December 2018 Oak Harbor Lutheran Church Newsletter

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 65, Issue 11

Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

December 2018

360-941-1484

Youth & Family Ministry Beth Stephens 360-729-3031

O AK H ARBOR L UTHE RAN C HURCH a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) 1253 NW 2nd Avenue 360-679-1561 Oak Harbor, WA 98277 office@oakharborlutheran.org www.oakharborlutheran.org

Parish Secretary: Rekann Brannon

360-969-0775

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

360-678-2264

IN THIS ISSUE:

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

360-675-3957

Church Phone

360-679-1561

The Ten Commandments, gift and blessing, pg. 2 Sharing Tree bears fruit in the narthex, pg. 3

Click on these links for the December newsletter inserts:

What Child Is This?

Worship schedules for Advent & Christmas, pg. 4

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: http://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/december_2018.pdf

His Kids are thankful for moms, clouds & slides! pg. 5

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Book groups edit their schedules in December, pg. 5 Lutheran Disaster Response brings hope and healing, pg. 7

This issue was snail-mailed November 28, 2018 1

Pastor’s Page: The Ten Commandments, Part 3

assume the worst of others or interpret their words uncharitably is a form of bearing false witness as well, as it puts forth a characterization of someone that may well be untrue, with damage that isn’t easily undone.

o far in this three-part series of articles on the Ten Commandments, we have heard how God establishes these commandments with an eye to relationships. The first three deal with our relationship with him. In the next three some of the closest of human relationships are dealt with, including with our fathers and mothers and the relationship between husbands and wives. In this final installment we look to the last four commandments.

As we will see, in commandments seven through ten God widens his scope to address our relationships with our neighbors.

The ninth and tenth commandments deal with coveting, with wanting other peoples’ possessions, property, or relationships for ourselves. These commandments on coveting are different from the previous eight in that God is not restraining outward behavior but an inward disposition. Coveting is an inward disposition which goes beyond benign desire or ambition to become something more like greed or lust. The covetous heart is no longer capable of gratitude because it is always looking with longing at what other people have rather than looking with appreciation at what God has given us. It has been widely noted that excessive social media use can lead to depression in some people as they compare their own lives to the carefully curated lives they see in other Facebook feeds. People start to covet the possessions, accomplishments, vacations, relationships, or even just the smiles of others, failing to understand that they are seeing a highlight reel and not the whole picture. This is just a high-tech version of an age-old problem.

With these commandments God seeks to redirect our eyes from looking at the lives of others with an unhealthy longing so that we can instead begin to notice and appreciate the ways he is blessing us.

S

All human communities have recognized private property to some extent or another. Even the most dedicated hippie or communist won’t share their toothbrush. We need certain things that belong to us in order to carry out our callings in this world. It is often said, “good fences make good neighbors.” In the seventh commandment, “You shall not steal,” God builds a fence around property and belongings, guarding them from being snatched away. Stealing involves more than outright theft, however. As Luther notes in the catechism, dishonest or deceptive business dealings violate this commandment as well. Human community flourishes when people respect each other’s property and trade with honesty and integrity. As Christians we understand that everything ultimately belongs to God, and we recognize that our possessions are to be used in ways that honor God and serve the neighbor. We also respect our neighbor’s property and belongings, seeking to help them keep and maintain it.

The Ten Commandments are a gift and a blessing to us, given by our gracious and loving God to preserve and protect our relationships with him and with each other. When they are followed, God is honored and human communities flourish. There’s just one problem: they aren’t followed. The old Adam and Eve in us don’t see these commandments as a protective fence giving us space to live in right relationship. The old sinner in us sees it as a cage. We want out of this cage so that, like our spiritual ancestors, we can do what is right in our own eyes. We never truly get past the first commandment, wanting to be our own gods.

The eighth commandment is “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Lying is the most obvious violation of this commandment. Like stealing, lying prevents human community from flourishing. Basic trust in the words we speak to each other is foundational in every human community, whether a family or a nation.

In the catechism Luther further interprets the commandment to include any speech that slanders others or hurts their reputation. This kind of speech, even if technically truthful, bears false witness by lifting up the flaws or failures of others at the expense of their identity as a precious human being made in the image of God. It might be true, but it isn’t the whole truth. But Luther doesn’t stop there. He goes on to say that we should interpret the words of others in the kindest possible light. To

Thankfully, God sent us more than Moses and his stone tablets. He sent us his Son, born in Bethlehem. He sent his Son, Jesus, who died and rose to establish and preserve our relationship with God forever.

Through Christ our sin is forgiven and Jesus begins to raise up a new person in us. Through his Spirit, God’s commandments begin to be written on our hearts and lived out with joy as a fruit of faith.

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer 2

You are invited to…

Luth Youth to Warm Beach to see the lights On Sunday, December 9, OHLC Luth Youth are headed to Warm Beach Christian Camp in Stanwood for The Lights of Christmas! Come enjoy spectacular displays of over a million lights! There will also be carolers and other live entertain-ment, food booths, bonfires, and a giant nativity scene. We have rented a bus (thanks, Lydia Circle!) for the journey to Stanwood. Seats on the bus are open to OHLC youth and their parents/guardians on a first-come, firstserved basis, based on responses through the Connection Card in the worship bulletins.

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 will 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 $11 per person ($8 military).

Youth and adults are encouraged to bring money for food, etc. Be sure to dress for the weather!

Youth & Family Night at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 2, 6:00-7:30 PM

All About Advent!

Deck the halls!

Our sanctuary Christmas trees will be going up soon and will be decorated after worship on Sunday, Dec. 9. 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!

FEATURING OUR EPIC

HOT CHOCOLATE BAR! Including: MARSHMALLOWS WHIPPED CREAM PEPPERMINT STICKS PEANUT BUTTER CARAMEL SYRUP STRAWBERRY SYRUP RAINBOW SPRINKLES AND MORE!

Visit the Sharing Tree Starting Nov. 25, our Sharing Tree will be decorated with tags and on display in the narthex. Each tag includes a gift suggestion for someone in need. These needs have been gathered from Josephine Home in Stanwood, El Camino de Emaus in Burlington, and from our local community on Whidbey Island. You are invited to review the tags and choose one or more to take with you. After you have purchased the item on the tag, please wrap it and bring it back to OHLC with the tag on the outside. (Please look at the tags carefully – some have very specific directions.) All gifts must be returned to OHLC by Sunday, Dec. 16. Thank you for helping our friends in need this Christmas!

We’ll also play GAMES, make a NATIVITY CRAFT, and all families will receive a special ADVENT DEVOTION BOOK!

Join us for an evening of fun and fellowship!

3

Worship schedule for Advent & Christmas

In December. . .

Fair Trade Winds at OHLC on December 9

O

Fair Trade Winds will be coming to OHLC on Sunday, Dec. 9, offering goods from artisans from developing nations. Visit their display in Herrigstad Hall between or after services to peruse a wide variety of gifts. Your purchases directly support farmers and craftspeople in impoverished lands. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will be sent to Lutheran World Relief.

Join us on Wednesdays during Advent!

n Wednesdays during the Advent season (Dec. 5, 12, and 19) we will be gathering at 12:00 noon and 6:00 PM for worship services. We have a special Advent liturgy prepared, and Pastor Spencer will preach on passages from the prophet Isaiah to begin to answer the most important question of the season: “What Child is This?”

Meals of soup and bread will be served afterwards at 12:30 and 6:30 PM. You’re invited to sign up on the round table in the narthex to bring soup and/or bread and to help with clean-up.

Adult Education: The Bible Project The Bible Project continues! We meet in the library/ fireside room on Sundays from 9:15 to 10:15 AM, and Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. If you’d like to get caught up on previous books we’ve covered you can visit our church website or Facebook page for videos and discussion questions from past sessions. Here’s what’s coming up in December: Sunday, Dec. 2/Tuesday, Dec. 4: Ezra-Nehemiah Sunday, Dec. 9/Tuesday, Dec. 11: Psalms Sunday, Dec. 16/Tuesday, Dec. 18: Proverbs Sunday, Dec. 23/(no class 12/25!): Song of Songs

Christmas Worship Schedule Share the joy of Christmas!

Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us for worship!

Advent Calendars: The world is about to turn...

Celebrate the excitement, anticipation and wonder of the birth of Christ with an Advent calendar from the ELCA. Each day is a reminder of the reason for the season with hymns, prayers, Bible verses, and stories of how ELCA Good Gifts make a difference in the world. These calendars are free and available in the narthex.

Christmas Eve 4:00 PM: Family Service featuring the Sunday School Christmas Program 7:00 PM: Traditional Service with Candlelight and Communion 10:00 PM: Traditional Service with Candlelight and Communion

Sunday School news The annual Sunday School Christmas program will be presented as a part of the 4 PM worship service on Christmas Eve. Rehearsals will take place during class time on the Sundays in December.

Questions? Give me a call in the church office, 360-6791561, or send me an e-mail, martha@oakharborlutheran.org.

Martha Ellis

Christmas Day 10:30 AM: Service of Carols and Communion

4

His Kids Preschoolí

Kennedy: Candy Colt: School

PM Class Edwin: Mom Sharon: My mom and my family Andi: The clouds Taylor: My friends, like Kaitlyn Aiden: Helping people Naomi: My mom and dad Logan G: The color green Sadie: Miss Kim Alina: Food Adalyn: Bedtime Paisley: My family Kaitlyn: My pets Grey: My mom Avery: My family Charlee: My mom and dad and brother and sister Hanna: My mommy and daddy and grandma and grandpa

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

T

he month of November was all about the letters G, N, and T, focusing on Good Nutrition and Thankfulness and how we can share God’s good gifts for us and to others. Our field trip was to see Ms. Susan at our local Haggen grocery store. She talked to us about the five food groups and sent us home with our own bag of yummy things to try such as ham, cheese, Honey Crisp apples, sweet mini peppers, yogurt covered pretzels, baby carrots, all topped off with snickerdoodle cookies and a hot cocoa from Starbucks. She really took care of us, and we are thankful for her generosity to our program each year!

Our hearts are thankful for His Kids Preschool, the staff, and the congregation of OHLC that supports this beautiful ministry!

Back at class, we painted plates and filled them with our five food groups, as well as finger-painted paper cutout milk jugs with chocolate pudding. We colored, cut and glued our fruit and vegetable bowls as well as easelpainted giant turkeys and made delicious-looking paper sandwiches. Don’t worry, we didn’t have the children taste those paper-made projects, because we had our own Thanksgiving feast before we left for our break from school!

God’s Peace, Ms. Elva, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Sara

BookMarksí

During the month of November while we are learning about the food groups, we help the children get a hands-on learning experience as families bring in food donations to be given towards our local food bank.

We have over 100 items to be sorted into their various food groups and passed along to Help House! This amount of donations was amazing, and we are so thankful for to our children (as well as their parents/ guardians) who have given towards this cause.

Book Group meets Dec. 4 at 6:00 PM in the home of TheGayeCoupeville Rodriguey, 228 Rhodena Drive (note the earlier time!). In

celebration of the Advent/Christmas season, everyone’s invited to bring an appetizer to share. Jan Heideger will lead discussion of The Abundance, by Amit Majmudar: A luminous, bittersweet novel of India and the American midwest, immigrants and their first-generation children, and the power of cooking to bridge the gulfs between them.

Fiction, 255 pages

This month we asked our children what their hearts are thankful for. Please take a moment to take in their delightful answers, and then reflect on what your own hearts are thankful for. Sometimes the simplest answer is the most profound.

Second Wednesday Book Group meets at 11:30 AM on Dec. 12 Theat China City for a Christmas lunch (note the time/location changes

“My heart is thankful for...”

AM Class Easton: Dad Logan B: Dad Ainhara: Friends Cole: Mom, for working Elijah: Swimming

Lily: School Scott: Toys

from the usual schedule!). Please bring a gift-wrapped book that the group has not read for the book swap.

Lawson: Riding a pony Mya: My family Levi: Doing puzzles Amy: Friends Owen: Slides Logan Z: My toys

Newcomers are always welcome at book group gatherings! For more information, contact Gaye Rodriguey (Coupeville group), 360-6783561, gaye@tobysuds.com, or Leona McKee (2nd Wednesday group), 360-675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

5

OHLC Womení

Circle meetings in December 12/ 3

Lydia Circle meets at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall for our annual Christmas potluck. Please bring a dish to share and a white elephant gift ($10).

12/10

Deborah Circle meets at 10 AM in the library for Bible study: Fear Not, December 2018 Gather magazine, pages 24-25.

12/13

Deborah Circle meets at 10 AM in the library for our annual Advent brunch and gift exchange. Bible study continues in Fear Not, Gather magazine, pages 26-27.

Opportunities for fellowship, study & service Wrap-up on the Holiday Bazaar

T

he Lydia Circle of OHLC would like to thank our congregation for your gifts of time, talents, crafts, baked goods and auction items so generously provided for our sixth annual Holiday Bazaar.

God provided us with a beautiful sunny day on November 3, (NO rain this year!!) and there was much joy and laughter amidst the twinkling Christmas lights and table after table of beautiful, crafty items. Thank you, too, to everyone who opened your checkbooks to make your purchases, to the local vendors who participated, and especially to our spouses and other volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this bazaar a success!

As always, all proceeds benefit our Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Your Lydia ladies, Peg, Mary, Becky, Sheila, Anita, Amy, Michelle, Jodi, Andrea, Roberta, Angela, Beth

Circle notes Deborah Circle: No meeting on Dec. 20 – Merry Christmas! No meeting on Dec. 27 – Happy New Year!

Lydia Circle: Bible study will resume January 7 at 6:00 PM in the prayer room, with the Self-Study Bible Course by Derek Prince, Study 4: Water Baptism – How? When? Why? Copies of the study book are still available; please join us!

Rebecca Circle: No meeting in December; we’ll resume on January 15, 10:00 AM in the library.

Beads and baskets benefit Ugandan families Gaye Rodriguey will have Bead for Life jewelry and baskets available for sale during December Sunday fellowship and Wednesday evening Advent soup suppers. This important ministry empowers Ugandan women to start their own businesses and provide a living for themselves and their children. Questions?

Contact Gaye, gaye@tobysuds.com.

Blanket Workshop Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, December 4&5, starting at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Sewing experience is not required! For more information, contact Leona McKee, 360-675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net .

2019 Women’s Retreat

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

Loving Kindness

The deadline for articles for the January 2019 newsletter is Tuesday, December 18.

April 26-28, 2019 Quaker Cove, Anacortes Registration information will be included in the January newsletter.

Year-end note: In order to be included in your 2018 statement of giving, all offerings must be received by 12:00 noon on Monday, Dec 6

Compassion Ministryí

Lutheran Disaster Response: Every disaster is local Adapted from the Lutheran Disaster Response website:

Lutheran Disaster Response brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. After the dust settles and the headlines change, they stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.

Making a difference through Stephen Ministry’s care

W

ould you like to be part of a ministry that makes a difference in people’s lives? Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who provide a one-on-one caring ministry to people who are experiencing grief, divorce, loneliness, job loss, hospitalization, and other troubled times.

Stephen Minsters are trained in well-established listening and communication skills to address the needs of the care receiver. Stephen Ministers participate in a support system of pastoral care and trained leadership who monitor and advise the Stephen Minster in their caregiving task.

Above all, Stephen Ministers are compassionate helpers, listening to their care receiver and offering prayer and spiritual support.

It is the unique dynamic of Stephen Ministries that equip us to offer the love of Christ to those who are spiritually seeking support through hard times.

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church is offering training for this valuable ministry, beginning in January 2019. If you are interested in signing up or you have some questions, please call the church office at 360-679-1561. Rekann Brannon will connect you to our Stephen Ministry coordinators, Pastor Marc Stroud and Gaye Rodriguey.

Lutheran Disaster Response recognizes that every disaster is local and every response needs to be rooted in the community. They work to accompany communities from immediate relief through longterm recovery. Internationally, they partner closely with companion churches and other Lutheran and ecumenical relief agencies to make sure local needs are addressed and met. In the U.S., they work through an extensive affiliate network and other partners to address those same concerns.

California Wildfires: Lutheran Disaster Response is working with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, L.S.S. of Northern California, and the California synods to respond to the widespread wildfires, assessing ever-changing situations to determine the best response.

2018 Hurricane Response: Responses have been coordinated through Lutheran Services Carolinas for Hurricane Florence relief and through Lutheran Services Florida, the Florida-Bahamas Synod and partners and affiliates in areas impacted by Hurricane Michael.

Google ‘Lutheran Disaster Response ELCA’ for links to their website which offers more information and opportunities to make donations. Gifts may also be made through OHLC; please designate your gift Lutheran Disaster Response. You may specify ‘Hurricanes’ or ‘Wildfires’ or give a gift to be used wherever LDR has the greatest need.

Thank you for your generosity!

In Appreciationí

During our October mission focus on Lutheran World Relief, we received $2027. These generous gifts have been divided as follows: $591 was spent on shipping costs for OHLC’s quilts & kits $786 was sent to Lutheran World Relief $650 was set aside for the spring LWR shipment of quilts & kits

you one and all for your caring response to the untimely death of Thank my older brother, Alfred Bothum, Jr. The cards, expressions of concern, prayers, and thoughtful comments were and will continue to be treasured by me and Alfred’s entire family.

Blessings to all, Barbara Wilson 7

devastating losses. Wouldn’t you know it, her reply was exactly the same: “It was my faith.�

Josephine Caring Community, Stanwood The Church’s One Foundation

Both Laura and Deena taught me loud and clear, in that short hour I had the privilege to briefly hold their pain and listen, that the foundational messages we grow up with and learn in life are incredibly important. Does God promise to walk with us when we are going through rough times? “Ya, sure, ya betcha.� However, it is also those foundational years that can be incredibly important to draw from. For many of us, that time is now!

T

here is a piece going around the internet sharing the favorite hymns of different professions. I’ll share few here, and let you google the rest if you’re interested: The Dentist’s Hymn – Crown Him With Many Crowns.

The Tailor’s Hymn – Holy, Holy, Holy.

The Golfer’s Hymn – There Is A Green Hill Far Away.

The Architect’s Hymn – The Church’s One Foundation.

As always, dear Josephine Partners, I give thanks for your wonderful support of our ministry here. You make it possible for me to continue to listen and learn from some wonderful saints in light. God bless!

Warmly, Chaplain Andy Josephine Caring Community

It’s this last one that offered me this month’s inspiration. One of the things that I love the best about being a chaplain at Josephine is the time that I get to sit down one-on-one with folks. As I mentioned in previous articles, although we would not wish the pain and suffering of getting older on others, I have found, time and time again, that folks who are going through those times often have a lot to teach us if we take the time to listen carefully. I’d love to share a couple of those experiences with you now from two of our female residents.

The first, I’ll call her “Laura� here, will be 100 years old soon! I never need to give her a Bible study sheet to study because she is almost totally blind and she uses a walker so that she can get around the facility at her own brisk but steady pace. However, I’d like to focus not on Laura’s physical limitations but on something she shared as we had the chance to sit down and talk one day outside my office. We spoke for about 20 minutes about a whole range of things, when I then had the opportunity to ask about her family. She shared that she had seven children and that three of them passed away. I took the time to try to empathize with her by trying to imagine what that would have felt like if it happened to me, and I couldn’t – or wouldn’t – because it would be too painful to consider, and I shared that struggle with her. I then asked Laura, “How were you able to get through those devastating losses?�

After a brief and thoughtful pause, she replied, “It was my faith.�

Lesser Festivals & CommemorationsĂ­ 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

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 27 John, Apostle and Evangelist 28 The Holy Innocents, martyrs

This month’s decorative fonts are

Less than an hour later, I had a 15-minute conversation with “Deena.â€? Deena is only 87 đ&#x;˜Š, and she shared about her four children, mentioning that two had passed away. Seemingly too much to be a coincidence, the similarities that I had in two separate conversations less than an hour apart, I also asked Deena how she got through her

Kingthings Christmas and Kingthings Petrock.

Little Lutheran bags in December – Dave & Peg Fosnaugh 8

December 24 – Christmas Eve

Worship Assistantsí

4:00 PM

December 2 Assisting Minister: G. Anglum 8:00 AM Communion Asst.: Tracey Tomlin Healing Ushers: Fosnaugh family Prayer: M. Stroud, Music: Morning Glory G. Rodriguey Assisting Minister: Jan Heideger 10:30 AM Communion Asst.: Gisela Hawley Healing Music: Harbor Choir Prayer: M. Stroud J. McCullough Presider: Pastor Marc Stroud 6:30 PM Cantor: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Christmas program!

Acolyte: Johannes Christensen Computer: Donna Aspery

7:00 PM

Organ/Piano: Kris Bruland 10:00 PM Acolyte: Ryleigh Bruce Computer: Luke Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst

10:30 AM

6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Shanna Lundstrom Communion Asst.: Peg Fosnaugh Ushers: Margraf family Music: Morning Glory Assisting Minister: Trudy Decker Communion Asst.: Jay Decker Music: Harbor Choir, Harbor Bells Presider: Pastor Jay Decker Cantor: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

10:30 AM

10:30 AM

6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Jeff Margraf Communion Asst.: Marge Moore Ushers: Ellis family Music: Praise Team Assisting Minister: Carol Wall Communion Asst.: Jan McCullough Music: Harbor Choir Presider: Pastor Marc Stroud Cantor: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

December 30

Acolyte: Mackenzie Mathieu Computer: Sheila Ryan

10:30 AM

Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Acolyte: John Totten Computer: Peter Spencer Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan Assisting Min.: Gisela Hawley Piano: Kris Bruland

6:30 PM

8:00 AM

10:30 AM

6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: K. Krotz-Sperry Communion Asst.: Gaye Rodriguey Ushers: Lenita Forster, Joan Flowers Music: Morning Glory, Youth Choir Assisting Minister: Bobbi Miller Communion Asst.: Rita Cline Music: Harbor Choir, Youth Choir Presider: Pastor Jeffrey Spencer Cantor: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Organ/Piano: Kris Bruland Acolyte: Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Acolyte: Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan

Assisting Minister: Paul Senness Communion Asst.: Mike Fankhauser Ushers: Assisting Minister: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Rita Carter Presider: Pastor Marc Stroud Cantor: Carol Reafs Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Acolyte: Anders Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Acolyte: Johannes Christensen Computer: M. or K. Brock Organ/Piano: Kris Bruland Acolyte: John Totten Computer: Organ/Piano: Sue Stroud Assisting Min.: Carol Snoble Piano: Kris Bruland

Financial Reportí Acolyte: Isabel Carr Computer: Hanai Zakimi Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan Acolyte: Rees Myers Computer: Anders Spencer Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst Assisting Min.: Margaret Anderson Piano: Kris Bruland

October

October $ 45,970 41,877 $ 4,092

Income Outgo

Year to date $ 368,866 379,280 $ (10,414)

Worship Attendanceí

December 23 8:00 AM

Assisting Minister: Carol Wall Communion Asst.: Bob Wall

Assisting Min.: Charles Wardle Piano: Kris Bruland

December 16 8:00 AM

Acolyte:

December 25– Christmas Day

December 9 8:00 AM

Assisting Minister: Keith Yeager Communion Asst.: Gaye Rodriguey Ushers: Steve Ellis & crew Assisting Minister: Carol Fitzgerald Communion Asst.: Marge Moore Music: Harbor Choir Assisting Minister: Sheila Ryan Communion Asst.: Mark Needler Music: Harbor Choir

Date 8:00 AM Nov. 7 70 Nov. 14 66 Nov. 21 86 Nov. 28 63 Average Att. 71

Acolyte: Lucas Stone Computer: M. or K. Brock Organ/Piano: Sue Stroud Acolyte: John Totten Computer: Rick Culbertson Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan Assisting Min.: Curt Davis Piano: Kris Bruland

10:30 AM 110 119 117 122 117

November Coupeville 20 22 20 25 22

Average Sunday attendance: 213 9

Nursery 2 1 5 2 3

SUNDAY 2 Healing prayer at the morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 The Bible Project 9:15 Worship 10:30 Den meetings 3:00 Youth & Fam. Night 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 9 Fair Trade Fair Worship 8:00 Directory photos 9 AM-1:30 PM

MONDAY

TUESDAY

3

4

12:30 Munchy Monday

9:00 Blanket Workshop

5:30 Girl Scouts 6:00 Lydia Circle 6:15 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 North Whidbey NA

6:00 Patrol Leaders 7:00 The Bible Project 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Boy Scouts

10

11

12:30 Munchy Monday

Sunday School The Bible Project Worship

9:15 2:00 Coping Through The 9:15 Holidays/WhidbeyHealth 10:30 Sanc. trees decorating 11:45 5:30 Girl Scouts Piano recital 1:30 6:00 SPIN Café Board Den meetings 3:00 7:00 North Whidbey NA Bus leaves for lights 4:00 7:00 Piano Recital Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 16 Sharing Tree deadline s 17 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 The Bible Project 9:15 Men’s Ensemble 9:15 5:30 Girl Scouts Worship 10:30 6:15 4-H K-9 Korps WSMTA Recital 1:30 7:00 North Whidbey NA Confirmation 5:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 23 24 Christmas Eve Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Christmas Eve Worship Worship 10:30 4:00: Christmas program 7:00: Candlelight & Communion Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 10:00: Candlelight & Communion 30 31 Worship 8:00 NOON – Deadline for Worship 10:30 year-end offerings to count for 2018 giving.

9:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

7:00 The Bible Project 7:00 Boy Scouts

WEDNESDAY 5 9:00 Blanket Workshop 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Harbor Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

12 11:30 Book Group 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Harbor Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

THURSDAY 6 10:00 Deborah Circle

SATURDAY 1

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

8

13 10:00 Deborah Circle

14

3:45 Youth Choir 4:00 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:15 Stephen Ministry 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council

6:00 OHLC Staff Christmas party

21

22

28

29

18 Newsletter Deadline

19

20

6:30 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 The Bible Project 7:00 Boy Scouts

12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Harbor Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon 26 OHLC at SPIN Café

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

25 Christmas Day Church office closed

FRIDAY 7

27 OHLC at SPIN Café

15

Christmas Day Worship 10:30 AM - Service of Carols and Communion 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!

The church calendar is updated regularly on OHLC’s website, www.oakharborlutheran.org

M, T, W: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:45-3:45 PM Th, F 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Christmas Break: Dec. 17-Jan 1

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 6:00 North Whidbey NA

10