Harbor Beacon, March 2015

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 62, Issue 3

March 2015

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

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 Let the children come, pg. 2

Click on these links for the March newsletter inserts:

Luth Youth field trip, pg. 3

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

Faces at the Cross highlight Lenten midweek worship, pg. 4

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/March2015Spirit.pdf

Late-breaking news about Lynne! pg. 5 His Kids look ahead to be… pilots, police officers, and a flying princess, pg. 7

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Scholarship in memory of Coach Lindberg, pg. 10

This issue was snail-mailed February 26, 2015 1

Pastor’s Page

bulletins based on the lectionary readings for the day for reading-age kids. At the 10:30 service we offer a children’s activity time in the fellowship hall during the sermon to give parents a break and to help everyone hear the Word proclaimed.

Let the children come

“Gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged, gather the children, even infants at the breast.”

Joel 2:16

We’ll be doing even more in the future. I’ve been gathering good ideas from colleagues about how to get kids engaged with the liturgy throughout the service. I plan on consulting with former OHLC staff member Lynne Ogren so I might start to offer something similar to her “Parenting in the Pew” class a few times a year. I’ve heard from parents that this class was quite helpful in teaching them how to teach their children appropriate behavior in the sanctuary, and, even more importantly, how to engage them in the worship service so they might be formed in faith rather than merely appeased for an hour or so.

“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me.’”

Mark 10:13-14

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e are incredibly blessed at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church to be a congregation with an abundance of young families with children.

This demographic is the holy grail being sought by so many congregations, and we have more than most here at OHLC. We regularly delight in the number of kids who come up for the children’s sermon. We rejoice to see so many wide-eyed toddlers and babes-inarms at the altar rail to receive a blessing. We currently have a bullpen of young acolytes so deep they have to wait up to two months to get a slot on the schedule. We are treated to regular offerings from an often robust children’s choir. We are blessed to hear things like little Marion’s sweet voice chirping out the Lord’s Prayer.

Even with all of these efforts, as long as we have young families with children in worship with us (and may it continue!), there will always be a certain amount of noise during our worship service. To those who are distracted by this noise, please be patient. Consider moving closer to the front. (There’s almost always room up there!)

Provide more encouragement and support to young parents than advice.

To young parents, please be mindful of the need for others, especially aging ears, to hear the Word of God. Utilize all we have to offer to give yourself and those around you a good worship experience. But also know this: even on your worst morning, even when your children are peeling the paint off the sanctuary walls with their squealing and squawking, we are glad you are here. I receive comments just about every Sunday about how glad people are that we have so many children regularly worshipping with us.

Of course, all these kids in our worship services bring with them more than just a series of precious moments. They also bring some challenges. They create distractions. They fidget. Sometimes they even puke. (True story!) Babies cry. Toddlers have meltdowns. Some of these children act like – well – like children.

Sometimes even the pastor’s kids create a ruckus. I recently learned that two of my sons were involved in a tussle in the pew just before worship one morning. My wife had stepped out of the sanctuary and I had yet to process in, allowing the tussle to escalate until it got to the point where they were furiously whapping each other with their worship bulletins. This all happened at our Christmas morning worship service. Good grief. Intervention came from no less than our council president, who broke it up by coming over and pointedly sitting between them until they settled down. The pastor’s kids. Busted by the council president. On Christmas morning. Good grief!

Yes, it is important that those who attend worship be able to hear the Word of God. Yes, it is important to teach children appropriate behavior in church. But let us never forget our biblical mandate to welcome children into the life of our congregation – even when they act like children. Let us never take for granted what a blessing it is to have so many young families with children worshipping with us. The distractions they cause might be a problem from time to time, but it is a wonderful problem. It is the best possible problem for a congregation. It is a problem we are blessed to have.

We do a lot at OHLC to minimize the distractions children sometimes cause during worship. We offer nursery care. We have a special carpet in the corner where restless toddlers can toddle. We have “Little Lutheran” activity bags with quiet, faith-based activities for preschoolers and early elementary children. We have special children’s

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

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Growing & Learning

March 8: Luth Youth field trip to Bellingham On Sunday, March 8, we will be taking a combined Jr./Sr. High Luth Youth field trip to Bellingham to attend the Compassion International traveling interactive exhibit on the lives of children in developing nations. Parents and siblings are welcome to join us. This exhibit profiles Uganda and Bolivia, two countries we have close ties with here at OHLC! Here’s an excerpt from the Compassion International website: Through over 2,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, visitors will step inside daily life in a developing country — visiting homes, markets and schools — without getting on a plane. Through the use of an iPod and headset, each tour is guided by a child whose story starts in poverty but ends in hope. The event is an excellent opportunity to experience another culture and better understand the realities of global poverty. Don’t miss this life-changing event brought to you by Compassion International and Cornwall Church.

We’ll leave from church promptly at 12:15 PM. Feel free to bring snacks or a sack lunch to eat on the drive to Bellingham. We will be going out for pizza in Bellingham afterwards to discuss what we have learned, and will be back at church by 6:00 PM at the latest.

For others who are interesting in attending, visit www.changetour.compassion.com/bellingham/ for reservations and more details. The exhibit runs from March 6 through March 9.

The Gospel of John: A visual study Our Sunday morning study of John’s gospel continues in March, with a couple of important and welcome interruptions to our schedule. We meet at 9:15 AM in the library, except for March 15. Here’s the schedule of readings and topics for our March Bible studies: March 1: March 8: March 15: March 22: March 29:

Ministry of the Month (ELCA World Hunger) John 14:15-15:6 (The True Vine) “Understanding Church Finances” (in sanctuary) John 15:7-16:11 (Love One Another) John 16:12-17:26 (From Sorrow to Joy)

Sunday, March 15: Understanding Church Finances Join us between services (9:15 – 10:15 AM) in the sanctuary on Sunday, March 15, for an informational meeting on church finances. We will: - Review 2014 financial reports (which had been delayed) - Explain financial practices and procedures - Describe our financial goals for 2015 Our 2014 financial reports are available on the welcome desk in the narthex. Feel free to pick one up, and bring any questions to the meeting.

Holy Communion Class for kids and parents

Art of Marriage finale, March 8

Pastor Spencer will be offering a two-session class for kids (K3 grade) and parents on Sundays, March 22 & 29. This class is offered as a preparation for those who would like to receive their first communion on Easter Sunday. It is also offered as ongoing communion education for those already receiving the sacrament. Parents are an important part of this new curriculum, and are expected to be in attendance with their child. We will meet during Sunday School time, from 9:15-10:15. (Check the whiteboard in the narthex each Sunday for the location.) To ensure we have enough books, RSVP via the opportunity form, or by e-mailing Pastor Spencer at pastor@oakharborlutheran.org .

Join us for the last session in our video series, The Art of Marriage. The concluding session is entitled “Love Lasts” and deals with the theme of leaving a legacy. We’ll meet in the library on Sunday, March 8, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Each session stands alone, so it isn’t too late to join us – even for this last session! Solo spouses are welcome. Child care is provided. Your marriage is important – join us for The Art of Marriage and make yours a masterpiece!

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The season of Lent

Schedule for Holy Week & Easter

Wednesdays in Lent: Worship and soup

Sunday, March 29: Palm Sunday

e continue through the Lenten season with Wednesday gatherings for worship and soup suppers. Services are held at noon and 6:00 PM, with soup suppers following immediately.

Please consider signing up at the display in the narthex to bring soup and/or bread or help with set-up and clean-up. Offerings received at these meals will go to ELCA World Hunger.

Worship at 8:00 & 10:30 AM, beginning with a congregational procession with palms

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Thursday, April 2, Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00 PM

Friday, April 3, Good Friday Worship at 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM

Holden Evening Prayer is our liturgy for our midweek services, which will center on the theme:

Saturday, April 4, Easter Vigil

Faces at the Cross

Worship at 7:00 PM, beginning at the fire pit behind the education wing

Sunday, April 5, The Resurrection of our Lord

Using classic monologues by J. Barrie Shepherd, OHLC members will dramatize the thoughts and experiences of those who stood at the foot of Jesus’ cross.

Festival worship at 8:00 & 10:30 AM, with Easter breakfast served at 9:00 in the fellowship hall

Sign up for Easter flowers!

March 4: Mary Magdalene March 11: The Penitent Thief March 18: The Centurion March 25: Mary, Mother of our Lord

On Easter morning, April 5, we would like to adorn our sanctuary with flowers in celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This year we will place a special order from the church office for white lilies and yellow begonias. We invite you to reserve one or more plants in memory or in honor of loved ones.

Although donations may be in any amount, the suggested donation for one plant is $18. (OHLC’s cost per plant is $18, which includes foil and bow and delivery to the church.) A bulletin insert will list designations in memory or in honor of an event or loved one.

These powerful monologues provide profound and surprisingly uplifting insights into the meaning of the cross, and are sure to stir and deepen our faith this Lenten season.

Sign up for Easter flowers on an opportunity form included in your Sunday morning worship bulletin, or contact Carol Wiskow in the church office, 360-679-1561, office@oakharborlutheran.org, and be sure to specify your preference for white lily or yellow begonia as well as the designation for the bulletin insert.

Lent is an occasion for us to journey with Christ … into tomorrow. For you never walk with Christ long but what the dawn breaks, the sun shines and hope breaks through.

- C. Neil Straight

The deadline for Easter flower orders is Sunday, March 22.

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Endowment Committee

Table Fellowship

ow! On Sunday, February 8, the Endowment Committee of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church held a Will/Estate Planning Seminar.

There were thirty folks in attendance as Attorney and fellow Lutheran, Brian Stiles from Sedro-Woolley led a one-hour discussion with questions and answers. It appeared to be valuable for those in attendance.

OHLC to celebrate Pi(e) Day on March 15!

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oin us after the 10:30 service on Sunday, March 15 as we celebrate Pi(e) Day! What is Pi(e) Day? Pi is a mathematical term which refers to the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter: 3.1415. When March 14 rolls around each year (3/14), people use it as an excuse to eat pie. This year is extra special in that the date (3/14/15) reflects the numerical value of pi for an additional two digits.

We’ll be celebrating Pi(e) Day a day late, but as we do so we will give thanks to God our Creator, who brought into existence both pi and pie!

Pie bakers are encouraged to sign up via our opportunity form to bring pie for this occasion. All are welcome to join us to eat the pies.

Thank you to Rita Cline for keeping this quirky OHLC tradition going!

As a member of this congregation, we urge you to reflect on your will situation and please note the value of continuing your stewardship to the Lord’s work by including something for Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

It was pointed out that without a will there would be no dollars coming from your estate to the Lord’s work anywhere. Consider designating 10% to the church in this practical way.

It was also pointed out that a will and some planning is one of the best gifts we can give our loved ones that survive us.

Blessings, Bob Wall, Chair of the Endowment team

Men’s Ministry

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Late-breaking news Lynne receives Montana assignment

Lutheran Men in Mission & the Brotherhood of St. Bernard

On February 24, OHLC’s seminarian, Lynne Ogren, got word that she has been assigned to the Montana synod of the ELCA. She is now awaiting an interview with a congregation. Once she has received a call from a congregation, her ordination here at OHLC will be scheduled.

Please continue to pray for Lynne in this period of waiting and discernment.

utheran Men in Mission meet Saturday, March 7 in Herrigstad Hall at church. Remember those New Year’s resolutions you made to keep in shape? Two trainers from North End Fitness Center in Oak Harbor will be our guests to talk about simple ways we can stay healthy and keep from falling over. Breakfast (no doubt a particularly healthy one this month!) will be served at 8:00 AM; the coffee will be ready at 7:30.

The Brotherhood of St. Bernard meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, March 10 & 24, at noon in Herrigstad Hall for good conversation and good food, as well as Bible study and prayer. If you’re retired or you have a job that gives you an hour at noon for lunch, then it would be great to have you join us. Come and see!

Congratulations to the Dolphin Divers!

Pastor Spencer’s reading challenge team, the Dolphin Divers, (including 9-year-old Anders Spencer) were the Broad View Elementary champions, and will represent their school at the district semi-finals on March 11. The Reading Challenge is a program for third graders put on by the Sno-Isle Library system, and this year includes 36 elementary schools in western Washington. Kids volunteer for the program, and meet during their lunch recess on Mondays. Pastor Spencer has been volunteering on Mondays as a coach for the program.

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BookMarks

OHLC Women Opportunities for fellowship, study, and service

The Coupeville Book Group meets at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, in the home of Julie Ward, 1053 Halsey Drive. Gaye Rodriguey will be leading the discussion of the book, Let’s Take the Long Way Home, a memoir of friendship, by Gail Caldwell:

Circles 3/2 & 16 Lydia Circle meets at 6:30 PM in the education wing 3/2, 12, 19, 26 Deborah Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library 3/17 Rebecca Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library

“It’s an old, old story: I had a friend and we shared everything, and she died and so we shared that, too.” So begins this gorgeous memoir

by Pulitzer Prize winner Gail Caldwell, a testament to the power of friendship, a story of how an extraordinary bond between two women can illuminate the loneliest, funniest, hardest moments in life, including the final and ultimate challenge.

They met over their dogs. Both writers, Gail Caldwell and Caroline Knapp (author of Drinking: A Love Story) became best friends, talking about everything from a shared history of a struggle with alcohol, to relationships with men and colleagues, to their love of books. They walked the woods of New England and rowed the Charles River; miles logged on land and water became a measure of the interior ground they covered. From disparate backgrounds but striking emotional similarities, these private, fiercely self-reliant women created an attachment more profound than either could have foreseen. Then, several years into this remarkable connection, Knapp was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

With her signature exquisite prose, Caldwell mines the deepest levels of devotion and grief in this moving memoir about treasuring and losing a best friend, and about coming of age, in the middle of life.

Let’s Take the Long Way Home is a celebration of life and of the transformations that come from intimate connection – and it affirms, once again, why Gail Caldwell is recognized as one of our bravest and most honest literary voices.

Nonfiction, 186 pages

Deborah Circle notes: Each gathering ends at noon. In March, we’ll begin a new study, Transforming Life and Faith, found in the September 2014 – May 2015 issues of Gather magazine. Jean Congdon will lead Session 1, “Transformation and Conversion.”

Blanket Workshop may have arrived on Whidbey Island, but it’s always winter Spring somewhere in the world. With that in mind, Blanket Workshop

meets Tuesday & Wednesday, March 3 & 4, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief. These quilts are sent around the world to wrap people in warmth, as well as serve as room dividers, baby carriers, sacks for transporting goods to market, sunshades, and a host of other uses including providing a constant reminder that someone cares. Help us get ready for the Spring ingathering, coming up in early May! No experience necessary; drop by the fellowship hall; see what we’re doing and find out how you might be able to help.

Heart & Hand

handwork group, Heart & Hand, meets at 9:30 AM on Friday, OHLC’s March 20 in the prayer room. Bring your own handwork project,

The Second Wednesday Book Group meets at 1:00 PM in the church library on March 11 to discuss The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot:

work on baptismal banners (the Richards triplets will be baptized soon!), or help make infant sweaters and hats for baby care kits for Lutheran World Relief.

Skloot documents the story of how scientists in 1951 took cells from a cancer patient - a 30-year-old descendant of freed slaves – without her knowledge or consent, and created a human cell line.

Although she died 8 months later, the cell line has been kept alive indefinitely, enabling discoveries in such areas as cancer research, in vitro fertilization, and gene mapping. The cells are still providing the basis for research, while their original donor is all but forgotten.

Nonfiction, 369 pages

Included in this newsletter are Prayer Ventures and The Spirit for March. The deadline for articles for the April newsletter is Friday, March 20.

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His Kids Preschool

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outside our classroom door for a delightful look at the posters highlighting our Star Students!

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

The last couple months, the children have been focusing on community helpers and the jobs they do. We asked the children to finish this sentence, “When I grow up, I’d like to be a ...” and here are their responses:

ebruary is drawing to a close, and it’s been a short but very active month for the children at His Kids! We started the month with a (planned!!) visit from the Oak Harbor Fire Department. They rolled in with their fire truck, made an in-class presentation about fire safety, and finally gave a quick parking lot tour of the fire truck to the children.

Morning class Raelee: a princess Willow: a cooker Andrew T.: a football player Lillian: a doctor Reagan: a teacher Joshua: a fireman Arin: a doctor William: a race car driver Evelyn: a police officer Winter: a doctor Graham: a race car driver Lucy: a policeman Andrew L.: a firefighter and a race car driver Chloe: a cook

During the month, we learned about our five senses, as well as friends, family, and the love that God has for each and every one of us.

The classroom is decorated with our “smelly” flowers and our texture (touch) gardens. We made paper towel tube spyglasses and talked about our vision, and made egg-shaped shakers to use while singing. To finish our study of the five senses, we had a tasting party and it was a lot of fun distinguishing the sweet from the sour.

Afternoon class CJ: an astronaut Nicolas: a pilot of a jet Emma: a flying princess Jeremih: a police officer Codey: a cop Cora: a painter Amarina: a police officer Daulton: a fire fighter Gabriel: a police officer Jack: a fire fighter Breann: a clown job at a circus Dominic: a policeman Hudson: a police officer and a fireman Torrey: a ballerina Lazlo: Leonardo [of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]

Our February field trip was a visit to the United States Postal Service. They always do a great job explaining to the children how the mail is separated before it makes it to our homes. The children even had a chance to send out their own mail, handmade Valentine for their loved ones. The next day, we celebrated with our own annual Valentine party, where we handed out Valentines to our friends in the class.

We even had a couple of special visitors! Miss Debbie Reetz shared some science experiments with us, and brought a few of her chickens for us to see. (She always has interesting breeds of chickens at her farm!) Miss Heather, from Dr. Berner’s office, stopped by to discuss oral health and how to keep our smiles healthy.

She even handed out some goodies for the kids to take home. We are always thankful for those who willingly give their time to visit us.

We’d like to think that even as grown-ups and having grown up responsibilities, we always want to be children of God. Peace to you, Miss Sara, Miss Elva, Miss Michelle

Registration begins for His Kids Preschool, 2015-2016!

We will be having registration for the 2015-2016 school year soon! Registration for our church families opens on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:00 AM in the church library. Community registration starts a week later, on March 18. Please contact the church office for further information if you know of a little one who would be a perfect fit for our program. Please keep His Kids Preschool in your prayers as we start the process of registration for next year.

Miss Sara will be on hand, beginning at 9:00 AM in the church library (adjacent to the preschool classroom): Wednesday, March 4, for His Kids current families; Wednesday, March 11, for members and friends of OHLC; Wednesday, March 18, open registration for the community.

February’s Star Students were Arin Weatherford, Andrew Tessier, Andrew Lovello, Hudson Samek, Dominic Morales, and Torrey Baugh. Be sure to check the hallway bulletin board each week 7

other animals purchased through God’s Global Barnyard!

Your contributions to ELCA World Hunger beyond your usual monthly giving to OHLC are most welcome and much needed; please use the mission envelopes in the pew racks.

Compassion Ministry Stephen Ministry

According to the ELCA’s World Hunger website:

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tephen Ministers, take note! Due to schedule changes during the season of Lent, our March meeting will be on Wednesday the 11th at 4:30 PM in the library, prior to the midweek Lenten worship service at 6:00. Pastor Stroud will have a review of the topic “Active Listening,” and we will do a check-in.

More than 800 million people — that’s 1 in 8 people in our world today — are hungry.

As members of the ELCA, we are called to respond. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work.

Working with and through our congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Lutheran churches overseas and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to animal husbandry, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

Loving hands turn plastic grocery bags into sleeping mats thanks to all of you for bringing your plastic grocery bags for Many this worthwhile project of making sleeping mats for homeless people! Special gratitude to those who are cutting the bags into four-inch wide loops. The project got too big for one person, so a class was held at Pacific Rim Institute on Feb.19 to teach other people to crochet the mats.

Another class will be held at the Coupeville Library on March 26.

Please continue to bring your plastic grocery bags to church.

There is a box in the narthex near the Help House barrel. The count so far is 4 mats completed – all given to folks that are living in the woods on Whidbey Island. It takes about 30 hours to make one mat, so more hands are needed!

Please come to a class and find out how it’s done.

Hunger facts  868 million people – that’s 1 in 8 – are chronically hungry and cannot lead active daily lives. [1]  1.2 billion people live in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 per day. [2]  In the United States, more than 50 million people do not know where their next meal will come from. [3]  46.2 million Americans are living in poverty. [4]

The Bag Lady (a.k.a. Carol Reafs)

[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2012 [2] The World Bank Poverty Overview [3] USDA, 2011 [4] US Census, 2012

March’s focus is ELCA World Hunger Wall from Compassion Ministry BobwillandmakeCarolan informative presentation on

- See more at: http://www.elca.org/en/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/ELCAWorld-Hunger#sthash.tRZmMDHu.dpuf

ELCA World Hunger at a forum in the church library, 9:15 AM on Sunday, March 1. Be sure to take a look at the bulletin board in the narthex for more details! Our children’s and adult Sunday School classes have made this appeal their offering priority for the current year; check out the bulletin board in the education wing hallway as we continue to count up the chickens, pigs, ducks, and 8

Companion Synod News

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St. Katharina Lutheran Church, Kazan, Russia

n last month’s newsletter, Ken Grigsby shared a recent e-mail from Philipp Zanko, who had been serving as our English-speaking contact with the congregation of St. Katharina’s church in Kazan.

Philipp mentioned that our new contact would be Sergei Gundin. We’re happy to report that we have now heard from Sergei himself [His letter is printed here with very little editing]:

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Greetings to you, dear brother Ken.

ay the Strength of God guide us.

We are members of St. Katherine Church, city of Kazan. Philipp Zanko, who is well known to you, asked us to stay in contact with you and your church instead of him, because he is leaving.

May the Power of God preserve us.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us.

May the Hand of God protect us.

Let us get to know each other. We are the Gundin family. I am Sergei, my wife’s name is Irina, and our children’s names Olesya and Lada. Olesya, the elder daughter, studies German and English languages in Kazan University. She will be our translator.

May the Way of God direct us.

May the Angels of God guard us against the snares of the evil one.

Please, be patient if our English is still not good. And please tell us if there is any mistake in text, to help us improve.

May Christ be with us!

May Christ be before us!

We are suggesting you, if you, your family or your church is experiencing any problems to pray for, to tell us about it so that we could pray for you.

May Christ be in us, Christ be over all!

With love of Jesus Christ, our family and our church.

May thy grace, Lord,

Eva Mader, from the Northwest Washington Synod Team Russia, was at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church on February 15 for a meeting. She commented that our relationship with the congregation of St. Katharina’s is “one of God’s little miracles. … the way things are going these days, we could use a few more miracles like that. Keep it up!”

Please continue to keep our two congregations in your prayers.

We are separated by distance and culture; we are humbled by the fact that they are so much better with English than we are with Russian or German, but we are thankful that God’s love is what binds us together.

Always be ours, This day, O Lord, and forevermore.

Amen.

—Prayer for the Faithful, attributed to Saint Patrick 9

With sympathy

In appreciation

Our hearts go out to those in our church family who are mourning the loss of loved ones, including…

Dottie and Willard Krigbaum thank the congregation for helping them celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on Sunday, February 15, and a special thanks to the Watoto Team for hosting the event.

… Leona McKee and family, following the death of her sister, Ginny Jock; … Jack Wilcox and family, following the death of his daughter, Dianne Ceranski; … David Ridle and family, following the death of his mother, Norma Ridle.

We also received the following thank you : Dear Oak Harbor Lutherans, Thank you so much for the wonderful reception you hosted in honor of my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. Everything was delicious and all the flowers and pretty table linens really made it special.

I know both Mom and Dad were quite pleased and touched, both by the effort put forth and by how warmly they were greeted.

Thanks also for the prayers and comfort you have provided throughout Mom’s health issues. We consider it a great blessing that they have been enfolded into the embrace of such a loving, caring church family.

Karen Krigbaum Lomax

We received word that Eric Lindberg died on February 9 in Lynnwood. He had been treated for leukemia in recent months and had recently recovered from pneumonia, but was finally sidelined by a massive stroke.

Longtime members of OHLC, Eric and Barbara had moved to Lynnwood to be closer to family. He was a well-known teacher and coach in Oak Harbor; Ken Grigsby remembers teaching with Eric at Oak Harbor Junior High in 1966, before Eric transferred to the high school, where he shared the hallways and practice fields with other OHLC members including Craig Pedlar and Gene Verburg.

He was a member of the Senior Choir and shared his passion for Russian history and culture by assisting in establishing our partner relationship with St. Katharina Lutheran Church in Kazan, Russia.

Eric’s memorial service will be Saturday, March 28, 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th Street SW, Lynnwood. A reception will follow at Edmonds Yacht Club, 326 Admiral Way. Cards may be mailed to Barbara Lindberg at home, 4303 Stonebridge Way, Lynnwood, WA 98037.

Barbara has announced the formation of the Coach Lindberg Memorial Scholarship for Oak Harbor High School, where Eric spent 30 years teaching, coaching, and volunteering. In lieu of flowers and in honor of “Coach,” consider making a tax-deductible donation: checks should be made out to the Oak Harbor Educational Foundation, noted for the Coach Lindberg Memorial Scholarship, and mailed to PO Box 1801, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. For more information, visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/coachlindberg/journal/view/id/54e393 bda589b4b948498c4b .

Dear Mrs. Lundstrom and congregation, Thank you for considering me for the Theresa Ferguson Scholarship. I appreciate the opportunity to continue pursing my education. I am looking forward to my first semester at Washington State University.

Emily Hoyt [Shanna Lundstrom is chair of our Ferguson Scholarship committee]

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Worship Assistants 3/ 1

3/ 8

3/15

3/22

3/29

8:00 10:30 6:30 8:00 10:30 6:30 8:00 10:30 6:30 8:00 10:30 6:30 8:00 10:30 6:30

Asst. Ministers Paul Senness Trudy Decker Debbie Wysomierski Shanna Lundstrom Carol Reafs Carol Snoble Rick Culbertson Allan Swan Paul Senness Craig Pedlar Trudy Decker Shanna Lundstrom Jan Heideger

Financial Report: Acolytes Peter Higgins Anders Spencer Benjamin Bruland Katie Norman Sadie Harbaugh Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Wolly Fowkes Benjamin Bruland Isabelle Carr Micah Burrow Benjamin Bruland Natalie Stone Alyssa Blevins Benjamin Bruland

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

3/ 1 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Jay Decker Computer: Luke Spencer

10:30 AM J. Wilcox, P. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 3/15 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 3/22 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae, 6:30 PM: Presider, Jay Decker 3/29 8:00 AM 10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae,

Year to date $ 23,036 32,515 $ (9,479)

February

Date 8:00 AM 10:30 AM Cpvl.

Feb. 1 82 119 10 Feb. 8 61 127 14 Feb. 15 49 117 15 Feb. 22 75 107 21 Average Att. 67 118 15 Average Sunday attendance: 201

Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs

Assistants

January $ 23,036 32,515 $ (9,479)

Worship Attendance:

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Ushers 10:30 AM J. Wilcox, P. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 3/ 8 8:00 AM Margraf family

Income Outgo

January

Nursery 4 1 1 2 2

Little Lutheran Bags in March: Kristin Duncan

Communion: Kathy Ridle Computer: Lisa Margraf Communion: Gisela Hawley Computer: Michelle Tull

This month’s featured decorative font is

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations

Communion: Karen Krotz-Sperry Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Sande Mulkey Computer: Sheila Ryan

1 George Herbert, hymnwriter, 1633 2 John Wesley, 1791; Charles Wesley, 1788, renewers of the Church 7 Perpetua, Felicity, and companions, martyrs at Carthage, 202 10 Harriet Tubman, 1913; Sojourner Truth, 1883, renewers of society 12 Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, 604 17 Patrick, bishop, missionary to Ireland, 461 19 Joseph, guardian of our Lord 21 Thomas Cranmer, bishop of Canterbury, martyr, 1556

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Martha Ellis Computer: Rita Carter Communion: Kathy Ridle Computer: Communion: Ken Grigsby Computer: Rick Culbertson

6:30 PM: Presider, Jeff Spencer

11

Edison.

March

22 Jonathan Edwards, teacher, missionary to American Indians, 1758 24 Oscar Romero, bishop of El Salvador, martyr, 1980 25 The Annunciation of our Lord 29 Hans Nielsen Hauge, renewer of the church, 1824 31 John Donne, poet, 1631

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

Lent 2 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Ministry Forum 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Worship Brass 4:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

2

3 9:00 Blanket Workshop

4 9:00 Blanket Workshop 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

5 10:00 Deborah Circle 1:00 Kazan Committee 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Knitting Group 6:30 Webelos 2 6:30 Tigers 6:30 Bears 7:00 Council

6

7 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast 9:00 WSMTA Adjudication, to 5 PM 9:00 Mother Mentors, to 2 PM

8 Lent 3 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Jr/Sr Luth Youth field trip to Bellingham 12:15 Watoto Team 12:00 Worship Brass 4:00 The Art of Marriage 6:30 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 15 Lent 4 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Church Finances 9:15 Worship 10:30 Pi(e) Day 11:45 Violin Recital 2:00 Worship Brass 4:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 22 Lent 5 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Communion class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Worship Brass 4:00

9

12 10:00 Deborah Circle

13

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 29 Palm Sunday Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Communion Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Worship Brass 4:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

7:00 Solutions 30

11 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 1:00 Book Group 4:30 Harbor Bells 4:30 Stephen Ministry 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon 18 7:30 Cultural Homestay 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon 25 10:30 OHLC Staff 12:00 Midweek Worship 12:30 Soup & bread 4:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Midweek Worship 6:30 Soup & bread 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Wolves 6:00 Piano Recital 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions

1:00 Munchy Monday 1:45 MMM Relay/Life 5:00 Wolves 7:00 Vanishing Friends 7:00 Solutions

16 7:30 Cultural Homestay 1:00 Munchy Monday 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Solutions 23 7:00 Cultural Homestay 1:00 Munchy Monday 1:45 MMM Relay/Life 5:00 Wolves

6:00 CADA Parenting 6:00 Patrol Leaders 6:30 Pack Leaders 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 10 10:00 Endowment Comm.

10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:00 CADA Parenting 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts

17 7:30 Cultural Homestay 10:00 Rebecca Circle 6:00 CADA Parenting 7:00 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Boy Scouts

24 7 Cultural Homestay 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Island Movie Prod.

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 31

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Wolves 7:00 Solutions

6:00 CADA Parenting 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Scout Board of Rev. 7:00 Boy Scouts

12

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Knitting Group 6:30 Webelos 2 6:30 Tigers 6:30 Bears 19 10:00 Deborah Circle

Daylight Savings begins – turn clocks ahead 1 hour tonight!

14 8:00 4-H Public Presentations, to 12:30 PM

7:00 Violin recital rehearsal

20 Newsletter Deadline 7:30 Cultural Homestay 9:30 Heart & Hand

21

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Knitting Group 6:00 Pack 98 26 10:00 Deborah Circle 27 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Knitting Group 6:30 Webelos 2 6:30 Tigers 6:30 Bears HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M,T, W, 9:00-11:30 AM M, T, W, 12:30-3:00 PM Registration begins!

Mar. 4, His Kids families Mar. 11: OHLC members & friends Mar. 18: Open registration

28 Memorial service, Eric Lindberg, 1:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynnwood

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

Parish Nurse hours: Thursdays 1:00-3:30 PM and by appointment