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.

COCC Gourmet Luncheon

The Culinary Arts department of COCC hosted a gourmet luncheon for Eastmont’s seniors on Thursday, October 08, 2009. Lowell and Ruth Lamberton ably served as liaison in scheduling the event. The five course banquet featured succulent selections, artfully presented and well prepared. Courteous and helpful students comprised the friendly wait staff. The meal started with an appetizer, then a salad followed by a choice of three different entrees for the main course, chicken, steelhead or a vegetable ravioli. A selection of either of two desserts concluded the feast. All 40 of our seniors enjoyed the food and fellowship with many suggesting it become and annual event.

Marine Band Concert

Over forty Eastmonters attended the outstanding Marine Band concert at Summit High School, Friday evening, October 9th given by "The President's Own." Created in 1798 by an act of Congress, the Band is the oldest continuously active professional musical organization in America. A marvelous presentation by any measure, it was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone in the packed gymnasium. Nearly 100 newly-minted Oregon National Guard recruits also attended and were impressive in their discipline and demeanor. Veterans of WW2 as well as members of all five military Services were recognized and honored. Also amazing was that fact that the encore selection of "God Bless America" was known and sung by nearly everyone in attendance.

Seniors Annual Campout

Our annual Campout at Newport saw 30 Eastmonters making the trip to the coast on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd. Activities included a lighthouse tour led by Betty Jorgenson, a tour of the Hatfield Aquarium , visiting the many shops on Bay Blvd. fronting the inlet, and watching the fishing boats return. We shared a chorus Sing-A-Long and S’mores the first night and played games the second night, both at the Beverly Beach State Park facilities. We also ate together Wednesday evening at the Embarcadero restaurant. As always, the fellowship was rich and rewarding.

Trivia Night No Trivial Event

Our 3rd Annual Trivia Night was a howling success. Eighty people gathered at Eastmont to test their wits, have a ball and enjoy rubbing elbows with some of the smartest people on the planet! Rick Wild, decked out in his finest, emceed as our Trivia Guru. Kristie Wild and Kris Soderquist kept score and the rest of us strained our brains as we answered such questions as:

QUESTIONS

1. What are Shaggy Mane, Slimy Gomphidus, Inky Cap, Sulphur Top and Pig's Ear?

2. What is Donald Duck's middle name?

3. Which Shakespeare character has the most lines with 1422?

4. What are you studying if you are into Oology?

5. What was the rat's name in Charlotte's Web?

6. Name all the castaways on Gilligan's Island.

These were real head scratchers, so thank goodness we had teams of 8!

ANSWERS

1. Mushrooms

2. Fauntleroy

3. Hamlet

4. Bird Eggs

5. Templeton

6. The Skipper, Gilligan, The Professor, MaryAnn, Ginger, J. Thurston Howell III and his wife Lovey Howell

Prizes were awarded, but most importantly we collected can after can of non-perishable goodies for our food pantry.

Doug and Krista Baker, Challey Becker, John & Shellie Boehm and Matt and Don Iler Jr. took top honors with last year's champs (Charons, Pierces, Willems, Hostetlers) hot on their heels. Third place went to Trish and Brad Hanson, Stan and Marilyn Rowland, Craig, Ryan and Alex Soderquist and Kyle Willems. Congratulations all!

Senior Stroll

Three cars and the church van, filled with Eastmont Seniors made the 35 mile trip just past Elk Lake in the Cascades to the trail head leading into Blow and Doris lakes. Nearly all walked the 1 ½ miles to Blow Lake and more than half completed the trek to Doris Lake, a six-mile round trip. Afterwards, we met at the Elk Lake Resort where lunch was eaten and much ice cream consumed! Great weather, inspiring scenery and lots of warm fellowship truly made the day memorable. Our final stroll of 2009, led by Trail Master, Vern Johnson, was deemed an enjoyable success!

Senior Moments

John Tonissen was the Trail Master of our Senior Stroll to Todd Lake on Thursday, August 20, 2009. 18 seniors took part, most of them walking around the picturesque lake which reflects views of Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor, depending on the direction you’re looking. Later, they drove to the chair lift on Mt. Bachelor which took them to Pine Marten Lodge where they enjoyed lunch at Scapolo’s Bistro. The excellent weather made the views toward the Three Sisters and Broken Top spectacular and many expressed their appreciation for the outing. Of course we stopped for ice cream at the Bend Dairy Queen on the way home.

23 Seniors drove the 260 mile round trip to Junction City, OR. to attend their annual Scandinavian Festival which was started in 1961. On the way over, we visited Sahalie Falls as several had not seen them before. At the Festival, the weather was ideal and food plentiful featuring cultural creations from all the Baltic States. In addition to the foods, all our Eastmonters seemed to enjoy the ethnic costumes and dances as well as many displays of art and crafts.

The 12th Annual Seniors’ Picnic was held in the beautiful park next to the Dehm’s home in Awbrey Glen with approximately 80 people attending. The Event Committee prepared all the food; ham, chicken, potato salad, chips, etc. and a wonderful dessert of ice cream and brownies. Our male quartet sang three selections with jokes and two spiritual readings rounding out the program. The weather, while warm, was not oppressive in the shade provided by the many trees in the park. This is one of the most popular and well attended activities offered by Eastmont’s Senior Ministries.

Seniors Surprise Safari

37 seniors enjoyed the Secret Safari to the Tumalo Lavender Farm owned and operated by Eastmonters, Gordon and Judy Knight. They walked through the fields and the green houses and several made purchases of lavender products the Knights make from the blossoms. Lunch found the group in downtown Sisters, free to shop and then eat lunch at any of the many restaurants and cafes. Nearly all toured Beecham’s Clock Shop and several heard the owner describe how he makes world-class clocks of various sizes and types. Also of interest were The Stitchin’ Post Quilt Shop, Sisters’ Drug and Gift Shop, Ali’s Ice Cream Store, and The Jewel, a most unusual jewelry store which carries fossils, various crystals and extensive one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Many expressed their appreciation for the tour and all enjoyed the wonderful weather.

Senior Stroll

On a beautiful and warm Thursday, 11 Eastmont seniors visited the Newberry Caldera south of Bend. They climbed the obsidian flow, enjoying the outstanding views of gleaming black rock, enhanced with a small lake at the foot of the climb. We then drove to Paulina Lake where many walked on the lakeside trail and then shared a picnic. The third activity involved a short stroll to Paulina Falls, another scenic wonder in this arena of memorable natural beauty. Of course we once again stopped at Bend’s D.Q. on the way back to church. The fellowship among our strollers enriches us all.

Beauty and the Butte, Benham & Banana Splits

June’s Senior Stroll was an excursion south of Bend to Lava Butte Visitor’s Center, where we drove to the top of Lava Butte, toured the newly refurbished Center and then drove to the Deschutes River where nearly all walked downstream to Benham Falls where they ate their lunch. Of course, we stopped at the DQ on the way back to church. A total of 13 went and enjoyed the ideal weather and the singular beauty of Central Oregon’s Lava Lands. The Deschutes was running high, making the falls all the more spectacular.

Seniors Storm Seattle

Thursday, June 11th, 25 Seniors made the trip to Seattle, WA. to see the musical, “Generations,” written and directed by Daniel Perrin, son of Dick and Evelyn. It tells the story of a Jewish man’s struggle to accept his relationship with his well-loved father and then find his own belief in God. On Friday, many chose to ride the Monorail from Seattle Center to Westlake Center and eat lunch together at The Cheesecake Factory. 15 then attended the afternoon presentation of “Under the Sea” in 3D at the Imax Theater. Dinner was at The Crabcracker Restaurant in Kirkland after which we drove north on 405 to Bothell where we viewed the musical at Cedar Park Church. Many expressed their appreciation of all they experienced during the excursion.

Springtime Huddle

Have you been one of several people wanting to be in a Small Group, but discovering most of our close to thirty groups are full up? Well guess what? Help is on the way!

There is no doubt, as a church of Small Groups, Eastmont has a continuing need for new groups to include new home hosts, new prayer supporters and new facilitators. Craig Soderquist, our Director of Adult Ministries, says he, our Small Group Ministry Team and the Eastmont Staff are considering ways to continue building new, strong, and effective groups. Our goal is to recruit, train as required, and empower people to help develop deeper relationships in the church, grow in Christ, and experience a richer life by pursuing God’s purposes. This fall, we are praying and planning to see at least 6 new groups as Eastmont promotes church unity with a Fall campaign. The Springtime Huddle is just one avenue to get us part-way there.

So, what is Springtime Huddle anyway? Here’s a brief overview: currently, parts of two prospective groups are meeting to form foundations for groups others might join this Fall. The group pictured is facilitated by Craig and is going through an exciting series by John Ortberg: If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. Most of these serious Christ-followers have a history in Small Groups or are currently members in another group. They have committed themselves to explore how the Lord might use them in even more (new) group members’ lives.

This six-week course ends in June, but there are more opportunities to get involved. In July, we invite others to explore the possibility of serving as a Small Group home host, prayer supporter, or facilitator. We will undergo eight weeks of training under Henry Cloud, John Townsend and Bill Donohue as we seek to form more group foundations for the Fall. There is no commitment required to participate – just come and see. That’s all we ask. For more information call Craig at 382-5822, ext 31 or be looking at the bulletin for locations and times for Regroup starting July 6th.

Wii Night for Guys

On Thursday night, May 28th, 23 guys showed up at the Eastmont Youth Ministry Room for food, fellowship and fun. They were not disappointed!

Chef Mike Aguirre started us off with his delicious recipe for genuine Quesadillas filled with flavorful, grilled chicken breast, Tillamook cheese and his tasty concoction of authenticate Mexican flavors. Wow!

Thirty minutes later, fathers, sons, young singles and at least one grandfather challenged each other with exciting Wii Nintendo videogames. For the next two hours, these men, older and younger, were flying, golfing, bowling, batting, hunting and racing. At the end of our time, our younger participants eyes grew huge as they received simple prizes. What a thrilling evening!

May Seniors Stroll

Twenty seven of Eastmont’s Seniors took the May Stroll in Shevlin Park on Thursday, May 21st. Those who walked the longest estimated the distance at five miles. After completing the stroll, all gathered in a picnic area to eat lunch and continue their fellowship. As has become a tradition, dessert was enjoyed at the Bend Dairy Queen on south 3rd street. Our next Senior Stroll is slated for Thursday, June 18th at a location yet to be determined.

Senior's St. Paddys Day Luncheon

On Thursday, March 19th, over 80 Eastmont Seniors gathered together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. They feasted at an extensive potato bar with salads and desserts completing the meal. The program began with a piano/clarinet duet playing Irish selections as the meal ended. The Mixed Trio followed and later the Male Quartet, ending the entertainment with an Irish Sing-A-Long. The speaker was Dr. Randy Jacobs who just returned from a month long medical mission to Uganda. His graphic slides and narration revealed the dire existence of oppressed Africans, refugees from war, starvation and exploitation. Our hearts were deeply touched as the unforgettable scenes appeared before us. This was Dr. Jacobs’ second trip to Africa sharing his skills as a Believer, physician and surgeon. He is to be emphatically commended for his selfless service joining with African Christian workers to serve several thousand patients during that month. Please remember these helpless thousands of people who need spiritual and physical deliverance.

Men's Prayer & Praise Night

Almost 40 Eastmont Men gathered for their first Power & Praise Night on February 24th. Following a light meal, we drew close to the Lord as we enjoyed spirited praise and worship led by Freddie Gateley, Dan Howie and Sean Pierce. Pastor Andy Stanley then challenged us from the video Take It to the Limit. His thought provoking ideas got us talking as we considered our own life experiences. So, what do you think ... in a go-go culture focused on performance, what are our limits? Where do we draw the line when it comes to work, finances, relationships and more? What does God's Word say about limits? Where does He draw the line and what guidance does He give in these areas? We enjoyed deep, rigorous discussion as we shared our own lives and struggles with our table mates. We concluded our evening with serious, heartfelt prayer for one another. And I think most would agree, we left our first Power & Praise Night refreshed, renewed and empowered to better serve our Lord -- His ways are so much better than our ways!

Women's Retreat 2009

“Lights, Camera, Action” – This was our slogan for the annual Eastmont Women’s Retreat held at Eagle Crest Resort the last weekend in February. Our Theme verse was Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

The slogan and theme verse went hand-in-hand as our speaker, Barbara Feil, from Sunset Presbyterian Church in Portland, taught on the topic “Leading Ladies of the Bible”. The different life stories of Eve, Leah, Michal, Tamar, Deborah and Hannah touched each of us as we learned about their struggles and blessings and how God worked through each of their life stories.

Session topics were:

· IT ALL BEGAN WITH EVE - Eve
· REAL WOMEN, REAL PAIN, REAL REDEMPTION – Leah, Michal, Tamar
· WHAT WOMEN NEED – Hannah
· GOD USES WOMEN – Deborah

Each woman studied provided a significant story about how God still used her in the midst of imperfect situations. Barbara concluded with the personal application that as long as we are putting God first, continually seeking Him, He does work through all the unique situations and circumstances we face in our lives.

Our thanks to each one who helped with decorations, prizes, greeting, registration, power point, prayer team, worship team, communion, condo leader, etc. By the exercising of your gifts and talents in your gracious ways, God used you to make our 2009 retreat a memorable one.

Small Group Spotlight

It is the desire of our Small Group to find practical ways to reach out into our community, thereby applying one of Eastmont’s purpose statements “Go for Christ.” In the past we have, as a group, helped needy families locally as well as missionary families overseas.

In March we did something different. It began with grocery shopping by women in our Small Group, followed by an afternoon with both men and women preparing dinner for 60. The menu was beef stroganoff, tossed green salad, bread and brownies. The afternoon passed quickly as we chopped, browned, shredded and boiled, all the time talking and laughing together. At 5:45 p.m. we loaded the food in a van, and appeared at the Shepherd’s House, a Christian homeless shelter located on Division Street. As our Small Group provided the dinner at the shelter that night, we were reminded again that “it is more blessed to give than receive.”

This venue for serving is always open to any who desire to participate. Call or drop by the Shepherd’s House to sign up for a date. You’ll be glad you did.

Ron and Janet Molebash
Bob and Elaine Cook
Jim and Donna Roths
Ernie and Judy Renner
Lowell and Ruth Lamberton
Joan Massey
Al and Marcia Lindbergh

Single Senior Women’s Valentine Brunch

It was “SHOW AND TELL” time for forty women who gathered to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 12 (our fourth annual brunch). Fifteen of the women brought samples of their hobbies (past and present). The articles were on display for all to see. After eating a wonderful brunch of egg quiche, fruit, and scones, they then heard Evelyn Perrin and Nayda Bodholdt play two lovely songs. Mary Lewis told us about the beginning of this special day and a history of valentines. It was then time for the “TELL” part of the program. The fifteen participants told us about their work of art including the history behind each piece and the history behind their talents. It was concluded that we have some very talented women in our midst. The women were sent home with a small bouquet of carnations and candy. The women of our Junior/Senior Ministry hosted the event.

SURPRISE SAFARI

Eastmont’s Seniors’ first Surprise Safari of 2009 saw 45 who enjoyed a tour of the Bend Police Department’s facilities at the south end of Pilot Butte. They were able to view the training facility which also doubles as a briefing room as each shift goes on duty. Also examined were several of the fleet of squad cars and motorcycles in service, the holding rooms for those arrested and waiting interrogation or transport to the Bend jail which is in north Bend and operated by the Sheriff’s Office. A major part of the facility is involved in recording information and storing it for future reference. After the tour, the group journeyed to Izzy’s Restaurant next to Sears for lunch where the management had made their private room available for Eastmont’s use. Many expressed their appreciation for the outing.

Eastmont Celebrates Dick and Evelyn Perrin’s 15 Years of Service

On Friday, January 30, a large group of Eastmonters gathered at Black Bear Restaurant in Bend to honor the fifteenth anniversary of Dick and Evelyn Perrin’s outstanding service to our church family. Many people expressed their appreciation to Dick and Evelyn for their exemplary devotion to Eastmont and Pastor Lodwick presented a certificate citing their years of faithful, sacrificial, Christ-centered ministry on the Pastoral Staff at Eastmont Church. Dick & Evelyn, we all love you and thank you!

Eastmont Men Enjoy a True Breakfast

On Saturday, January 24th, over 30 Eastmont Men gathered together for a breakfast burrito feast prepared by Chefs Ken Brass, Mike Aguirre, Scott Merydith, Mike Edgerton, Robb Kerley, Roger Mathewson and Derek Garrett. Absolutely delicious, and the chorizo had staying power!

Derek Garrett emceed a program that highlighted excerpts from Focus on the Family's The Truth Project Tour One. Our video presentation featured man on the street interviews that asked the question, What is truth? Following this, Dr. Del Tackett explored why Jesus came to earth (see John 18:33-38). Afterward, our men broke up into small groups where the subject of truth was further discussed. Finally, our men prayed for our nation and for the individual needs of the Eastmont Church family.

Upcoming events were announced at the breakfast as well. A Men's Night for Worship comes to Eastmont Tuesday, February 24th, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the gym. Food will be served promptly at 5:30 p.m. and the program kicks off at 6 p.m. In March we have two happenings. Men's Night for Games happens Thursday, March 5th in the Family Center at 5:30 p.m. and we will be offering the complete 13-week tour of The Truth Project starting March 12th at 6 p.m. Please contact Craig Soderquist for more details at 382-5822 Ext 31 or 815-5309.