www.ritzvillejournal.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-1
Charlotte’s first Christmas in America By Katelin Davidson News Editor Four-year-old Charlotte Murphy is celebrating her first American Christmas this year, and it is a moment her mother Kerry Murphy has waited her whole life to enjoy. Kerry adopted Charlotte from Congo two months ago, and with Charlotte now home, Kerry’s family is finally complete. Kerry also has a six-year-old daughter, Holly, who she adopted from Taiwan when she was just an infant. For as long as she can remember, Kerry has always envisioned her family to include two adopted girls, and now the dream has come true, just in time for the holidays. A highly energetic young girl, Charlotte has already proved to be the perfect match for the other two more even keeled Murphy girls. Kerry said she still hasn’t fully grasped what Christmas is, but the family has been participating annual traditions and Charlotte is excited about all of the activities. Perhaps the best part of the Christmas traditions so far for Charlotte is finding the Elf on the Shelf every morning. Every night, the Elf finds a new location for the next morning and is usually participating in some sort of amusing activity. “She’s had the best time finding the Elf in the morning,” Kerry said. “She hurries to get ready and be the first to find it.” “Every time she finds it, she laughs and says, ‘Silly Elf!’” Kerry said Charlotte is slowing beginning to understand elements of Christmas, but her only experience with the holiday in the Journal photo by Katelin Davidson past is having a special meal. Kerry explained the orphanage where A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Kerry Murphy surrounds her two Charlotte lived in Congo gave the daughters, Charlotte and Holly, with hugs just before Christmas. With children a meal on Christmas Day, the adoption of Charlotte, Kerry said her family is now complete. while families sent pajamas and underwear for the kids. list this year is a scooter, and while Charlotte said that is “They had Christmas, but they live in such poverty what she wants too, Kerry said with a laugh that she isn’t that they might have a meal, but it’s not about the gifts,” sure she even knows what a scooter is. Kerry said. With the first major snowfall occurring last Friday That is a philosophy Kerry hopes to continue to since Charlotte’s arrival, both of the girls ran out to instill in the girls to remember that Christmas is the play in the snow. When Charlotte is asked if she liked season of giving. In order to make sure the gifts are the snow, her immediate response is, “It’s cold!” Kerry meaningful, the Murphy trio has handmade many of their said Charlotte is still becoming acclimated to the presents this year and Kerry said the girls have enjoyed weather here, since she experienced a 50 degree drop the act of giving. in temperature in the course of a day when she came to Charlotte already knew the Christmas story about America. the birth of Jesus, and Kerry said that element has Charlotte’s time in Lind has been filled with helped her understand certain aspects of the holiday. The holidays and activities. Kerry said the duo returned family also has an Advent calendar, but instead opening from Africa two days before Halloween, and she was the door every day and receiving candy, the family immediately submerged in American traditions. participates in a specified activity. The total adoption time for Charlotte took two years, Reading is a hobby of Kerry’s, and is a very and Kerry said during those two years, Holly has been important element to the family’s daily life. In honor of building up what it would be a like to be a big sister. the Christmas season, Kerry has been reading a variety Holly has been asking for a baby sister for years, and of Christmas stories to the girls and while Holly already was excited to spend the Halloween holiday dressed up knows the stories, Charlotte is enthralled with the as Thing One and Thing Two with her brand new sibling. different tales. Kerry said large groups and lots of noises still Aside from the daily activities the family overwhelm Charlotte, but the Christmas holiday should participates to prepare for Christmas Day, the Murphys still be enjoyable for her. Kerry said the family spends also visited Santa and went on the North Pole Cruise at time with her parents in the morning, and the remaining Coeur d’Alene Lake. Kerry said Charlotte began to make relatives visit in the afternoon. the connection between Santa, his role in Christmas and “We get to do it (Christmas) in small chunks, and I where he lived during the cruise. think that will help her quite a bit,” Kerry said. “She was amazed at all of the lights,” Kerry said. “It’ll be fun to see her reaction when there’s more “It’s been so fun to watch her.” than one present under the tree,” Kerry said about the While Charlotte still does not completely understand arrival at her parents’ house. why the presents have to stay under the tree until a The Murphy family will be celebrating the certain day, she does realize she needs to be good so Christmas holiday with their family finally complete, and Santa brings her a gift. When asked how her name gets that is the best gift Kerry could ever ask for. Looking at on the naughty list, Charlotte said “by not listening.” her two girls and being in the middle of celebrating the Kerry said Charlotte doesn’t quite understand that Christmas traditions, Kerry said it makes her count her she can ask Santa for anything, so naturally she mimics blessings. whatever her older sister wants. At the top of Holly’s “I’ve never been so thankful.”
Page B-2 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
www.ritzvillejournal.com
stock up on
JOY!
May your Christmas holiday Be filled with glad tidings every day And when the holiday is through, May our best wishes remain with you!
Washtucna First, Second Grade Dear Santa, I want to go to you. Where are you now? I want a new toy. And Hannah a Barbie. Love, Destiny Lee Phelps Dear Santa, I hope you are doing well. I want a Barbie. Nate wants a skateboard. Love from, Hannah Hille Dear Santa, I hope you are feeling well. I would like monster truck toys. And my sister Aubree wants a doll. Love from, Lucas Blain Sitton Ritzville First Grade Dear Santa, I have been good this year. Please bring me a new toy truck. How do your reindeer fly? Love, Alex Dear Santa, I have been good this year. Please bring me new boots. How are your reindeer? Love, Kelsey Dear Santa, I have been good this year. Please bring me an iPod. How do you find your reindeer? Love, Jayce Dear Santa, I have been nice this year. Please bring me wood. Have I been good this year? Love, Jonathan Dear Santa, I have been nice and good this year. Please bring me an iPod. How many houses do you go to? Love, Zach Dear Santa, I have been good this year. Please bring me spy stuff. What do your reindeer do? Love, Phaedra Dear Santa, I have been good this year. Please bring me a River Monster movie. How many reindeer do you have? Love, Kaleb Dear Santa, I have been nice this year. Please bring me Legos. Am I on the good or bad list? Love, J.P. Dear Santa, This year I have been good. Please bring me the How to Train your Dragon toy. How many elves do you have? Love, Luke Dear Santa, I have been happy this
year. Dear Santa, Please bring me a flip I have been good this car. year. How many reindeer do Please bring me a little you have? fish. Love, Brock How many reindeer do you have? Dear Santa, Love, Emilia I have been good this year. Dear Santa, Please bring me a I have been good this bunch of video games. year. How is Rudolph? Please bring me Love, Carson everything! How many reindeer do Dear Santa, you have? I have been good this Love, Wyatt year. Please bring me a Dear Santa, football Lego set. I have been good this How many cookies do year. you want? Please bring me a Love, Brix kitten. Would you like a Dear Santa, snowman picture? I have been good this Love, Sadie year. Please bring me purple Dear Santa, Minion stuff. I have been good this Have I been good or year. naughty? Please bring me a book Love, Calvin about horses. How are your reindeer Dear Santa, doing? I have been good this Love, Jaden year. Please bring me a Dear Santa, scooter. I have been waiting all How did you get your year for Christmas! reindeer? Please bring me new Love, Savannah sneakers. What are you going to Dear Santa, get me? I have been good this Love, Alyssa year. Please bring me a Dear Santa, princess outfit. I have been good this What is your favorite year. cookie? Please bring me a Polly Love, Aurora Pocket toy. How are your reindeer? Dear Santa, Love, Olivia I have been good this year. Dear Santa, Please bring me a I have been very good football game. this year. How brave are you? Please bring me Love, Drake gloves, a cap, and paper. Do you have special Dear Santa, Santa hats? I have been good this Love, Devon year. Please bring me a Dear Santa, gumball machine. I have been good this How many reindeer do year. you have? Please bring me a Love, Madisyn bazooka. How do you fly around Dear Santa, the world so fast in one I have been good this night? year. Love, Levi Please bring me a new doll. Dear Santa, How are you doing? I have been kind of Love, Addy good this year. Please bring me a Dear Santa, Skylander Swap Force. I have been good this Are the elves hands year. connected? Please bring me a Love, Brody bunch of toys. How many toys do you Dear Santa, have? I have been good this Love, Diego year.
••• MERRY CHRISTMAS ••• & Happy New Year!
Thank you for your continued support! —Kim Yaeger
The Hair Center, Inc. 216 W. Main Avenue Ritzville, WA 509-659-0821 Closed Dec. 24-27 & Jan.1
105 W. Galbreath Way • Ritzville • 659-5000
PEACE HOPE LOVE JOY
Please bring me a Sanks Row video game 1. Am I on the good list or the bad list? Love, Trevaun
Wishing you every happiness this holiday season. We truly value your business and look forward to your continued support.
Lind First Grade Dear Santa, What do you feed the reindeer? Would you bring my dad a 3DS so we can connect his with my 3Ds? I would like to hove Lightning McQueen glasses and a remote cantrol police car You are the best. Alexis Mendodza
Bolin Plumbing Service Inc. 1411 E. LIND-RALSTON ROAD • RITZVILLE • 659-0366 • 660-0385
MERRY
CHRISTMAS We’re really grateful to have friends and neighbors like you!
Dear Santa How are you doing? Can i please have Godzilla 1968, King cesar, a godzilla bobbole head and frankinstin vs. Baragin. Love Austin curtis P.S.Things are on my First list. Dear Santa, Will you get here on time? How is Mrs, Claus? Can I pleas have a stuffy and a baby doll crib, baby doll, a journal, an I pad, a pupy, a barbie, doggy do game, a phone, toy box and stompies? I love you Love Aliya Kulm
LIC# BOLINS953DW
Letters to SANTA!
Best Western Plus Bronco Inn
Wheatland Waste Systems, Inc. 994-9163
WISHING YOU TWELVE FUN-FILLED DAYS!
Dear Santa, How do your reindeer fly I would like a wig, a barbie, an alarm clok, make up, earrings, a necklace, tennis shoes and stompies. Also a head band, glasses and an umbresssa, I like you. Allie Conns
Bob’s TV & Appliance 208 N. Division • Ritzville • 659-1240
Dear Santa, What color is your house? Santa may I have a toy doll house and a princess barbie I lvoe you the best Santa. You are nice. Love Alyssa Ayala Dear santa How are your reindeers? Can I please have a DS and a dinosaur an I pad and scooter? I Love you. Angel Valencia
WITH BEST WISHES & GRATITUDE
WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT.
Cedars Inn – Ritzville
Continued on Page B-3
1513 Smitty’s Blvd. • Ritzville • 659-1007 • www.cedarsinnritzville.com
Yuletide Greetings
To Our Neighbors & Friends Trends may come and trends may go -But when it comes to the good folk that we know, Goodwill, friendship and a smile, Always seem to be in style!
Carpenter, McGuire & DeWulf, PS. Ken Carpenter, Rusty McGuire, Mark DeWulf & John Kragt
Iverson Law Office, PLLC Victoria Iverson of Counsel
Dennis Morgan
With best wishes from our entire staff at the holiday season. Thank you for your valued patronage.
www.ritzvillejournal.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
Dear Santa, How are you? I’m ok. Thank you for my pillow pet. I’ve been a good girl. I’ve picked up my clothes. This year, I would like an IPad Mini. I wish you, your wife, elves, and reindeer a Merry Christmas! Sincerely, Ashleigh Dear Santa, How are you? I am fine. Thank you for the Kindle last year. I loved it. I’ve been a good girl this year. I helped my mom clean the house. I would like an American Girl Doll. I hope you have a Merry Christmas. Your friend, Harlee Dear Santa, How are you and your elves? I am good. Thank you for the present last Continued Dear Santa, year. I loved my pillow pet! from Page B-2 What do you do at the I have been a great girl. I North pole? can I please cleaned my room. I hope Dear Santa have a remote control boost you get me something this How is Mrs. Claus and car? I love you Santa. year. I would like some how are you. How are your Love Sean paint to paint with. I hope reindeer? Santa, I want a you have a good Chirtmas, barbie with a car and with a Dear Santa, and safe travels. baby and with a boy barbie, I love you Santa. How Your friend, Rose I have been good and I love is Mrs. Claus. May I please you Santa. havea Goofy game. How do Dear Santa, Love, your reindeer fly Hello! Thank you for Camden Shaver Love, Sonia the games last year. I would Landis. Iklvara Kiera like a Wii and games this Dear Santa, How do your KYLEE Linkin monny year. merry christmas. reindeer fly? Have a DS? I DADDY. Love, Kyle want a tablet too. Santa is good. Ritzville Second Grade Dear Santa, Love Camron Olson How are you? Thank Dear Santa, you for bringing me Hot Dear Santa, How are you? I Wheels last year. I was a How do your elves am fine. Thank you for good boy because I helped help you make presents? bringing me a cool present my mom do the dishes. Can I please have a stuffy? last year. I loved it! I hope you have a good I love you and I have been I have been a good boy Christmas! good. again this year. I have done Your friend, Kordell Danika Cox. the dishes. I am hoping you give me a psp this year. I Dear Santa, Denr Santa hope you and (the reindeer) How are you? I What do you do at the have a safe journey. am fine. Thank you for North Pole? Can I please love, Mason bringing me presents last have a scotter and a doggy year. I love my new shoes. I game? You are handsome. Dear Santa, have been a good boy again Love, Holly Murphy HeHo, how are you? this year. I love to help For christmas I would like others. I am hoping you Dear Santa, a dog. I’Ve been a good boy bring me another gift this Will you get here in because I take my dog for year. I would like an xBox time? Can I please have a a walks. 360. Have safe travels. I lego chima? Thank you for bringing hope you have a Merry I love you Issar Silva me a toy last year! Christmas. Your friend, Danny Your friend, Travis Dear Santa, I hoep you get a here Dear Santa, Dear Santa, on time. Can I have an I How are you, your How are you? I pad and a DS? I like you. elves, and reindeer doing? am fine. Thank you for Love, I’m fine. Thank you for bringing me a present last James Lancaster bringing me a Hakey blue year. I loved my dollhouse. sky last year! I have been I have a been a good girl Dear Santa, a good boy this year. I did again this year. I have What do you do at the my chores. I hope I get a helped clean and paint our North Pole? Can I please toy plane this year. Merry new house. I aM hoping have a DS, doggy do game, Christmas. Have safe you bring me another gift a journal, and a toy puppy. I traveles. this year. I would like a love you Santa. Your friend, Wes new bike. I hope you have Love, Leacadia Bren a Merry christmas and a Dear Santa, safe trip. Dear Santa, How are you, the Your friend, EmiLy Could I feed your reindeer, and the elves reindeer? Can I have a doing? Thank you for Dear Santa, princess doll? I would like all of the presents you How are you? I am things to play store with brought me during my life. OK. Thank you for my like play food and a money I hope you have a Merry present last year. Skylander machine. I love you Santa. Christmas I have been a Giants is fun. I love it so Liz Cruz good girl by helping my much. I want a lot of lego mom clean our house. I sets. Thanks. I hope you Dear Santa, wish for a puppy. Have a have a good chistmas. What kind of heuse good trip. Your friend, Shawn bo you live in? I want a Your friend, Megan remote control car can I Dear Santa, have lightning McQueen Dear Santa, How are you elves and glasses? Santa you are the How are you and your Reindeer? I’ve been a good best. elves? I am great. Thank girl because I fed the cats Love Omar Huitron you very much for bringing food and water. I like my me the bat man cave! I gift from last year. I would Dear Satna, have been a great boy this like a Hutter by Fairy. Can I please have a year. I have been playing Merry Christmas! phone? Will you make on the piano, and been nice Love, Emily time? I like you Santa, to Alayna. I am hoping Love, Roland you will bring me another Dear Santa, Morgan gift this year. I would like How are you? I’am skylander swap force. I fine. Thank you for Dear Santa How are you hope you have a Merry Skylander’s Giants. I love doing Can I please have a Christmas and have a safe the giants. I have been a remote boostcar an I pad trip. good boy again this year. I for me, playstation 2 top Your friend, Brayden always respect my cat and gear game for it, and a my family. I hope you give BeBe gun that comes with Dear Santa, me another gift this year. I Bebes. How are you and would like a Lego Galaxy From Ryan Anderson your elves? Thank you for squad Crater Creeper. I bringing me an xbox 360 hope you have a Merry Dear Santa, last year. I have done my Christmas and safe travels. Will you get here on homework all the time. Love, Michael time? Can I Please have a I am hoping you bring Mosnter High Stuff, and a me another gift this year. Dear Santa, SPider man Shooter? I love I would like a paint set. How are you? I you Santa. I hope you safe travels. am fine. Thank you for Love Sage glen Merry Christmas! bringing me a present last Rountree Your friend, Davine yar. I loved my game Cars
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-3
2. I have been a good boy again this year. I have done the diShes and played writh my cousins. I am hoping you bring me another gift this year. I would like an toy Bow and arrow. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and have safe travels. Your Friend, Ashton Dear Santa, How are You? I am fine. Thank You for bringing me new catico critters. I have been a good girl again this year. I have been nice to my sister and played with my Rabbit. I am hoping you bring me another gift this Year. I would like a Furby Boom. I have you have a safe trip. Your frenid, Ella
RING IN THE JOY! For the joy your friendship has brought us we are sincerely grateful, and wish you a very memorable holiday season.
Linda’s Hair Salon
216 W. Main Avenue • 659-1562
Wishing you and your family a simply delightful holiday season. We know it’s been a real delight serving you this year.
Sunny Spot Floral & Gift 202 W, Main Ave. • 659-1188
Dear Santa, How are you? I am fine. I like everything you gave me last year. I hope you get me an Xbox360. I hope you have safe travels. I really really have safe travels. ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho Merry Chistmas! Your Friend, Traye Dear Santa, How are you? How are the elves and reindeer? I am fine. Thank you for last years presents. I love the new video games you brought me. I have been a good boy this year. Yesterday, I put my dad’s plate in the sink. I am hoping you bring me Skylanders Swap Force. I hope you have a merry Chistmas and safe travels. Your Friend, Brock Continued on Page B-4
It’s Been A Real
Treat Serving You! Merry Christmas and many thanks to the best bunch of people –our customers!
Big Bend Electric Cooperative 1373 N Highway 261 Ritzville • 659-1700
“Now Dasher! Now, DaNcer! Now, PraNcer aND VixeN! oN, comet! oN, cuPiD! oN, DoNNer aND BlitzeN! to the toP of the Porch! to the toP of the wall! Now Dash away! Dash away! Dash away all! –clemeNt clarke moore (1779-1863)
–a Visit from st. Nicholas”
In a grand tradition,we bid you and your kin,the very merriest of seasons, followed by a happy and prosperous New Year. For your goodwill and support, you have our most heartfelt gratitude.
201 E First AvEnuE • ritzvillE 659-0130
Page B-4 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
t.v.
Continued from Page B-3 Dear Santa, How are you? I am fine. Thank you for bringing me a present last year. I love my new computer. I have been a good girl again this year. I have done my Laundry and helped my mom bake cookies. I’m hoping you bring me another gift this year. merry christmas And have safe travels. Your Friend, ArIenna Dear Santa, How are Your elves? Christmas is my favorite holidav. I thank you. I hoPe you say, “Ho Ho Ho”. I’ve Been A good Boy Because I love Chrismas. Your frend Devin, Dear Santa, How are you? I am fine. Thank you for bringing me a present last year. I love my toy rocket. I have been a good boy again this year. I have cleaned my room and helped clean dishis. I hope you bring me a pet Eagle. Have a Merry Christmas and have a safe trip. Your Friend Bridger
I would like a Plans move and star wars Lego Saceship. I was very good!!!! Very good! Love, Ayden Dear Santa Claus, I Love You. I want a barby doll house. I would also liked barbydoll and a set of barbies I want a set of makeup and more makeup. I also want a phone. I have been really good in school and at home. LoVe, NeVah. Dear Santa Claus, Merry X-mas. How is the North Pole? I want a huge sLot car setor an xbox one or a Bugatti. I deserve it because I have been very good. Love, Lance
Dear Santa, How are you? I have Dear Santa Claus, been a good girl and I Merry Christmas! For would like a Doll House. Christmas I would really Thank you santa! like a Avengers camra Love, Kendra with the italk on it for Christmas. Also I would Dear Santa, like a red reindeer with How are you? I sound because I was good. am fine. Thank you for Love Austin bringing me the Star Dear Santa, Wars Action figures last Merry Christmas Christmas. I still play with Santa! How is the North them. I’ve been a good boy Pole? For Christmas I want this year because I helped a toy please I have been my mom and dad cut up bad. I hope I Will be good the deer, and I’ve done my next year. chores. This year, I would Love, love Disney Infinity. Thank chris you! Dear santa Claus, Love, Trey Merry Christmas ans Happy Holidays! For Lind Second Grade Christmas I want three Dear santa things. one is a black walky How is the North Pole? talky. The second thing is a All I want is Just Dance black bike. The third thing 2013 and I want Lego’s and is nerf bullets. I deserve it a zike. I deserve it because because I have been good. I am good. Love, Love, Dan. MATTHEW Dear Santa, Dear Santa Merry Christmas! All How is Mrs. Claus? I want for Christmas is an If you can,get me a phone electric scooter. I want it please? Can your elfs Make pink. I think I deserve it Me a bean bag chair that’s because I have never had it. fluffy and pink please? Can Love, I get a TV please? I am Reeta really good at home and at school. Love, Maycee Dear Santa, Merry christmas All I want for christmas is a dog and a nice christmas. I deserve it because I never had a christmas befove. Love, SujeLi
Dear Santa, How are you? Thank you for bringing Me a present last year. I Loved my new computer. I have been a good girl this year. I’ve been doing the dishes with my brother. This year, I would like a Barbie Digital. Merry Christmas! Love, Ireana Dear santa, merry Christmas I really want a Dear Santa, Pogo Stick. I cleaned half How are you I am of my room most of The good. Thank you for time. the sky goggles. They love Deacon were fun. I am a good Dear Santaclaus, boy because I’ve been I hope the reindeer are nice to my sister and my ready to fly on the 25th. friends. I would like a new I want wolf leagos chima helicopter. My red one is I want a Racer game. for broken. Merry Christmas XboX360 and for my 3ds Love Talus a Mario game. I also want a iphone5 and a flat screen
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Dear Santa, You are the nicest Santa in the UniVerSe. On Christmas I want an Ironman 3 Assembles Ironman Mark 42. I deserve this because I I been a good boy Sincerely, Jon Dear santa claus, Have a Merry christmanas santa claus Hot is the North Pole? Can you make these
toys for me. Please? The first one is a My little pony tent. Then the Next thing is a unacorn stuFFt animal. Next a Elftoys. Last a reaL horse. I am beeing good I promise. if I was bad I will try harder next year. Love Jasmine Huitron Dear Santa Claus, Merry Christmas! For Christmas I want a doll and
a horse. My mom wants toys and my dad wants a toy car. I have been good. I promise! Love, Katelyn Dear Santa, Merry Christmas! This year I want a baby and a pink DS and minion stuff I have been very good Love, Makenah Thank you Santa
Pastor’s Column Menno Mennonite Church By Pastor Matthew Yoder
Have you ever been present at a birth? Have you spent much time in a barn lately? As a child growing up on a dairy farm in Singers Glen, Virginia, I got to be around a lot of both. In fact, I get downright nostalgic for the sights, sounds and smells of my childhood. Reflecting on the birth of Jesus this holiday season, a birth unaided by modern medicine and taking place in a barn full of animals, takes me back to the Singers Glen farm where labor and sweat and blood and tears in the muck and the mud brought new life into the world about as often as not. If the birth of our savior was anything like those births, or the births of either of my two sons, then it wasn’t clean and shiny like the pictures. It was, in a word, messy. It still gives me pause to think about how, when the world really seemed to need a cosmic king to lead a new revolution, or at least a change in administration, the gift that God sent instead was God’s own presence with us in the form of a messy little newborn baby.
When I think about the problems our world is facing this holiday season, it almost seems like the only solution would be a large nation with enough political, economic, and military power to make a real difference in the world – and the Christian values to make a difference for good. But the Bible reminds me that Jesus didn’t found a nation. He gave birth to a messy little church and left twelve apostles to care for it. And then he breathed his Holy Spirit on it to enliven it. Most of the churches I’m familiar with are small – less than 100 people. We have no
military, scant political clout, and we struggle to make budget. We have plenty of warts, wrinkles, cracks, and shortcomings. But if you look closely enough, you can also see the Holy Spirit hiding in the folds of the wrinkles and shining through the cracks. Sometimes I wish we had the power to change the world in an instant. Thankfully that power is reserved for God alone. Instead, this is Christ’s gift to the world this – and every – holiday season; this messy little local and locally invested church that dutifully and dubiously carries the message and follows the way of this messy little baby savior entrusted to us by the God of heaven. Let us find joy this holiday season in what we have been given and in what is ours to give.
Many thanks for all the goodwill you’ve shown toward us this year. — Gary Bostrom, CEO and Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2 Commissioners: Stacey Plummer, Jerry Crossler, Jerry Snyder, Ross Heimbigner and Eric Walker
May all your hopes and dreams come true during this special time of year. With heartfelt thanks from all of us for your continued support.
Ritzville Parts House
1205 W. First Avenue • Ritzville • (509) 659-1400
East Adams Rural Hospital 903 S. Adams St. 659-1200
Ritzville Medical Clinic 903 S. Adams St. 659-1200
Washtucna Medical Clinic 545 S. Church Street 646-3290
www.ritzvillejournal.com
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-5
HELP YOURSELF… To Our Gratitude! We are so thankful for your support this past year. The Staff would like to wish everyone in Lind, Ritzville, Sprague and Washtucna a Happy Holidays!
The Ritz Roadhouse 1604 Smitty's Blvd Ritzville, 509-659-4300 Closing 6 p.m. Christmas Eve • Closed Christmas Day
Holiday Greetings Without you, we wouldn’t be in business. Thanks for your support. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!
We will be open Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will be closed Dec. 25
Dr. Warren D. Kragt, Chiropractor Family & Staff
116 E. Main Avenue • Ritzville • 659-0703
Journal photo by Katelin Davidson
CHRISTMAS KICKOFF. During the annual Christmas at the Clock event, Ritzville Mayor Linda Kadlec welcomed attendees to the Christmas kickoff event,
while Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce President John Kragt assisted with the tree lighting ceremony during the first weekend in December.
Pastor’s Column Church of Jesus Christ the Latter-day Saints By President John Galbreath So it is, at this time of year, we find ourselves searching for that one special gift to give a loved one. With careful consideration we plan, research, and find that gift. Then we anxiously wait for the day when we share in the joy of giving. I hope we take a moment to consider what we may offer to our Heavenly Father who gave His Only Begotten Son, even Jesus Christ for all human kind.
As mortals, we may often question whether anything we offer is good enough. The message in the Little Drummer Boy Christmas song has caused me to contemplate that offering. A few lines from that song are “Come they told me. A newborn King to see. Our finest gifts to give. To lay before the King. So to honor Him when we come … I have no gift to bring, that’s fit to give a King. Shall I play for you on my
drum? I played my drum for Him. I played my best for Him. Then he smiled at me, me and my drum.” I hope this season finds you reflecting on what you may offer. I encourage you to take time for Him in your life and to make room for Him in your heart. May you live and offer your best is my hope to each of you.
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TOP IT OFF WITH JOY! Here’s hoping your holiday season trumps them all!
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w, As autumn’s chill gives way to sno People come and people go -to mind, But one thing that always comes behind -Is the impression that they leave , too So for your goodwill and friendship We remain in debt to each of you r way, As we send this note of thanks you And wish you a joyous holiday!
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Merry Christmas and many thanks for your generous support this past year.
Ritzville School District
Superintendent Rob Roettger and Board Members Scott Carruth, Chris Cook, Greg Galbreath, Layne Iltz, Marci Miller
Lind School District
Superintendent Rob Roettger and Board Members Bev Kulm, Rena Wahl, Jani Melcher, Annie Trunkle-Smart, Adam Labes
Page B-6 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
Pastor’s Column
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Thank You, and Happy Holidays
Benge Community Church By Roy Clinesmith, Layman Greetings and Merry Christmas from the Benge Community Church. It has been another good year for the farmers and ranchers in our part of the county. The good spring rains were a bit late for the pastures but good for the dryland wheat crop. Praise God! Our church has seen a few changes this year. Pastor David McIlroy of Starbuck had to cut back some-serving two churches, because of health issues. Have you ever seen a preacher who couldn’t talk! We love you Dave! Pastor Bob Bridge is our new Pastor from Airway Heights via upstate New York and Florida. He has a wonderful family, is a tent maker, and has a Baptist leaning! We meet first and third Sundays
cool waters lie – soft in the evening walk my Lord and I; All the sheep of His pastures fare so wondrously fine – His sheep am I. Waters cool, pastures green, in the evening walk my Lord and I.” We too, like sheep need to have some peace and quiet in our lives as well. God said through the prophet Isaiah – “My people shall dwell in quiet at 3 p.m. (Cowboy Church resting places.” style). Please call 887-2434 A favorite author of ahead, as sometimes we ours, Charles Spurgeon, make adjustments to the said once, “Peace and rest date and time. are the peculiar possession Here in our countryside of the Lord’s people and of church we have a favorite them only, for we find this song we like to sing a lot, perfect quiet resting place called “His Sheep Am I” by in the person of Jesus.” Orien Johnson. So, like the sheep and “In God’s green cattle with these waters pastures feeding, by His cool and valleys green – we
too can find our peace and shelter in Jesus as we draw near to Him in our prayers, praise, and searching of the scriptures. He is indeed our good shepherd this Christmas time. He is the ark of our salvation too, as Jesus says in John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, (yes, Jesus) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Praise God for this promise as we celebrate Jesus’ birth this wonderful season on planet earth. His sheep are WE!
Pastor’s Column
803 West First Ritzville • 659-0510
Holiday Greetings With best wishes to you and your flock at this joyous season. We really appreciate your dropping in and look forward to serving you again, soon.
Emmanuel Lutheran Church By Pastor Bob Kenyon
The central message of the New Testament is “fear not … do not be afraid!” It occurs over 100 times in the New Testament alone. It is the principle message of every angel, prophet, evangelist and priest … do not be afraid. The phrase is always followed by a reason for not fearing, “God is with you.” In the presence of God, there is no fear. While we cannon help but fear, God’s message is always that we should not fear. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold. And the call of God is always what follows next. Don’t be afraid … I am with you … and I have a job for you to do. The call always accompanies God’s revealing his will: to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and us. The call of God inspires fear and awe within us. It has always been so: Abraham, Moses, the prophets. The first response is always fear and holy awe. Martin Luther, in his explanation of the commandments, writes: We should fear (respect), love and trust God above all things. Nothing else really matters, everything depends on knowing who God is. If you keep the first commandment, Luther wrote, you will keep the others as well. If you don’t keep the first, the others won’t have a chance. The call to Zechariah was met with resistance, and God silenced him. You see, when God reveals himself, unbelief is not an option. So, until God’s will is fulfilled in John the Baptist’s birth, Zechariah will not be able to herald it. Until it is complete, the specialness of the call of
John the Baptist will be unknown. Unbelief does not stop the will of God, but it renders the one charged with a mission useless until it happens. God rarely asks about our ability, he usually asks only for our availability. Are you willing, will you do it? Trust and believe, do not fear, I am with you. The call to Mary was met with faith. Sure there are questions. Don’t you wonder at God’s choices sometimes. How can this be, why me, and finally, let it be to me as you have said. With God, nothing is impossible. The call to Joseph in Matthew’s gospel meets fear of scandal with the hope that overcomes all the fear. Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, the child is of the Holy Spirit. The angel in the dream tells him all things. And obedience follows the call. Fear is replaced with faith. What looks bad is really very good. Faithfulness has been met with revelation, and the result will be salvation for all. None of us is called to do everything. We are called rather to do what we are given to do. It is essential that we do what we are called to do. God doesn’t ask us to communicate in every time and place. He rather calls us to participate in his will by doing it. Perfect love cast out all fear. In Zechariah, Mary and Joseph, fear them. As Mary will said: “I live to do your will.” May we, in our call, in this time and place, say and do the same. And may your hopes and fears be met in Jesus this Christmas as always!
With Thanks For Your Patronage —And a generous serving of warm wishes to our customers and friends for a memorable and satisfying holiday season. For your friendship and goodwill we are sincerely grateful.
Memories Diner 214 W. Main Ave. 509-659-4652 Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Open for New Year's Eve & New Year's Day
610 West First Avenue • Ritzville • 659-1398
Home Is Where The Heart Is! May the true spirit of Christmas reside in your heart, and may glad tidings follow wherever you go this holiday season. Thank you for visiting us this year.
Ritzville Hardware
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Merry
ChristMas
Ritzville DRUG CO. 209 W. Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 99169 Phone: 659-0250
happy New year
Greetings of the Season 201 West Main Avenue • Ritzville • 659-0223 Member FDIC
From left: Jean Gardner, Lori Strohmaier, Jani Melcher, Virginia Jones and Debbie Gering
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Pastor’s Column
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-7
‘Tis the season...
for expressing our gratitude!
Good Hope Lutheran, St. John’s Lutheran
We couldn’t have done it without your support...thanks!
By Pastor Mary Daniels
The Gospel from John talks about Jesus being the light of the world. I encourage you to read John 1:1-14, for God sent Jesus to live with and to experience life as we do. Jesus is not meant to be left as a babe in a manger, but to be understood as a grown man who lived life, died and rose again for us. During Jesus’ time on earth, Jesus experienced the pain of death when his good friend Lazarus died. Jesus experienced the pain of deceit when Judas turned Jesus over to the authorities to be crucified. Jesus experienced the pain of physical abuse when he was beaten at the hands of the Romans. Jesus experienced temptation when the devil
tempted him in the desert after his baptism. Jesus understands the pain that we suffer. But Jesus also knows joy. He loved the little children and said “Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Jesus experienced the joy of weddings as he attended his friends wedding in Cana. Jesus knew the joy of his Father being proud of him. For when Jesus was baptized, God said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus knew the joy of friendship, the joy of sharing a meal with friends, the joy of family. Jesus
knew that it wasn’t the big things of life that made you happy, but all the daily joys that we take so for granted. Jesus also had a wonderful relationship with God his Father. He knew that no matter what was going on in his life, he could talk to God about it. We know that we, too, can talk to God about anything and everything that is going on in our lives. The problem is, we are often too busy to take the time to talk to God. We tend to put our active lives before our quiet time with God. That is oftentimes when our life gets dark, the shutting off of a light. Jesus was wise to know that when life got to
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be very hectic and he was exhausted, he took time away from the everyday demands and spent time in quiet solitude talking to God. When we take the time to spend with God, we discover, like Jesus, that the light comes back on – for Jesus, who is with God, is the light of the world. Jesus turns on that light that has become darkness in our life. Jesus holds us, lifts us up in our darkness and holds us tight, reminding us that he is the light and is there for us and will always be there for us.
MAY YOUR DREAMS BE MERRY & BRIGHT We thank you for your valued patronage, and hope you’ll visit us again, soon.
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Pastor’s Column Lind Calvary Assembly of God By Pastor Steve Schofstoll
I love Christmas! I love the Christmas lights that shine in these dark winter nights; I love the Christmas carols that bring joy to the season’s short days; I love to eat the traditional Christmas treats that help keep us warm on cold snowy nights; I love the greeting cards that reconnect us with old friends; I love the exchanging of gifts which reminds us that we are so blessed as Americans. We must remember, however, that nearly all of our traditions are just that – traditions. Though they help us recall the Christmas story, they are not part of the story itself. In all of the hoopla of the season, we must not forget how those who witnessed Christ’s birth celebrated his arrival, as found in the second chapter of the gospel of Luke. When the shepherds saw the baby Jesus lying in the manger – confirming what they had just been told by an angel— the New Testament tells us “they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” They proclaimed the coming of the Savior. We celebrate, too, by proclaiming his birth. As the chorus of the Christmas carol goes, “Go, tell it on the mountain,
over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born!” After all the events that surrounded Jesus’ birth took place, his mother Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” We celebrate, too, by pondering his birth. Though this is difficult to do in our culture because of the busyness of this time of year, we should take the opportunity to stop and contemplate what his coming means for us personally and for the world. And just as Jesus’ birth is the hinge on which our calendar swings, the Savior’s coming is the hinge on which swings the answers to life’s great questions. And finally, when the shepherds returned to their flocks in the field, they did so “glorifying and praising God.” We celebrate, too, by praising God. As the last Psalm in the Old Testament instructs us: “Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens . . . Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Proclaiming, pondering, and praising . . . three fitting ways to celebrate Christmas, along with our traditions. Have a very merry and blessed Christmas!
Pastor’s Column
Peace On Earth Goodwill Towards Men —And Many Thanks To You! For all you do to support our business, we are deeply grateful, and wish all of you a truly unforgettable holiday season
Landcraft Repair John and Janis Marshall
503 E. Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 99169 509-659-0201 Merry Christmas
With Our Thanks For Your Patronage To our customers, neighbors, and friends, we’d like to extend our best wishes for a holiday season that is satisfying until the end. —Jim Leffel, Kris Harder, Carol Simonson, Amy Reimer, Terry Kissler, Kellie Kragt, Jill Connolly, Natalie Greenwalt & Brylee Edwards
Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S. 219 West Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 509-659-0125 www.leffelotiswarwick.com
St. Agnes Catholic Church By Father Kenny St. Hilarie Everyone loves a baby. Have you ever noticed at family gatherings how a baby can hold the attention of everyone present? You have to admit, it’s kind of an interesting phenomenon. After all, it’s not like the baby is saying something funny or captivating – the baby can’t even talk! Nor is the baby capable of doing anything particularly noteworthy – unless, of course, you’re impressed by food throwing or the waving of arms and legs! And yet, in spite of the face that a baby is unable to say or do much, we never tire of holding a baby, watching a baby, or just listening to a baby gurgle and coo. Right? Well, if you stop and think about it, our celebration of Christmas got going all because of a baby. And as much as our secular culture may tend toward masking the true meaning of the season, the baby who started Christmas has never lost the power to enthrall and capture our hearts. Imagine, if you will, what it would have been like to gaze with Mary and Joseph for the first time upon the face of the infant Jesus. What awe and
wonder must have filled their minds and hearts as the mysterious events of the previous nine months continued to unfold before them. Here they were, huddled around a feeding trough in the cold night, bathed in the light of a child whose origin they couldn’t exactly explain. The angel’s words probably echoed in Mary’s ears: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you … the power of the Most High will overshadow you … the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God …” Luke 1:35. As unsure and as puzzled as they might have felt, given the circumstances, the presence of the newborn baby brought cheer and warmth to that lonely stable in the City of David. All they had to do was look at him and they knew – they knew – that everything that was happening was part of a greater design. They didn’t know the whole story. They didn’t see the entire picture. But this tiny baby, who held the whole of creation in his little hands, assured them that this was only the beginning of a story that would end more happily
than any other. We can stand today with Mary and Joseph at the rail of the manger, carrying in our hearts so many burdens, so much anxiety about the future. With all our troubling circumstances, our grief, our doubt, our pain, our weakness, our poverty – all our concerns – we can look quietly upon this little baby in his straw-lined cradle and know that he is still with us. Not only does he fill us with the joy that only a newborn baby can give; he also promises to be with us at every moment, bringing us peace in the midst of chaos. Make it a point this Christmas to spend some time holding this baby in your arms and pondering what he means to you. You’ll find him irresistible.
There’s no place we’d rather be, Than here in this community — To celebrate from beginning to end The holiday season with all of our friends! Merry Christmas and many thanks for making us feel so welcome here.
Ritch Schumann Excavating, Inc. Ritch and Carmen Schumann 512 East Broadway Ritzville • 659-0295
Page B-8 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
We’re overflowing with gratitude this holiday season! We wish you the merriest holiday!
Ritzville Pastime 119 W. Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 509-659-0222 Closing early Christmas Eve, Closed Christmas Day
WINTER CONCERT. The kindergarten through fifth grade students at Ritzville Grade School sing a number under the direction of music teacher Susan Schafer. The winter concert began with
the performance of traditional Christmas jingles, with the preschool students involved as well. The older students then performed “The Pirates of Pinataville.”
Pastor’s Column
With Tidings of Comfort & Joy
By Pastor Judith Rinehart-Nelson receive our praise, thanks and gifts. What will you give God for Christmas this year? God loves us so much that God gave us the best and most wonderful gift of all, Jesus, the baby in the manger whose birth we celebrate. The greatest gift that you can give to God is to love Him above everything else. Do you know that the second greatest gift you can give God is to comfort and love each other? Christmas is not easy for some people because they feel lonely or depressed during the
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Zion Philadelphia United Congregational Church Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” Matthew 22:37-40 Who is on your Christmas list? Have you included God? God loves to
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Wishing you and the ones you love, the blessings of peace, love, and contentment at this special time of year. We’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent with you, and look forward to your continued friendship!
Holiday Season. Some have lost loved ones, others have had their lives shaken up by illness and still others are burdened by financial hardships. There are many reasons why the holiday season can be tough to get through. If you are one of these people, your reaching out to accept love and support from others is also a gift. Let’s give God the gift of loving Him and caring for each other this Holiday Season. Wishing Everyone an Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year
Ritzville Veterinary Clinic 1746 East Wellsandt Road • Ritzville • 659-1112
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year
Pastor’s Column
—And we loved every minute of promoting Ritzville all year long!With Christmas greetings from all of us.
Ritzville Foursquare Church By Pastor Bill Cox Well here we are again, fast approaching the day that we celebrate the birth of our Lord and savior, Jesus. As we do I know that most of us know and understand the true meaning of the season. I say “most of us” because there are some of our younger children that are still caught up in the picture of Christmas that the world would paint for us. All the hustle and bustle of the shopping in the malls, the excitement of going to grandma’s house for dinner, the family traditions that we so look forward to each year. As I even look at my own
and earlier each year, the children are going to their spouses families leaving us to make changes in our family that, I must admit were not easy at first but now I am excited to share our children and for the time we do get to spend with them. I hope and pray that in the midst of all the changes going on in the world around us that we don’t forget to pass on the greatest gift of all. Our love for the reason for the family I see changes in season, Jesus, Christmas is our traditions, new ones more than what we see at are started and old ones the mall or in the stores or fall by the wayside. The even some of our traditions. shopping gets started earlier I’m not saying that all of
that is bad or we should stop doing any of it. I just want us to pass on the gift that God the Father sent us, he son Jesus. Don’t let Jesus get lost in the excitement of the season; keep him up front in your life and in your mind. Let him be the reason we give the gifts, sing the songs, travel the miles to see the family and just go the extra mile for those we love. Jesus is the true gift that we can give away and he only becomes bigger in our life, he truly is the gift that keeps on giving. Have a Christ filled Christmas.
Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors' Center 111 W. Main Ave. Ritzville, WA 509-659-1936 www.visitritzville.com
welcome the season! It may be cold outside, but our hearts are warmed by thoughts of the many good people we’ve had the privilege to serve this year. Happy Holidays and thanks!
Pastor’s Column New Hope Center By Pastor Richard Lee The concept of “reconciliation” is both a religious and secular concept. In religion, reconciliation carries the idea of humanity being re-connected to the divine or otherworldly. Non-religious workings of reconciliation can be seen among co-workers coming to terms with disagreements, parents and children acknowledging their love for each other in spite of disputes, and entire nations being at peace while setting aside differences for the common good.
Within the New Testament, the author St. Paul addresses a dimension of reconciliation that so much of contemporary humanity does not consider. His words as recorded in his second letter to an ancient people known as the Corinthians give us some insight. “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation,” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Humanity often does not consider itself to be so removed from the divine,
yet we read that humanity is separated from its Creator, necessitating an act of reconciliation. The Christmas story sheds further light on how this act or gift of reconciliation was to be done. When Mary brought forth the infant Jesus, the New Testament recounts how shepherds tending to their flocks at night were given this news that their Messiah had been born. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savoir, which is Christ the Lord,” (Luke 2:11). The idea that humanity
needed a “savior” tells us that our faults, failures, and mistakes can be forgiven. We can be reconciled with the very Creator who has given us life. This Christmas season, demonstrate the gift of reconciliation with your family, friends, and community as the Lord Himself has demonstrated this gift of reconciliation with you. Have a great Christmas!
Pete’s Garage 6 South Jefferson Ritzville • 659-0640
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Wednesday, December 24, 2013
SPIRIT OF GIVING. The Sterling Bank Giving Tree was a resounding success collecting gifts and food for 20 area families. Proudly displaying the communities donations are Sterling employees Melanie Ziebell, Christinia Cameron, Chad Hoeft and Michelle Asmussen.
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-9
Pastor’s Column Trinity United Methodist Church By Pastor John Hunsberger
RALSTON GRANGE. Everyone was in a festive mood at the Ralston Grange Christmas Party. Above, Delores Allert finishes her performance playing songs on a washboard, while Rudy Roth (left) claps during a Christmas carol.
The joy of Christmas is the top down meeting the bottom up. Let me explain. Many businesses like government operate top down. They think they know what people need and operate from the top down to get services down to the people. Too often services hardly reach those for whom the service was intended. Too often those in authority are out of touch with normal working people like you and me. For those truly disabled or on SSI that get the help that’s great, but too often the system ends up creating dependence upon government and an attitude of entitlement. Yet the bottom up approach is just as problematic. Folks that have great ideas all too often feel like they don’t have the know how or resources to achieve their dreams. Yet here is where God has a better idea. What is Christmas?
Christmas is God operating from the top down sending Himself in human form in Jesus Christ. God decided to make himself so know that no longer could we complain saying, “God we don’t know what you want or what you are like.” Christmas is God as Jesus coming to work with us from the bottom up. This baby born from a virgin truly became one of us. He worked not just top down but also from the bottom up. He accepts and loves us regardless of what side of the Ritzville
tracks we live on. God’s word became a living person who showed us the nature of God and what God desires. Jesus was like us in every except one. Hebrews 4:15 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. Christmas is realizing we all need a Savior. Don’t put your faith and ultimate trust in top down systems. Believe that with God in Jesus Christ any dream from the bottom up is possible. Jesus alive in you can truly do more with your life than you can by yourself. Merry Christmas. Christmas is God in Jesus Christ coming top down so that we like him can do bottom up! The believers from Trinity send you Christmas hugs and best wishes for a Christ centered 2014.
hallelujah–
BIG CHEER. Event coordinator Randy Roth puts on his University of Washington hat to show his appreciation for his team winning the Apple Cup this year against the WSU Cougars.
Journal photos by Katelin Davidson
HE IS BORN! May you and your loved ones rejoice in the Miracle of Christmas, and may your home be blessed by His many good graces throughout the holiday season and beyond. Noel!
Merry ChristMas froM: JiM WhitMan, Gordon toWne, sandy teleCky, dave Martin, ray stroMberGer, raMey Perez and randy Jordan
1302 W. First Ave. • Ritzville • 509-659-1532
SANTA COMES TO VISIT. Students at Lind Elementary School had a surprise visit from the man in red on Friday, Dec. 21. Students waited patiently to tell Santa just what was on their wish list this year.
Page B-10 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
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A Wish for You at Christmas
Seasonal Music
May your heart be light, your troubles few, and may you rejoice in the many blessings of this holy season, just as we rejoice in the goodness of knowing people like you.
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIANS. Jennifer York directs the Lind-Ritzville High School band during last week’s holiday performance at the Ritzville Grade School
Proudly serving the community for 17 years
Chatterbox Salon 677-8167
FIFTH GRADE BAND. Jennifer York directs the fifth grade band during the holiday performance. The effort followed the Ritzville Grade School performance.
Greetings at Christmas With best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
We really appreciate you pulling for us!
DOUG BORTH • 1-800-759-0910 • WALLA WALLA
Merry Christmas SANTS ARRIVES AT MATINEES. The Ritzville Fire Department delivered Santa (above) to an eager crowd of children outside the C.J. Newland American Legion Memorial Hall recently. The annual Christmas matinee was held there this year. After chatting with the collective group, Santa set to work handing out bags of treats prepared by the fire department. (at right)
506 S. Jackson Ritzville 659-1600
We thank you for your valued business and wish you and your loved ones a bounty of We thank you for your valued glad tidings this holiday season.
business, and wish you and Bobyour and Esther • Todd and loved Oestreich ones a bounty of Michele Oestreich Kathy, Chris, Tanya, Rikki and Kyle glad tidings this holiday season.
In Loving Memory of Duane “Bunk” Koch: a friend, co-worker and employee of 27 years. He is greatly missed.
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1234 Washington Street Somersville HeightsInc. Oestreich Distributing, 000-000-0000 www.namewebsite.com Bob’s Chevron & Foodmart
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Pastor’s Column
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
The Ritzville Adams County Journal • Page B-11
Ritzville Seventh-Day Adventist By Pastor Jerremy Foss
The best gifts are those that come with a story. Anyone can walk into Walmart, Costco, or Home Depot and come out with a gadget fit to go under a Christmas tree; but does that make the gift special? My wife will tell you no. Since meeting her, I’ve learned that not all gifts are equal, and that a gift’s value has nothing to do with its price tag or usefulness. The gifts that make her eyes sparkle are the ones where she knows that I had to be thinking about her specifically in order to create or purchase that gift. Thought-filled gifts usually have their own story of intrigue and mystery. They get hidden under coat jackets, stuffed behind folded clothes in the closet, or rushed through the living room under a basket of laundry. Often between the store and the Christmas tree there are awkward moments, close mishaps, and occasional misunderstandings. These all become clarified on Christmas day as the recipient realizes that all those awkward moments happened in order to give them the best surprise ever. God likes to give gifts with a story. When He chose to save a world full of pride and selfishness, he didn’t run to the universal
box store and buy a prepackaged solution. Instead, He promised a gift that would take centuries to be given and one that would be misunderstood for centuries to follow. It was a gift offered to everyone, but one that can only be received by those who value its meaning. God knew that gifts with no story have their value only in price tags and are used to buy fortune, fame, and popularity. Gifts like these are given easily and are quickly forgotten. While the majority of the world runs after these gifts, pre-packaged gifts don’t delight the heart with the intrigue of a love story. In contrast, God chose to intersect our lives with His story. The Bible is a description of how God demonstrates His love for humans over time, though day-to-day life experiences. He hopes that as we read His story, that
we will be drawn into a relationship with the Lover who wants to woo our hearts. When God sent Jesus to earth, His gift was filled with it’s own awkward moments and surprises. Jesus was born to a virgin in an animal shelter; shepherds were invited to his birth and not priests; foreigners were the only ones who came to bring him presents; and though these circumstances were uncomfortable in the local culture, God didn’t try to resolve the tension or please the people. The story of Jesus living among us, dying, and being raised again was unappealing to those who were seeking power and prestige. These people lived with Jesus, but never knew that they were in the presence of God. On the other hand, the people who believed in the signs of His divinity and valued the depth of His heart, were given a treasure, full of memories, that transformed their lives in the years to come. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Saunders The gift of Jesus is TEAMWORK. Adams County Deputy Ned Bernath assists his Shop With a still being offered today. Cop partner with wrapping up presents for her family to leave under the tree for To those who don’t want Christmas. to give Him a chance or see His interest in their lives, He has no worth. Yet to those who are open to receive Him, He is the gift of a love story that never ends.
Pastor’s Column Ritzville Nazarene Church
Continued from Page B-12
By Pastor Ryo Olson
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 On a normal day, the person of average height and weight has a heart that beats 103,689 times. The blood travels 168 million miles, and breaths total 23,040. The stomach takes in 3.5 pounds of food and 2.9 quarts of liquid. If the person is a man, he will speak 4,800 words; and if a woman, 7,000 words. Seventy hundred and fifty muscles move, and seven million brain cells exercise. And if that is all in a “normal day”, what about during the holidays? How those numbers must increase as we rush around planning, decorating, gift buying, and attending special parties and events. Much like today, the first Christmas had its busyness as well. The streets and roads were bustling with activity, families were traveling to their hometowns, and all the inns were full. It was a different time and place,
but many of the challenges were still the same. The days were long, and there was always much to be done. Yet nothing stopped God from bringing forth His good and perfect will: the birth of His Son Jesus, the One who came to be the Savior of the world. Prophets foretold it; angels announced it; and the shepherds received it with joy. But why were shepherds the recipients of the news? Why not priests or scribes? Put simply, it was God’s grace. By visiting the shepherds, the angels showed God’s love toward all mankind.
Shop with a Cop: Effort helps 13 children buy gifts for their families
“When she got there, she was very excited and happy,” McCormick said. “I explained things to her, told her the stores Though shepherds were downtown, and she took two of the little considered lowly and girls.” their work often made The cops and Van Leuven left the them unclean for temple chamber office with envelopes of money worship, God’s heart was to use these average people in hand for the youngsters to purchase in a mighty way. They had gifts for their family. An anonymous donor has provided all of the money for no special qualifications; Shop With a Cop and the program is but with their hearts and coordinated through the Zion Philadelphia God-given senses, they United Church of Christ. heard, saw, told, glorified, This year, the program had $2,000 and praised. It was a job donated to assist 13 local children in well done. As you go about your need purchase gifts for their families. The children join law enforcement officers for busy days, the demands a day of shopping and wrapping presents can be great. to put under the tree to open on Christmas The tasks can seem morning. The seven families also received unending, and the “To Do List” never done. The work $100 gift certificates to Harvest Foods for groceries. may require you to get Since Van Leuven had not visited the dirty or even try to draw Ritzville community before, McCormick you away from what is began to worry about her finding her way truly important; but know that God has a purpose for the Zion Church after the shopping when all of the officers had returned, but Van your life. Leuven was nowhere to be seen. He wants to use you McCormick went to the downtown just like He used the shops to find her, and upon not shepherds. immediately finding her; he began to be My hope this holiday season is that you will take concerned she was lost. He looked down time out for God. That you the street and saw her walking out of the will truly hear, see, and tell Remember When…? antique store with of His goodness – and that her hands full of gifts and the two girls smiling alongside her. even in the most normal “I think it made her day to come days, God will be glorified down here,” McCormick said. “She and praised! shopped the longest and had the most bags Merry Christmas!
of loot at the end of it.” The group spent the next couple of hours wrapping the purchased gifts and McCormick said Van Leuven was a natural fit. She interacted well with the children, and laughed and joked with the officers. “She fit right in,” McCormick said. “She really enjoyed what she was doing.” Van Leuven spent the majority of the day in Ritzville and McCormick said she was one of the last volunteers to leave. After helping her two little girls finish wrapping their gifts, she immediately began helping others and even stayed to assist with clean up. “She seems to me like the type of person that would be very involved in our community if she lived here,” McCormick noted. The chance encounter paid off, and Van Leuven’s natural enthusiasm for helping and interacting with others helped boost the Christmas spirit for all involved with the program. McCormick said she asked him to contact him in the future if the department ever needs help with anything else, and he is grateful they had the opportunity to meet each other. The experience proved to be a small Christmas miracle by providing the community with an extraordinary volunteer and in turn, providing her with an opportunity to expand her family in the law enforcement field. Van Leuven volunteering her Saturday to assist a community and families she has never met is the perfect display of the meaning behind Christmas, and it being the season of giving.
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year… But we loved every moment of serving you this past year, too! Merry Christmas and heartfelt thanks for your continued patronage.
The Ritzville Adams County Journal
216 W. Railroad Ave., Ritzville 509-659-1020 Stephen McFadden, Katelin Davidson Brooke Hays, Don Saunders & Jennifer Saunders
Page B-12 • The Ritzville Adams County Journal
Wednesday, December 24, 2013
www.ritzvillejournal.com
Santa’s helpers welcome unexpected Spokane helper By Katelin Davidson News Editor Local law enforcement put on their uniforms every day to protect and serve, but one day out of the year; they perform a different service for the community by participating in the Shop With the Cop program. This year, the local police officers who donated their time to assist with the shopping were joined by an extraordinary volunteer who came from Spokane to support the program. Ritzville Police Chief Dave McCormick said a chance meeting in a checkout line in Spokane led to Ann Van Leuven traveling from Spokane early in the morning to help with Shop With a Cop on Dec. 7. McCormick had stopped at a store after a dentist appointment in Spokane to grab the wrapping supplies needed for the program when the woman in front of him commented that he must have a lot of people to shop for. He explained it was for a local program to provide youth in the area with Christmas presents for them and their families. Without hesitation, the woman said, “You must be in law enforcement.” McCormick said he replied that he was, and half-sarcastically told the woman if she wasn’t busy on Saturday morning, she should join them. “I just felt she had a little perk up interest when I said it was Shop With a Cop,” McCormick said.
To Our Valued Clients At Christmas We’re hoping that your holiday, Is as special as you are in every way Because one thing that we know is true Is that there are no nicer folks than you!
CHRISTMAS CHEER. Local law enforcement, children and volunteers gather at the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce office for Shop With a Cop Saturday morning, McCormick arrived at the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce office and found Van Leuven waiting on the sidewalk. He said he couldn’t believe she had made the early morning trip to help with the small town program, but she turned out to be the perfect volunteer and her interest in the program became evident after a short conversation. McCormick had realized in-between meeting her in the store and before Shop With a Cop that he recognized the last name from someone he used to be in contact with at the Spokane Police Department. It was quickly learned that individual had been her husband, Robert. Robert served as a career policeman for the Spokane Police Department from 1969-1998 and retired as a lieutenant for
the department. He passed away in March 2007 at the age of 60. While her husband had passed away, McCormick could tell her interest in supporting law enforcement activities was still something very important to her. McCormick
admitted he had initial hesitations about inviting a stranger to help with the program, but once he learned her background and saw her interacting with the children, he knew she was a natural fit. Continued on Page B-11
Chief Dave McCormick and Ann Van Leuven
Sweet Tidings to you!
Merry Christmas and many thanks for your valued patronage.
Nails By Karin 207 N. Washington St. Ritzville, WA 509-660-0464 Remember to Like us on Facebook
It’s Been Our Pleasure Serving You!
It’s been a real treat for us to serve people like you! Merry Christmas and many thanks!
Happy holidays and many thanks for your kind patronage this past year. 659-1001 • Ritzville 103 W Galbreath Way
Hometown Family Medicine
210 W. Main Ave., Ritzville • 320 N. L St., Lind 509-659-4800 or 509-677-8116 Closing at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve