Harbor Beacon November 2013

The light shines in the darkness…

John 1:5

Volume 60, Issue 11

OHLC Staff

November 2013

OAK HARBOR LUTHERAN CHURCH a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) nd

1253 NW 2 Avenue

360-678-2264

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

www.oakharborlutheran.org

office@oakharborlutheran.org

Home Phone

Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

279-0413

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud

678-5994

Preschool Director: Gaye Rodriguey

678-3561

Parish Secretary: Carol Wiskow

720-2451

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

678-2264

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

675-3957

Church Fax Church Phone

679-9795 679-1561

IN THIS ISSUE Start inviting! pg. 2

Click on these links for the November newsletter inserts:

The faithful opportunist, the raging prima donna, and more, pg. 3

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Spirit2013_11.pdf

See you at the Holiday Bazaar! pg. 4 OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Russia, with love, pg. 9

This issue was snail-mailed October 30, 2013 1

people beyond what social media can provide. Many long to be involved in something greater than themselves, they long to experience the sacred, they long to experience grace and love. Your invitation to “come and see” what we’re up to at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church might be the means God uses to answer these longings. There’s a reason Jesus tells us to “go.” There are people out there quietly longing for what we have to offer – and not all of them are going to wander into our narthex on their own. Many of them need to be invited.

Pastor’s Page “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”

Matthew 28:19

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e are a welcoming congregation. We have committed ourselves to being welcoming in our mission statement, which reads, in part: “…Oak Harbor Lutheran Church welcomes all people to worship, grow, and serve for the sake of the world.”

We remind ourselves of this and proclaim it to our visitors as we recite our mission statement most Sundays as part of our liturgy. And for the most part, we follow through on these words. I hear over and over again from new people that we are indeed welcoming. This is a good thing and an essential skill for a congregation in a community like ours. We live in a highly mobile society as it is, but with the constant rotation of Navy families, we have a constant influx of visitors looking for a church home.

I’m glad that these families are so regularly greeted with a sincerely warm welcome. I’m glad that being welcoming is not only part of our mission statement, but part of our DNA as a congregation.

We are coming into a time of year when people are especially open to our invitations. The holidays tend to stir up those unmet longings in people, making them more likely to “come and see.” We have a lot going on at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church over the next two months. Many of these events are good, non-threatening “entry points” into the life of our congregation. We have a holiday bazaar, a Thanksgiving Eve service, an Advent Fair, midweek Advent services and soup suppers, a high school youth outing to the Warm Beach Christmas lights, and eventually our Christmas program and Christmas services. Think of several people you can invite to “come and see.” Practice in the mirror if you find that helpful. And then go. Start inviting.

But it isn’t enough. Jesus calls us to be more than welcoming – we are called to be actively engaged in the work of invitation as well.

Welcoming people is an important facet of Christian hospitality, to be sure, but by itself it is an essentially passive posture. We are called to do something more than sit in our nice church building and wait for people to come to us! In the Great Commission (cited above) Jesus calls us to go out into the world and make disciples of all people. Discipleship begins with an invitation. Jesus calls us to follow him by graciously inviting friends and neighbors to “come and see!”

We have a lot to offer here at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, and a warm welcome awaits all.

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

Many of us have turned the Great Commission into the Great Omission. Former Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson often shared the dire statistic that the average Lutheran invites someone to church once every twenty-three years. This isn’t a recipe for church growth.

Presbyterians will host this year’s Thanksgiving eve service It has been a long-standing tradition for Oak Harbor Lutheran Church to share a joint Thanksgiving Eve worship service with Whidbey Presbyterian Church. This year the service will be held at Whidbey Presbyterian (1148 SE 8th Ave.).

Pastor Spencer will be preaching and special music will be offered by choirs from both congregations.

Join us Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 PM for an evening of gratitude, fellowship, and the sharing of the Lord’s Supper – the original Thanksgiving meal.

I understand the reluctance many have in sharing their faith with others. We don’t want to alienate friends. We don’t want to rub people the wrong way. We don’t want people to make assumptions about us.

We have plenty of negative examples of proselytizing. But let’s not let our fears get the best of us, and let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater. A simple invitation isn’t all that threatening. Even if declined, friends and neighbors usually receive it as a kindness and appreciate the gesture. Moreover, more people than we often realize harbor an unspoken longing for a deeper relationship with God. Many long to be part of real community; they long for connections with other 2

Growing & Learning

Church Council news

Meet more of your “Ancestors” in Sunday morning study!

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Our intergenerational Bible study continues on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:15 with some more colorful characters to learn about in November. Everyone from 7th graders on up to 100 year-olds are encouraged to join us in the library/fireside room for this fun, insightful Bible study which utilizes entertaining video clips and engaging conversation. Each Sunday is a stand-alone lesson, so it isn’t too late to join us!

Nov. 3: Nov. 10: Nov. 17: Nov. 24:

Rahab – The Faithful Opportunist Sampson – The Raging Prima Donna Ruth – The Tenacious Outsider David – The Flawed and Beloved King

inutes of the September 5 Council meeting were approved at the meeting on October 3. Highlights from September are as follows:

The treasurer reported that OHLC’s deficit has been significantly reduced.

Pastor Spencer’s report included announcements about the intergenerational Bible study beginning Sept. 15, as well as family outings such as the Whistle Lake hike. Confirmation this year is being offered through independent study. His Kids Preschool director Gaye Rodriguey will be retiring at the end of the school year.

The Council was updated on the roofing project and fire suppression system. Two bids have been received for the fire suppression and another is expected.

With the resignation of Brian Moore, there is a vacancy on the Council. Nominees will be sought via the opportunity form. Council members will be installed on Sept. 8.

It was approved to plant a native Garry oak tree on the church property as part of the 75th Anniversary celebration on Sept. 29.

Ruth

Holy Communion education offered for kids Pastor Spencer will be offering his “Journey to Jesus’ Table” class on Sunday, November 17 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM. This is a fun learning experience filled with stories and even a short hike! All young children (preschool through second grade) are encouraged to attend, whether they are already receiving Holy Communion or not.

Lunch will be provided. RSVP by November 10 to Pastor Spencer or the church office, 678-1561, office@oakharborlutheran.org.

Trudy Decker, secretary

Rrruff’s the Name My name is Rrruff and I’m here to remind you about the rrroof, you know, the one that has to be replaced.

The church council is working on a plan to take care of the FSS – Fire Suppression System, you know – at the same time and that is one expensive project. Or is that two projects? Well, it all costs money, you know, so please remember the rrroof and the FSS as you plan your giving.

Everyone, from the Old Dogs to the puppies in the preschool, is depending on you to do your part. By the way, that is a very nice oak tree you planted. I’m sort of an expert on trees, you know!

What is Marriage Care?

Marriage Care is not counseling or therapy – rather, it is an opportunity for married people to reflect on marriage in the context of faith and discipleship. It is a casual and fun, with an encouraging atmosphere. No one is put on the spot or obligated to share anything personal. Join us! If your spouse is working or deployed, you are welcome to come on your own. Our next Marriage Care Bible Study will be held on Sunday, November 17, 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Children’s Choir practice November 17 Children and youth are invited to come on Sunday, Nov. 17 at 5:00 PM to learn a song to sing for worship the following Sunday, Nov. 24 (at the end of the 8 AM service and the beginning of the 10:30 service). Come sing and have fun!

as told to Carol Reafs 3

Men’s Ministry

It’s bazaar season Saturday, November 2 HOLIDAY BAZAAR at OAK HARBOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

Lutheran Men in Mission – note the change in venue!

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Mark your calendars!

e’ll meet on Nov. 2 for our usual 1st Saturday of the month breakfast gathering, but this time we’ll meet at Flyers Restaurant, 32295 St. Route 20, at 8:00 AM. The cost for the wonderful buffet breakfast is $12.

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Want to participate in something unique and fascinating? Come for an insight into Martin Luther’s personal struggles and journey of faith as shared by Pastors Spencer and Stroud. Last month, we got a glimpse of what was going on in Luther’s revolutionary life experience as we watched a great DVD narrated by our fellow Pacific Northwestern Lutheran, Rick Steves. Now we’ll continue with details as learned by both our pastors in their studies of Luther and his time, and take a look at how very human he was… just like us. We’ll do this in Flyers’ convivial setting – much like that enjoyed by Luther and his comrades (but perhaps without beer steins on the breakfast table).

Gift items, holiday décor, Granny’s Attic (vintage items), bake sale, bistro coffee & snacks – something for everyone!

Friday, November 8 HOLIDAY BAZAAR, JOSEPHINE SUNSET HOME 9901 272nd Place NW Stanwood 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Consider inviting and treating a friend to this great opportunity to enjoy one another’s company!

Brotherhood of St. Bernard

Art, crafts, jewelry, accessories, and much more.

The Old Dogs and Young Pups will only meet once for lunch in November, and that’ll be on the 12th at noon in the Herrigstad fellowship hall. We’ll be taking the 26th off, most probably to be hunting a turkey…

Saturday, November 9 Lutherwood Benefit Auction Trinity Lutheran College, 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett 4:00-8:00 PM

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tom Piper

Gift certificates, theme baskets, event tickets, museum passes, and more!

Details available at their website, www.camplutherwood.org

henever you get a blessing from God, give it back to him as a W love gift. … Offer the blessing back to him in a deliberate act of worship. If you hoard a thing for yourself, it will turn into spiritual

Sunday, November 17 Silent Auction to benefit Lutheran Churches in European Russia Grace Lutheran Church 9625 NE 8th Street, Bellevue 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM Bid on little holiday items from Russia, Germany, and other places

dry rot, as the manna did when it was hoarded. God will never let you hold a spiritual thing for yourself; it has to be given back to him that he may make it a blessing to others.

- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest 4

To your health

BookMarks

Yoga class offered, beginning in November Gentle, easy and beginning yoga will be offered on Tuesdays in the library/fireside room, 4:305:30 PM, beginning November 5, with instructor Dawn Glavick, Registered Yoga Teacher.

The class will concentrate on improving flexibility with various stretching poses: Pigeon, Cobra, Bridge, Cats & Cows, and of course a few Up and Down Dogs. Gentle stretching of your shoulders, back and hips will help strengthen and tone those muscles. By increasing your blood flow, you’ll feel any stress slip away.

This class will help you gain confidence, balance, strength and flexibility at a slower pace. Dawn has several yoga mats, but if you have one, please bring it with you.

The class cost is by donation; Dawn will be donating a portion back to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Dawn is a member of Yoga Alliance and received teacher training at The Center for Yoga of Seattle.

Coupeville Book Group… …meets Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 PM in the home of Dottie Krigbaum, 697 Olympic View Drive. Discussion leader is Trudy Decker, and the book is Arcadia, by Lauren Goff: In the fields of western New York State in the 1970s, a few dozen idealists set out to live off the land, founding a commune centered on the grounds of a decaying mansion called Arcadia House. Arcadia follows this romantic utopian dream from its hopeful start through its heyday.

Arcadia's inhabitants include Handy, the charismatic leader; his wife, Astrid, a midwife; Abe, a master carpenter; Hannah, a baker and historian; and Abe and Hannah's only child, Bit. While Arcadia rises and falls, Bit, too, ages and changes. He falls in love with Helle, Handy's lovely, troubled daughter. And eventually he must face the world beyond Arcadia.

(Fiction, 289 pages)

Questions about the Coupeville Book Group? Contact Gaye Rodriguey, 678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com.

ELCA Global Links

November 2013

Malaysia: Church celebrates anniversary, reaches out to neighbors Birthed from missionary efforts of the United Lutheran Church in America, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia. Now this church engages in outreach within Malaysia and in neighboring Myanmar, Vietnam and China. See www.ELCA.org/Malaysia-anniversary.

Second Wednesday Book Group… …meets Wednesday, November 13 at 1:00 PM in the library/fireside room to discuss The Butterfly’s Daughter by Mary Alice Monroe: Following the migrating monarchs across the United States to Mexico, Luz Avila arrives in San Antonio, Texas, to find her aunt. She is surprised to meet her mother, who she has always believed to be dead. Now Luz must face her mother’s reappearance in her life and get her grandmother’s ashes to Mexico for the Day of the Dead.

(Fiction, 382 pages)

Syria: Refugee aid goes beyond material needs Personal safety is a concern for many of the approximately 125,000 Syrians in the Za’atri refugee camp in Jordan. Besides material aid, your donations to Lutheran Disaster Response address this concern by helping to raise awareness about such threats as gender-based violence. See www.ELCA.org/Syria-programs.

So, what is ‘YAGM’?

Abby Henderson is serving for a year with the program in Cape Town, South Africa. If you have questions about the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program and what those serving in the program do, check out her informal Q&A with herself at www.LivingLutheran.com/YAGM-QA.

Take a look at your shelves – which book can you bear to give up? The December meeting will be a lunch and book swap!

Questions about the 2nd Wednesday Book Group? Contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

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Advent services are coming in December Mark your calendars! Midweek Advent services with soup and bread afterwards will be held on December 4, 11 & 18, at 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM. We will be singing the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and enjoying a new three-part drama by OHLC’s Martha Ellis.

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OHLC Women

His Kids Preschool

Opportunities for fellowship, study & service

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

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Circle meetings in November

he joy of Preschool Open House each October is a blessing.

The children return to school at night with their parents, siblings, grandparents, neighbors and friends. This allows the preschoolers an opportunity to show off their room, their projects, their classmates and their teachers.

11/4 & 18 Lydia Circle meets in the education wing at 6:30 PM 11/7, 14 & 21 Deborah Circle meets in the library at 10:00 AM 11/19

Rebecca Circle meets in the library at 10:00 AM

Their first encounter with this special evening is returning to school and finding, that yes, their teachers really are still at school after hours, confirming what they have heard about where teachers live.

Blanket Workshop Our thanks to Rita Carter for overseeing the loading of all the boxes of quilts, personal care kits, school kits, and baby care kits for Lutheran World Relief shipping, and then for driving the bus (on loan from Whidbey Sea-Tac Shuttle) to Seattle for the ingathering.

That means we now have plenty of storage space to fill up again!

Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, November 5 & 6, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to sew quilts for Lutheran World Relief. For more information, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net or Becky Wold, 679-4154.

Next, they see the classroom has been transformed into an autumn wonderland, with their paper Jack O’lanterns grinning at them from the bulletin boards. Also on the bulletin boards are leaves watercolored by the students. Each leaf is a frame for a preschooler’s family photo. Hanging from the center beam of the room are handprint spiders cut out of black paper and adorned with googly eyes, all ready to drop down from their spider web string.

The final wonder of the night is each child proudly sharing their “All About Me” booklets with their family and friends. The pages are filled with self-portraits, height and weight information, pictures of the weekly chapel time and daily flag salute, praying-the Lord’s Prayerhandprints, favorite things and snack time prayers. The evening is a joyfilled time for everyone – students, teachers, families and friends!

Handwork Group Heart & Hand meets in the prayer room at 9:30 AM on Friday, November 15. Bring your own handwork projects or help us with hats and sweaters for layettes for Lutheran World Relief.

Next month will bring more blessings as the classes learn and play about nutrition, the color purple and Thanksgiving.

Attention, parents We are collecting empty glass baby food jars with lids for a Vacation Bible School craft. If you have any to donate, please bring them to the church office. Questions? Contact Melissa Johnson, 7202801, pigpal999@hotmail.com .

Shalom, Miss Gaye

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e are compelled to live in a Christlike manner with those who do not believe, just as Paul and the early missionaries lived among people whose customs and beliefs were very different from their own. Respectful of differences, we strive, not to make others just like us, but to make ourselves like Christ.

- Melissa A. Hall in These Days 7

Meaningful Meals for hungry kids

Compassion Ministry

For a number of years, OHLC has provided food (bread, peanut butter, jam, juice, noodle cups, etc.) to Oak Harbor’s Alternative High School students. There’s no lunch service available there.

Our Meaningful Meals committee is now in discussion with the administration about how students can learn to prepare meals on a weekly basis, which will also provide extra food during the weeks. We may be modifying our regular donations to supplement their program.

In the meantime, the Alternative High School is in need of some cooking supplies, such as a mixer, rice cooker, and food processor (home kitchen-sized items). If you might have one of these that you’d be interested in donating, please contact Skip or Judy Lycksell, lycksell@comcast.net, 679-2010.

The Alternative High School is also looking for volunteers who can cook with the students and share recipes, and for volunteers who can advise about plants for their greenhouse. If you’re interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Leandra Reuble, 279-5578.

Judy Lycksell

Stephen Ministry training sessions at Oak Harbor Lutheran Stephen Ministry is a program designed for local churches to offer one-on-one care to people in the community who are experiencing challenges in their lives. A Stephen Minister is an individual who has felt a sincere call to provide emotional and spiritual care for those undergoing crisis in their lives. It is a ministry of listening and a ministry of confidentiality in relationship with those undergoing crisis.

As Galatians 6:2 encourages: “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” A Stephen Minister’s gift is one of compassion to those who are in need. If you have felt as if this is a call that you could respond to in your life then maybe you would like to become a Stephen Minister.

Stephen Ministers receive valuable training in how to offer a compassionate presence to people in crisis over a ten week period which covers topics such as “the art of listening,” “identifying grief,” “maintaining boundaries in relationships,” “identifying mental health issues,” “providing appropriate spiritual support,” etc.

Oak Harbor Lutheran is offering a winter quarter training series to those who are interested. Classes will begin in January. If you are interested signing up or you want to find out more, please call the church office, 360-679-1561 or call Pastor Marc Stroud at 360-632-4243.

Pastor Stroud

Thanks for the help!

I’d like to say thank you to Marc, Dave, Dean, Kathy, and Margaret for helping us with last month’s litter pick-up along OHLC’s 2mile stretch of Highway 20, and to the Stone family who cleaned up around the park and ride area.

OHLC’s volunteers (a total of 16 people) have picked up 54 bags of trash this year. Our next pickup will be in January; watch for info!

In Christ, Pat Dallen

Fair Trade items will be available December 1 Emily Lynn, a member at Holy Spirit Lutheran in Kirkland, will set up a display of items from her business, Fair Trade Winds, for sale in Herrigstad Hall on Sunday, Dec. 1. These gift items will include crafts and wares from artisans in third world countries. A percentage of sales will go to Lutheran World Relief.

Find unique gifts while supporting impoverished people in developing countries. Emily will be on hand after both services and throughout the Advent fair.

Watoto News – supporting women and children in Uganda A big THANK YOU to all the bakers at OHLC who baked all the delicious cookies and bars [yes, some samples were taste-tested for quality control purposes] for our I-5 rest area fundraiser in October. We raised approximately $1,000 for Watoto medical needs.

There’s discussion about a Watoto Team trip to Uganda in January to hold medical clinics for the women and children of Watoto orphanage. If you’re interested in going, please contact Skip Lycksell, 679-2010, lycksell@comcast.net.

Watoto Team

Compassion Ministry continues on the following page 8

more from Compassion Ministry…

part of the group of nine that visited Kazan. This was a chance to meet old friends, and see the progress on the restoration of the building.

Arriving on Saturday, October 5, Billie, Carol, and Ken were amazed at Kazan’s new airport, and all the new buildings and construction.

They were told it was because of oil money from the south of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The city had recently hosted the international university games, and will be hosting World Cup soccer matches, when Russia is the host country.

While in Kazan, Billie acted as the German translator, and Philipp Zanko from St. Katharina was the Russian translator. We discovered St. Katharina is in a period of leadership transition. Interns Igor and Yulia Dyba have moved on, and a temporary, Russian-German pastor, David Horn, will be arriving. On Sunday morning, the church service was held in an adjoining room to the sanctuary. Having received money from the government for restoration of the building, the sanctuary had been gutted to the bricks. Before the service, we met Philipp’s son, Elijah, whom we had on our prayer list a few years ago when he had a bad fall. He’s now 15 years old, and learning English. The service was a celebration of the fall harvest, including a program presented by the children and a young women’s string quartet. OHLC’s gifts of the Whidbey Island afghan and communion chalice were presented during the service, and were deeply appreciated. Ken had been asked to give the sermon, which he based on the parable of the mustard seed, and how the faith of the people of St. Katharina had enabled them to survive the years of Communist persecution.

The rest of the time in Kazan was spent doing various activities.

Of course there was touring, but we also met a German delegation that worked with Russian-Germans who had immigrated to Germany. The German delegation was there to get a better understanding of the life and history of the Volga Germans to help them to adapt to life in Germany.

Ken and Billie (still serving as translator) were able to talk with church leader Ludmila Pankratova about the issues facing St. Katharina.

Winter’s on the way!

It’s getting colder outside. Please share your items for local and El Camino de Emaus needs. New or clean and gently-used warm coats, warm socks, and blankets are greatly appreciated! Place your donations in the red barrel in the narthex. Thank you!

Looking ahead to the Sharing Tree The annual Sharing Tree will be going up on Sunday, December 1. There will be tags on the tree, listing various items needed to help local people and our friends of El Camino de Emaus in the Skagit Valley.

The tags will be numbered, keeping the recipients’ names anonymous.

Please take a tag, purchase the item listed there, then wrap it with the tag attached on the outside and bring the gift back to church. (We’ll have the return-by dates posted at the tree).

This is a great opportunity to share our blessings with others in need! If you know of someone in need that you’d like us to include on the tree, please contact Pastor Spencer or Pastor Stroud. Remember, sharing shows caring.

Joyfully, Judy Lycksell

Companion Synod News

Kazan, Russia

To Russia, with love…

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n Oct. 1, 13 people from the NW WA ELCA Synod and Trinity Lutheran Church, Pullman, WA, boarded a plane for Moscow. The group included Billie Tull, Carol LaFond, and Ken Grigsby from Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. The purpose of the trip was to visit St. Peter and Paul Lutheran Cathedral and meet with ELKER (European Russia Lutheran Church) Bishop Dietrich Brauer and Pastor Lena Bondarenko. After 3 days in Moscow the group left to visit partner churches. One group went to St. Petersburg, another to Smolensk and then to St. Petersburg, and the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church group to Kazan to visit St. Katharina Lutheran Church.

Our congregation and Kazan’s St. Katharina Lutheran Church have been partners for ten years. Eight years ago, Billie and Ken were

(Continued on the following page) 9

more from the Kazan Committee

Silent auction and bake sale to benefit St. Katharina’s

Despite the money from the government, Ludmila said they needed help with paying for the new entrance and stairs to the pastor’s apartment, as well as help paying Pastor Horn’s salary.

One highlight was when Ludmila arranged a meeting with Eric Monsovavitch, the city official in charge of all the religious groups in Kazan. There is a large percentage of Moslems, along with the Russian Orthodox Church, other Christian denominations, and other religions.

Kazan is very proud of the peaceful relations between the various groups.

The meeting was very cordial, and the possibility was suggested about establishing a sister city relationship between Kazan and Oak Harbor.

Other highlights included visiting church members in their homes. One visit was to the home of the youth leader and her husband.

They live in a fairly new apartment, and have a nice, spacious home.

We had lunch on the last full day in the home of an older widow, who lives on a small pension. She has a very small apartment in a building from the time of Khrushchev, and had no elevator. The hostess was helped by a group of friends, and a fantastic Russian lunch was served, with Billie and Philipp translating.

On the last night in Kazan, Ludmila arranged for tickets to a guitar/orchestra concert. There were many guitar students in the audience, including Philipp’s son Elijah. During intermission, he introduced his mother, who teaches at the conservatory.

As we look back on the visit to St. Katharina, it is the hospitality, friendship, and Christian love that was shown that stands out. Ludmila said the church greatly appreciated not only the gifts, but the visit. A spiritual bond and special friendship between the Lutherans of Kazan, Russia and the Lutherans of Oak Harbor have been created over the past ten years. In the future, it is hoped there will be a visit to Kazan to see the reconstructed church.

Ken Grigsby, OHLC Kazan Committee

Don’t forget to bid on the beautiful Russian tea set donated by Anita Needler, and a hand-painted Russian pin, all on display in Herrigstad Hall. Winners will be announced on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 12:00 noon.

The Kazan Committee will be hosting a bake sale on Nov. 10 following both morning services.

Proceeds from both these events will go to help the congregation of St. Katharina Lutheran Church in Kazan to finish their sanctuary restoration.

In Appreciation Thank you for the many prayers offered on my behalf as well as the cards and other expressions of concern following my four surgeries on my feet and legs.

Slow healing was helped along by 52 (!!) hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments. Many thanks to the members of OHLC and other friends who drove me to Anacortes for these treatments, every morning, 5 days a week.

It’s good to be able to be behind the wheel myself again, and to get back to keeping office hours as OHLC’s Parish Nurse.

God bless you!

With love, Abby Chromy

Included in this newsletter is The Spirit for November. Prayer Ventures had not yet been posted on the ELCA website when we went to press; please go to http://www.elca.org/What-WeBelieve/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx to download your copy.

Bishop Brauer & family

The deadline for articles for the December newsletter is Wednesday, November 20. [Don’t ask the Newsletter editor; she doesn’t know how the year managed to go by that fast either.]

Bishop Brauer & Pastor Bondarenko 10

Worship Assistants 11/ 3

8:00 10:30 6:30 11/10 8:00 10:30 6:30 11/17 8:00 10:30 6:30 11/24 8:00 10:30 6:30

Asst. Ministers Shanna Lundstrom Trudy Decker Trudy Decker Tom Coe Ken Grigsby Gisela Hawley Verna Pommerenke Skip Lycksell Cheryl Coleman Rita Carter Jan Heideger Carol Snoble

Worship Attendance: Acolytes Peter Higgins Luke Spencer Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Addy Day Katie Norman Sadie Harbaugh Elizabeth Norman Elias Wiley

Music Morning Glory Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs Praise Team Cantor: Morning Glory Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs Senior Choir Cantor:

Ushers

Assistants

11/ 3 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Gisela Hawley Computer: Rick Culbertson

10:30 AM J. Wilcox, L. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 11/10 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM J. Wilcox, L. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 11/17 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 11/24 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae,

Coffee Fellowship

8:00 AM 11/ 3 Tomlin, Higgins 11/10 Korengo, Fankhauser, Margraf 11/17

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Sande Mulkey Computer: Rick Culbertson

Coupeville 6:30 PM Trudy Decker

Fair Trade Sponsors

Peattie

Julie Ward

Pommerenke

Margaret Anderson

Ellis

Carol Reafs

Deborah Circle

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations November 1 All Saints’ Day 3 Martin de Porres, renewer of society, 1639 7 John Christian Frederick Heyer, 1873, Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg, 1719, Ludwig Nommensen, 1918, missionaries 11 Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397, Søren Kierkegaard, 1855, teacher 17 Elizabeth of Hungary, 1231, renewer of society

Communion: Tom Coe Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Rita Carter Computer: Rita Carter

Little Lutheran Bags in November: Sheila Ryan

September $ 38,625 35,823 2,805

November

10:30 AM Vollertsen, Lafond

11/24

6:30 PM: Presider, Marc Stroud

Income Outgo

Nursery 2 0 0 3 1

Bring cookies, make coffee, set up and clean up – we need at least 2 per week for 8:00 AM services, 3 per week for 10:30 AM services, and 1 per week in Coupeville

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Rachel Margraf Communion: Tracey Tomlin Computer: Rita Carter

Financial Report:

October

Date Sun. 8 AM Sun. 10:30 AM Cpvl.

Oct. 6 78 113 21 Oct. 13 74 77 20 Oct. 20 68 93 21 Oct. 27 65 125 22 Average Att. 71 102 21 Average Sunday attendance: 195

September Year to date 314,631 312,477 $ 2,154

23 Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100, Miguel Austin Pro, 1927, martyr 24 Justus Falckner, 1723, Jehu Jones, 1852, William Passavant, 1894, pastors in North America 25 Isaac Watts, hymnwriter, 1748 30 Andrew, Apostle

This month’s featured font is Baskerville Old Face. Drop caps are

Acorn Initials.

11

SUNDAY

MONDAY

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M,T, W, 9:00-11:30 AM M, T, W, 12:30-3:00 PM Th. F, 12:30-3:00 PM No classes: Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11 Thanksgiving break, Nov. 27, 28, 29 3 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Ed. 9:15 Worship 10:30 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 10 Kazan benefit bake sale after both morning services

Worship Sunday School Adult Ed. Worship

8:00 9:15 9:15 10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast – meets at Flyers Restaurant

Set up for bazaar

www.oakharborlutheran.org

1:00 Mediation Parish Nurse hours: Thursdays, 1:00-3:30 PM and by appointment 4 1:15 Munchy Monday 3:00 Girl Scouts Tr 45107 4:00 OHHS Robotics 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 11 Veteran’s Day Church office closed 3:00 Girl Scouts Tr 45107 6:30 Angeli 7:00 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Vanishing Friends 7:00 Solutions 18

Worship Sunday School Adult Ed. Worship

1:15 Munchy Monday 3:00 Girl Scouts Tr 45107 4:00 OHHS Robotics

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

WEDNESDAY

The church calendar is updated regularly on OHLC’s website,

17 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Ed. 9:15 Worship 10:30 Jesus’ Table 12:00 WSMTA Recital 4:00 Marriage Care 5:00 Children’s Choir 5:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 24 8:00 9:15 9:15 10:30

TUESDAY

1:15 Munchy Monday 3:00 Girl Scouts Tr 45107 4:00 OHHS Robotics 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:30 Angeli 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 25

6:30 Angeli 7:00 Solutions

5 9:00 Blanket Workshop 4:30 Yoga 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 12 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 4:30 Yoga 5:30 Girl Scout event 6:30 Scout Adult Comm 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 19 10:00 Rebecca Circle 4:30 Yoga 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass

26 10:30 Stamping Group 4:30 Yoga

7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Scout Board/Review 7:30 Worship Brass

5:15 Girl Scouts 42040/4214

9:00 Holiday Bazaar to 3:00 PM

8

9

12:00 OHHS Transitional Students

10:30 Equestrian Crossings event, to 3:30 PM

6 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff 3:00 1st Ref. Bell Choir 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

13 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group 3:00 1st Ref. Bell Choir 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7 10:00 Deborah Circle

20 Newsletter Deadline

21

22

11:30 OHLC Staff 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts

10:00 Deborah Circle

12:00 OHHS Transitional Students

7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

27 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Thanksgiving Eve worship, Whidbey Presbyterian Church

12

2:00 CADA Parent Supp.

4:15 Morning Glory 5:30 Praise Team 5:30 Brownies Tr. 40740 6:45 Webelos 2 7:00 OHLC Council 14 10:00 Deborah Circle 2:00 CADA Parent Supp.

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:30 Praise Team 6:45 Webelos 2

5:15 Girl Scouts 42040/4214

15 9:30 Heart & Hand 12:00 OHHS Transitional Students

16

5:15 Girl Scouts 42040/4214l

23

2:00 CADA Parent Supp.

4:15 Morning Glory 5:30 Praise Team 5:30 Brownies Tr. 40740 6:30 Pack Meeting 28 Thanksgiving Day Church office closed

5:15 Girl Scouts 42040/4214

29 Church office closed

30