In light of the drought conditions over the past few years, this Sunday, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in western Idaho and eastern Oregon will be petitioning the Heavenly Father through fasting and prayer to send ample moisture this winter. Isaiah 58 teaches us that when we fast for the right reasons and call upon the Lord, He will answer.

All people in the community are invited to join in this effort. LDS Church members will fast by not eating or drinking between Saturday dinner and Sunday dinner, and will petition God in prayer. Prayers are said in church, in families and in personal prayers. All are invited to participate in this day of fasting and prayer according to their tradition.

‘The Voice’ is sermon at Presbyterian church

The second Sunday in Advent will be celebrated during the 9:30 a.m. worship service at the First Presbyterian Church in La Grande. The sermon based on Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6 and titled “The Voice, will focus on the Scripture: “How beautiful upon the mountains/ are the feet of the messenger who announces peace;/ who brings good news,/ who announces salvation. Fellowship will follow the service.

The chancel choir will practice at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Church serves K House dinner Thursday

Zion Lutheran Church in La Grande will worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. with Pastor Colleen Nelson. There will be a special children’s time during the service. A time of fellowship follows worship.

On Tuesday, the Student Worship Art Team will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday, there will be a Holden Evening Prayer service at 6 p.m. On Thursday, Zion will be in charge of the dinner at the K House.

Union Methodist Church sets 2016 goals

UNION – “How Can I Keep from Singing?” is the title of the message Pastor Sue Peeples will bring to the 11 a.m. service at the Union United Methodist Church. A potluck dinner will follow the service. The church’s annual charge conference will begin after the potluck at 1 p.m. to determine goals for 2016.

Weekly programs for community participation include Tuesday’s senior lunch at noon. This week a roast pork dinner will be served. Anyone who needs assistance in getting there should call 541-562-5848 a day in advance.

The Wednesday Prayer Meeting is weekly from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. For those who cannot attend, prayer requests may be called in to the church office. Congregants also habitually pray daily at 8 a.m. for those they know who need God’s healing as well as for those on the Grande Ronde phone line (541-786-PRAY).

A Bible study is held on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the home of Marguerite Pike.

Choir sings at Adventist Poinsettia Program

COVE – Grace Community Lutheran Church celebrates the second Sunday of Advent with the lighting of the second candle and a special reading during the 10 a.m. worship service. Pastor Carl Seelhoff’s sermon, “A Messenger Sent by God,” will draw from Luke 3. Adult Sunday school begins at 9 a.m., and fellowship follows the service.

On Saturday, the choir will sing at the Cove Adventist Poinsettia Program at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

The men’s Bible study and breakfast resumes at 7:30 a.m. Thursday. All activities are held at the Cove Adventist Church.

Who was Nicholas, Bishop of Myrna?

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in La Grande will observe the second Sunday of Advent with Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m. The Rev. Kathryn Macek will preside and preach, and Connor Heather will give a report on Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, whose feast day is Dec. 6. Nicholas is best known as the patron of children and as a bearer of gifts.

Two weekday prayer services are offered: Centering Prayer on Tuesdays and Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer on Thursdays. Both services take place in the chapel at 8:30 a.m. A midweek Eucharist is offered Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m., also in the chapel.

St. Ann’s Guild will hold its winter salad luncheon at noon Dec. 11 in the parish hall.

Advent service looks the Thessalonians

Sunday’s sermon at Faith Lutheran Church inLa Grande with expound upon Isaiah’s prophecy of “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6). The service begins at 10 a.m.

The Faith Lutheran Christmas Bazaar will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the corner of 12th Street and Gekeler. There will be gifts, baked goods and other treats. This event is ran by Koinonia, a women’s service group.

Wednesday’s Advent service will begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. The service will consider how the Thessalonians were “stirred up” through being cared for by loving “parents.” This care strengthened them to endure hardships.

Magi are focus of Adventist message

This Saturday at the La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Mike will speak on the significance of the Wise Men, or Magi, and how their experience may be similar to ours as we are looking for the Star of the second Advent. The service begins at 11 a.m.

Holiday dinner follows service

Pastor Ray Smith will speak on “A Song of Peace” at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in La Grande during the 10 a.m. worship service. The focus on the second Sunday of Advent is peace, and the message will explore the peace in our hearts, with reference to Luke 2:13-14. The annual holiday dinner will immediately follow worship.