December 2021 Newsletter Pastor Stephen Farr Inside this issue: Pastor’s Corner
1
Church Member Feature
2
Youth Events Coming Up
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Treasurer’s Corner
4
Duane McKey, Quotes & Bloopers
5
Birthdays
6
The Man Who Disappeared
7
Calendar
8
Updates & Reminders
9
The official newsletter of the Pendleton Adventist Church is published the last week of each month.
• Stephen Farr, Pastor ................. Cell 360.477.7362 Office 541.276.0882 Email stephen.farr@uccemail.org
• Craig Kellogg, Co-Head Elder .......... 541.377.6290
It’s hard to believe that I am already starting my sixth month as the Pastor of the Pendleton and Pilot Rock Church District. The time has just flown by. Over the last several months I have witnessed God working and moving in miraculous ways. I am more certain that this is the place I want to call home than when I first arrived. I believe God sent me here and I feel incredibly loved by all of you. Pendleton and Pilot Rock you are all part of my family now and I am excited to spend my first Christmas season here with all of you. This month I am going to be preaching on praise. My favorite Christmas story is one that is filled with praise. For some reason the Christmas story that captivates me the most is found in the gospel of Luke chapter two. This gospel gives a very short description of the birth of Jesus and then transitions into a story about shepherds in a nearby field who were watching their flock at night. Suddenly the angel of the Lord appears to these shepherds and announces to them the glad tidings of Jesus birth. Can you imagine the shock of these shepherds? They were used to the quiet nights watching the sheep under the light of the moon and stars. Sure they would hear the occasional bleating of a lamb or maybe sometimes they would have to protect the sheep from a predator but I am certain that this was the first time an angel had paid them a visit. The Bible tells us that when they saw the angel that they were terrified. Not only had the shepherds just received the first visitor in a long time if not ever but now suddenly they were all engulfed in the light of God’s glory. Let’s be honest if an angel appeared to us, we might be a little frightened also. Isn’t it beautiful that an angel of the Lord announced the birth of Christ to shepherds tending sheep in a field at night? “Do not be afraid” the angel said. I am here to bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Then the angel told them that they could find the babe in the town nearby. He also told them that they would know it was Jesus because He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and He would be lying in a manger.
• Glenn Holbrook Head Deacon ........ 541.310-1230 I love this story already because God sent an angel to poor shepherds to tell them • Martha Dutterer, Head Deaconess . 541.310.8625 that the savior of the world had come. He told them how to find the child so that
they could go see for themselves and not only that Jesus was born in a place where
• Rhonda Iverson, Clerk ..................... 541.969.0340 the poor shepherds would be able to actually gain access to the newborn King. • Ronda Beers, Treasurer .................. 541.276.1049 Poor shepherds would not be allowed in one of the fancy inns. Jesus had come to • Sandra Easley, Church Secretary ..... 541.215.5664 • Lynn Beier, Prison Ministries .......... 541.240.1740 • Church Website ..... www/pendletonadventist.org • Church Email ..... pendletonadventist@gmail.com All material published in the newsletter must be submitted by the 20th of each month. There is no guarantee submitted material will be added to the newsletter.
be the savior to all people. Even the poor. Jesus had come so the good tidings of great joy could be heralded to all people throughout all time. Jesus had come to bring good news for you and for me. All of this is enough to make this my favorite Christmas story but it doesn’t end there does it. Suddenly there appeared with this one angel a multitude of the heavenly host and they all started a worship service. They sang “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” God could have sent one angel with the news but instead all of heaven was so excited that Jesus had come into the world to bring us all hope that they decided to do a worship music concert for the shepherds also. (Continued on page 5)
Family Feature ………………..Robin & Glenn Holbrook Glenn was born in Pendleton on Aug 20 to Adventist parents, Pearl and Floyd Holbrook. The family lived on a small farm and enjoyed horses, cows, sheep, turkeys, dogs and cats. Glenn learned to build and weld from his Dad. Glenn loved to play horseshoes with his Grandpa Davis and they played to see who would have to wash the dishes. Glenn washed a lot of dishes. Glenn went to Pendleton Jr. Academy, Harris Jr. Academy, one year at Helen McCune, and 3 years at Pendleton High School. When Glenn turned 16, he started working summers at Harris Pine Mills (HPM) and after graduation, started working full time. He worked close to 15 years until the mill shut down in December of 1986. He then went to work for the Pendleton School District in the maintenance department and then as an evening custodian and retired August 2019 after 29 years of service. Glenn grew up with 2 sisters, Judy, who died in an auto accident in 1981, and Betty, who died of cancer in 2004. Both Parents are now deceased. Robin was born in Umatilla on May 15 to Dick and Maxine Schmidt and lived in a few area towns until she moved to Heppner at 3 years of age. She went to school all 12 years there and after graduation in 1977, moved to Pendleton to room with her best friend, who was going to BMCC. Robin went to the unemployment office to apply for jobs and got hired at HPM within 3 days. She worked for 12 1/2 years until the mill shut down. She then worked at Pendleton Grain Growers, the Training Center, a motel and did substitute custodial work at the Pendleton School District. She was able to get a full time evening custodial positian and retired in August 2019, the same time as Glenn did, after 21 years of service. Robin worked as a substitute custodian for 2 additional years until recent back surgery put an end to that. She is ready to enjoy full time retirement. Robin has one brother, Richard, who lives in Bandon, OR and operates a cranberry farm. Both parents are now deceased.
Glenn and Robin met while working at HPM, and as Robin, who never attended church while growing up, got acquainted with the Holbrook family, started attending church with them. She realized the truth of the Adventist faith and was baptized in 1979. Glenn and Robin were married in June 1981, 40 years ago. They lived alone for the first 10 years of marriage and then Paul Lanham, who helped take care of Glenn when he was younger, moved in with them in his early 80's until he died at age 89. Glenn's sister Betty and her son Tony moved in, in 2003. Tony stayed for 8 years. Betty's daughter Cindy and her 4 month old daughter Kayla, moved in, in 2004 and stayed for close to 2 years. In 2009, Glenn's Dad moved in and stayed for 2 years until he passed away. Glenn's hobbies include playing volleyball at PCS every Sunday night, backpacking, his metal shop, riding his ATV and his tractor, (which he uses more for others than himself) and scuba diving. His adventures have taken him to the Cayman Islands, the Sea of Cortez and the Socorra Islands. However, most of the dives have been in the Puget Sound area and have logged in well over 500 dives. Robin's very few hobbies includes crypogram puzzles, riding her ATV at Sandlake, near Tillamook, (sadly, the 4-wheelers have been sitting for too many years in the garage, as other things have taken their place) and her dogs. Shasta is an 11 year old Yorkie mix and Kasper is a 2 year old mini pinscher, dachshund and chihuahua mix. Robin also loves to travel. She went on a New England tour with Duane McKey when he was the Pastor here. She has also traveled to Turkey, France, Belgium, Amsterdam and Egypt. She is planning on going to Israel in the spring of 2022. When she felt like taking Glenn along with her, they went on 4 cruises, Honduras to help build a school and to Cozamel for a scuba dive trip. Yes, Robin is a certified diver. Glenn has served in the church for many years as Head Deacon and Robin has served in Treasury and Sabbath School Secretary positions as well as a few others from time to time. Many thanks to Glenn and Robin for all they do for the Pendleton Church, school and community. They have been such a wonderful blessing. To both of you for your kindness, hardwork, reliability, and Glenn, your terrible jokes and kidding around, Thank you!!! Page 2
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Youth Events Coming Up…..Plan Ahead!!! Snowshoe Youth Room Outing: Have you ever wondered what snowshoeing is like, or maybe you already love it and are itching to get out.
Tuesday, Dec 21st the Youth Room will be taking a day trip to go snowshoeing. Snowshoes will be provided. Location will depend on the snowfall in Dec. We will be staying on groomed trails mostly with some single track and hopefully a little trail breaking in the powder. Each teen will need to bring their own lunch and water. Snacks and warm beverages will be provided. Meeting time will depend on the destination, between 8 and 9 am. More information regarding location and if there’s an entrance fee to come. RSVP by Dec 16th. If you have ques-
tions, contact Erin Bartsch 530-227-5049 Game Night: Kids 12 and up are invited to a New Years Eve party, Thursday Dec 30th, 5-
9pm (yes, one night early). We will have games and pizza in the fireside room to celebrate the new year to come. We will start the games at 5pm and wrap up the evening at 9pm. Please bring $5 for pizza and snacks if possible. Youth Room Winter Ski Trip: Get those skis and boards ready to go Feb 25-27, 2022 (leaving
the afternoon of the 24th) up near Spokane. We will hit the slopes Friday and Sunday. On Sabbath we will join UCA for church and lunch. Saturday evening there will be ice skating and sledding if the snow cooperates. Teens will need to be comfortable going down green runs without assistance. Cost will depend on fundraising and if rentals are needed. More information to come, contact Erin Bartsch with questions 530-227-5049.
Pendleton Christian School Events Coming Up….
8th Grade Game Night Fund Raiser…..December 11 at 5:30pm at PCS The 8th graders are doing their annual fund raiser at Pendleton Christian School, December 11 at 5:30pm until around 8:30pm. It will be a night of games, food and fun! Bring your running shoes in case we get a kids vs. adults game of kickball going!!! Don’t miss out!
Hotel Noel……..December 16, 2021 at 6:30pm at PCS Pendleton Christian School invites you all to “Hotel Noel”, a Christmas program about a family traveling to visit their Grandma and along the way learn the real meaning of Christmas!!! Page 3
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Treasurer’s Corner
Offering Schedule December Dec. 4
Local Church Budget
Dec. 11 Adventist Community Services Dec. 18 Local Adventist Church Budget
A Story of Christmas Trees
Dec. 25 UCC Advance
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods, They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, ‘Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.” The second tree said, “Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.” The third tree said, “I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.” After a few years of the trees praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, ‘this looks like a strong tree; I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter,” The tree was happy because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree the woodsman said, “this looks like a strong tree; I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.” The tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down, his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, “I don’t need anything special from my tree; I’ll take this one,” and cut it down. When the first tree arrived at the carpenter’s, he was made into a fee box for animals. He was placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone. The years went by and the trees forgot about their dreams. One day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man and He stood and said, “peace” and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat. Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as possible because Jesus had been crucified on it. The moral of this story is that when things don’t seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they imagined. We don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best. Merry Christmas! (submitted by Robin Holbrook) (we thought it’d be nice to take a break from finances!) Page 4
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Pastor Duane McKey is coming to Pendleton Dec. 18.—special service will begin at 9:30am December 18, 2021 at 9:30 am in the Pendleton Adventist Church sanctuary, Pastor Duane McKey will be sharing a special Sabbath day message about his time spent in the Philippines working to spread the gospel to the rest of the world. There has been a 50 year war raging in the Philippines, with violence and unspeakable atrocities. Duane’s story is one of hope, love, and change as he tells us about his time spent baptizing hundreds of people for the Lord, even assassins! Some of you may remember Duane as Pastor McKey since he was the pastor here in Pendleton back in the early 1990s. This is a special service that will use the adult sabbath school time and worship time, children’s sabbath school will proceed as usual. Please help us welcome him back to Pendleton for the day as he shares his amazing story with us! A potluck will follow.
People are like stained glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross (submitted by Sue Esselstyn)
Here’s a few funnies for you, some church bulletin bloopers (not mine, but I’m sure I’ve got some coming): Don’t let worry kill you, let the church help! During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon from E.J. Stubbs. At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be, “What is Hell?” Come early and listen to our choir practice! For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement! Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles, and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Pastor Farr’s letter continued from page 1….. Perhaps now you can see why I love this story. It reminds us that the good news of the gospel is for everyone. God loves us all so much that He sent Jesus into the world to save us all. He wanted to make sure we knew that Jesus came for everyone and so he sent heavenly messengers to tell shepherds tending their sheep in the middle of the night. Even with all of the crazy things going on in our world during this Christmas season, I think we can all join the angels in praising God for sending Jesus to be the savior of us all. As your Pastor I would like to ask you to do two things for me this Christmas season. Join me in praising God. Pray for me without ceasing. Thank you for making my first five months here such a joy. Now let’s spend my sixth month here singing joy to the world together. Let’s join in with the choirs of angels in the heavenlies and let’s tell the world about the savior who came to save one and all. Amen
May God bless all of you this Christmas season. Sincerely Pastor Stephen William Farr Page 5
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
December Birthdays Terri B.
Rhonda I.
Norman G.
Karissa S.
Randi M.
Roger K.
Ann Cal.
Ty Scott B.
Danielle De V.
Jesse B.
Louise S.
Jace H.
Adam C.
Deanna S.
Dawn H.
Sherrie W.
Brady Bruton-J.
Ian D.
Lynda R.
Brian D.
Forrest B.
Karen K.
Cecil S.
Cameron B.
Ryan B.
Jose Q.
Allen H.
Marina H.
Pamela B.
Colleen L.
LaVonna G.
Donna P.
Jannette S.
Jonathan A. M.
Faith C.
Jack P.
Your BIRTHDAY is a CELEBRATION OF Every great thing THE LORD is doing In and through
YOUR LIVES!!!
In order to better protect peoples’ private information, we’ll be publishing birth month only from now on!
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Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
The Man Who Disappeared….What happens when a church prays and loves tenaciously? During the appeal at the close of his message, Pastor Allen was thrilled to see a thirty-something man rise from his seat and make his way to the front of the worship center. The event was especially emotional because the pastor knew the back-story. Two years before, the man I'll call Irwin had begun attending the church. Sporadically at first, then with regularity. Soon the man began showing up every week for the morning Bible study class. There was strong evidence he was making progress toward the kingdom. Then he stopped. Irwin dropped out of sight. I mean, he disappeared. One of the local elders noticed the vacant pew where Irwin usually sat and became alarmed. The elder sent out a prayer alert to the members: "Pray for Irwin, ALAT [as long as it takes]," he pleaded. The church did. But that's not all. Several of the members of Irwin's Bible class sent him cards. Just to let him know he was missed. One of the members called Irwin and asked if they could have lunch together. Off and on some would stop by his house just to say "Hi." (Or, in the south where I live, they'd say "Hey.") It was as though the church couldn't get Irwin off its collective mind. When the midweek prayer meeting convened on Wednesdays, Irwin's name was near the top of the list. The folks poured out their intercession for their friend, asking God to push back the powers of evil that were warring with Irwin's soul and give him strength for his journey. Then one morning, Irwin re-appeared. No one made a spectacle of it. There was no announcement from the front that, "Hooray, Irwin is back!" No one said, "Well, it's about time." There was just a deep sense that the Holy Spirit had won a battle in which they themselves had been participants. Everyone loves a victory, especially at the conclusion of a spiritual battle. As Pastor Allen began his appeal and Irwin moved determinedly to the front, most of the congregation was in tears. Led by the local elder, the prayer meeting crowd, and the friend who took him to lunch. And the pastor. And Irwin. We say a person is unchurched if they have no relationship to a local congregation. He or she may be a believer, but just hasn't come to understand the strength that comes from belonging. But when there is once a connection with a local church who puts its arms around that pre-member, a miracle often happens. The guest inherits a family who won't let go. The members are haunted by the empty pew. They storm the gates of heaven with their praying. They devise persuasive and tenacious ways to say, "You are loved here. Nobody slips away from this family unnoticed. Nobody." — Don Jacobsen is part of the NAD Prayer Ministry; this story was published in the HOPE Heals e-newsletter. (submitted by Robin Holbrook) Page 7
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
December 2021 Pendleton & Pilot Rock Adventist Church Sun
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Nominating Committee Meeting 6:30PM 5
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Women’s Ministry Christmas Party! 6:30PM 12
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Pathfinders 6:30PM
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PCS Christmas School Break 20th-31st
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Sunset 4:11 PM
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11 Pendleton— 9:30 AM Farr Pilot Rock– 11AM Farr 8th Grade Game Night Fund Raiser 5:30pm!
18 Pendleton– 9:30am-12PM Duane McKey Potluck
Pendleton Christian School Christmas program “Hotel Noel” 6:30PM
Sunset 4:12 PM Pilot Rock— 11AM Farr
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25 CHRISTMAS! Pendleton— 11AM Farr Potluck TBA
Youth Snowshoe Trek!
Pilot Rock— Sunset 4:15 PM 11AM Guest
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Elder Meeting – 5:30PM Church Board – 6:30PM Page 8
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Pendleton— 11AM Farr
Sunset 4:11 PM
PCS School Board Meeting 7pm
Pathfinders 6:30PM
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Christmas Sing Along 6PM
Pilot Rock– 9:30AM Farr
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(Day Early) New Years Eve Game Night (12yr & up) 5PM, Fireside Room Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Christmas Music Sing Along—This Friday night December 3rd at 6PM
Help contribute to the praise and joy of Christ’s birth! Glen Holbrook and the Pendleton Adventist Church would like to extend the invitation for friends and family (and even enemies) to come take part in the Christmas Sing Along, Dec. 3, 2021 at 6PM at the Pendleton Adventist Church sanctuary. Please join in our celebration of Christ’s birth!!! Hope to see you all there! Nominating Committee
Please pray for our nominating committee as they work hard to fill all the positions in the church with people who are energized and ready to work for the Lord! Many hands really do make light work, but only if people are willing! Thank you
Arise Bible Worker Training Program -beginning at the first of the year 2022 Don’t let fear of leading bible studies stop you from doing this program! Pastor Farr is looking for people who are interested in doing the Arise Online Program for personal enrichment and/or to lead bible study groups. Pastor Farr plans to have us partner up if we decide to lead a bible study group, so you won’t be alone. If you just want to have a deeper relationship with God, this program is good for you too! The Arise Bible Worker Training will help to build Pendleton Adventist Churchs’ core team for local, regional and world evangelism. The Arise Institute for Soulwinning and Evangelism trains students to participate in and lead a community in an annual and ongoing cycle of evangelism. Call, text or email Pastor Farr: 360-477-7362 or stephen.farr@uccemail.org
Women’s Ministries Reminder, New Location Women’s Ministries meetings are held the first Monday of every Month at Mark and Sandra Easley’s home at 6:30pm! This meeting is a Christmas celebration, feel free to bring a simple gift for a white elephant gift exchange, certainly not required! Women's Ministries exists to uphold, encourage, and challenge Adventist women in their pilgrimage as disciples of Jesus Christ and members of his world church. Please come and join these lovely ladies in fellowship. We also welcome any meeting suggestions for bible study, crafts, fund raising events, service projects etc. . We want there to be a little something for everyone from time to time! Easley address: 648 SW 44th St. Pendleton, OR Sandra’s cell: 541-215-5664 Call Shana Boyer for questions at 541-429-2334 Page 9
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Suggestions for the Newsletter? Please share them with Sandra at: pendletonadventist@gmail.com
A big thank you to everyone who contributes to our Newsletter; you are a blessing!
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May God bless your home with peace, love and joy!
This newsletter is published by the Pendleton Adventist Church. Layout & design by Doris Olson. Editor and printing by Sandra Easley.
Pendleton Adventist Church Newsletter, December 2021
Pendleton Adventist Church 1401 SW Goodwin Place Pendleton OR 97801
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