Harbor Beacon, December 2016

The light shines in the darkness…

John 1:5

OHLC Staff Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

Home Phone (360) 279-0413

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud (360) 632-4243

Volume 63, Issue 11

December 2016

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

1253 NW 2 Avenue Oak Harbor, WA 98277

360-678-2264 office@oakharborlutheran.org www.oakharborlutheran.org

Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

(360) 941-1484

Parish Secretary: Carol Wiskow

(360) 720-2451

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

(360) 678-2264

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

(360) 675-3957

Church Fax Church Phone

(360) 679-9795 (360) 679-1561

IN THIS ISSUE: Martin Luther on Christmas, pg. 2

Click on these links for the December newsletter inserts:

Advent Bible study considers Isaiah, pg. 3

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: http://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures

Worship schedule for Christmas Eve & Christmas Day pg. 4

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/december_2016_edition. pdf

Thank you for your patience! pg. 6

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

In memoriam, Marian Bartleson pg. 9

This issue was snail-mailed November 29, 2016

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Pastor’s Page:

Behold Christ lying in the lap of his mother, still a virgin. What can be sweeter than the Babe, what more lovely than the mother!

What fairer than her youth! What more gracious than her virginity! Look at the Child, knowing nothing. Yet all that is belongs to him, that your conscience should not fear but take comfort in him. Doubt nothing. Watch him springing in the lap of the maiden. Laugh with him. Look upon this Lord of Peace and your spirit will be at peace. See how God invites you in many ways. He places before you a babe with whom you may take refuge. You cannot fear him, for nothing is more appealing to man than a babe. Are you affrighted? Than come to him, lying in the lap of the fairest and sweetest maid. You will see how great is the divine goodness, which seeks above all else that you should not despair. Trust him! Trust him! Here is the Child in whom is salvation. To me there is no greater consolation given to mankind than this, that Christ became man, a child, a babe, playing in the lap and at the breasts of his most gracious mother.

Who is there whom this sight would not comfort? Now is overcome the power of sin, death, hell, conscience, and guilt, if you come to judge this gurgling Babe and believe that his is come, not to judge you, but to save.

Martin Luther on Christmas

artin Luther loved Christmas.

Luther scholar Paul Maier notes how one of Luther’s students observed that the often-moody Luther had a change in temperament when they entered the Christmas season. This student noted that Luther grew increasingly cheerful as Christmas approached, and that “All his words and songs and thoughts concerned the incarnation of our Lord.”

REFORMATION 500 A year-long series of articles celebrating 500 years of Lutheran Christianity

Note that not only did Luther’s words and thoughts turn to the incarnation as Christmas approached, but his songs as well. We often forget that Luther was a prolific hymn writer, with a repertoire far beyond “A Mighty Fortress.” Luther wrote a beautiful Christmas hymn called “From Heaven Above.” Luther had so much to celebrate about Christmas that the hymn goes on for a whopping fourteen verses! The first verse is from the perspective of the angels announcing Christ’s birth, and goes like this: From heav’n above to earth I come, to bring good news to every home!

Glad tidings of great joy I bring, to all the world and gladly sing.

The reason for Luther’s cheerfulness as Christmas approached is beautifully articulated here as he gushes in this sermon. Luther was cheered by the incarnation – by God taking on human flesh in the infant Jesus. Of all the ways God could have entered into our world, God chose to come as a baby, with big eyes and tiny fingers and sweet coos and that warm milky baby smell that makes one intoxicated with love and tenderness. God came into the world as a baby so that instead of fearing him, we would love him. Coming as a helpless, vulnerable, precious baby, how could we not?

The twelfth verse is my favorite. Luther is often remembered as a fiery, bull-headed theologian, but here we find him so undone by the baby Jesus that he flirts with the sentimental heart language of pietism: Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child, prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, a quiet chamber in my heart, that you and I may never part.

It is a shame more Lutherans don’t know and cherish this beautiful hymn. We’re going to sing a few select verses of it at OHLC this Christmas season as our Gospel Acclamation to become more familiar with it.

There are plenty of reasons to be moody as Christmas approaches. Many of us have long to-do lists and busy schedules. Some are missing loved ones with whom they used to enjoy this season.

Sometimes the trappings of the secular version of Christmas leave us empty. My prayer for us all, however, is that we would find ourselves increasingly cheerful as Christmas approaches by finding joy where Luther found it – in the incarnation. May God indeed prepare a quiet chamber in our hearts this Christmas, so that our savior might be laid there anew, bringing us peace.

As beautiful as Luther’s great Christmas hymn is, his Christmas sermons are even better. Luther biographer Roland Bainton once wrote: “Luther is at his best and most characteristic in his sermons on the Nativity.” God coming into the world as an infant provided ripe fodder for Luther as he preached the Good News of the gracious God he found in scripture. Consider this excerpt from one of Luther’s Christmas sermons, which is worth quoting at length:

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer 2

OHLC’s Luth Youth. . . . .

December Events

On December 4, OHLC Luth Youth are headed to Stanwood for:

Advent Bible study for adults considers Isaiah This Advent, Pastor Dick Koch will be teaching a 4session class entitled Great Expectations: Studies in Isaiah.

The lessons are drawn from the powerful readings from Isaiah we hear in worship throughout the season of Advent.

Books for the study will be provided. The class will meet in the library from 9:15-10:15. Come explore the Advent themes of peace, hope, joy, and promise through the powerful words of the prophet Isaiah. All are welcome.

A recently retired pastor, Dick Koch was stationed at NAS Whidbey before entering the seminary. He has served Methodist congregations as well as ELCA Lutherans.

We’ll enjoy spectacular displays of over a million lights at Warm Beach Christian Camp in Stanwood. There will be carolers and other live entertainment, food booths, bonfires, and a giant nativity scene. We have rented a bus (thanks, Dave Myers & Sheila Ryan!) for the journey to Stanwood. The bus is open to OHLC youth and their parents on a first-come/first-served basis, based on RSVPs to Pastor Spencer (pastor@oakharborlutheran.org ). If the bus fills, you are welcome to carpool from OHLC. Adults who are not parents of youth are also welcome to join us via carpool (unless there ends up being room on the bus) and will get their tickets at the group rate.

We’ll leave OHLC promptly at 4:00 PM, and expect to return to Oak Harbor around 9:00. There is no cost for youth. Adult tickets at the group rate are $13 per person. Youth and adults are encouraged to bring money for food, etc. Be sure to dress for the weather!

Advent midweek services Join us on Wednesdays this Advent for soup suppers and worship services at noon and 6:00 PM. Holden Evening Prayer will be our liturgy, and we’ll be exploring the theme Tidings of Comfort and Joy with scripture, reflections, and song.

Deck the halls (and the sanctuary)!

Our Christmas trees (we’re having two this year!) will be going up the second week in December, and will be decorated after worship on Sunday, December 11. All are welcome to stick around after the 10:30 service to help hang Chrismons. Many thanks to Craig and Colleen Pedlar, who deck our halls with beautiful wreaths from Boy Scout Troop 59. Craig also coordinates the acquisition and raising of our Christmas trees, and hangs the wreaths. Thanks so much!

Sanctuary poinsettias Large plants in 6” pots will be ordered through Oak Harbor’s local Greenhouse Florist. If you’re interested in contributing to the poinsettia fund which helps defray the cost, donations will be accepted through Sunday, December 18. Although donations may be in any amount, the suggested donation per plant is $20. Poinsettias may be taken home following the service on December 25. Order forms are available on the welcome desk in the narthex.

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Worship Schedule

Sharing tree bears fruit of love for our neighbors

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Our annual Sharing Tree went up in the narthex on the last weekend of November. In this season of giving, we have an opportunity to help and share with our neighbors.

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 Join us on Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Invite your friends and neighbors!

We will have three services:

Among the tags are items for local individuals and families, El Camino de Emaus families, and elderly individuals from Josephine Home in Stanwood. This year, Pastor Yee from Josephine contacted all the Lutheran churches in our area, asking for help in making it possible for all residents to receive a gift for Christmas.

Their ages range from 67 to several who are 99. If the tag says ‘elderly,’ it’s probably for one of them! It’s a wonderful gift for us to be able to bring some joy into their lives.

4:00 PM: Family service featuring the Sunday School Christmas program. Nursery is provided for children 4 and under.

7:00 PM: Traditional service with candlelight and Holy Communion. Nursery is provided for children 4 and under.

10:00 PM: Traditional service with candlelight and Holy Communion.

As in past years, you’re invited to take one or more tags, purchase the item/s listed there, wrap the gifts with the original tags on the outside of the packages, and put them under the tree by Sunday, Dec. 18, the Sunday before Christmas. Tags that are for gift cards should be returned to the church office with the tag.

Thank you for helping these individuals have a joyful Christmas.

In giving, we are also blessed.

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25

If you know of someone who should be included on the tree, please talk to Pastor Spencer or Pastor Stroud.

Christmas day falls on a Sunday this year, which makes for a great opportunity for those who aren’t in the habit of worshiping on Christmas day to do so! We hear a lot about “keeping Christ in Christmas.” Here is your chance! The Christmas day service is different from Christmas Eve services, offering its own distinct joys. Perhaps you’ll start a new family tradition as you experience the delight of Christmas day worship!

Please note we will be having one service on Sunday, December 25, at 10:30 AM.

Joyfully, Judy Lycksell

Advent baptisms! e have two baptisms to celebrate this Advent season at OHLC! We rejoice with parents Michael Hummel and Natalie Williams, as well as grandmother Myrna Hummel, in the baptism of Rose Belle Williams on December 11. We rejoice with Tom and Jennifer Jones, along with grandparents Ron and Shelly Muzzall, in the baptism of Cora Evelyn Jones on December 18. We give thanks for these precious children of God, and welcome them into the body of Christ and the mission we share!

Included in this newsletter are Prayer Ventures & The Spirit for December.

The deadline for articles for the January 2017 newsletter is Monday, December 19.

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BookMarks

Christmas Concerts

he Coupeville Book Group meets on Tuesday, December 7 at 6:00 PM (note this earlier start time!) for a Christmas party in the home of Gaye Rodriguey, 228 Rhodena Drive. Please plan to bring an appetizer to share; Gaye will provide the beverages and chocolate.

The group will discuss The Invention of Wings, by Sue Monk Kidd:

Whidbey Community Chorus presents Glad Tidings, Friday, Dec. 2, 7:00 PM and Sunday, Dec. 4, 4:00 PM, at 1st United Methodist Church, 1050 SE Ireland St., Oak Harbor. This choir includes OHLC’s own Barb Wilson & Tom Piper. Free admission; donations welcome!

A triumphant story about the quest for freedom and empowerment, Sue Monk Kidd’s third novel presents the extraordinary journey of two unforgettable women: Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave in early-nineteenth century Charleston, and Sarah, the Grimkes’ idealistic daughter.

Inspired in part by the historic figure of abolitionist and suffragette Sarah Grimke, Kidd’s novel is set in motion on Sarah’s eleventh birthday, when she is given ownership of ten-year-old Handful. The Invention of Wings follows these two women over the next thirty-five years as both strive for lives of their own, dramatically shaping each other’s destinies and forming a complex relationship marked by guilt, defiance, estrangement, and the uneasy way of love.

Gaye says it’s “an incredible historical story.”

Novel, 359 pages

Whidbey island Community Orchestra presents The Night Before Christmas and other holiday favorites, Friday, Dec. 9, 7 PM at South Whidbey Assembly of God, and Sunday, Dec. 11, 3:00 PM at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Free admission; donations welcome. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the food bank.

Oak harbor Lutheran Church’s Senior Choir and the Oak Harbor Community Band present an afternoon of joyful Christmas music on Sunday, December 18. 18, 3:00 PM in the sanctuary.

Questions about the Coupeville Book Group? Contact Gaye Rodriguey, 360-678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com .

Sunday School news Angels, shepherds, and (of course) lambs and the Holy Family will assemble for the Sunday School Christmas program at the 4:00 PM service on Christmas Eve, December 24. This year, we’ll be getting a little assistance from Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon.

Rehearsals will take place during Sunday School classes on Dec. 4, 11 & 18. Families, please bring your children to the fellowship hall at 3:30 PM to get into their costumes.

Save them a seat in the pew – participants will sit with families at the beginning of the service and then will return once the program has concluded.

Questions? Give me a call in the church office, 360-679-1561, or send me an e-mail, martha@oakharborlutheran.org .

ote these changes from the usual schedule! The Second Wednesday Book Group will hold their Christmas gathering on Thursday, December 8, 11:30 AM at China City. (This avoids a conflict with the Advent midweek worship service.)

Instead of discussing a featured book, we’ll have our usual book exchange – please make sure you bring one which has not been one we’ve read for the book group.

Questions about the Second Wednesday Book Group? Contact Leona McKee, 360-675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net .

Martha Ellis 5

Ohlc update

Looking ahead to January 2017:

Thank you for your patience!!

January 1: NEW YEAR’S DAY WORSHIP Please note we will be having one service at 10:30 AM on Sunday, January 1.

Come celebrate the new year with us as we worship!

The success of our capital campaign has meant many projects have been, and will be, undertaken at OHLC recently. Whether it is our parking lot repaving, the sanctuary ceiling painting, replacement of the garage roof, or other projects, they have caused disruptions and inconveniences for our congregation and the groups that use our building. We thank you for your patience throughout this process. We are investing in our future ministry together by completing these projects, and appreciate your support and your understanding!

January 6: EVENING EPIPHANY SERVICE This year OHLC is holding an evening worship service on Friday, January 6 at 7:00 PM to celebrate the Epiphany of our Lord. The sanctuary will be filled with candlelight as we sing, pray, and hear the story of the magi who visited the Christ child.

Come experience this powerful conclusion to the Christmas season!

Budget update: We’re closing the gap!

We have significantly reduced our general fund budget deficit this fall! What was an $18,000 shortfall on the year has been reduced to being about $7,000 behind. This is quite an accomplishment, and puts us in a position to finish the year on target.

Your continued faithful giving in December and generous yearend gifts will help us finish closing the gap. Thank you for your support of our ministry at OHLC!

January 8: YOUTH & FAMILY NIGHT Join us out back at the fire pit for s’mores and more!

January 22: SEMI-ANNUAL MEETING & POTLUCK

Year-end offerings Lead counter Craig Pedlar and Financial Secretary Gisela Hawley remind us that offerings and other year-end contributions must be received in the church office by 12:00 noon on Thursday, December 29 in order to be recorded as contributions for 2016. Thank you.

We will convene our semi-annual meeting at noon on Sunday, January 22. All voting members of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church are encouraged to attend as we consider our congregational budget for 2017 and attend to other items of business. An agenda for the meeting will be made available on Sunday, January 15. Plan on bringing a dish to share as we enjoy a potluck after our meeting.

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Oak harbor Lutheran church women

Wrap up on the Holiday Bazaar

fellowship, study & service

The Lydia Circle-sponsored Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 5 was a wonderful success! Many thanks to the wonderful crafters and bakers of OHLC who were so generous in sharing their creative talents, to those who donated family treasures for “Granny’s Attic,” to those who helped spread the word, and (especially) to those who stopped by to make purchases at our 4th annual bazaar!

We’re pleased to report the top 10% of this year’s proceeds will be given to OHLC’s General Fund. Beyond that, we’re excited to announce that we’re purchasing new blinds for the classroom of His Kids Preschool. In past years, Lydia Circle funds from the bazaar have gone towards new projectors in the sanctuary, the refurbishing of the prayer room, and the purchase of God’s Work – Our Hand t-shirts, Bibles for deployed service members, and new tables and recycle bins.

Special thanks to Tracey Tomlin for providing lunch for our crew on the day of the bazaar and to the husbands of Lydia Circle – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Like Lydia in the book of Acts, our hope is to share our faith and serve the Lord wherever we are… at home, at work, and at church. We trust that God’s will is gracious and will be done.

Blanket Workshop e’re so lucky, aren’t we? We hardly have to think about it – when our weather gets chilly we turn up the heat and pull out an extra blanket or two from our stash in the linen closet. Quilts from Lutheran World Relief are used as warm bedding too, of course, but also may serve a simple tent, floor covering, room divider, or a wrap to hold a baby on a mother’s back. These quilts, sent to people in need around the world, bring a strong message of hope.

Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 6 & 7, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to make tied quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Come join us! Right now our storage space is empty – see the report on page 9 – so help us start filling it up again!

Circles in December Dec. 1, 8, Deborah Circle meets at 9:15 AM on the 1st and 10 AM on 15, 22 subsequent Thursdays for a discussion of Advent Reflections: I Wonder as I Wander, from the Book of Faith series. We meet in the library until noon (breaking at 11 on the 1st for the memorial service). All are welcome to join us!

Dec. 5 Lydia Circle meets for Bible study at 6:00 PM in the prayer & 19 room.

The ladies of Lydia Circle: Anita Needler, Mary Brock, Amy Christensen, Becky Peattie, Sheila Ryan, Michelle Tull, Peg Fosnaugh, Verna Pommerenke

Rebecca Circle will not meet this month.

Deborah Circle notes on Advent Reflections: I Wonder as I Wander: Hope, love, joy and peace – for many of us, these are names of the four candles lit during Advent. But do these words mean anything to us and to the world today? Is hope still alive? Does love always find a way? What gives joy to the world? Will nations – and next-door neighbors – ever be at peace? Join the writers (and Deborah Circle) to explore questions like these, reflecting on who God is and what God has done through Jesus in this season of preparation. The books include daily readings, Bible study, and weekly activity ideas to link church and home. Questions? Contact Gaye Rodriguey, gaye@tobysuds.com .

Islam, Christianity and Friendship As part of a three-part dinner and lecture series offered in partnership with The Muslim Association of Puget Sound, Edmonds Lutheran Church presents Islam through the eyes of Muslim Women Saturday, December 3, 6:30 PM Free and open to all RSVP is appreciated but not required; call 425-744-8090 Edmonds Lutheran Church, 23535 84th Avenue W, Edmonds 7

Morning class – Hunter: my daddy Layla: my brother Max: pumpkins Victoria: my mommy Grayson: my dad Cassidy: Wesley, my baby [brother] Joshua: bees Luke M.: my mommy and daddy Claude: Thanksgiving Luke B.: police officers Brenden: all of my toys Mikayla: my dad because he likes to tickle me

His kids preschool A ministry of Oak harbor lutheran Church ovember brought a mouthful of learning for His Kids as we focused our learning on nutrition, the five food groups, and finally, thankfulness.

We held our own election in class on the 8th; would it be juice or milk with snack that day? After counting the results, juice won the popular vote in both classes. (If elections were only that simple, say the adults.)

Afternoon class – Kassandra: dogs Aaron: my piano Elizabeth: my puppy Reign: puppies Selah: My Little Pony named Porcupine Tinsley: everything with my dad Maria: helping my brother feed the cats

Our November field trip was a visit to our local Haggen grocery store, where Ms. Susan is always a great host showing us around, even behind the scenes! She always has hot cocoa from Starbucks and a cookie waiting for us at the end of our visits.

As always, His Kids Preschool is thankful for you and the continued blessings of OHLC and our Heavenly Father.

As we mentioned at the beginning, we discussed the five food groups in class – which even involved making fresh bread! We finger painted with chocolate pudding, and colored, cut and glued a bowl full of paper fruits and vegetables. We made sandwiches that had all five food groups in it… not a sandwich to eat, but a paper one to hang on the bulletin board! We wrapped up our nutrition unit with a feast day where we ate our own Thanksgiving meal.

Blessings, Ms. Elva, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Sara

Notes from lutherwood lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center, Bellingham, WA December 3 Advent Extravaganza, open to all ages. Start the Advent season off right with this day retreat for individuals and families. Enjoy a delicious brunch, wreath and ornament making, Advent logs, caroling, cookie making, and more. Starts at 9 AM, concludes approximately 3 PM. $15 per person or $50 per family. To register, visit goo.gl/xgc3F9 or via the website, www.camplutherwood.org/calendar/ .

Over the month, we collected nonperishable food from home and sorted them into the five food groups during class. These items will be donated to Help House, our local food bank. Our classes brought in 136 items, and these will be added to the congregation’s regular collection in the narthex barrel. The children were so excited to help out with collecting these food items! We are certainly thankful for the blessings that have been given to us and the opportunity to teach our little ones how to share our blessings with others.

January 13 Lock-in at Lutherwood, annual all-nighter of food and fun for current middle school and high school students. Can you stay awake the entire night? Colossus pizzas, board games, video games, night games, movies, and more! Arrive at 7:00 PM and stay up as late as you can.

Breakfast will be served before closing at 9:00 AM. $57 per camper.

Sign up at goo.gl/xgc3F9 or via the website, www.camplutherwood.org/calendar/ .

Here’s how our students finished the sentence, “My heart is thankful for…”

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Compassion

in sympathy

Projects assembled for Lutheran World Relief

We were saddened to receive word of the November 16th death of Marian Bartleson. She was 80. Marian had been in Spokane undergoing cancer treatment.

hank you to all who helped us get ready for the November shipment of items for Lutheran World Relief! Here are the totals from Oak Harbor Lutheran Church: 60 quilts, made by the ladies of Blanket Workshop; 99 school kits – the congregation supplied the items with assistance from Vacation Bible School families, and the women of Deborah Circle assembled the kits. Trudy Decker is coordinator of this project.

15 personal care kits.

300 baby care kits, assembled by Karen Bowers, with some help from our knitters.

Total pounds shipped: 1369. Shipping cost: $1027.43.

A Whidbey Island native, she had been a member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church for 55 years and was active in a wide variety of areas of congregational life during that time. Most recently, she was a member of Morning Glory choir and Rebecca Circle. Her memorial service will be held Thursday, December 1, 11:00 AM at OHLC.

Thank you to the congregation for generously funding the shipment.

Rita Carter and Michelle Tull delivered these items, as well a number of boxes on behalf of Concordia Lutheran Church. The good people at Whidbey-SeaTac Shuttle graciously lent a bus again for transport. We appreciate the crew who loaded the bus on the evening before the delivery, and to Carol Wiskow in the church office for handling all the paperwork. Our next shipment will be in May 2017.

We offer our deepest sympathy to her family, including her son Chris Bartleson of Oak Harbor, elder daughter Dana Carrothers in Issaquah, and the twins, Heather LeFriec and Heidi Bresson of Spokane.

Our hearts also go out to the Mistler and Bustillo families following the death of Linda Mistler on Nov. 7 following a short illness.

Her memorial service was held on November 12 at OHLC. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, December 10, 3:00-6:00 PM at Oak Harbor Senior Center.

Leona McKee

Watoto news

+ Peace be to their memory +

in support of Watoto Child Care Ministries, Uganda

We’re having a quilt raffle! A beautiful blue and white quilt was made and donated by a local, highly regarded quilter. Tickets are $1, or 6 for $5, and are available during Sunday morning coffee hours in the fellowship hall. We’ll draw the winning ticket on December 18 after the concert at OHLC. Currently, we’re forming a team to go to Watoto in Uganda for a medical mission for the last two weeks in January. Are you interested in going along? You don’t need to have medical skills – tasks include paperwork, help with the pharmacy and general ‘people managing’.

Airfare is about $1200, plus food, lodging, and insurance. There will be a guide and bus with driver… and maybe some side trips and shopping.

Questions? Contact Skip Lycksell or a Watoto team member.

Dear friends and church family at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Thank you to everyone for all the love shared with us and prayers offered on John’s and our behalf during this difficult time. We especially appreciate all the support on Tuesday, November 1 in making the memorial service special.

The family of John Stephens

Judy Lycksell 9

Companion synod news St. Katharina’s Church, Kazan, Russia We received the following e-mail on November 21: To Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Greetings to you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

We are near to the beginning of a new year in the church calendar – a time of waiting for the wonder of the birth of Christ, a time of inner renewal.

We are praying for God’s grace for your congregation and His help in fulfilling all your plans.

From Tatyana Petrenko (the bishop’s wife) in Moscow we got information that they received your donation for our church and that it will be on our account within short time. We are very thankful for this help. For our little congregation within a little church in Russia on the background of big Orthodox and Muslim churches, your support means a lot. We are learning to live on our own income but it is not easy. We are organizing concerts in the church, rent out some room, and also receive some help from our partner brothers and sisters in Germany.

But for accomplishing additional, interesting projects there is no money. For the time being we are trying to set up a fund in order to celebrate the 500-Year Reformation jubilee in a worthy and respectable manner. We are praying to God that He will bless our service and our efforts. If you agree, we will put your donation also to this aim.

Once more, thank you very much and our best wishes to all of you. We are looking forward to your visit to Kazan in spring.

From heav’n above to earth I come to bear good news to every home!

Glad tidings of great joy I bring to all the world, and gladly sing: To you this night is born a child of Mary, chosen virgin mild; this newborn child of lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth.

The blessing that the Father planned the Son holds in his infant hand, that in his kingdom, bright and fair, you may with us his glory share.

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child, prepare a bed, soft, undefiled, a quiet chamber in my heart, that you and I may never part.

Glory to God in highest heav’n, who unto us the Son has giv’n.

With angels sing in pious mirth a glad new year to all the earth!

Martin Luther Lutheran Book of Worship, Hymn 268 Stanzas 1, 2, 4, 12, 14

Lyudmila Pankratova In the name of St. Kathrin church, Kazan

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Worship Assistants

Financial Report

December 4 8:00 AM

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Assisting Minister: Shanna Lundstrom Communion Asst.: Mike Fankhauser Ushers: Lenita Forster, Joan Flowers Assisting Minister: Trudy Decker Communion Asst.: Rita Cline Music: Senior Choir Ushers: Presider: Pastor Marc Stroud Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Acolyte: Natalie Stone Computer: Donna Aspery Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Acolyte: Sadie Harbaugh Computer: Peter Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst

Assisting Minister: Paul Senness Communion Asst.: Lolita Mandel Ushers: Margraf family

10:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Carol Fitzgerald Communion Asst.: Jan McCullough Ushers: Music: Senior Choir/Harbor Bells Presider: Pastor Jay Decker Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

6:00 PM

Year to date $ 360,867 368,248 $ (7,380)

Worship Attendance

December 11 8:00 AM

October $ 50,685 40,786 $ 9,899

Income Outgo

Assisting Min.: Carol Snoble Piano: Kris Bruland

October

Date 8:00 AM Oct. 30 81 Nov. 6 75 Nov. 13 77 Nov. 20 68 Nov. 27 71 Average Att. 74

Acolyte: Mackenzie Mathieu Computer: Sheila Ryan Music: Praise Team Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan Acolyte: Sadie Harbaugh Computer: Peter Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Assisting Min.: Trudy Decker Piano: Kris Bruland

10:30 AM 92 79 95 92 91 90

November Coupeville 18 21 13 22 25 20

Nursery 8 4 7 7 4 6

Average Sunday attendance: 190

December 18 8:00 AM

Assisting Minister: Jeff Margraf Communion Asst.: Marge Moore Ushers: Ellis family

10:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Craig Pedlar Communion Asst.: Sande Mulkey Ushers: Music: Senior Choir/Youth Chimes Presider: Pastor Jeffrey Spencer Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

6:00 PM

Acolyte: Isabel Carr Computer: Molly Nagel Music: Morning Glory Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Acolyte: Sadie Harbaugh Computer: Peter Spencer

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations December 3 Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, 1552 4 John of Damascus, theologian, hymnwriter, c. 749 6 Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342 7 Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397 13 Lucy, martyr, 304

Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Assisting Min.: Gisela Hawley Piano: Kris Bruland

Christmas Eve, December 24 4:00 PM

7:00 PM

10:00 PM

Assisting Minister: Communion Asst.: Ushers: Lenita Forster, Joan Flowers Assisting Minister: Ron Muzzall Communion Asst.: Mike Fankhauser Ushers: Music: Senior Choir Assisting Minister: John Fowkes Communion Asst.: Penny Fowkes

Acolyte: Computer: Luke Spencer Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan Acolyte: Sadie Harbaugh Computer: Peter Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst, Verna Morgan Acolyte: Wolly Fowkes Piano: Morgan & Ernst

Little Lutheran bags in December: Dave & Peg Fosnaugh

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 10:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Penny Fowkes Communion Asst.: John Fowkes Ushers:

14 John of the Cross, renewer of the church, 1591 20 Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, 1552 26 Stephen, Deacon and Martyr 28 The Holy Innocents, martyrs 27 John, Apostle and Evangelist

This month’s decorative fonts are

Acolyte: Anders Spencer Computer: Peter Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst

Solemnis and 11

reath

DECEMBER SUNDAY

MONDAY

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

Piano Recital 2:00 Lights of Christmas 4:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 11 Advent 3 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Education 9:15 Worship 10:30 Tree decorating 11:45 Whidbey Orchestra 3:00 Lions 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 18 Advent 4 Sharing Tree gift deadline Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Education 9:15 Worship 10:30 Christmas concert 3:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 25 Christmas Day Worship

10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

The birth of Christ

M, T, W: 9:00-11:30 AM 12:30-3:00 PM Pre-K Readiness Th, F: 9:00-11:30 AM Christmas Break: Dec. 19 – Jan. 2

Parish Nurse hours: Thursdays 1:00-3:30 PM and by appointment Advent 2 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Education 9:15 Worship 10:30

WEDNESDAY

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL

www.oakharborlutheran.org

4

TUESDAY

is the central event in the history of the earth – the very thing the whole story has been about.

- C.S. Lewis

5

6

1:00 Munchy Monday

9:00 Blanket Workshop 9:30 Worship & Music

6:00 Lydia Circle 6:00 Wolves 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions

6:00 Patrol Leaders 6:00 Cpvl. Book Group 6:30 Bears 7:00 Boy Scouts

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13

1:00 Munchy Monday

10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

6:00 Wolves 7:00 Solutions

7:00 Boy Scouts 19 Newsletter Deadline

6:00 Piano Recital 6:00 Lydia Circle 6:30 Stephen Min. Tr. 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 26 Church office closed

20

27 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

7 9:00 Blanket Workshop 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek worship 12:30 Soup & bread 1:30 Breastfeeding USA 4:30 Harbor Bells 5:00 Girl Scouts 6:00 Tigers 6:00 Midweek worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 14 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Tigers 6:00 Midweek worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

21 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek worship 12:30 Soup & bread 1:00 Library Committee 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

28 OHLC at SPIN Café

7:00 Overeaters Anon.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 9:15 Deborah Circle 11:00 Memorial Service: Marian Bartleson 3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 6:00 Musicians Meeting 7:00 Nar-Anon.

7:00 Arrow of Light 8 10:00 Deborah Circle 11:30 Book Group, China City

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3

3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Nar-Anon.

7:00 Council 7:00 Arrow of Light 15 10:00 Deborah Circle 3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 6:00 Pack 98 7:00 Nar-Anon.

22 10:00 Deborah Circle

9

29 OHLC at SPIN Café NOON: Deadline for year-end offerings to count for 2016 giving

9:00 Advent Extravaganza at Camp Lutherwood, Bellingham

10

1:30 Keepers of the Faith 6:00 OHLC staff Christmas party, Spencer home

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17

1:30 Keepers of the Faith 6:00 OHLC Council Christmas party, Moore home 23

3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Nar-Anon

7:00 Nar-Anon

12

1:30 Keepers of the Faith

24 Christmas Eve

4:00 Worship 7:00 Worship 10:00 Worship 30

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