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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 1992)
Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, April 15, 1992 • THREE Special Easter messages He Easter is Hope. Gone is death, darkness, defeat and hopelessness. Easter announces life, joy, peace, and hope for the people of God. A new hope with God and in fellowship with other people. A new hope rooted and grounded in the Risen Christ Jesus. is Risen...... First Christian Church St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Pastor Roger Scharen There is one item in the account of the crucifixion and resurrec tion of the Lord Jesus Christ that is seldom, if ever, referred to in any depth, namely, His seamless robe. In John’s gospel it says, “ ...the coat was without seam, woven from top throughout” (John 19:23). In the Bible, garments speak of conduct or of a display of character. A good example is “ ..be clothed with humility...“ (1 Peter 5:5). What precious truths about Jesus can we learn as seen in His seamless robe? Our Lord was flawless and absolutely beyond reproach in His character. He is ‘‘holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens” (Heb. 7:26). There is no seam dividing His meekness from His anger, His gentleness from His firm ness, His authority from His winsomeness, or His mercy from His sincerity. He is uniquely beautiful in His character. The robe is all one piece. We see Him compassionate, but inflexible; full of truth, yet full of grace; come to save, yet come for judgement; eating in the upper room, yet sitting at the table with publicans and sinners. All is done with uniform consistency. Nothing is ever out of perspective. Power is without pride, knowledge is without superiority, and authority is without arrogance. Yes, His robe is woven on the loom of eternity. John last saw that seamless robe in the hands of gamblers near the cross. How he must have stirred when he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day and saw Jesus “ clothed with a garment down to the foot” with the name upon it “ King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Rev. 1:13, 19:16). As we, His redeemed, are ’’clothed...with the garments of salva tion’ and covered ’’with the robe of righteousness...” (Isa. 61:10), let us fall at His feet during this time of resurrection remembrance to worship, praise and cry out to God for an experience of “ the power of His resurrection” in order that we might be genuine reflec tors of the wondrous character of our Lord Jesus Christ. lone United Church of Christ The Rev. Lea Mathieu The gifts of God are the products of courage. We shout praise, sing alleluias, and pray thanksgivings because we are a people of audacious faith. How dare we love when the forces of hate in the world are so strong? How dare we work for justice when greed and comfort are so enticing? What gives us the right to sing of God’s mercy when millions suffer and die from disease, hunger, war, and so-called “ natural disasters?” What has given believers through the millenia the vision—no mat ter what — of God’s promise of abundant life? The barren woman singing God’s praise for a living child. Our crucified Revelation’s mother trusting in the kingdom come. The saint praying for love in the place of hate, and where there is despair, hope. Like them, we also dare to and rightfully believe in the triumphal power of God by the rebellious seed of faith planted in our souls by our creator, watered by a grat cloud of witnesses, tended by the Spirit and the Word. We love, do justice, and practice mercy simply because walking closely with our God leaves us no choice. And for this unadorned, unpretentious, unsentimental, rock-hard assurance of grace revealed and received we should forever rejoice, and again I say, rejoice. We shout praise, sing alleluias, and pray thanksgivings because we are a people of audacious faith. The gifts of God are the products of courage. Hope-Valby Lutheran Church The Rev. Stan Hoobing Easter is Resurrection. Jesus Christ who was crucified has been raised to life. He who was dead is now alive. He lives now and forever more. He is resurrected. Easter is Life. “ Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here. He has risen.” (Luke 24:5) Job said, “ I know that my Redeemer lives.” (Job 19:25). These are facts of life. Life has moved in where death once reigned. Easter is the reign of the ever- living Christ. Easter is Light. It was the faint glint of dawn in the first Easter morning that heralded the great Light of Christ, who once was dead, now lives. It will always be His light that will move people out of darkness to his abiding presence. Easter is Joy. Death and darkness set the mood for despair and sadness. Light and life chase the gloom away. When the first Easter dawned His followers could not wait to spread the good news of great joy. Easter is Beauty- Easter announces that spring has come and new found beauty adorns the earth. The sun shines brightly, fresh green verdure drapes the hillsides and flowers in soft and riotous hue like a spark of heaven appear. All this is but a sign of the beauty and splendor of God. Easter is Victory. Rejection, death and the grave have been soundly defeated. Christ Jesus once dead is now alive and reigns forever and ever as our Lord and Savior. _________ Easter Lillies And Easter Arrangements Rev. G. Condon The joy or Easter fills the earth. This is the joy of Easter - that death has been conquered. Easter is the victory. Easter is the “ good news” which the apostles were sent to preach to the ends of the earth Christ overcame death, not only for himself, but for all of us. We all experience moments of dying in our lives. We get a foretaste of death when we live in bitterness, when prejudice blinds us, when loneliness enfolds us, when fears oppress us, when sadness over whelms us, and when we give in to despair. In those moments the world is closing in on us, and it seems as if we have one foot in the grave already. We also experience moments of resurrection in our lives: when we know true love, when we are accepted, when we are forgiven, when we open our hearts to our neighbor, and when hope returns to us. In those moments, our horizen is widening, and we are emerging from the tomb. Early on Easter Sunday morning some of the disciples discovered that the tomb in which Jesus was buried was empty. The truth that the Scriptures had foretold began to dawn on them-that Jesus would rise from the dead. As we celebrate Easter, let the truth become a conviction for us. Heppner United Methodist Church Rev. Gerry Etchison In our four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we hear about the empty tomb. The stone that had sealed the entrance to the tomb was rolled away, and Jesus Christ’s body was gone. The empty tomb tells us that Christ was resurrected, and in this resurrection we human beings receive salvation. This great gift from God and Christ tells us how much we are loved, and cared for. God sends us God’s son so we can have a way to overcome those moments when we fall short of God’s glory. The empty tomb is testimony to the mighty power of God, and it is also testimony to God’s concern for creation. God created all of us, and we are important to God. As we experience Easter, I believe it is a time to think about the many ways we receive God’s blessing. The empty tomb (Christ’s Resurrection is one), in addition to this let’s count our other many blessings. 4-H’ers take part in Speakeasy O ver 40 4-H m em bers, leaders, parents and agents took an active part in the annual presentation field-day “ Speakeasy,” a non-competitive workshop to increase public speaking skills. The workshop took place Monday March 23 at the Gilliam County Fairgrounds in Condon. Participants began with single sentence public speaking ac tivities and concluded with “ On the Spot” team demonstrations using kits prepared by agents and volunteers. At the end of the field-day, participants agreed that they felt more confident about giving presentations within their clubs and at county fair. “ 4-H alums often tell us that learning to speak in front of a group was the most valuable and long lasting benefit they derived from 4-H ,” said Carol Bennett, Morrow County 4-H agent. We know that making time for “ Speakeasy” will benefit youth for years to come. Leaders learn new techniques to encourage speaking in the project meetings, while youth learn how to organize a presentation, prepare visual aids, and the benefits of practice, practice, practice. Morrow County participants included: Jared and Brandi Purcell, Heather Ennis, Lynsi Garcia, Abby and Melanie Beltane, Jessie Bray, Sybil and Jessica Krebs, Mildred Baker and Carol Bennett. Gilliam County participants were: Drew and Trevor Yoder, Paige and Jean Mikkalo, Kalista Schuster, Becky and Donna Hansford, Megan and Katie Riney, Shannon and Molly D urfey, Tracey and Anne Osterlund, Ashlee Weimar, Elizabeth Farrar, Randi McCall, Alice Irby, Leif and Glen Nesse, Margaret Schott, Rose Rietmann, Holly W eimar and Cindy Osterland. Wheeler County participants were: Gabe, Josh, Trista and Kim W illiams and Franz Rulofson. Study group discusses fats By Delpha Jones The Rhea Creek study group met at the home of Norma Craber on Wednesday with Beverly Wright as co-hostess. The topic of Fats and Foods was well given by the hostesses to the 13 members present. Fat is an im portant part of our diets as a source of energy and has vitamins A and D and enhances the flavor of foods. An over amount of fat can create health problems. Some suggestions were to use a less fat ty meat cut, use buttermilk in stead of sour cream, use a non stick pan and no butter to cook, and prepare gravy with butter milk instaed of butter. Following the lessons the meeting was called to order by president Judy Stevens. The main business was the upcoming trip on May 6 to the home of Donna Hack of North Powder, a former study group member. The group voted to give $35 to the 4-H council for a summer school scholarship. An election of officers was held with the following elected: Judy Stevens president; Verna Brinda, vice president; and Delpha Jones, secretary-treasurer. Suggestions for lessons for the following year were presented after which the meeting adjourned. Singles group plan railway trip The South Morrow County Singles/Widowed persons group are planning a railway trip to Hood River on Thursday, April 23. The group will travel by bus to Hood River and then by rail on the Mt. Hood scenic railroad. Tenative plans are to leave D on’t Forget Secretary Week April 20-24 Craft Video Rentals Learn from the Pros only •! Heppner at 7 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. All singles or widowed persons are invited. For more information and the cost contact Velma Wight at St. Patrick’s Senior Center. Deadline for sign-up is Friday, April 17. Good Rates and Good Service on CROP SAIL IKSSmCE Discounts Available Give Bob a call at t Country Rose 676-9426 233 N Main HeppnerV; PLOYHAR INSURANCE HEPPNER, OREGON 6 7 0 -5 8 18 Churches list Easter services Valby Lutheran Church Maundy Thursday, April 16, the congregation and friends of Valby Lutheran Church, locatd on the Ione-Gooseberry Road will gather at 6 p.m. for a church potluck without desserts. The gregation will move to the sanc tuary for a solemn service of Ho ly Communion at 7 p.m. Pastor Hoobing will preach on the theme of the “ Blood of Christ” based on reading from I Corinthians 11:23-26. At the end of the ser vice the women of the congrega tion will strip the altar bare and the congregation will have a mo ment of silence to reflect on the death of Christ on the cross. A celebration of Easter music and Holy communion will begin at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 19. The choir, under the direction of Kathy Turner, will sing two an them s, “ God of All Hopefulness” and “ For the Beauty of the Earth” . Rikka Tews will accompany them on the organ. Pastor Hoobing will deliver a message to the children entitled “ O Christmas Tree?” and his sermon will be “ To Be the People of Easter” based on scripture reading from St. John 20:18-31. An Easter breakfast will be served in the fellowship hall immediately following the service. Valby will hold its Saturday school on April 25 at 10 a.m. Arts and crafts will be available along with Bible stories. St. Patrick’s Church Holy Thursday will be celebrated on April 16 at 7 p.m. at the St. Patrick’s Catholic church, with a solemn com memoration of the Lord’s Sup per. Stations of the Cross will be on Good Friday, April 17 at 12:05 p.m. and Solemn Commemora tion of the Lord’s Death at 7 p.m. A 5 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass will be held on Holy Saturday and Easter Mass on Sunday will be at 11 a.m. St. Williams Church St. William’s Catholic Church at lone will hold Good Friday ser vices Stations of the Cross at 5:30 p.m. Easter Mass will begin at 8:45 a.m. Sunday morning. Weightlifting class A weightlifting class taught by Dave Presley will begin this Thursday, April 16 at Heppner High School. The seven week class will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $20. Heppner Christian Missionary Fellowship Heppner Christian Missionary Fellowship invites church goers to their Sunday m orning fellowship at the Legion Hall on Chase Street. Services will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a potluck. Everyone is invited to attend. lone United Church of Christ The lone United Church of Christ is planning a candlelight service of prayer, readings, com munion and Taize chanting on Maundy Thursday, April 16. The service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Taize is a small village in France that is home to a com munity of retreat and renewal that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The music associated with this contemplative center is beautifully simple, repetitive, and scripture-based. The traditional Shaker hymn “ Lord of the Dance” will be the theme of lone’s Easter service which begins on Sunday, April 19 at 10 a.m. Both the adult and new children’s choir will offer special anthems. The service will be preceded by a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and church school at 9 a.m. for children through seventh grade. Everyone is invited to all ser vices at lone. First Christian Church Sunday school children will present a special Easter Program on Sunday, April 19 Morning worship services at First Christian Church in Hepp ner will begin at 10:50 a.m. Children in pre-school through sixth grade will sing special songs and recite memory verses. United Methodist Church Sunday school will begin at 9:30 a.m. with an Easter movie followed by an Easter egg hunt. Worship services will begin at 10:30 a.m . with scripture readings from Isaiah 65: 17-25 and John 20:1-18. Rev. Gerry Et chison will preach on the sermon theme “ We each have a spot in the Resurrection.” Church of the Nazarene Easter morning worship at the Heppner Church of the Nazarene will begin at 10:30 a.m. follow ed by brunch. Everyone is welcome to attend. The church is located at 335 N. Gilmore. Easter Sunrise service planned Son-Rise, an ecumenical Easter service sponsored by the South Mor row County Ministerial Association, will be held at 7 a.m. at the Morrow County Fairgrounds in Heppner. Rev. Gerry Etchison, pastor of the Heppner United Methodist Church and president of the Ministerial Association, will give the welcome and the benediction. Rev. Larry Benjamin, pastor of the Heppner Nazarene Church, will lead the con gregation in the responsive call to worship. Richard and Cecilia Drake will sing, “ Then Came the Morn ing” as special music. Reverends Glenn Anderson, of the Lexington Baptist Church and Lynda Crane, Heppner Christian M issionary Fellowship, will read scripture texts. Rev. Roger Scharen, pastor of First Christian Church of Heppner, will lead the congregation in the hymn singing. Rev. Lea Mathieu. pastor of the lone United Church of Christ will lead the congregation in the pastoral prayer and the Lord’s prayer. “ Stones” is the title of the Easter sermon to be given by Rev. Grace Drake a retired Methodist minister of Heppner. Everyone is invited to attend this festive service. It is advisable to wear warm clothing as there could be April showers lone plant sale Thurs. April 23 lone Garden Club members met Wednesday, April 8 at the homes of Helen Martin and Delta Huber to dig plants for their an nual spring plant sale. The sale will be held Thursday, April 23, at the American Legion Hall in lone from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. Pie and coffee will be served. Anyone wanting a special plant contact a garden club member ahead of time. Members enjoyed visiting at the nursing home and put daf fodils in about 30 rooms recent ly. Pat Pettyjohn reported that she visited the lone Elementary school and presented awards to the children for their environmen tal and conservation posters. Plans were made for attendance at the District #10 meeting at Echo on April 11. Jean Nelson and Helen Martin, area beautification committee members, reported that seven maple trees were given to Cleo Childers and have been planted in the proposed trailer park on the edge of lone. This is in celebra tion of Arbor Week and a part of the NFGC Pacific Regional Historic Preservation project in which the district is participating. Reception Honoring Geri Martin Officer of the Rebekah Assembly of Oregon Lexington Oddfellow Hall 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26 Everyone Welcome
