Among the crew who repaired tables are, from left, John Herbst, Eric Nelson, LeeRoy Moschkau, Duane West and Bob Leonard. REV. SAM WISEMAN photo

La Grande’s Faith Lutheran Church recently was part of a mission to restore vandalized picnic tables at Morgan Lake. A portion of the tables’ tops had been removed and several of the benches had been removed or cut off. The tables were repaired Oct. 12 with the assistance of La Grande City employee Bob Leonard, who provided supervision and tools. 

The Rev. Liam Cary, who has strong roots in Central Oregon, was named the new bishop of the Bend-based Catholic Diocese of Baker on Thursday.

The 64-year-old Cary, who grew up in Prineville and is currently the parish priest at St. Mary’s Church in Eugene, was appointed to the position by Pope Benedict XVI . He fills the role vacated by Bishop Robert Vasa in January 2011. Vasa now serves as bishop of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California.

December is upon us, and with it the enthusiastic shouts of “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!”

Everywhere in the world around us, we’re hearing “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas,” even as we are bombarded with images of that perfect, joyous holiday we’re all supposed to be having.

Yet, while it is Christmastime in our larger culture, we in the church have entered a different kind of season in Advent. “Advent” means “coming” or “arrival,” and it is about waiting, with hope, expectation, and anticipation, for the arrival of God’s kingdom on earth. As one author puts it, “Advent is the celebration of the promise that Christ will bring an end to all that is contrary to the ways of God.” As we take an honest look at all that is contrary to God’s will in the world and our own lives, we recognize the ways our lives and the world are broken and in need of healing.

Molly Deatherage is the pastor of three Presbyterian churches in Ireland. The churches are in Ballina, Ballymote and Killala. She is shown standing in front of the pulpit of her church in Ballina.

The voice of Rev. Molly Deatherage has yet to betray her.

Deatherage, a 1971 graduate of La Grande High School, is in her sixth-year in Ireland and Northern Ireland but has yet to develop even a trace of an Irish accent.

It was a day in 1929, one in which a fire fanned by strong winds destroyed a portion of downtown Elgin and took down its Methodist Church. The scars and ashes of that blaze disappeared decades ago, Today downtown Elgin stands proud and its Methodist Church sits on the brink of a major milestone — one to be celebrated this weekend.

What kind of friend are you? Are you a fair- weather friend, one who is a friend only when convenience or need takes over? Are you a friend only to those who serve your agenda or are you a true friend?

What exactly is a true friend? Friendship involves having a common bond with someone. True friendship involves trust, accountability, faithfulness and loyalty. A true friend is there in time of need and never asks for anything in return.

True friendship listens and does not judge. True friendship involves sharing thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or negative criticism.

Faith Lutheran Church on the corner of 12th and Gekeler in La Grande has an artistic window proclaiming the Triune God to people as they enter and exit the church.

This stained glass window over the front door was provided for with memorial monies received in remembrance of Beverly Frasch and Michael Moschkau.

Beverly Frasch had lived in Joseph. She was instrumental in encouraging and supporting Wallowa County Worship Services through Faith Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Beverly was also involved in many other community activities in Wallowa County. Some of Beverly’s family lives in Wallowa County, and she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Frasch.

The French nobleman and author Alexis De Tocqueville noticed back in the 1830s that democracy worked in America due to the propensity of Americans to develop civic associations, with churches being foremost of these associations.

These associations and the volunteerism that came with them build what has been called social capital.

You can think of social capital as the benefits that accrue to all from the actions of many different groups.

Father Christopher Agoha, head pastor of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, appears in a Christmas play with Marian Academy students.NANCY ALLEN photo

“We want to revitalize the parish,’’ said Father Christopher Agoha, head pastor of Our Lady of the Valley.

The number of families in Our Lady of the Valley’s parish has not been growing in recent years, and participation in church activities is falling.