Church news in brief

St. Paul’s Episcopal

This Sunday St. Paul’s celebrates the second Sunday of Advent — the week of Peace — with readings, song and remembering of John the Baptist.

“We continue to prepare the way in Advent, for the new life that is coming! We will gather to share stories and nativities and St. Nicholas at coffee hour,” a press release stated.

Sunday Services are at 8 and 10 a.m., with child care and classes at the 10 a.m. service. Discussion hour is between services. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.stpauls

thedalles.org.

St. Paul’s also offers Taizé Services, a special opportunity to reflect, center and pray, at Old St. Paul’s Chapel at 601 Union St. in The Dalles, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. and again, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.

Taizé is a Christian prayer service that incorporates simple, meditative songs and periods of silent reflection. This intimate experience has found its way into church programs throughout the world, attracting people of varying ages from all walks of life, particularly young adults who are midway on their spiritual journey.

Taizé prayer is ecumenical and meant to foster reconciliation and peace among all people. It originated in the 1940s at a monastery in Taizé, France, and its format has been adapted in diverse ways for use by Christian and non-Christian communities. The readings range from Thomas Merton and Walt Whitman to The Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Psalms. The ecumenical nature of the service allows participants to gather in a community setting, yet remain open to the voice of God within, organizers said.

Gateway Presbyterian

Interim Pastor Rich Zimmerman will give the message, “Coming Home to the Upside Down Kingdom,” at the 8:30 a.m. traditional and 11 a.m. contemporary worship service. From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. will be adult, youth and children’s classes. Wednesday programs start at 6 p.m. and include, The Marriage Course at the Riverenza; youth group, Women’s Study Beth Moore “James”; Men’s study and Parenting TODAY start at 5:30.