Columbia Gorge Churches Join in Ministry

After over a year of conversations, meetings and visioning, a vote has solidified the future for two local community churches. On December 19, the respective congregations of Asbury United Methodist and Our Redeemer Lutheran voted to join together in what they are calling a Joint Ministry Covenant. The two churches will remain separate in identity but will essentially share one full time clergy person and join together in many of their ministry functions.  Asbury UMC has been served...

Conference Reaches Settlement with Break-away Church

The Oregon-Idaho Conference has reached a settlement agreement with the Ontario Community Church in Ontario Oregon. The Community church was formed in May 2010 by members of the Ontario Community United Methodist Congregation. Claiming they were no longer connected to the United Methodist Church, the new church maintained control of the building on SE Third Street in Ontario, Oregon, as well as funds and other assets which had belonged to the United Methodist congregation. After an extended...

Coordinating Elders offer New Options for Churches

For several small churches in the Oregon Trail District the concept of “Coordinating Elder” is giving them the chance to continue to provide ministry and presence in tight financial times. First United Methodist in Nyssa, Oregon is the latest church to be led under the Coordinating Elder model. Rev. John Watts who serves full time at First United Methodist in Nampa, Idaho is also taking on the role of Coordinating Elder for the Nyssa congregation which sits on the eastern boarder...

Hunger Ministry Receives Regional Award

Klamath Falls United Methodist Church Awarded United Way Volunteer of the Year Award – Public Service Division for Provide A Loving Meal PALM Dinners Program The Provide a Loving Meal (PALM) dinners program has won the Klamath County Volunteer of the Year award in the Public Service Division. The United Methodist Church of Klamath Falls, Oregon received the award and plaque at the 18th Annual Volunteer of the Year Appreciation luncheon on Tuesday, April 12. Program developer and...

Retired Bend pastor's book explores earlier troubles in Taiwan

Pastor Milo Thornberry's story of his time in Taiwan was recent the featured in The Bulletin newspaper in Bend. Here's part of the story and you can read the whole thing and see photos by following the link below. Milo Thornberry never intended to tell anyone outside his close circle about his life in Taiwan, let alone share it in a book. The 73-year-old Bend resident, a retired Methodist pastor, said he told only a few people about his past, which is worthy of a spy thriller: smuggling...