Ione Community Church

06/25/2026

What can a soccer tournament teach us about life, faith, and getting along with people who aren't exactly like us?
More than you might think.

Join us this Sunday as we explore how goodwill, grace, and a little humility can build bridges in families, communities, and even a divided world.

Coffee is ready. Conversation is encouraged. No athletic ability necessary.

("The Wired Word" is an open Bible study, on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, in which we learn more about the Christian faith and its application to the issues we face in today's world.)

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/viking-madness-grips-boston-escalator-norway-fans-march-toward-world-cup-match

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marycrossan/2026/06/11/fifa-world-cup-2026what-it-reveals-about-character-and-goodwill/

https://www.smith.edu/news-events/news/2026-world-cup-high-costs-host-cities

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/06/18/is-it-worth-it-economically-for-u-s-cities-to-host-the-world-cup/

https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Home-Forum/A-Christian-Science-Perspective/2026/0609/Celebrating-God-s-grace-and-glory-during-the-World-Cup

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/19/the-cops-bought-me-an-egg-and-cheese-muffin-bostons-love-affair-with-tartan-army-goes-on

Scotland fans in the Massachusetts city awaiting their game against Morocco have continued to make an impression on the locals

06/24/2026

The life you've always wanted begins with the relationship you were created for!

No matter what's been, and is now...

"... God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT).

We all seek something. Real life begins when we seek Someone!

If you're unable to be present this Sunday for "in-person" worship at 11:00 am, you'll be able to view the recorded version of this coming Sunday's message at the church's YouTube channel with this link: https://www.youtube.com//streams

06/24/2026

This Thursday is the final Open Sanctuary for Prayer opportunity of June.

The month has seemed to pass quickly. School has ended. Summer schedules are beginning to settle in. Families are traveling, working, celebrating milestones, and adjusting to a different pace of life.

Yet even during a season often associated with sunshine and activity, many people continue to carry burdens that aren't always visible.

Some are grieving recent losses.
Some are facing health concerns.
Some are carrying stress, uncertainty, loneliness, or difficult decisions.
Others simply long for a few quiet moments in a world that rarely slows down.

That's why the sanctuary at the Ione Community Church is open on Thursdays as a peaceful place for anyone in our community to pause, pray, reflect, and rest.

You don't need to be a member of the church.
You don't need to know exactly what to say.
You don't need to stay for a certain amount of time.

Spend a few moments in prayer.
Sit quietly in the stillness.
Listen to gentle music.
Light a candle.
Read Scripture.
Reflect on God's presence.
Or simply enjoy a few moments of peace before returning to the demands of the day.

Whether you're celebrating, grieving, searching, healing, or simply seeking a quiet place to breathe, you are welcome here.

Open Sanctuary for Prayer
Thursdays • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ione Community Church

Come whenever you need.
Stay as long or as little as you'd like.

As June draws to a close and a new season unfolds, may you find a moment of peace, hope, and renewal.

The doors will be open.

06/24/2026

It's hard to believe we're already in the final week of June.

School is out. Summer schedules are taking shape. Families are traveling, gardens are growing, harvest season is beginning to peek over the horizon, and many of us are settling into a different rhythm than the one we lived just a few weeks ago.

As life shifts from one season to another, it's a good reminder that we all need meaningful connections along the way.

That's what Coffee & Conversations is all about.

It's a relaxed gathering where neighbors become friends, friendships grow stronger, stories are shared, laughter is welcomed, and people simply enjoy spending time together.

Whether you're a longtime resident, new to the area, retired, working, raising a family, or just looking for some good company, you'll find a warm welcome around the table.

This Thursday we'll also be joined by representatives from Bank of Eastern Oregon, who will be providing a helpful presentation on recognizing, avoiding, and responding to scams that often target seniors. It promises to be practical information that can help protect you, your family members, and others in our community.

Of course, there will still be plenty of time for coffee, conversation, questions, and connecting with friends old and new.

Coffee & Conversations
Thursday • 10:00 am
Ione Community Church

Come for the coffee.
Stay for the conversation.
Leave with a few more friends - and perhaps a few tips that could help keep you or someone you love safe.

There's always a place for you at the table!

06/23/2026

Looking for more than just getting through the week?

This past Sunday, we began a new five-part series, "The Life You've Been Looking For." But one hour on Sunday only scratches the surface.

Join us Wednesday, June 24, at 6:30 pm (right after “The Gathering” meal) at the Ione Community Church for a deeper dive into Part 1 as we explore:

"Following the Good Shepherd: Becoming the Kind of Person the World Needs."

In a world filled with noise, opinions, and enough advice to make your head spin, we'll talk about why everybody follows something - and why Jesus offers more than tips for a better life. He offers Himself.

Together we'll discuss questions like:

• Why do we long for peace, purpose, and healthy relationships?
• Why is trying harder often not enough?
• What kind of people does our world need more of right now?
• How can we become the kind of people others are grateful to have in their lives?

No Bible knowledge required. Questions are welcome. Adults and high-school youth are invited.

After all, if life really came with an owner's manual, most of us would probably start with the chapter titled, "How to Deal with People Without Losing Your Mind." 😊

Wednesday, June 24 • 6:30 pm
Following The Gathering meal
Ione Community Church

Because the life you've been looking for may be found not in following the loudest voices - but in following the Good Shepherd.

06/23/2026

As June winds down and summer settles in, life begins to shift.

School is out. Schedules change. Vacations begin. Kids are home. Routines that have carried us through the year give way to a different rhythm, and while seasons change, one thing remains true: We were never meant to do life alone.

There’s something deeply good about gathering around a table together.

In a world that often feels hurried, noisy, and disconnected, simple things matter more than ever:

Good conversations.

Shared meals.

Laughter.

Friendship.

Encouragement.

A place where people can simply be themselves.

That’s what "The Gathering" is all about.

Every Wednesday evening, people from all walks of life come together to share food, build relationships, and experience a Christ-centered community that is welcoming, relaxed, and real.

Because following Jesus was never intended to be a solitary experience.

Jesus calls people not only to know Him personally, but to walk together as His people - the Body of Christ in the world today. Real faith is much more than simply going through the motions or checking a religious box. It is learning to know Christ and discovering the kind of life we were created for - a life shaped by love, hope, truth, grace, and genuine relationships.

And that journey is one we were designed to share with others.

Some come for the conversation.

Some come for the friendships.

Some come because it has become one of the most peaceful and encouraging parts of their week.

Some are exploring faith and asking questions.

Others simply enjoy spending time with good people.

No pressure.

No pretending.

No need to have everything figured out.

Just a place to connect, laugh a little, share a meal, and be reminded that hope, joy, love, and kindness still matter deeply.

Whether you've been part of church for years, haven't been in a long time, are curious about Jesus, or are simply looking for a good group of people to share an evening with - you are welcome here.

"The Gathering"
Wednesdays • 5:30 pm
Ione Community Church

There's always room at the table.

06/22/2026

Still searching for peace, purpose, and a life that feels whole?
You're not alone!

This Sunday at Ione Community Church, we'll continue our series:
"The Life You've Been Looking For"

We'll explore why so many of us still feel anxious, tired, and dissatisfied - even when life seems okay - and why Jesus' invitation wasn't, "Try harder," but simply:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

You don't have to have everything figured out. Just come.

All are welcome - so bring a friend!

If you're unable to be present this Sunday for "in-person" worship at 11:00 am, you'll be able to view the recorded version of this coming Sunday's message at the church's YouTube channel with this link: https://www.youtube.com//streams

06/18/2026

As we continue our journey through the month of June we invite you to take a few moments to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with God.

Each Thursday, the sanctuary at Ione Community Church is open for prayer, reflection, and quiet rest. Whether you are carrying grief, stress, uncertainty, gratitude, or simply a need for peace, you are welcome.

🕚 Thursdays • 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Come whenever you need. Stay as long or as little as you'd like.
The doors will be open, and a quiet place will be waiting for you.

A Prayer for Our Children, Families, and Community - June, 2026

"God, as a new season begins, I(we) come to You with gratitude, concerns, hopes, and questions.

June brings change to our community. Schools have closed for the summer. Children and youth are stepping into a different rhythm of life. Some are excited for what lies ahead. Others carry worries and challenges that few people see. We especially pray for the children among us.

May every child know they are loved, valued, and important. May they experience safety, stability, encouragement, and care. Place trusted adults around them who will guide them, protect them, and remind them of their worth.

We pray for children whose lives feel uncertain, whose homes may be difficult, or whose hearts carry fears and loneliness. Surround them with Your presence and provide what they need through the people You place in their lives.

We pray for our graduating seniors as they begin a new chapter. Give them wisdom for the decisions ahead, courage to follow what is good and true, and confidence that their value is found not in achievement, but in being Your beloved children.

We pray for parents, grandparents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and all who care for the next generation. As routines change, grant patience, strength, and joy. Help families grow closer to one another and to You.

God, even as summer begins, some among us continue to carry grief and loss. There are still empty places in our homes and hearts. Be near to those who mourn. Bring comfort to aching hearts and remind them that they do not walk alone.

For those facing uncertainty, provide hope. For those feeling weary, provide rest. For those carrying heavy burdens, provide companions who will walk beside them.

And through all these changes, help us remember that You remain the same. When schedules change, You are present. When plans change, You are present. When life feels joyful, You are present. When life feels difficult, You are present.

Open our eyes to see the opportunities Christ places before us each day - to offer kindness, encouragement, forgiveness, and love. Help us notice where He is already at work and join Him there.

Give us what we need for today: grateful hearts, steady faith, compassionate spirits, and the courage to keep choosing love.
May our community be a place where children are cherished, families are supported, those who grieve are comforted, and all people are reminded that they are deeply loved by You.

We place ourselves, our families, our children, and our community into Your hands.

Walk with us through this season.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen."

06/18/2026

Who are your people?

Research shows many people - especially men - have fewer close friends than they did a generation ago. Yet we all need people who tell us the truth, encourage us, and walk with us through life's ups and downs.

You're invited to join us this Sunday at 9:30 am for "The Wired Word" at the Ione Community Church as we explore:

"Why are so many people losing friends - and how can we build deeper relationships?"

We'll connect today's headlines with timeless wisdom from the Bible and discover why life works better when we don't try to go it alone.

Everyone is welcome - whether you're deeply committed to Christ, just exploring faith, or simply looking for meaningful conversation.

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_friendships_among_men_are_so_important

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/25/magazine/male-friendships.html

https://eternallyradicalidea.com/p/pick-your-ten-the-best-advice-i-ever

I used to think FIRE co-founder Harvey Silverglate’s wise words were only useful for people trapped in the middle of the culture war. But now we all are, so it’s useful for everyone.

06/17/2026

This Sunday, you and your family are welcome to join us for worship at 11:00 a.m. as we celebrate Father's Day and begin a new 5-part series, "A Better Way to Live."

This week's message is:

"Following the Shepherd: Becoming the Kind of Person the World Needs"

In a world full of voices telling us who to be and where to go, perhaps the most important question we can ask is:

"Who - or what - is leading my life?"

For those who have followed Jesus for years, we'll explore why following Him isn't just how we begin the Christian life - it's how we continue.

For those who know about Jesus but aren't sure they really know Him, we'll consider the difference between religion and relationship.

For those who are still exploring faith, perhaps the life you've always wanted begins with the Person you've been overlooking.

Because the truth is this:

The life we want is found by following the One who made us.

Whether you're deeply committed, spiritually curious, or simply looking for hope and direction, there is a place for you here.

No perfect people required - just ordinary folks learning to follow the Good Shepherd together.

If you're unable to be present this Sunday for "in-person" worship at 11:00 am, you'll be able to view the recorded version of this coming Sunday's message at the church's YouTube channel with this link: https://www.youtube.com//streams