Polk County News
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • December 20, 2017 3A
Found: Letter to Santa
A little girl’s wishes discovered by accident in decorative box
By Emily Mentzer
The Itemizer-Observer
D A L L A S — Mi c h e l l e
Lane and her mother were
shopping at Safeway on
Dec. 11 when they stum-
bled on a decorative “Let-
ters to Santa” mailbox.
“My mom loves Christ-
mas, so of course she want-
ed it,” Lane said. “We didn’t
know if it was for sale or dec-
oration. While I went to ask,
she opened it and found this
letter inside. I couldn’t just
leave it behind.”
Lane was moved by the
note from a young girl
named Arianna, and took to
the Dallas Community
Facebook page to garner
help in finding her and her
family.
“We would really like to
find this family and at the
very least, write a letter back
to the little girl,” she posted.
Less than 24 hours later,
Lane had found the Sutton
family, and they happened
to be neighbors.
“We live across the street
from each other,” Lane said.
“I actually met her this sum-
mer.”
Lane and her parents try
and “adopt” a family for
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is
Love Bella. I would love to
have my family together and
have fun. I have two sisters
and two brothers. All they
want is toys and clothes. I
don’t care what I get for
Christmas. No one is like you,
Santa.
From, Arianna
Christmas each year. It so
happened that the Suttons
were having a tough time
this holiday season.
“I asked her if they need-
ed any help this Christmas,”
Lane said. “I think they fell
into our lap for a reason. It
made me fell so good. I was
so excited. We were meant to
find this letter.”
Summer Sutton, Arianna’s
mother, said her daughter
doesn’t know anything
about the journey her letter
has taken.
“I’m going to wait so she
can see her wishes are com-
ing true, because she won’t
even tell me what she
wrote,” Summer said. “She
said she won’t until her
wishes come true.”
Summer expressed her
gratitude on the Dallas
Community Facebook page,
thanking everyone who
made it possible.
“I can’t express how ap-
preciative I am for finding
my daughter’s letter to
Santa, that everyone has
reached out,” she posted.
“You have made this Christ-
mas one of the best, and one
I surely — and my family —
will never forget.”
Summer said it showed
the Christmas spirit and love
found throughout the com-
munity.
“I was grateful (Arianna)
put in her letter about her
brothers and sisters or we
may never have found
them,” Lane said.
Toys
Continued from Page 1A
Monday, when mom and son dropped off two large
bags of toys at the Polk County Resource Center, Marion
and Polk County Salvation Army Administrator Capt. Dan
Williams said the donation is incredible.
“Thank you for all your hard work,” Williams said to
Keagan. “This is going to make a lot of kids happy.”
Williams said he’s impressed with Keagan’s generosity.
“It’s the spirit of Christmas that you think about others
instead of yourself,” Williams said.
Julie Graves said she’s overwhelmed with the reaction
her son’s mission received from the community.
“I just can’t believe the outpour of people on Facebook
alone who are willing to help him,” she said. “He’s a com-
plete stranger to most of them, and they are willing to
support his cause and tell me how extraordinary of a child
he is to want to do this for others.”
Come and see me
for your hearing needs.
Mark Sturtevant
Serving the
community
since 1992.
503-623-0290 • 312 Main Street, Dallas
Polk County Worship Directory
DALLAS
family. We welcome all regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or socio-economic status.
Web Page www.stthomasdallasor.org Email: stthomasdallasor@gmail.com
Bahá’í Faith — Building a Better World: “Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal
ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship.” — Bahá’u’lláh. All
are warmly invited to an interfaith gathering on the last Sunday of each month at 2:00. You are encouraged
to share any quotations, prayers, poems, and songs related to the theme for the month. For details call
971-804-5943 or 503-269-3333. (Please leave a message for call back.) More about the Bahá’í Faith:
www.bahai.org or www.bahaisofsalem.org
Trinity Lutheran Church — 320 SE Fir Villa Rd, Dallas, 503-623-2233. Interim Pastor — Kristi Kreamer.
Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:00 a.m.; Kids Church during 10:00 a.m. Worship.
Youth Group HS/MS 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Free Medical Clinic 1st and 4th Saturday of each month.
www.dallastlc.org. Catch us on Facebook.
Calvary Chapel Dallas Currently meeting for worship and verse by verse Bible teaching at 628 SE
Jefferson St. www.calvarydallasor.com Worship service begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Sunday school is
available from youth ministry and below to nursery. Wednesday evening cafe—style Old Testament study
starting at 6:30 pm. Come join us for a relaxed study around a cup of coffee or drink. Mens prayer is
Saturday at 7:30 a.m. Womens Bible studies are scheduled also, call for times. The Pastor/Teacher is Larry
King. Come join us and be a part of God’s family here in Dallas. For more information call 503-831-1074.
Church of God of Prophecy New Beginnings — 575 SW Ash St., (corner of Ash and Stump St.) Pastor
Travis Clemons, 541-671-0375. Bible Study School 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. We welcome
all to come and get acquainted with our Pastor and his wife Christina. Home Bible Study 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
Associate Pastor Jim Dickason 503-302-9816.
Church of Christ — 691 N.E. Kings Valley Hwy. Sunday Class 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Afternoon Service 2:00 p.m. Thursday evening Bible Study 7:00 p.m. We follow the New Testament
Plan of Salvation in becoming a Christian and the Pattern of the N. T. Church. We would be glad to study the
Bible with you and answer any of your questions. We would like to present a very helpful one hour overview
of the Bible. Call 503-831-4886.
Dallas Alliance Church — 775 E. Ellendale, Dallas, 503-623-2265, email dacoffice@dallasalliance.org;
hours 9am to 3pm, Tu - Th, Closed for lunch 12 - 1pm; Lead Pastor — Gerad Neely, Youth/Children’s
Director — Miriam Lawson; Every Sunday classes for all ages at 9:15 a.m., Morning Worship at 10:30 am.,
(Nursery provided for self-serve use during those times); Tuesdays: Youth Night 7:00 pm in Ediger Hall and
All church Prayer 7pm in Sanctuary; Wednesdays: Adult Prayer Meeting 1:00 pm. Call for info on other
ministries. Web: dallasalliance.org
Dallas Church — PO Box 462, Dallas, OR 97338, 503-623-2711. Worship Gatherings: Sundays 10am.
Meeting at 450 SE Washington St., Dallas OR 97338. Atmosphere is relaxed, families and children
welcome, come as you are, current music & relevant teaching about Jesus. Pastor: Ben Bauman.
www.dallaschurch.org
Dallas Foursquare Church — Located at 976 SW Hayter St. on the corner of Washington and Hayter.
Worship Service: Sundays at 10am. Youth Group: Sundays 6pm to 8pm. Pastor: Darrin Hausler. We are a
multi-generational church with a heart for our community. Our mission is to Love God and Love People to
Extend His Kingdom. For more info call us at 503-623-8277 or you can visit us online at dallasfour.com.
Dallas Presbyterian Church invites you: Warm, spirit-filled fellowship with traditional Sunday worship
10:30 am, engaging discussion study groups, prayer “chain” and a loving spirit.—Adult Sunday School
9 am, men’s breakfasts Tuesdays at 7 am, women’s groups, needle crafts group and Indoor Play Park (for
children with accompanying parent). Sensitivity to older adult accessibility and needs. 789 SW Levens,
Dallas. 623-3397 dalpreschurch@gmail.com.
Evangelical Bible Church — 1175 S.E. Howe, Dallas 503-623-2331. Senior Pastor Jerry Franz, Visitation
Pastor Allan Wiebe. Sunday: First or Early service: 8:30 - 9:30 a.m, Coffee time: 9:30 - 10:00 a.m., Sunday
School: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., Second service: 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; High School Youth Group 7:00 p.m.;
Thursday: Jr. High Youth Group - 7:00 p.m.; 2nd & 4th Tuesday: MOPS *9:00 a.m.; Wednesday: AWANA
6:30 p.m.; Prayer Meeting & Bible Study 7:00 p.m.; Thursday: Bible Studies *9:00 a.m. & *7:00 p.m.
(women); Thursday Group Bible Study 2:00 p.m. *Nursery care provided.
Faith Evangelical Free Church — 2290 E. Ellendale Ave., Dallas, 503-623-8034; Lead Pastor Derek
Olson, Associate Pastor Ed Sutter, Worship Pastor Ted Kitzmiller, Youth Pastor Aaron Swank, Ministry of
Children & Family Debbie Davies. Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday High
School Youth Group 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday Jr. High Youth Group 7:00 p.m. Please call or visit our website
for information about other meetings. www.faithfreechurch.org
First Baptist Church — 245 S.W. Church St., Dallas, 503-623-5189; www.gofbc.org; Church Office
Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 6:30 am - 11:30 am; Pastor Rick Bratton 503-551-9561; Sunday
School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:45 a.m., Wednesday Bible Study 6-7 p.m; Everyone Welcome!
First Christian Church — Joyfully Worshipping & Serving 1079 S.E. Jefferson St, Dallas, 503-623-2569.
Pastor Darren Anderson. “Live Wire Worship” with Praise Team — 8:30 a.m., Adult, Youth & Children Sunday
School — 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship — 10:30 a.m. (Nursery provided), Men’s Bible Study — Thursday,
8:30 a.m. Christian Women’s Fellowship — 2nd Tuesday, 1:00 pm (Sept through June). Please call church
office for information about other meetings.
Grace Community Church — 598 E. Ellendale Ave. PO Box 69, Dallas, 503-623-4961. Senior Pastor—
Dave Bertolini, Pastor of Worship & Discipleship—Ryan Bucher, Pastor of Student Ministries—Ben Potloff.
Sunday Worship: 1st Service—9:00 a.m. with Kids, Youth, & Adult Sunday School running concurrently. 2nd
Worship Service—10:45 a.m. with Kids Worship running concurrently. Nursery provided for 0 - 2 year olds
during both services. Office open Tuesday-Friday for office hours visit our website: www.graceindallas.org.
All are welcome!
Living Hope City Church — 180 SE Mill St., Dallas. Family Worship 10:30 am. Equipping Center & Offices
186 SE Mill St., Dallas. For more information call 503-623-6890.www.livinghopecitychurch.org
Living Word Faith Fellowship — 830 SE Shelton Street, Dallas, 503-623-9062. Pastor Joan Siewert.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship 7:00 p.m. Children’s Sunday service 10:00 a.m., nursery
provided. Men’s fellowship second Saturday of month breakfast at 8:00 a.m. at Murphy’s Restaurant,
Dallas. Pastor Michael Van Dyke in charge of men’s fellowship. Call for additional information.
Salt Creek Baptist Church — 15075 Salt Creek Road, Dallas, 503-623-2976. Senior pastor David
Curtis. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning Worship 10:50 a.m. Nursery provided for worship
services. Classes for all ages. Wednesday Senior High and Middle School Youth at 6:30 p.m. Please call for
information about other meetings or visit our website at www.saltcreekchurch.org.
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 589 SW Birch, P.O. Box 450, Dallas 97338-0450. 503-623-5872.
Services on Saturday: 9:30 A.M. Sabbath School Bible Study for all age groups. 10:50 A.M. Worship
Service. Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 - Noon. Pastor: Lary Brown
St. Thomas Episcopal Church — 1486 Levens St, Dallas (Corner of Levens & Cherry) 503-623-8522.
10 AM worship with sermon and Holy Eucharist. Father Fred Heard, Vicar. Come and visit this friendly church
United Methodist Church — A church with Open Hearts, Open Minds & Open Doors. 565 SE LaCreole
Drive, Dallas, 503-623-2481. Rev. J. Quinton Kimbrow, Minister. Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday School
9:30 a.m. Child-care available. Handicap access. All are welcome! Email: dallasumc@qwestoffice.net
Website: www.sites.umcdallas.com
Valley Life Center (Assemblies of God) — 1795 S.E. Miller Ave., Dallas, 503-623-4116. Lead Pastor:
Chris Barker; Associate Pastor: Ted Gibson; Children’s Director: Crystal Barker; Youth Director: Kirk
Bathke. Sunday Morning Service 10:30 a.m., Wednesday Family Night 6:30 p.m. Please call for more
information or visit our website at www.valleylifecenter.com
FALLS CITY
Falls City Christian Church — 233 S. Main Street, Falls City, Oregon 97344, 503-787-3104 Sunday
Service: 10 am; www.falls citycc.com
Seventh-Day Adventist Church — 205 N. Main, Falls City 97344, 503-787-3907. Pastor Lary Brown.
Sabbath School Sat. 9:30 am-10:40 am; Worship Service 11 am. Community Service Center (Food Bank)
third Wed. of each month, noon - 3pm.
INDEPENDENCE
Buena Vista Community Church — 11355 Church St., Buena Vista. Independence. Pastor Larry Lyon.
Morning Worship 10:00 a.m.
Cornerstone Church of God — 4395 Independence Hwy, Independence, 503-838-5119. Sunday Service
and Children’s Church 9:30 a.m. Nursery available. Wednesday Kids Klubs 6:30 p.m.. Thursday Adult Bible
Study 6:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church — A warm, friendly church that cares about you! Located at 1505 Monmouth St.,
Independence (across from Central High School); 503-838-1001. Senior Pastor Michael Parks. Sundays:
Worship Service 11 am Wednesdays: AWANA 7 pm (during the school year). Thursdays: Youth Group
6:15pm. Join us for small groups and life groups throughout the week. First Baptist Church has
ministries for children, youth, adults, families and seniors, throughout the week. Check us out at
www.independencefirstbaptist.com
St. Patrick Parish, Catholic — 1275 E. St., Independence, 503-838-1242. Father Francisco Bringuela.
Saturday Masses: 5 pm English Vigil & 7pm Spanish. Sunday Masses: 9 am English & 11:30 am Spanish.
Daily Masses: Monday 9:30 am Communion Service. 9 am Tuesday and Thursday Spanish, Wednesday
and Friday English. Sacrament of Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm or by appointment. Faith
Formation: Monday 6:45 pm -8:15 pm Middle & High School. Tue: 6:45 pm-8:15 pm. Grades 1-4. Youth
Group Thur. 6:30 pm. WOU Campus Ministry: Mass Sunday 5 pm at 315 Knox St., Monmouth. Tuesday
7 pm Fellowship.
MONMOUTH
Ash Creek Bible Church — 1483 N 16th, Monmouth, OR. Located at corner of 16th and Hoffman Rd.
Pastor/Teacher is Doug Burch. Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m. Family AWANA. A conservative Baptist church.
Our goal is to glorify God by growing together in Christ’s likeness. www.ashcreekbible.wordpress.com
Christ The King Christian Church — Meets at 959 Church St. W., Monmouth 7:00 pm Saturday Night.
Christ The King Christian Church is a conservative, contemporary, charismatic Biblical Church. At Christ
the King we learn: the truths of the Bible, how to live Biblical truths, how to please God, and how to be
a blessing to all people. Come and join us as we learn and grow together. Everyone is welcome. Wally
Wildman, senior pastor. For more information call 503-623-2262. www.ctkmonmouth.com
Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United — Come care and share with us. 412 Clay St. W,
Monmouth, 503-838-1724. Pastor Rebecca Strader. Worship Service 11 a.m. Call for information on small
groups.
Church of Christ — 127 N. Heffley St., Monmouth, 503-838-2360. Minister - Jon Siegrist. Sunday School
9:45 a.m., Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Wednesday Service 7 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church — 200 Monmouth-Independence Hwy., Monmouth (the church with the lighted
cross on the “S” curve). Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes 9:00 am; Divine Service of Holy Communion
10:30 am. Wednesday Advent Soup Suppers 6:00 pm followed by Advent Worship at 7:00 pm. Dec. 6, 13,
20. Everyone is welcome! Pastor Dallas C.R. Dubke. 503-838-3459 www.FaithLutheranMonmouth.org
Monmouth Christian Church — (503) 838-1145; www.MyMcc.cc. 959 Church St W, Monmouth. Lead
Pastor: Sean Bitzer. Pastors: Ulysses Vela, Aaron Barnhart & Mary Weinbender. Two Sunday Services;
9:20 am and 11:00 am. Children Programming from birth to 5th grades every Sunday. Questions? email
info@mymcc.cc. Join us this Sunday in person or LIVE online at www.mymcc.cc.
New LIFE Ministries — we’re growing in Polk County! CHILDREN’S CHURCH NOW AVAILABLE! We are
a God-loving, Bible-believing, non-denominational church body. This church is a little different, in that
it’s not just a church service, but is all about being a “service church”. We strive to seek out and serve the
needs of the community. It is our hope that God will use us to make a difference. Come join us! We meet at
Henry Hill School 750 S. 5th St. in Independence every Sunday morning at 10:00-11:00 am. Our minister
is Marion Seick. Feel free to call us at (503) 871-5207. Please come visit and worship with us this Sunday!”
Praise Assembly 189 Monmouth Ave S., Monmouth (locations in McMinnville and Willamina as well).
Our English worship gathering is 11 am on Sundays, followed by a Spanish service at 2 pm. Kid’s church
available for 12 and under. Youth group meets at 9:30 Sunday morning. Other ministries include: Celebrate
Recovery (Tues, 7 pm), College Bible study (Wed, 7 pm), and Spanish Bible study (Thurs, 7 pm). Please
check our website for the most up-to-date information, www.praiseonline.net, or call 503-837-0300.
St. Hilda’s Episcopal Church 245 Main St. W., Monmouth, 503-838-6087, sthildas church.org Sunday
Eucharist - 10:00 am followed by Fellowship. Children’s Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 9:00 am.
Wednesday Worship at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm. Nursery care provided. Call for periodic small groups and
celebrations. All are welcome!