“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

Even if you aren’t a believer you probably recognize the words and could hum the unforgettable melody.

The song’s author was John Newton. Unlike the song, the history behind its author is much less commonly known. A one-time slave ship captain, Newton transported slaves who were chained in the bowels of Newton’s ship. It is reported that the slaves could be heard groaning and/or humming the melody of the infamous song.

On New Year’s Eve 2007, 350 middle school and high school students found an answer to the age-old question, “What are we going to do tonight?”

On a night that is infamous for drug and alcohol use, teens made their way seemingly to the most unlikely of places, a church!

And what did they find in that church? The biggest party in town: the First Annual Drug- and Alcohol-Free New Year’s Eve All Night Party!

Some 40 passengers recently enjoyed a ride on the United Methodist Gospel Train, taking a five-hour excursion through the Minam Canyon. Submitted photo.

Music filled the air as the passengers sang their favorite music, listened to mini sermons, did faith sharing and related uplifting stories. The music could be heard until the train rolled into the Elgin depot, and many of the excited passengers asked if a third annual train ride could follow and become an annual event for the area.

FUNDRAISING FOR A CAUSE: Pastor Leroy Stolle and his wife Dodie helped the Imbler Christian Church raise over $11,000 through a yard sale — and the number’s still climbing. - The Observer/AMBER GLAZE

Pastor Leroy Stolle says, “We want to have a daycare, preschool and after school activities. We want to major on families and kids.”

Local Christian artist Stacy Shown will be performing today at 2 p.m. during the seventh annual Son Light Fest.

 Stacy, two-time first place Female Vocalist of the Washington State Christian Talent Contest and a two-time regional semifinalist of the Exalting Him! National Talent Search, performs and leads worship throughout the Northwest, such as The Bite of Seattle, Eastern Oregon’s Son Light Fest, the Maritime Gig Festival, The Puyallup Fair, Aglow International, West Hills Street Fair and various other settings.

Local author K.C. Stricker will be at La Grande Bible & Supply, 1120 Adams Ave., Thursday to give a book signing from 11 a.m. until at least 1 p.m. or as long as people come to see her.  Stricker’s new book, “Coming Out of Egypt,” (593 pages. Resource Publications. $47.50) is historical fiction combined with academic teaching woven together in one book.

The story of Exodus is dovetailed with the life of Yeshua (Jesus). The story within “Coming out of Egypt” is not only that of an exodus of the out of  the idolatry of ancient Egypt, but a personal exodus from the idolatry that permeates religion today.

“Jesus Wept” by Daniel Bonnell - Art submissions courtesy WHITE STONE GALLERY

The exhibit opened March 7, featuring works by several of today’s national and international leading Christian artists, including two oil paintings by South Carolina’s Daniel Bonnell, three oil paintings and two contemporary bronze and steel sculptures by New York City’s Bernard
M. Deschler and a collection of silk embroideries by mainland China’s
He Qi.

WHILE Tayla Coiner, left, and Jessica Baker spend some quality time in the sand box, Logan Baker shows excellent bailing-out form as he swings with Tyler Watt. - The Observer/CHRIS BAXTER

A community-wide open house has been set for Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m. for families to explore the facility and take a look at the program.

When members of Calvary Chapel’s youth group headed out to Hot Lake Springs to do some work a few weeks ago, the last thing they thought they would come away with was a $9,000 David Manuel bronze sculpture.

“We did about $1,000 worth of work moving some carpet. When we finished, the Manuels told us we could take cash or pick out a bronze,” says Summer Steele.

Celebrant Singers, an internationally-known Christian music group, will appear in concert Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Grande Ronde Community Church, 410 Fir St., in La Grande.

Admission is free, but a freewill offering will be received for their ministry.

Since 1977, Celebrant Singers have sung to more than six million people in live concerts and to countless more via radio and television.