Harbor Beacon, may 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 5

May 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

IN THIS ISSUE

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

I am baptized! pg. 2

Click on these links for the May newsletter inserts:

Youth & Family Night floats along, pg. 3

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

Have you registered for Camp Lutherwood? pg. 4

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/may_2016.pdf

His Kids enjoy butterflies, ducks, and cool sea life!, pg. 7

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Help load the bus for LWR, pg. 8

This issue was snail-mailed April 28, 2016

Combined newsletter for June & July, pg. 10 1

Pastor’s Page

congregation to say yes to what Christ did for them when their parents brought them to the font. They will claim their identity as children of God who have been marked with the cross of Christ forever. They will, symbolically speaking, be saying to themselves and the world: “I am baptized!”

I Am Baptized!

Do you not know that that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:3-4

I am so proud of these confirmation students (and not just the one who happens to be my son!). They have studied hard. They have listened carefully and have asked good questions. They have shared their challenges. They have prayed with and for each other. They have served as acolytes and visited the homebound and assembled care kits for Lutheran World Relief. They have worshiped regularly, and (mostly) willingly. On Confirmation Sunday they will pledge to continue to live a Christian life. They’ll pledge to live among God’s people, to worship regularly, to witness to Christ’s grace and to follow Jesus’ example, to strive for justice and peace in all the earth. They face challenges ahead in a post-Christian culture which previous generations of American Christians can hardly fathom, but I am confident that they will be propelled by the promise of their baptism to continue to bravely follow Jesus. And when they struggle or fail or fall into despair, which they surely will, I am confident that Christ’s promises will raise them up to walk in newness of life as they remind themselves once again: “I am baptized!”

eforming the church wasn’t exactly a stroll through the park.

Martin Luther faced enormous challenges. He was excommunicated by the Pope. The Emperor put a bounty on his head, promising a reward to anyone who killed him. He often felt attacked by critics who decried his teachings as dangerously wrong, and by spiritual forces which drove him into bouts of despair and perhaps even clinical depression.

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In his most trying times, Luther would shout out: “I am baptized!” When the rest of the world was telling him he was damned, dead, or dumb, Luther turned to the promises God made to him in his baptism.

Luther claimed his identity as a beloved child of God who had been marked with the cross of Christ forever. These promises gave him peace, hope, strength, and courage. They helped him to rise up and walk in newness of life. “There is no greater comfort on earth than baptism,” Luther wrote. Luther was propelled by the promises of baptism to continue to bravely follow Jesus Christ.

I hope you will join us for worship on May 15 as we celebrate with these brave baptized believers, who will be leading our worship services in addition to affirming their baptism. They need to hear your voices pledging your support and your prayers.

Even more, I hope that when you face challenges and difficulties of your own, you will turn again to the promises God made to you in your baptism. (If you are reading this and you aren’t baptized, we can take care of that!) When struggles come for you, and they surely will, I hope you will claim your identity once again as a child of God who has been marked with the cross of Christ forever, never to be forsaken. There is indeed no greater comfort on earth than baptism. Its promises raise us all up to walk in newness of life. And so I hope you will say it aloud and often, to yourself and to the world around you: “I am baptized!”

Do you know what is almost as difficult as defying popes and princes in order to change the course of Western civilization? Going to Middle School. Middle Schoolers face an enormous array of challenges and temptations which come precisely at that time in their lives when they are trying to figure out for themselves who they are. Parents have their expectations. Teachers have theirs. Peers become increasingly influential, not always helpfully so. Intense self-awareness develops alongside the awkwardness and uncertainly of burgeoning adolescence in a cruel juxtaposition. It isn’t easy.

Five of our Middle School students at OHLC have recently completed two years of study through our confirmation program. On Sunday, May 15, they will put on white robes and return to the baptismal font to affirm their baptism through the Rite of Confirmation. In the midst of the unfinished work of growing up, they will stand before the

Rev. Jeffrey R. Spencer

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You are invited to…

Growing & Learning

YOUTH & FAMILY NIGHT AT OHLC Sunday, May 1, 6:00-7:30 PM

May’s Ministry of the Month: Growing & Learning Throughout the month of May, we will be highlighting and celebrating our Growing and Learning ministries at OHLC. Here’s what’s coming:

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oin us as we gather on the first Sunday of the month for a time of fun and fellowship for all ages! You are encouraged to have an early Sunday family dinner, and then meet at church for dessert, games, and devotions. Here’s what we’ll be doing in May:

MAY 1: PRESCHOOL SUNDAY! We celebrate His Kids Preschool, a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, as we welcome our preschool families to worship at the 10:30 service. The kids will sing some of the songs they’ve learned in chapel. A special reception will be held afterwards, hosted by our Preschool Committee.

First, we’ll meet in the fellowship hall for FLOATS!

MAY 8: MOTHER’S DAY TEA/VBS FUNDRAISER! Celebrate OHLC’s moms and help support this summer’s Vacation Bible School by joining us for a special tea. A free-will offering will be collected to help fund our VBS program this summer.

ROOT BEER FLOATS COKE FLOATS ORANGE CRUSH FLOATS STRAWBERRY CRUSH FLOATS  DR PEPPER FLOATS  SPRITE FLOATS    

MAY 15: CONFIRMATION SUNDAY! Five students will affirm their baptism through the Rite of Confirmation, and will assist in leading both services. Join us as we celebrate with Jenny Danielson, Will Danielson, Sydney Higgins, Elizabeth Norman, and Luke Spencer. Receptions in their honor will be held after each service.

MAY 22: YOUTH ROOM REDEDICATION! The youth room has been renovated with new paint, a new driftwood cross, and a new TV. Join us in the youth room for a brief rededication ceremony and open house from 9:15-10:15. Treats will be served.

After we enjoy our floats, we’ll break up into age-specific groups for games throughout our facilities.

Adults will meet with Pastor Spencer in the library for a conversation on motherhood, including a powerful video called:

“Mothers as Image-Bearers”

Here’s the latest from the Sunday School . . . . .

Thank you to our Sunday School students who helped with our April 24th God’s Work, Our Hands project! We assembled 115 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief!

Regular Sunday School classes will be held May 1, 15 & 22. Please note that classes will NOT be held on May 1 & 29, although the adult class WILL meet on the 29th.

We’ll have another “God’s Work, Our Hands” project on June 5, finishing up the school year with an all-grades party on June 12.

We’ll cover dads in June with a companion video entitled: “Fathers as Image-Bearers.” All adults, moms and dads as well as grandparents, guardians, and anyone else who cares about children, are welcome and encouraged to join us for both of these conversations.

We’ll conclude our evening with family-friendly devotions in the sanctuary. Float on over on the 1st of May and join the fun!

Cheryl Blevins 3

The Acts of the Holy Spirit: Studies in the Book of Acts

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he book of Acts is the account of the early church and how it was nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit and fed on the truth of the Gospel. In the book of Acts we are introduced to a pattern of evangelical growth that launched the message of Jesus Christ into a world that longed to see a new light in the darkness.

Come join us in our study of this fascinating book that is a companion piece to the Gospel of Luke. This eight-week series for adult education continues in the month of May on Sunday mornings during the education hour, 9:15-10:30, between worship services. We meet in the church library.

Registration now open for Camp Lutherwood We have a wonderful camp right in our own back yard, on the shores of beautiful Lake Samish in Bellingham. Camp Lutherwood is currently taking registrations for summer campers. You can register online at www.camplutherwood.org. Through gifts from the OHLC Men’s Group and a generous gift from a friend of OHLC, we are able to offer a limited number of partial camp scholarships in the amount of $150.00 per camper. Please contact the church office if you are interested.

Munchy Monday approaches the end of the school year unchy Monday, OHLC’s early-release Monday outreach to Oak Harbor High School students, is coming to a close. We will be celebrating with our end-of-the-year BBQ for the kids, graciously hosted by the Men’s Ministry on the 23rd of May. Extra helpers on that day would be appreciated!

We were able to obtain a new ping pong table this year thanks to monetary donations and we’re hoping to raise more to buy 4 new basketballs for this coming fall. Thank you so much for your support, enthusiasm, delicious, home-baked donations, and the giving of your time. A special thanks to Deborah Circle and OHLC’s Men’s Ministry for their monthly support.

The high school kids appreciate this safe haven so much on early-release days, and it is a pleasure to provide it for them.

See you all in the fall for the 2016-2017 school year of Munchy Monday!

Beth Stephens

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Join Lutherwood’s Summer Staff!

Whether they are working on-site or on the go, Lutherwood thrives thanks to the dedicated people we are blessed to call staff.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining our summer staff please see the links underlined in this email. We have already started filling positions so get your applications in ASAP. The Summer Staff Application is open for anyone hoping to join us for an amazing summer.

If you are interested in being considered for a Leadership position please fill out the Leadership Staff Application. Visit the website for more information, www.camplutherwood.org .

Heads up for Vacation Bible School!

Join Hands Day, June 4

This summer’s Vacation Bible School at OHLC – Ocean Commotion: Diving into Noah’s Flood – will be July 25-29, 9 AM to noon, for preschool through 5th grade. Students who will be entering 6th grade in the fall are encouraged to volunteer! We’ll have more information in next month’s newsletter.

Christiane Weber

This is a great time for families and individuals to help get some seasonal chores and camp prep work done at Camp Lutherwood. Come up to the camp, pick a project and only work until it’s no longer fun.

Work begins at 9:00 AM; lunch is provided.

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On the calendar…

IN CONCERT: Angeli

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ocal quartet Angeli returns for a spring concert, Why We Sing, Friday, May 20, 7:00 PM at OHLC. The ensemble combines the vocal talent of Cynthia Akins Fletcher, Sharon Erickson, Carol Fitzgerald and Joni Keller, with accompanists Verna Morgan and Jan Ernst. Free-will donations benefit Whidbey Island’s Ryan House for Youth, working to provide a safe atmosphere where homeless youth can grow with the help of caring mentors in a loving environment.

May 8: Mother’s Day tea The VBS team and the men of OHLC will host a Mothers’ Day Tea on Sunday, May 8 from 9:00 to 10:15 AM. They’ll serve some old favorites such as faux mimosas and warm ham slices as well as a new assortment of traditional and nontraditional teatime finger foods and savory bites.

Whether you have big brunch plans later that day or not, this is a perfect opportunity for a nibble at church in honor of all the mothers of OHLC. There will be a free-will offering to support this summer’s Vacation Bible School.

Baby Bottle Boomerang begins The Pregnancy Care Clinic (PCC) in Oak Harbor is a ministry providing care and support for women and men experiencing unexpected pregnancies. OHLC member Morrie Parker serves on the board of the PCC. This year, we are once again participating in their communitywide fundraiser, the Baby Bottle Boomerang. Those interested in donating to our local PCC may pick up a PCC baby bottle in our narthex on Mother’s Day (May 8). Take it home. Fill it with change, cash, and/or a check, and return it on (or by) Father’s Day (June 19).

May 22: Holy Communion education for kids “Journey to Jesus’ Table” is a special learning experience offered both as a first communion class for children who are not yet receiving communion, and as a refresher class for those who are already communing. This active and interactive class is for kindergarteners through third graders, and requires a parent or guardian to attend with their child. We’ll begin our journey in the library at 12:00 noon, and will be finished by 1:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. RSVP via the opportunity form in your worship bulletin, or by e-mailing Pastor Spencer at pastor@oakharborlutheran.org.

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BookMarks

In Sympathy Edith Lowell died on April 11, just a few days shy of her 81st birthday.

She joined OHLC ten years ago, following the death of her husband. With her closest relatives living on the east coast, she was surrounded by a number of faithful friends and caregivers from our congregation who served as her family here on Whidbey Island.

Edith’s memorial service was held on April 18.

he Coupeville Book Group will meet in Trudy Decker’s home, 158 Keystone Ave, on Tuesday, May 3, at 7:00 PM. Judy Fantauzzi will lead the discussion of the book Cottage For Sale, Must be Moved, by Kate Whouley.

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When Kate Whouley saw the classified ad for an abandoned vacation cottage, she began to dream: Transport the cottage through four Cape Cod towns. Attach it to my three-room house.

Create more space for my work and life. Smart, single, and selfemployed, Kate was used to fending for herself, but she wasn’t prepared for half the surprises, complications, and self-discoveries of her house-moving adventure. Supported by friends and family, and egged on by Egypt, her bossy gray cat, Kate encountered a parade of town officials, a small convoy of State Police, and an eccentric band of house-movers, carpenters, and tradesmen. She found herself dancing on the edge of the gender divide - infatuated with trucks, cranes, construction terms, and a dreamy mason who taught her the history of concrete.

Sketched with deft hand and told with an open heart, Cottage for Sale is a deeply personal story that captivates, inspires, and delights.

Nonfiction, 298 pages

Our sympathy to others who have lost loved ones, including… …Tracey Tomlin and family, following the death of her aunt, Darlene Bloodgood; …Martha & Steve Ellis, following the April 25th death of Martha’s 95year-old stepmother, Ruth Pranspill Schaefer, in Cottonwood, AZ.

Pentecost Ruth — a Pentecost story?

The disciples were celebrating Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival, when the Holy Spirit descended on them and birthed the church. Pentecost, which began as a harvest festival, had come to commemorate the giving of the law. The book of Ruth became integral to festival worship.

Why Ruth? This short story doesn’t mention the law, let alone God giving it to Moses. Yet in Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law (“Where you go I will go …. Your people will be my people … ” [Ruth 1:16, NIV]), she fulfills not just the letter but the spirit of the law: lovingkindness — all the more remarkable because she’s a foreigner.

Boaz, too, demonstrates exorbitant kindness to Ruth.

As Christians celebrate the Spirit bridging differences in Jerusalem, uniting all nationalities by making the gospel message intelligible to all people, we too can remember Ruth’s story. For in it, God unites two enemy peoples for his grand purpose: Boaz and Ruth’s marriage leads to King David and, ultimately, to King Jesus. Today, the Holy Spirit continues to unite all categories of people under Christ’s reign for the good of the world.

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econd Wednesday Book Group members will gather on Wednesday, May 11 at 1:00 PM in the church library to discuss Me Before You, by JoJo Moyes:

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than her tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and he is not interested in exploring a new one.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, Lou sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

Fiction, 369 pages

Published in: The Newsletter Newsletter, May 2016

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OHLC Women

His Kids Preschool

Opportunities for fellowship, study, service

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

2016 Region 1 Women’s Gathering BOLD & EMPOWERED

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June 24-26, 2016 Embassy Suites – Lynnwood, WA

he first week of April was quiet at His Kids as the children were off on spring break, but once they came back through the doors it was back to having busy hands!

We continued with our study of the weather unit with watching the temperatures get nicer each week, and this even included spending more time outdoors. The signs of spring are all around us even in the classroom as the butterflies came out of their cocoons, and the children immensely enjoyed watching them flutter around in their special butterfly house. We planted mammoth sunflower seeds, and we are patiently waiting for them to emerge from the soil. Ms. Debbie, our Science lady, came by for a visit, bringing with her ducklings and a baby goat! She even brought a dinosaur plant for us to see, which is a fascinating type of plant that has lived on the Earth for over 290 million years and has the ability to “come back to life” over and over again for hundreds of years.

Featuring: Jan Cherry, Diaconal Minister; Bishop Jessica Crist of Montana; Sister Clare Josef-Meier; The Reverend Susan Kintner, Assistant to the Bishop of Oregon; The Reverend Liv Larson Andrews, Gather Bible Study author; The Reverend Nancy Winder, Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy of NW WA; Bishop Shelly Wickstrom of Alaska.

More information may be found at www.lutheransnw.org , under Women’s Ministry, via the Our Ministries tab.

Blanket Workshop Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, May 3 & 4, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on tied quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

We finished the month off by visiting the SeaLab at Ft. Casey.

This annual spring trip to see Mr. Keith and all of the sea life that has been gathered for our viewing is always a special treat for the young and old alike!

Circles

April’s Special Students were Layla Willis, Luke Brown, Zaiyah Fenton, Emma Wienckowski, Noah Libby, and Jayden Williams.

5/2&16

Lydia Circle meets at 6:00 PM in the prayer room

5/17

Rebecca Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library

Thursdays

Deborah Circle meets every Thursday in the library, 10 AM to noon. This month’s Bible study focuses on the women of the church, yesterday and today. Using both the May 2016 Gather magazine and resources from Living Lutheran (formerly The Lutheran) magazine, we’ll meet sisters from across the generations. Please join us. If you have questions, contact Gaye Rodriguey at gaye@tobysuds.com .

It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up the month of April, and starting to prepare for our last month of preschool! The month of May will be busy with end of year activities and fun.

Registration continues for the 2016-2017 school year!

Currently, we have space available in our afternoon class, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 12:30 – 3:00 PM. Spread the word about our program and the fun activities that we do – inside and outside the classroom!

God’s Peace, Ms. Elva, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Sara 7

Compassion Ministry The Dynamics of Alzheimer’s and other Dementia-related conditions Tuesday, May 17 3:30-4:30 PM in the church library

Missions news: Watoto update What a wonderful time we had with the Watoto Children’s Choir when they came for their concert in March! Thank you to the congregation for feeding and hosting the 30 people of the choir. The concert raised approximately $2,100, plus items sold afterwards, and an additional $1,500 contributed during March’s Mission of the Month.

Attributed: Bayshore Memory Care

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re you a caregiver who works with a person showing signs of dementia?

Do you have a family member who struggles daily with remembering small but crucial details?

Do you see a change in your loved one’s personality that seems unusual?

Thank you for the tremendous support and prayers. We on the team are continuing our efforts to support Watoto, including a medical student who will eventually provide medical care for the people of Watoto and surrounding areas. Our next event will be a garage sale in June. More info to come!

Join us at Oak Harbor Lutheran for a presentation from the Alzheimer’s Society of Washington on the issue of dementia-related conditions and how to respond in a caring compassionate manner to individuals with dementia. This will be an in-service program especially for all Stephen Ministry groups in the Oak Harbor area but it is open to all individuals or groups who may be working with patients of dementia.

Go Missions International, Nick & Shannon Kraft Many thanks for your ongoing prayers and support for the Kraft family and their mission work in Peru. This past year has been particularly challenging and a learning experience for them. Hopefully, their recent time here in the States has been rejuvenating and restful, so they will be ready to go forth in God’s work when they return to Peru in May.

The presentation is free. If you have any questions, please contact the church office, 360-679-1561.

Pastor Marc Stroud

Help load the bus for Lutheran World Relief Rita Carter sends word that the bus will be loaded on Thursday, May 5 with boxes of quilts, personal care kits, layettes, and other items for shipment to Seattle for Lutheran World Relief. Volunteers are needed; if you can help, please stop by the church at 7:00 PM. The bus will be parked in the back driveway, just west of the fellowship hall.

Our thanks to our Blanket Workshop crew, to Karen Bowers who assembles all the layettes with the help of our knitters who create such delightful caps and sweaters, and to our Sunday School classes and everyone else who contributes so generously towards these projects.

Thank you, too, to the good people of Whidbey-SeaTac Shuttle for the loan of the bus, and to Rita, who will be doing the driving.

What a great time we had on April 17, viewing a video of their new building and grounds and hearing about their work and future plans. We also had a wonderful lunch of chicken and pulled pork sandwiches provided by the Anglums (Mmmmm, good!) and the blessing of a spectacular, warm day. OHLC and Grace Community Church supported the Krafts with donated funds totaling approximately$6,000 ($3,000 + matching funds) towards the purchase of a van (price $10,000 from a missionary family that is leaving Peru). We send our prayers for safe travel and energy for the work.

Skip & Judy Lycksell 8

Companion Synod – Kazan, Russia Community amongst gifts

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loria began volunteering at Josephine about 5 years ago and continues to love it! Let me share a little bit of her story…

Shortly after she started volunteering at “Josie’s Gift Shop” at Josephine, Gloria had some health setbacks that required her to move from the Senior Center Apartments and go live in her daughter’s home.

Gloria, however, found she missed the sense of communal living she used to have and decided to put her name on the waiting list for the Josephine Suites (Assisted Living) just before a scheduled heart surgery, and she is so glad that she did. During her one-month recovery from surgery in Josephine’s Rehab, a room became available and the Suites Director offered it to her. After some thought, Gloria enthusiastically said: “I’ll take it!” Gloria felt deep in her heart that it was right for her and she never looked back.

Gloria works 4 days a week in the volunteer-run gift shop because she thinks it’s so important that it should be open. For Gloria, it is more than selling things (even though that money goes to great use as a part of our Good Samaritan Fund). The environment created for residents is really what drives her: “Residents come in and talk about lots of things, like the worship services they went to, movies they’ve seen, or what makes them happy. I only work there for the people—and it really makes me feel good.”

Her time with the residents, sometimes even for hours at a time, is a wonderful ministry and helps especially at times when residents can feel quite lonely. However, the benefits are truly mutual: “I would not be a happy person if I did not work there—I would be shut into my room and that is not me.”

Gloria would love your help in joining in this ministry and to help give the gift shop more consistent hours. If this is what moves your heart, I invite you to contact Kathy Warrick, our Activities Director, to help you get on board as a volunteer.

Greetings from our brothers and sisters in Christ at St. Katharina’s Church in Kazan! 2016 is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, as well as the 440th anniversary of Lutheranism in Russia.

Masterpieces of Russian Choral Music – From Baroque to Classical: Make a note on your calendar: The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble will present a concert at OHLC at 7:00 PM on Friday, June 10.

Thanks for letting me share Gloria’s story with you!

Chaplain Andy

Ken Grigsby 9

News and notes Synod Assembly meets this month The Northwest Washington Synod Assembly will be gathering at Xfinity Arena in Everett on May 20 & 21. OHLC’s voting members include Ken Grigsby, Marj McNae, and Gaye Rodriguey. Please keep our voting members and the whole assembly in your prayers as they gather to worship, learn, and engage in mission together as Lutherans in northwest Washington.

ELCA World Hunger: Generously supported in 2015

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essica Fairfax with ELCA World Hunger, Chicago, recently sent an e-mail of thanks to World Hunger leaders and friends for the faithful support for this appeal. “Your generosity,” she wrote, “has made the 2015 fiscal year our biggest ever for ELCA World hunger, with a grand total of $21.95 million! Your hard work, creativity and love for thy neighbor has made it possible to grow the program and more completely meet the needs of our neighbors.”

OHLC considers new by-laws in June New by-laws pertaining to our financial practices and procedures will be voted on at our next semi-annual meeting on June 19. Copies of the proposed new by-laws will be made available in the narthex for review 30 days before the meeting.

The Synod Giving Report included totals from 2010 through 2015 for all the ELCA’s synods. Our own Northwest Washington Synod contributed $220,435 in 2015. Broken down into average giving per baptized member, this translates to $5.89, slightly higher than the allsynod average per baptized member of $5.63.

Ken checks in with former exchange students

Here at OHLC, our 2016 Lenten soup supper offerings were designated for ELCA World Hunger, and contributions were also received during the Ministry of the Month emphasis this past February.

Those results are as follows: $3,028.59 in February, and $528 in March, for a total of $3,556.59.

Three former exchange students who attended OHHS and Coupeville HS and were hosted by Ken Grigsby, live in Belgium and Ecuador, two countries that have recently dealt with terrorist bombs and earthquakes. Ken has been able to make contact with all three and reports that they and their families are safe.

Gregoire Morelli, who was here 1992-93, is married, and works for Les Freres Debekker - Traiteur sa/nv, a large catering company. He said the bombs in Brussels at the airport and subway caused all events to be cancelled for one week. Problems with public transportation and then a two-week Easter holiday caused March to be the worse business month he has ever known.

Arnaud Valdes, who was here 2011-12, was in Brazil at the time of the bombings, and reports that his family is okay.

Pablo Palacio from Ecuador was an exchange student at Coupeville HS, 2001-02. With money he made in the Ecuador oil fields, Pablo purchased a small hotel on the beach, got married, and has a 7month old daughter. He says his family is okay, and his hotel survived the earthquake.

Ken reminds us to keep the countries and people of Ecuador and Japan in your prayers as they recover from the destruction of the recent earthquakes.

This summer, our June and July newsletters will be combined into a single issue. The deadline for articles will be Friday, May 20, so please keep that in mind for any July events that you’re planning to publicize!

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

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Financial report:

Worship Assistants May 1 – Preschool Sunday 8:00 AM

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Assisting Minister: Paul Senness Communion Asst.: Kathy Ridle Ushers: Higgins family Assisting Minister: Ken Grigsby Communion Asst. Rita Cline Ushers: Presider: Pastor Jay Decker Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Income Outgo

Acolyte: Sam Higgins Computer: Donna Aspery

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Assisting Minister: Rick Culbertson Communion Asst.: Marge Moore Ushers: Margraf family Assisting Minister: Carol Fitzgerald Communion Asst. Rita Carter Ushers: Presider: Pastor Jeffrey Spencer Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

Assisting Min.: Trudy Decker

Worship attendance: Date 8:00 AM Apr. 3 57 Apr. 10 75 Apr. 17 75 Apr. 24 81 Average Att. 72

Acolyte: Kayla Raasina Computer: Sydney Higgins Music: Praise Team Acolyte: Micah Burrow Computer: Michelle Tull Music: Senior Choir Assisting Min.: Gisela Hawley

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Assisting Ministers: Confirmands Acolyte: Johannes Christensen Communion Assts.: Confirmands Computer: Molly Nagel Ushers: Ellis family Music: Morning Glory Assisting Ministers: Confirmands Acolyte: Anders Spencer Communion Asst.: Confirmands Computer: Rita Carter Ushers: Music: Senior Choir Presider: Pastor Marc Stroud Assisting Min.: Carol Snoble Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Cpvl.

14 20 10 20 16

Lesser festivals and commemorations: 1 St. Philip & St. James, Apostles 2 Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, 373 4 Monica, mother of Augustine, 387 8 Julian of Norwich, renewer of the church, c. 1416 9 Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, renewer of the church, hymnwriter, 1760 14 Matthias, apostle 18 Erik, King of Sweden, martyr, 1160

May 22 – The Holy Trinity 8:00 AM

April 10:30 AM 85 94 100 120 100

Assisting Minister: Jeff Margraf Acolyte: Isabel Carr Communion Asst.: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Kathy Ridle Ushers: J. Flowers, L. Forster Music: Morning Glory Assisting Minister: Craig Pedlar Acolyte: Alissa Blevins Communion Asst.: Sande Mulkey Computer: Rick Culbertson Ushers: Music: Senior Choir Presider: Pastor Jeffrey Spencer Assisting Min.: Carol Snoble Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

10:30 AM

6:00 PM

Assisting Minister: Tom Piper Acolyte: Natalie Stone Communion Asst.: Lolita Mandel Computer: Sheila Ryan Ushers: Amarelo family Assisting Minister: Trudy Decker Acolyte: Emma Suley Communion Asst.: Jay Decker Computer: Peter Spencer Ushers: Presider: Pastor Jay Decker Assisting Min.: Trudy Decker Communion Asst.: Benjamin Bruland

}Little Lutheran Bags in May: Amy Bruce }This month’s featured font is Windz; drop caps are Square

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May

21 Helena, mother of Constantine, 330 24 Nicolaus Copernicus, 1543, Leonhard Euler, 1783 scientists 27 John Calvin, renewer of the Church, 1564 29 Jiřī Tranovský, hymnwriter 1637

May 29 8:00 AM

Nursery 0 7 3 2 3

Average Sunday attendance: 191

May 15 - Pentecost 8:00 AM

Year to date $ 99,657 111,439 $ (11,782)

Acolyte: Sadie Harbaugh Computer: Luke Spencer

May 8 8:00 AM

March

March $ 32,256 35,198 $ (2,942)

Caps

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Adult Class 9:15 Worship/Preschool Sunday 10:30

2

3 9:00 Blanket Workshop

4 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff

5 Nat’l Day of Prayer 10:00 Deborah Circle 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 6:30 Musicians’ meeting 6:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 7:00 Bus loading/LWR 7:00 Nar-Anon 12 10:00 Deborah Circle 3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 6:00 Webelos 1 6:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 7:00 Nar-Anon 7:00 Council 19 10:00 Deborah Circle 3:45 Youth Choir 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 6:00 Angeli 6:30 Pack Meeting 6:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 7:00 Nar-Anon

6

7

Youth/Family Night 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 8 Worship 8:00 Mother’s Day Tea 9:00 Worship 10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

15

Pentecost

Confirmation Sunday

Worship Sunday School Adult Class Worship

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

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 22 The Holy Trinity Worship 8:00 Youth room rededication/ open house 9:15 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Journey to Jesus’ Table 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 29 Worship 8:00 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle 6:30 Angeli 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 9 1:00 Munchy Monday 4:00 OHEA 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:30 Angeli 7:00 Solutions 16 1:00 Munchy Monday

6:00 Patrol Leaders 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 10 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 3:30 Dynamics of Alzheimer’s 5:30 Cub Scout Leaders 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 17 10:00 Rebecca Circle

5:30 Harbor Bells 5:30 Cub Scout Comm.

7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

11 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group 5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir

18 11:30 OHLC Staff

5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle 6:30 Angeli 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 23 1:00 Munchy Monday year-end BBQ

6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Boy Scouts 24 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 7:00 Solutions

6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts

30 Memorial Day Church office closed

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5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 7:00 Solutions

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

25 OHLC at SPIN Café 11:00 Navy Respite Training 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee 4:30 Navy Respite Training 5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon

26 OHLC at SPIN Café 10:00 Deborah Circle

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

13 11:00 Navy Respite Training 1:00 Keepers of the Faith

20 Newsletter Deadline

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- - - NW WA Synod Assembly - Everett - 1:00 Keepers of the Faith 7:00 IN CONCERT: Angeli – `Why We Sing 27

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1:00 Keepers of the Faith 5:15 Praise Team 6:00 Knitting Group 6:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 7:00 Nar-Anon

www.oakharborlutheran.org

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

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9:00 Workshop: Mighty To Save

4:30 Navy Respite Training

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

6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Board of Review

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HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M, T, W: 9:00–11:30 AM 12:30–3:00 PM Last day of class: 5/24 All-school picnic, 5/25 Registration is underway for 2016-2017!