11:30 To share your worship times call 541-278-2678 P eace L utheran C hurch 210 NW 9th, Pendleton ELCA Join us Sundays 9:30 am Sunday Worship 10:00 am Sunday Worship 11am Fellowship & Adult Class 9am Sunday School ~Come and be at Peace ~ on 1290 KUMA noon each Sunday 541-481-6132 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! Sunday School: 9:30am Worship: 10:40am Offi ce 541-276-5358 M-Thr, 8:30-12:30 www.fccpendleton.org Pendleton 352 SE 2nd Street, Pendleton OR 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 LCMC 420 Locust St. • Boardman, OR First United Methodist Church 9:30 - Sunday School 10:30 - Worship Service Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. Mid-Week Children & Youth Weekly Adult Life Groups 1711 SW 44th St. 541-276-6015 www.pendfmc.org Wednesday Bible Study 5:30 Family Fellowship Meal • 6:00 Bible Study COME AS YOU ARE 150 SE Emigrant (541) 276-3369