John Day UMC Participates in Ecumenical Evangelism Effort

John Day UMC participated in The Spring Round-Up, a multi-denomination worship gathering, held April 6-8, 2017, in John Day, Oregon. This community event was the dream of Pastor Bob Douglas, a recent interim pastor for the local Nazarene Church. He took his idea of an ecumenical gathering right before Holy Week to the greater John Day Ministerial Association in November of 2016 and, as they say, “the rest is history.”
 
Pastor Jeff Parson of Hamlin, Texas, was called to lead the evening gatherings of worship, praise and song. Also a part-time rancher, he was right at home in his Levis and cowboy hat. Nineteen congregations and religious groups joined together to witness for their beliefs and to share information about their denominations and organizations. An estimated 250+ community members were present for the evening services. On Saturday afternoon, another 175+ adults and children gathered to travel “The Road to Resurrection” where they experienced an interactive journey on the path Jesus took during his last days before his death on the cross and resurrection.
 
The final thought…….”We need to do this again!!” Praise the Lord!! He is good!!
 
Howard Kenyon of Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon came to eastern Oregon to attend this event. He shared how the power of God’s love was at work in our small community where so many different churches and groups came together in a coordinated effort to bring more people to accept Jesus Christ into their lives.

Story submitted by Sherry Feiger, one of the three persons making up the lay supply pastor team serving John Day UMC.