SIX- Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, December 21, 1994
The Good News
Qi'bXfct
By Pastor Stan Hoobing, Hope, Valby Lutheran church
We look for "good news" in big, brightly decorated wrapped
packages under the Christmas tree, a million dollar lottery ticket,
a generous retirement fund or an all-expense paid trip to southern
California for the Rose Bowl.
People living thousands of years ago in ancient Palestine
thought that 'good news' would come in the form of a ruler from
the grand and glorious dynasty of David in the rich and well to
do city of Jerusalem. God had other ideas. He was going to bring
''good news" in a leader who would administer justice and
righteousness, care and protection and lasting peace, not from
the "holy city" Jerusalem, but from a small insignificant village,
Bethlehem.
God in his own time and own way did provide "good news".
Jesus the Christ, God's chosen "good new s", was born not in
the palace of kings and royalty, but in a manger in a stable behind
a third rate inn in a village called Bethlehem. And he was hailed
as "good news of great joy for all people” by an angel, visited
by some lowly shepherds, and foreigners who traversed afar on
seeing the rising of his star.
God continues to come to us with "good news” of justice,
righteousness, care, protection and peace in simple yet profound
ways. He comes in the reading of His word, water in baptism,
and bread and wine of holy communion, as the prophet Micah
tells us:
"But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathat, who are one of the little
clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to
rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days... And
he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord in-
the majesty of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for
now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be
the one of peace". Michah 5:2, 4-5a NRSV.
"Follow M e"
Willow Creek Branch
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
At this holy season, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord
lesus Christ, we extend our love and special greeting to all. We
bear witness that Jesus of Nazareth, born of Mary on a joyful
night long ago, is the Savior of all mankind. We pray for the peace
that only He can give.
For nearly 2,000 years Jesus Christ has been an inspiration to
millions. The Christmas spirit is the Spirit of Christ. It makes
our hearts glow with brotherly love and friendship and prompts
us to kind deeds of service.
Love for God our Father, for Jesus Christ and for one another
should be our Christmas theme now and always.
During His earthly ministry, the Savior blessed the sick. He
caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He
even raised the dead.
Through the ages, His ministry has always been the same:
"Follow M e". As we follow his footsteps today, we too, have
opportunities to bless the lives of others. Chances to render ser
vice come to everyone. Whom can you help this Christmas? Who
awaits your visit?
There is yet time this year to extend your helping hand and
loving heart to some of our Heavenly Father's children. As we
serve Him in this way, we are surely following His son.
May the Christmas season find love and a desire to help others
abiding in our hearts and homes. And when the Christmas obser
vance is over and we are filled with the Spirit of Him whose birth
we celebrate, let us continue to follow Him.
May God be with you this season and always.
loy to the World
By Rev. Lea Mathieu, lone United Church of Christ
We sing about it, we read about it, we expect it at Christmas.
But what, really, is joy?
It differs from happiness, that wonderful, fleeting feeling of
warmth and cheer that comes with our lucky or hard-won for
tune in things and love. Happiness is a gift to be treasured, but
it is not a foundation to rely on, nor should happiness be the
goal of our being.
Joy, though, is as rock-solid as the faith on which we stand.
Our deepest joy comes not from our external circumstances, but
from our central and eternal identity as God's beloved children.
Happiness is a gift, but joy is our heritage.
Spiritual joy comes from being "anchored in love" not just
the love we share with each other, for which we give thanks,
but anchored in the love of God, which no one can give to or
take from us. This is the joy that comes from being rooted in the
"ground of all being", a wonderful name for God, conjuring up
limitless nurture and sustenance and growth.
At Christmas, this joy comes from knowing that divine love
became incarnate in the life of Jesus Christ just for us, through
the sheer exuberant grace of God. And through him, "beloved,
we are God's children now " (I John 3:2). This is the fountain
of our joy.
But "joy to the world" is not a seasonal gift. As believers we
are challenged to live and share Paul's command to "rejoice in
the Lord always; again I say rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4).
May this joy be yours, be deep and be for always. Amen.
Known Gift! or Concealed
By Pastor Duane Jones, Nazarene Church
?
Some years ago my parents had very little money to get one
another a present for Christmas. It was agreed, with what money
they had, one gift would be purchased for both of them. For a
long time they had desired an electric typewriter. So one was
purchased. Once home the "gift” was carefully wrapped and
put under the tree. On Christmas morning they jointly unwrap
ped it and set it out for all visitors to see. They could not have
been happier.
We should all be thankful that God used the same example
for us. How good would your chances be of getting into heaven
without God's help. You and I could only guess at those things
that we could try, to please God, to win in His favor. Even assum
ing that "H eaven" actually existed.
Here is some good news. Not only has God assured us that
there is a "H eaven", He has also sent us a gift with a personal
messenger to tell us how to get there. He sent Jesus Christ, His
Son. And God paid the highest price possible for this gift. The
price was the death of Jesus on the cross. The gift of your salva
tion was not only paid for in full, it was then given to you and
me at no cost. Through the grace of God, this gift is free. No
surprises
How would you feel if you were to hunt and search and guess
all your life long as to "how to get to Heaven" only to find out
that you missed the requirements. Whether you missed heaven
by just a little bit or by a lot, you would be discouraged (and
probably mad at God). What you were searching for was a con
cealed surprise. Even today God gives you a personal choice of
believing in Him or not. But the choice is yours.
The Word of God tells us in John 3:36 what the concealed sur
prise is: "Whoever rejects the Son wil not see life, for God's wrath
remains on him". However, Jesus said, "For God so loved the
world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes
in Him shall not perish but have eternal life".
We celebrate Christmas in thanksgiving for the gift of "life"
through the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians follow Jesus Christ
not out of fear of Him, nor that we will miss heaven. No, we
follow Christ because He has shown to us the way to heaven.
Fellow Christians, we can rest assured that we have the known
gift from God, and in that gift, there are no concealed surprises.
Don't Be Afraid
Pastor Perry Melnychenko, Seventh-Day Adventist Church
A cold night. A warm fire. Shepherd watching over their flocks.
The angelic host.
We can repeat the story without even thinking about it. Pret
ty sad actually. We've become so familiar with the story of
Christmas that its impact is diminished. And yet if there was ever
a time when we needed the 'Good News' that the angels herald
ed over the hillside, it's today. Ours is the age of the phobia.
A time when people live from fear to fear. Consumed by the cares
of life. Lives that teeter on the very brink of despair.
"Don't be afraid", came the angelic message to the shepherds
that night so long ago. They weren't so different from you and
me. It was more than a fear of their heavenly messenger that
filled their hearts that frosty morning. They, too, knew what it
was to live on the brink of despair. They, too, knew what it was
to drink deeply of life's fears.
But the 'Good News' that the angel brought would change all
that. He was a message of peace. Not a peace grounded in some
abstract ideology. Not a peace founded upon principle. But a
peace rooted in flesh and blood. One that could weather any and
all of life's fears. One that was incarnate in the baby in the
manger, the Prince of Peace.
The invitation extended to the shepherds is open to all who
desperately need relief from life's cares. Come to the stable and
find the peace that can only come from the One who is peace.
On behalf of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church I would ex
tend to you the invitation to allow Jesus to fill you with His gift
of peace this season and in every season of life. To find in Him
the hope and perfect love that casts out all fears.
"Don't be afraid".
The Gift of the Christ Child
Fr. Gerry Condon, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
The Christmas rush engrosses most of us-the cards, the carols,
the creche scenes. Consumerism is pervasive, sentimentality sur
rounds us. Christmas would not be the same without these.
However, we must look beyond these. When we do, we find
that there are layers of this great mystery that we can explore
each year. In reality, the gift of the Christ Child confounds, con
fronts, and comforts us.
The gift of the Christ Child confounds us. This is a mystery
that baffles the mind. There is something about this Child,
homeless, dependent, defendless, that intrigues us. Even a casual
thought questions our values for possessions and social status.
This Child demonstrates that we really do not need all those
things that consumerism wants us to have. In fact, He shows
us that we are precious for we also are children of God.
This Child confronts us. Rich and poor, kings and shepherds,
come to worship Him. He does not put labels on them. He ac
cepts them irrespective of their nationality, skin color, or
philosophical persuasion. So, He challenges us to question our
prejudices, and if need be, to let go of them.
The gift of the Christ Child comforts us. What image can more
effectively evoke hope in our lives than a little child. In the
presence of a child, we feel strong. The very dependence of a
child makes us draw on all our resources. It even enables us to
overcome our fears. Is it any wonder that from the Christ Child
comes the light of hope that darkness cannot overcome.
This Christmas let the gift of the Christ Child confound our
minds, confront our weakness, and comfort us with the gift of
his life.
It Takes Fellowship to Grow
Rev. Bob Dowrey, Heppner United Methodist Church
Even during the Christmas season we all need encouragement
in Christian fellowship. "All the believers were together and had
all things in common" Acts 2:44. This is our goal.
A story is told of a person who received two angel fish for
Christmas. One of them died, and the other one seemed to be
sluggish and sick. It lost much of its activity. When the new angel
fish were introduced into the tank the lonely one became lively
and swam around with them.
These fish remind us that we lose something if we try to live
our Christian lives in isolation. Jesus was born into this world
on Christmas day to help us overcome our isolation from God.
We need worship and fellowship to grow in grace, strengthen
our love for God and our faith, and to commit ourselves to God's
service.
May God bless you and yours this season.
Bad News Self Fulfilling
The Rev. Alfred F. Miller, All Saints’ Episcopal Church
Christmas church services announced
St. Patrick’s and St. Williams Catholic Church
St. Patrick's and St. Williams churches have announced their
Christmas schedule.
Saturday, Dec. 24, St. Patrick's will hold a vigil Mass at 9 p.m.
with the children's candlelight procession and the blessing of
the manger scene.
On Christmas Day, Christmas Mass will be held at 11 a.m. with
the singing of Christmas carols.
St. Williams Church in lone will hold their Christmas day Mass
with the singing of Christmas carols at 8:45 a.m.
United Methodist Church
Christmas Eve services Saturday, Dec. 24, at Heppner United
Methodist Church will be held at 10 p.m. In addition to the choir
singing, there will be solos and congregational singing. Everyone
is invited to attend.
Christmas day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. "Come and
celebrate both the Lord's day and our Savior's birth at the same
tim e," said the Rev. Bob Dowrev.
Hope-Valby Lutheran church
"Candles, Carols and Com
munion" will be the theme of
this year's Christmas Eve Ser
vice at the Hope-Valby Luth
eran parish. Pastor Stan Hoob
ing will preach on the theme of
"A Light In Our Darkness"
based on the scripture reading
of Isaiah 9:2-7.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF SESSION
MORROW COUNTY BOARD
OF EQUALIZATION
Notice is hereby given that
on January 9,1995, at 9:00 a.m.,
the Board of Equalization of the
County of Morrow, Oregon,
will meet at the County Cour
thouse in Heppner, Oregon, to:
Hear petitions for reduction
of the real market or assessed
value of property as of July 1.
Hear petitions to excuse
penalties for late filing of real
or personal property returns.
Act on recommendations
from the assessor made under
ORS 308.242 when no petition
has been filed.
Petitions for reduction of the
real market or assessed value of
property must be filed with the
clerk of the board not later than
December 31, 1994.
A schedule of hearings for
those who request to be present
will be posted 48 hours prior to
the meetings at the Morrow
County Courthouse.
Executive sessions may be
held during the session as re
quired by ORS 308.290(7), ORS
308.411, and ORS 308.413.
All other hearing will be
scheduled as time allows. If
you have requested to be pre
sent at the hearing you will be
notified of the time and place
to appear. Contact the Board of
Equalization for further
information.
It shall be the duty of the per
sons interested to appear at the
time and place appointed.
Barbara Bloodsworth,
County Clerk
Morrow County, Oregon
Dated at Heppner, Oregon this
21st day of December, 1994
Published: December 21, 28,
1994; and January 4, 1995
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Morrow County Public
Works Department is accepting
sealed bids for one (1) new 1994
model light truck with standard
cab and chassis heavy duty
frame, big block engine, 5
speed manual/4 speed auto
matic transmission, dual rear
wheels, GVW 15,000 lbs,
155-160 inch wheel base, air
conditioning. Bids will be open
ed on Wednesday, December
28, 1994 at 10:00 a.m. in the
public works office located at
Lexington, Oregon. Award of
bid by Morrow County will be
based upon most responsible
bid submitted. Morrow Coun
ty reserves the right to reject
any and all bids. Morrow
County does not disscriminate
on the basis of race, color, Na
tional origin, sex, religion, age
and handicapped status in
employment or the provision of
services.
Published: December 14 and
21, 1994__________________
Amongst the many and varied headlines of our daily lives, God
steps in and causes us to pause. We are often told bad news (not
in the local paper of course) at a rate of five to 10 times more
often than good news. We are so often told that we cannot keep
up with the pace of new change in our culture. I believe the more
bad news we hear, the more we are told we are out of control;
the more true this all becomes because we believe it. This is the
nature of self-fulfilling prophecy.
At Christmas we pause due to traditions, celebrations and
rememberances. This "pause" is a Godly moment. And this mo
PUBLIC NOTICE
ment is filled with "Good N ews". God has become one of us
The Morrow County Court is
to draw us closer to God. Jesus is the climax of God's creative, accepting applications for one
loving work on earth. The Lord God has constantly com person from the Heppner area
municated good news to those who follow in the way. From since to serve a four year term on the
the beginning of time has been loving humankind. At Christmas, Morrow County Planning
we remember this.
Commission. A letter of in
So, we give gifts because God loves us. We receive gifts because terest should be submitted to
that is what God has offered to us. We share good news even the Morrow County Court,
in the midst of troubled hearts, broken lives and an un P.O. Box 788, H eppner,
precedented culture of change In our hearts and minds we pause Oregon 97836 by December 31,
and care for God's gift of life in Jesus Christ because he wants 1994
to touch us.
Morrow County Court
May God bless you, your family and all those you love as you Published: December 14 and
21, 1994
take leave this Christmas.
Service at Valby Lutheran
church located on the Ione-
Gooseberry Road, will begin at
6 p.m. Sarah Carlson will sing
a special selection "O Holy
Night" and Rikka Tews will ac
company the congregation and 4
the soloist on the organ.
An outdoor lighting arrange- *
ment will greet the worship
pers at the 9 p.m. service at
Hope Lutheran Church in
Heppner.
A joint church service with
the Hope-Valby Lutheran
parish and All Saints Episcopal
church will be held at the Hope
Lutheran church on Christmas
day. Service will begin at 10:30
a.m. This special "Carols and
The Word" service will feature
Dr. Jeanne Berretta accompany
ing the congregation on the
piano. Special preacher will be
Ms. Rachel Hoobing, a senior
from Pacific Lutheran Univer
sity in Tacoma, WA. Her
Christmas day sermon will be
entitled "King of Hearts".
Monday, Dec. 26, Pastor
Stan, Carol, Rachel and Matt
Hoobing will host the family's
annual Christmas open house
for members and friends of the
Lutheran congregations. The
open house will be held at the
Lutheran parsonage from 2 to
8 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICE
I NT THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE STATE OF OREGON
FOR THE COUNTY
OF MORROW
ESTATE OF:
ROY W. LINDSTROM,
Deceased.
No. 94-PR-029
NOTICE TO
INTERESTED PERSONS
Notice is hereby given that
the undersigned has been ap
pointed and has qualified as the
personal representative of the
estate. All persons having
claims against the estate are
hereby required to present the
same, with proper vouchers,
within four months after the
date of first publication of this
notice, as stated below, to the
personal representative at: P.O.
Box 218, Pendleton, Oregon
97801 or they may be barred.
All persons whose rights may
be affected by the proceedings
in this estate may obtain addi
tional information from the
records of the court, the per
sonal representative or the at
torney for the personal
representative.
Dated and first published:
December 14, 1994
Katherine G. Lindstrom^
Personal Representative
P.O. Box 363
lone, Oregon 97843
LAWRENCE B. REW OSB
#61072
COREY,
BYLER,
REW,
LORENZEN & HOJEM
Of Attorneys for Personal
Representative
222 S.E. Dorion Avenue
P.O. Box 218
Pendleton, Oregon 97801
503-276-3331
Published: December 14, 21
and 28, 1994_________
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Morrow County Court is
accepting applications for one
person from the Irrigon area to
serve a four year term on the
Morrow County Planning
Commission. A letter of in
terest should be submitted to
the Morrow County Court,
P.O. Box 788, H eppner,
Oregon 97836 by December 31,
1994
Morrow County Court
Published: December 14 and
21, 1994