Cowboy church service rounds ’em up

Published 2:37 pm Friday, September 2, 2011

A rodeo announcer often dubbed as the voice of the PBR will be the key speaker during the upcoming Round-Up Sunday Community Worship Celebration. Justin McKees voice and name are both recognized in the rodeo world. The Lenapah, Okla., cowboy is an announcer for Professional Bull Riders and Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association events, and he has also burst into the arena as a competitor in steer roping.

The event is Sunday, Sept. 11 beginning at approximately 10:45 a.m. at Roy Raley Park, 1205 S.W. Court Ave., Pendleton. Rev. Rick Oliver, pastor of the Pendleton Church of God, said the event will begin at the conclusion of the 9/11 Round-Up Processional, a parade recognizing the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Oliver said it was an appropriate fit to invite McKee to participate in the worship service, which will also feature a Sept. 11 remembrance. McKee, Oliver said, was in town as a Pendleton Round-Up announcer when 9/11 occurred.

The program will begin with a rendition of Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes. A community barbecue will be served up at the conclusion of the service.

The annual event, Oliver said, binds the faith community.

Its a significant event because we believe it draws us together, he said. Theres no denomination when we get together, its just one church worshipping together.

The special service began in Olivers church years ago as a sort of end-of-the-season round em up.

 It was a great way to gather everyone back in after the summer, Oliver said.

The service moved onto the churchs lawn after people were spilling out of the Church of Gods sanctuary.

It kind of mushroomed with our church bringing in speakers and then other churches joined us, Oliver said.

As the event grew, organizers began brainstorming on how they should approach the service.

We got a vision that the Lord was challenging us to broaden our horizons and make it a community-wide event, Oliver said.

As more people got involved, it became clear the services needed a larger venue. Initially it was moved to Pendleton High School before settling in the heart of the Round-Up at Roy Raley Park.

We think it takes on the flavor of the Round-Up, Oliver said. Its more centrally located and encourages more people to participate.

In its 12th year, the event continues to flourish, Oliver said. Last year, upwards of 1,500 attended the service and nearly 900 lunches were served up. Adding some family festival activities including bouncy houses and games Oliver expects as many, if not more, people to participate this year.

The event is free and open to everyone. A freewill offering will be taken for those who want to make a donation. People are encouraged to dress casually and arrive early. There will be a drop-off zone at the park and extra parking at the Pendleton Convention Center. Additionally, chairs or blankets should be brought. For more information, call 541-276-1894.