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About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2024)
+HSSQHU*D]HWWH7LPHV+HSSQHU2UHJRQ Wednesday, April 24, 2024 7+5(( Spiritually Speaking ~ Letters to the Editor ~ Father Thankachan Joseph The Heppner Gazette Times will print all letters to the Editor with the following criteria met: letters submitted to the newspaper will need to have the name of the sender along with a legible signature. We are also requesting that you provide your address and a phone number where you can be UHDFKHG7KHDGGUHVVDQGSKRQHQXPEHUZLOORQO\EHXVHGIRUYHUL¿FDWLRQDQGZLOOQRWEHSULQWHGLQWKHQHZVSDSHU/HWWHUVPD\QRWEHOLEHORXV 2QWKLV¿IWK6XQGD\RI(DVWHU-HVXVWHOOVXVWKDW+HLV The GT reserves the right to edit. The GT is not responsible for accuracy of statements made in letters. Any letters expressing thanks will be placed the true vine and we the branches. Thus, we must remain LQWKHFODVVL¿HGVXQGHU³&DUGRI7KDQNV´DWDFRVWRI(PDLOWRHGLWRU#UDSLGVHUYHQHWRUXSORDGWR+HSSQHUQHW Remaining in Christ’s Love Parenthood Drotzmann Drotzmann It’s been a long two days. Constant mooing…. for Senate for Senate literally every two seconds. I kinda wanna hug her and punch her lights out at the same time. This isn’t the normal soft moo of moth- erhood. It’ her angry moo. It’s loud, guttural and says, “give me back my baby…. or else”. Weaning is tough, no matter who ya’ are. I should know. Been there a bunch. People think the hard- est years of motherhood are the early years. No sleep, dirty diapers, runny noses, and no time to your- self. It can take its toll. It’s exhausting. But wait…. there’s more. Just about the time you think you’ve got it down, you blink and it’s June, graduation, and in a few short months…. you’re saying goodbye. Why don’t you just rip my heart out and run over it with the tractor. It would be more merciful. I’d love to say how wonderful it is to see your little projects R൵WRDJUHDWQHZOLIH<RX wish them well and now you have less laundry and more time to yourself. It’s little compensation….or consolation. If there’s a switch that makes it easy to go from important care- giver and major worrier to an occasional text, I haven’t found it yet. I have seven children. Believe it or not, not all of them think I’m awesome. Some like me better than others. Some tolerate me like you would an annoying neighbor. I have one that has decided I’m not worth the effort. It breaks my heart…. every day. You always hear how we need to make our par- ents proud. Do we ever hear about making our kids proud? Because that’s what I want. It amazes me how many people have adult children that haven’t talked to them in years. Why? It’s understandable if these par- ents were horrible people, abusive, or didn’t give their kids even their basic needs. But more commonly, It’s because of a disagreement that wasn’t settled….or hurt feelings that should have been healed long ago. We’re all humans with is- sues that make us do or say things we regret. It would make it a heck of a lot eas- ier if we could all practice a little forgiveness…even when it still hurts. It’s not supposed to be this way. We’re all supposed to live like the Waltons…one big happy family living in the same farmhouse with Gramma and Grandpa and everyone within earshot. Hugs and advice are supposed to be readily available. Grand- kids are supposed to be on Grandpa’s knee or helping Gramma with the biscuits. To be fair, parents ar- en’t the only ones who have it rough. The current Garden of Life isn’t a great environment in which to ÀRXULVK0\JUHDWHVWFRP- fort is knowing that Jesus loves my kids and grand- kids even more than I do…. and He is doing everything possible to see that we all spend eternity together. So, if you’ve got par- ents, show them love, com- passion, and forgiveness…. and call your mom. “Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 By Susie Crosby from Prineville, Or. When choosing candi- dates to represent Board- man in the Oregon Leg- islature, we need proven leaders with experience bringing people together WRVROYHGL൶FXOWSUREOHPV facing their community. That is why I am support- ing Dave Drotzmann for State Senator in District 29. Dave has a deep under- standing of the issues af- fecting our region. As a small business owner and Hermiston Mayor, he has prioritized investments to add more family-wage jobs and improve the quality of life for residents. He will bring this approach to Sa- lem, focusing on projects and programs that make our state a better place to live and do business. Dave knows that our econo- my in Eastern Oregon relies on smart and sustainable usage of natural resources. These resources are our shared heritage and the lifeblood of our communi- ties. As State Senator, Dave will make sure everyone’s voice is heard and craft balanced policies that allow our farmers to continue farming, ranchers to contin- ue ranching, and loggers to continue logging — while simultaneously protecting our environment, outdoor recreation, and tourism. I urge my fellow Orego- nians to join me in voting for Dave Drotzmann in the May 21 primary election. Dave has shown what is possible when we all work together, and he will be a tireless advocate for our region and values. Debbie Radie, Irrigon Or. As a fellow Eastern Or- egon mayor, I have come to admire Dave Drotzmann’s hard work and accomplish- ments on behalf of our region’s largest city. That is why I am throwing my full support behind Dave for State Senator in District 29. Not only does Dave em- body our conservative val- ues — including Second Amendment rights and the right to life — his lead- ership has helped usher a new era of economic growth and opportunity. By making smart invest- ments in infrastructure, Hermiston boasts an im- pressive pipeline of 2,000 new houses and has seen the creation of 1,200 new jobs over his tenure as mayor. In Boardman and Morrow County, our economy is closely intertwined with Hermiston, and their suc- cesses have simultaneously helped to spur our own local growth. In that regard, Dave has been an invaluable partner to strengthen the entire Columbia Basin. I DP FRQ¿GHQW WKDW KH ZLOO bring this same spirit of prudent stewardship and community empowerment to the Oregon Senate. I wholeheartedly endorse Dave Drotzmann in the Re- publican primary on May 21, and I encourage my fellow citizens to join me in casting their votes for a leader who will truly make DGL൵HUHQFH Paul Keefer, Board- man, OR. Drotzmann for Senate of leader we need, having served on the Hermiston City Council for many years — the last 12 with Dave Drotzmann as Mayor — I feel I can accurate- ly attest to both Dave’s heart for Eastern Oregon and his leadership skills. Dave has proven himself to be an excellent leader. In Hermiston, he has been at the helm during these past few years of tremendous growth and has continu- ously advocated for the good of all the community. Dave has also been in a leadership role for the League of Oregon Cities for the past several years. He currently serves as president of the league, which serves cities of all sizes throughout our state. Dave is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, and pro-per- sonal responsibility, which I wholeheartedly support! He believes in local con- trol, which encourages needed housing develop- ment, smart use of our natural resources, and well-funded public safety. Dave believes we need to rein in government taxes and spending. He believes spending should be focused on projects and programs that make the state a better place to live and do business. I believe the leadership that Dave has brought to Hermiston would serve District 29 well. Please join me in voting for Dave Drotzmann, Republican for State Senate District 29. Rod Hardin, Hermis- ton, OR. I am pleased to write this letter in support of Dave Drotzmann for our next Oregon State Senator. In Oregon, we are still in post-pandemic recovery. We need strong representa- tion from the local level on WKH6HQDWHÀRRUWRDGGUHVV LPSRUWDQWLVVXHVWKDWD൵HFW every one of us. Dave Drotzmann has experience in build- ing thriving communities, addressing citizen safety concerns, and has actively worked toward solutions for our unhoused popula- tion. He has volunteered his time to better the lives of children and families and participated on the Hermiston School District Board to support education. He has built a thriving busi- ness and has participated on many boards and service groups. Dave continuously shows up for people — all people. His level of insight and knowledge will be the EHVW ¿W WR UHSUHVHQW DOO RI Eastern Oregon. He will work to re- duce taxes; increase af- fordable housing; support economic development; LQFUHDVH D൵RUGDEOH WUDGHV and educational opportu- nities for individuals going into the workforce; address youth truancy laws; sup- port addiction and recov- ery services; and, most of all, support safe, thriving communities. Please stand with me and vote for Dave Drotzmann as our next Or- egon State Senator. Jenni Galloway, Pend- leton, OR. District 29 is home to abun- dant agriculture, forestry, energy, and recreation that powers local economies. If our communities are to thrive, we need elected officials who understand and appreciate what it takes to manage these natural resources — creating local jobs, feeding the world, and preserving our heritage for future generations. That is why I am supporting Dave Drotzmann for state senator. Agriculture is a critical industry not just for Eastern Oregon, but our state as a whole, accounting for more than $5 billion in annual production. Meanwhile, logging on state forests provided another $97 mil- lion for county and state governments in 2022. With his small business back- ground, Dave will advocate for policies and investments to keep farmers farming, ranchers ranching, and log- gers logging, giving rural voices a much-needed seat at the table. At the same time, Dave is an avid hunter who be- lieves in maintaining our state’s natural splendor and all the recreational opportu- nities that come along with it. Dave understands that economic prosperity and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive. We can achieve both, with- RXW VDFUL¿FLQJ RQH DW WKH expense of the other. Dave has made his home in this area for over \HDUVDQGKHZLOO¿JKW every day to protect and preserve our way of life. Vote for Dave on May 21. Tyler, Kenzie, and Lu- cas Hansell. Hermiston, Or. Drotzmann for Senate Nash for Drotzmann is the kind Drotzmann for Senate To live in northeast Or- egon is to love our region’s bountiful outdoors. Senate Senate As a former State Rep- resentative for House Dis- trict 58, I am writing to express my unwavering and enthusiastic support for my good friend Todd Nash for State Senate District 29. It was a privilege for me to meet Todd 10 years ago when I was running for of- ¿FH,ZDVLPSUHVVHGZLWK his dedication to serving his community as well as the state organizations he was involved in. Todd has a thorough understanding of the issues facing Northeast Oregon and deep commit- ment to address them. During my tenure in R൶FH7RGGPDGHFRXQWOHVV trips to Salem to testify on GL൵HUHQWLVVXHV+LVLQWHJ- rity, leadership and com- munication skills set him apart and now make him an outstanding candidate for State Senate. His track record of thoughtful and H൵HFWLYH DGYRFDF\ VSHDNV volumes to his ability to represent the best interests of Senate District 29. , KDYH IXOO FRQ¿GHQFH that Todd Nash will serve his district and community with distinction if elected as the next State Senator for District 29. I urge you to join me in supporting Todd’s candidacy and cast your vote for him in the upcoming election. Sincerely, Greg Barreto Former State Representative House District 58. Bend, ID DEADLINE: MONDAYS AT 5PM in Him if we wish to bear much fruit. He is inviting every one of us to remain in His Love. The Gospel reading of the days narrates the aspect of his divine love for each RQHR൵XVDVWKHEUDQFKHVKDYHQRH[LVWHQFHLILWGRHVQ¶W remain with the main stem. The parable of the vine and the branches narrates to the faithful to stay with him and enjoy the blessings of lives. As the branch that bears much fruit when it remains with the trunk and properly cut and pruned. Similarly, he prepares everyone to go through the GL൶FXOWLHVRIOLIHZLWKSDWLHQFHDQGHQGXUDQFH2QWKLV ¿IWK6XQGD\RI(DVWHUWKHFKXUFKUHPLQGVXVWKDW&KULVW is the true vine, and we are his branches. As branches crafted on the true vine, we are expected to bear positive and good fruits in Christ. 7KH¿UVWUHDGLQJRIWKHGD\LVWKHSDUWWKDWIROORZV immediately after the call of Saul on his mission to Da- PDVFXV,QWKH¿UVWUHDGLQJIURPWKH%RRNRI$FWVRIWKH Apostles (9: 26-31), one remarkable thing we see about Paul is that after his dramatic conversion his life changed completely. Immediately, he was transformed from Saul the persecutor, to Paul the preacher of the good news. He wasted no time in bearing fruit in Christ. This is because his conversion was true and genuine. The post pandemic season is an occasion God gives to every one of us to ex- amine one’s own life and return to him. The consequence of his true conversion and believe in Jesus Christ was a great harvest of souls which continues till today. He bore good fruits because he was a “deeply crafted and rooted branch” in Christ, the true vine. Paul bore abundant and lasting fruit through his works and charitable deeds. ,QWKH6HFRQGUHDGLQJIURPWKH¿UVWOHWWHURI-RKQ (3:18-24) reminds us that: “…our love is not to be just word or mere talk, but something real and active. Only through this can we be certain that we are the children of truth…” John seems to remind us of the saying that: “Action speaks louder than words.” The word of God transforms us because it is real and active. So, we cannot love God or keep his commandments without concrete works of charity and mercy. Also, we cannot remain in Christ without bearing fruits as a mark of our union with him. The 5 th Sunday’s gospel is a call to strengthen our relationship with Christ in order to continue to live in Him. Through the parable of the vine and the branches parable Jesus tries to emphasis the type of relationship that should exist between us and Christ. That is, the relationship be- tween a vine and its branches. No branch can have life or EHDUIUXLWRQLWVRZQXQOHVVLWLV¿UPO\DWWDFKHGWRDWUHH Likewise, in our spiritual life and journey as Christians, ZHFDQQRWGRZLWKRXWEHLQJ¿UPO\DWWDFKHGWR&KULVWWKH vine, in whose name we were baptized. We are created, and called to remain in Christ for a purpose, and this purpose is, to bear durable fruits in him. So, instead of a passive life, to be in Christ means to live an active and positive life characterized by charity, peace, holiness, pure reverence, and love for God, and for our neighbors. In other words, it is possible to bear good fruits in Christ through a good and virtuous life. If we go through the gospel passage carefully, we come across the invitation of the Lord to stay/remain/ abide in him. We can notice in these 8 verses at least 8 times these words occur, or repeated. That shows the importance of our stay with him. We need to take this call seriously as we face the situations of uncertainty. As we go through the hazardous time of our life it is a nice gesture of the Lord to remain in him and to enjoy the serenity and SHDFHWKDWZKLFKKHR൵HUVWRWKHZRUOG Today, the church provides us the opportunity to re- ÀHFWRQRXUVSLULWXDOSURJUHVV*RG¶VFRQVWDQWLQYLWDWLRQWR us is to keep moving forward in faith with Him, trusting his graces, freeing our own hearts so that we can free the hearts of others. How is my relationship with Christ, the true vine? Am I still living in him? Have I born any good fruit in Christ? Bearing fruit in Christ means growing VSLULWXDOO\DQGD൵HFWLQJRWKHUVSRVLWLYHO\ ALL NEWS AND ADVERTISEMENT DEADLINE: MONDAY AT 5:00 P.M. WWW.HEPPNER.NET Sɲɟɪɦɱ1ɢɴɰ$ɡɳɢɯɱɦɰɦɫɤ $ɫɫɬɲɫɠɢɪɢɫɱɰ /ɢɱɱɢɯɰ7ɬ7ɥɢ(ɡɦɱɬɯ 6ɢɫɡ8ɰ3ɥɬɱɬɰ 6ɱɞɯɱ$1ɢɴ6ɲɟɰɠɯɦɭɱɦɬɫ ($562) (;3(5,(1&( 5HDG\WRKHOSZLWK\RXU KHDULQJKHDOWKFDUHQHHGV 1:WK6WUHHW 6XLWH( +HUPLVWRQ25 36$VNXVDERXWRXUILQDQFLQJ RSWLRQV &DOO9HUQD 2൵HULQJFRPSOLPHQWDU\KHDULQJ HYDOXDWLRQDQGRUWRKDYH\RXUFXUUHQW KHDULQJDLGVFOHDQHG FKHFNHG VFKHGXOHWRGD\
