Senior Stroll & Willamette Valley Outing

Fourteen of Eastmont’s Seniors enjoyed our first stroll of the new year as we ambled down the Deschutes River, enjoying the scenery and the rain-less beauty clouds that accompanied us. Afterward, we gathered at the Bend Dairy Queen for burgers and ice cream and great fellowship. Don’t miss our next Stroll scheduled for Thursday, May 20th. Watch for details in the Sunday Worship Folders.

Eastmont Seniors’ spring two day excursion began with a trip to McMinnville, visiting the Evergreen Air and Space Museum and Imax Theater on Thursday, April 22nd. Fellowship while observing the displays of airplanes and space capsules brought back memories for many of military service in WW II and afterward.

Then, touring the State Capitol Building and enjoying a band and orchestra concert at Corban University in Salem on Friday was enjoyed by 21 Eastmont Seniors. Eating several meals together plus a late night dessert feast further enhanced our times of fellowship and togetherness. Even the weather cooperated, enabling clear mountain pass transits as well as occasional periods of sunshine both days.

Surprise Safari

On Thursday, March 04, 32 of Eastmont’s Seniors enjoyed a Surprise Safari that enjoyed a tour of KTVZ, our local TV station where morning weatherman, Bob Shaw briefed everyone on the responsibilities and technical equipment used in the daily morning show. All of Bob’s telecasts are unscripted and presented ad lib. He answered lots of questions and even taped an update for their Internet Site so we could observe how it was accomplished. Altogether, Bob gave us a wonderfully informative presentation. Afterward, nearly everyone joined together for lunch at Chan’s Chinese Restaurant. The servings were so ample that most took home enough for another meal. Even the weather cooperated [no doubt at Bob’s request] with bright sunshine and a few beauty clouds. We had a sparkling day in Central Oregon!

2010 Women's Retreat

God blessed! We had 120 women at retreat this year!! It was truly a fun time. We had great fellowship and very good food. There were many women who came to retreat for the first time. It was fun getting to know these new women and reconnecting with others.

Our speaker, Nancie Carmichael, met our expectations and more. She was authentic, relational, and fun. Nancie spoke many practical truths to us throughout the weekend as she spoke about Selah times in our lives. Here are just a few tidbits that we took home:

What is your life message? What is the message you are giving the world? She gave us a few clues as to how to figure that out.

What is one thing in your life that you need to turn over to God?

Can you let Jesus into your life and just “be” with you? That could be the catalyst for what He will do with your life.

We need to have “gut level, honest” prayers.

Remember what you have seen God do in your past so you can trust Him with your future.

We walk “through” the valley, we do not stay there.

There is power in praise.

God can handle our frustration and anger, so talk to Him about everything.

We all need to be a little of Mary and a little of Martha. We can take time to focus on Jesus and still get things done; it’s about balance. Both are key elements for success.

The battle was won at the Cross, so we are battling a defeated foe.

Where is your ministry NOW? Is it your children, a neighbor, a friend, a family member, a co-worker or …?

People always remember how we make them “feel”, so take time to love others.

For most people, being heard can be how they feel loved. Take time to listen.

We learned that SELAH moments can be times to stop and ponder what you have just finished. Don’t always move on to the next thing so quickly - think about what you may have just learned. Is there something you can immediately put into practice?

Selah moments can be short or long. You can take an afternoon to yourself for a Selah time to pause, rest, refresh or you can take a weekend for a Selah time. You can also just take a soothing bath or even some alone time in the car to create a Selah time. Just take time to reflect on what God is doing, what He is speaking to you about, Who He is. Be open and vulnerable with God. He knows your fears and your insecurities. You can’t fool Him, so be real with God.

Selah times are the spa treatments for your soul. Take time to be renewed.

We left the retreat refreshed and with lots of spiritual truths to ponder during our next intentional Selah time.

Seniors Secret Safari

Enjoying the great weather, on Thursday, January 21st, 34 Seniors attended the Secret Safari to Healing Reins Therapeutic Center in S.E. Bend where we learned how horses are used to heal and help the physically and/or emotionally challenged. Eastmonters, Jeff and Penny Campbell operate this growing and effective ministry. Penny welcomed the group to the Center and then gave a concise explanation of the scope of their ministry. In addition to paid staff, 120 volunteers are used each week in the various programs. We also viewed a therapeutic session in progress and a video explaining the entire operation. Afterward, lunch was enjoyed at Izzy’s Restaurant… good food and all you could eat!

Seniors Christmas Luncheon

Our Annual Christmas Luncheon was enjoyed by the 100 Eastmont Seniors who attended. The very tasty meal was catered by Tate and Tate of Redmond. Our male quartet and a vocal duet sang, accompanied by the string trio which also played a selection. A Carol sing completed the program. Prizes were awarded in various categories and complimentary candy graced every place setting. The decorations bespoke class and thoughtfulness, creating a festive Christmas atmosphere. Many expressed their appreciation and enjoyment of the event.

Mousetrap Trip

"The Mousetrap," a stage play written by Agatha Christie and playing continuously since it opened in London in 1952 was performed in Bend at The Cascade Theater on Greenwood. 34 of Eastmont's Seniors attended the presentation on Friday evening, November 6th. The cast, all from Bend, was a credit to the more than 20,000 performances given since it opened, the longest running play in history. Afterward, many Eastmonters adjourned to Shari's Restaurant for dessert, coffee and fellowship, making it one of the latest outings in our long history of activities.

Oktoberfest Luncheon

The Oktoberfest Luncheon / Craft / Hobby / Art show, attended by 67 seniors was a great success. Bratwurst, sauerkraut, root beer and apple strudel comprised the catered meal. With over a dozen different exhibitors displaying their collections / hobbies / crafts, there was something of interest to everyone. The amount of creativity and talent revealed by Eastmonters in this show was amazing.

Randy Potter strolled among the tables playing his accordion, enhancing the feeling of being in a Root Beer Garden in the Old Country. The décor and the meal added to the ambiance. Eastmont’s male quartet and string trio each shared two selections and accompanied a short sing-a-long. As always, lots of warm fellowship among our people helped to create lasting memories. If you’re a senior, please plan to join us for our Christmas Luncheon, Dec. 3rd.