Harbor Beacon, november 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 11

November 2015

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

1253 NW 2 Avenue Oak Harbor, WA 98277

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

Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

(360) 941-1484

Parish Secretary: Carol Wiskow

(360) 720-2451

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

(360) 678-2264

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

(360) 675-3957

Church Fax Church Phone

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

IN THIS ISSUE

Click on these links for the November newsletter inserts:

Casting a wide welcome, pg. 2

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

Saints gather for youth & family night, pg. 3

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/November2015.pdf

Thanksgiving Eve service, hosted by Whidbey Presbyterian pg. 4 See you at the bazaar, pg. 7

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Table Fellowship is our ministry focus for November, pg. 9

This issue was snail-mailed October 29, 2015

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Pastor’s page:

door, offering a warm welcome to the neighborhood and an invitation to join us at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. I’ll be there, but it can’t just be me.

Casting a wide welcome

[Jesus said:] “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.”

We also need to be more actively welcoming when it comes to new Navy families moving in to other parts of Oak Harbor. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, our congregation is being active by contributing our popular OHLC pens, which include all our worship and contact information, to the INDOC bags being given to all new residents. We’re also working on creating high-quality rack cards for display at the Chamber. This is important, but none of it can replace a personal invitation, which has been proven again and again to be far more effective in getting people to visit a congregation. If – no, when – you meet people who are new to Oak Harbor, Navy or otherwise, I hope you’ll make an effort to tell them about our church. Invite them to worship! Your invitation will go farther than our publicity materials ever could.

Mark 1:17

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s many of you know, NAS Whidbey will soon be welcoming new squadrons to Oak Harbor. I have it on good authority that the first wave of relocated families will begin arriving in December, with new waves coming about every six months afterwards for about two years. The impact of this influx of new Navy families is expected to have a significant impact on the population of Oak Harbor. On a related note, many of you have probably noticed the new housing development going in just a stone’s throw from our church. The area northwest of Hillcrest Elementary has been cleared, and new housing is expected to sprout up there soon. The new street is already in, and you can already see the lots taking shape. Yes, it looks like we’re going to have a whole bunch of new neighbors in the near future.

For those who are interested in working with other OHLC members to actively welcome our new neighbors, I encourage you to join our Welcome Team. In the weeks ahead, the Welcome Team will be exploring new ways to welcome people – at our door and theirs. If you are interested in this ministry, please join us in the church library on Sunday, November 15 at Noon. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP via the Opportunity Form, or by emailing me at pastor@oakharborlutheran.org.

We are a truly welcoming congregation. It is not only written right into our mission statement, it is genuinely part of our congregational culture. In a community as transient as ours, how can it not be?

We wouldn’t survive long if we weren’t welcoming! When people show up at OHLC, they are received with grace and joy. Their gifts are welcomed and integrated into the ministries of our congregation. When it comes to being welcoming, I’d say that overall we’re doing a pretty good job.

Whether you join our official Welcome Team or not, as new families begin arriving in Oak Harbor in the months ahead, I invite you to respond to our Lord’s call to fish for people by actively welcoming them to our town and inviting them to our church. Let’s get those nets working – not merely to fill the boat, but so that all our neighbors might be swept up in God’s love and grace.

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

This doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. I worry sometimes that our approach to welcoming others is too passive. What I mean is that we are really good at welcoming people when they show up at our door. What we’re not as good at is welcoming people at their door. Jesus calls us to “fish for people.” This doesn’t mean sitting around waiting to smile at the fish that might happen to jump into our boat. Fishing for people is something active. It means going out to where they are, actively working to bring them in.

We have a golden opportunity for our congregation to grow in the months ahead. If we would like to see our congregation grow along with our community, we need to be more intentional about actively fishing for people. We need to be good at welcoming people when they walk through our doors, to be sure, but we also need to work at meeting people at their doors. In the case of the new housing development just kitty-corner to our church, I mean this quite literally. As soon as moving trucks start showing up, we need to have OHLC members going door-to2

You are invited to…

Growing & learning

youth & family night at ohlc!

sunday morning adult education

Sunday, November 1, 6:00 -7:30 PM Join us on the first Sunday in November for an ALL SAINTS’ SUNDAY party! There will be snacks, fun, and learning for all ages.

You can even get your picture taken in front of our icon background so you can look like all those paintings of saints from the Bible!

6:00 PM:

6:15:

a four-part adult bible study led by pastor marc stroud,

Meet in the fellowship hall for hot, fresh, buttered POPCORN made at church in a real popcorn machine!

Youth of all ages will divide up into age groups for fun and games throughout the church.

Adults will meet in the library with Pastor Spencer for a session on ordinary sainthood, including a video on the life of Peter – who was a fisherman, a failure….and a saint!

featuring a look at the sermons and speeches in the Acts of the Apostles and their thematic significance to the proclamation of the Gospel to all peoples.

Meets in the library at 9:15 AM, Sundays, November 1, 8, 15 & 22.

7:15:

We’ll all gather in the sanctuary for a brief closing devotion.

Don’t miss this evening of fun & fellowship for all ages!

What Child Is This?

An Advent Bible Study on the Nativity of our Lord

Sunday mornings in Advent, Nov. 29 through Dec. 20, 9:15-10:15 in the library As the Advent season begins, Pastor Spencer will be teaching a four-session class on the Nativity of our Lord in the gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. (What about the gospel of Mark? Mark doesn’t include a Nativity account!) Bring your Bibles, and prepare your hearts for Christmas.

Pastor Hanson installed at Nativity Lutheran Church

T

he Reverend Karen Hanson was installed as Minister of Word and Sacrament at Nativity Lutheran Church, Renton, WA, on Reformation Sunday, October 25. Pastor Hanson served as OHLC’s interim pastor before Pastor Spencer accepted our call. Please keep Karen and her new parish of Nativity Lutheran in your prayers.

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Worship notes

Men’s ministry

Veterans to be honored at worship on Nov. 8

Lutheran Men in Mission: Reserve your Saturday morning, November 7, for the Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast. We will gather for the morning feast at 8:00 AM to eat and catch up with each other about our journeys through life.

After breakfast we will adjourn to the library for a presentation given by our guest speaker, Mark Lucero, from Pathways Counseling on Whidbey Island. Mark is a professional counselor, providing help to individuals, groups, adolescents and families. He has worked with hospice at Whidbey General to support people in the end stages of life and counsels people undergoing grief and bereavement.

In 2015, he established Hike-O-Therapy.com, providing coaching and counseling services outdoors while hiking the forests and trails of Whidbey Island.

Mark’s undergraduate work was earned at Northwestern University with a degree in religion, and graduate work at the University of Utah in Psychology. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington.

We hope you’ll bring a friend and join us on the morning of the 7th. Remember, the coffee’s ready by 7:30!

Pastor Marc Stroud

lutheran men in mission & the brotherhood of saint bernard

Attention veterans! Join us for worship on Sunday, November 8 as we honor veterans ahead of the Veterans’ Day holiday. All veterans will be asked to come forward for special recognition and blessing at both the 8:00 and 10:30 AM services. Let us thank you for your service!

Stephen Ministers commissioned on Nov. 8 Following 12 weeks of training, five new Stephen Ministers will be commissioned during the 10:30 AM worship service on Sunday, Nov. 8. Please keep John and Penny Fowkes, Carol Reafs, Gaye Rodriguey, and Al Wheeler in your prayers.

Joint Thanksgiving Eve service, Nov. 25 It has been a long-standing tradition for Oak Harbor Lutheran Church to share a joint Thanksgiving Eve worship service with Whidbey Presbyterian. This year the service will be held at Whidbey Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Spencer preaching.

Join us Wednesday, November 25 at 7:00 PM for an evening of gratitude, fellowship, and the sharing of the Lord’s Supper – the original Thanksgiving meal.

Brotherhood of Saint Bernard: Join us for lunch on Tuesday, Nov. 10 & 24, for good food, great conversation, and a time of prayer and Bible study. Due to the fellowship hall painting project, lunch on the 10th will be at 11:30 AM at China City. We’ll be back in the fellowship hall at noon as usual on the 24th.

Camp lutherwood news NOV. 21: Lutherwood’s annual Auction & Smorgasbord

Midweek Advent services coming in December

Steve and Christy Marx have generously purchased a table for eight for Lutherwood’s annual auction and smorgasbord, and would like to invite six OHLC members to join them as their guests. The dinner and auction will be held on Saturday, November 21, 5:00-8:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran College’s Chapel in Everett. If you’re interested, please sign up via the Opportunity Form in your worship bulletin.

Tickets will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

Midweek Advent services with soup following will be held on December 2, 9, & 16 at Noon and 6:00 PM. We will be singing the liturgy for Holden Evening Prayer and enjoying a new three-part Advent drama series.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR GRIEF 10 Essential Touchstones for Finding & Healing Your Heart

In sympathy

A 10 week educational grief support group facilitated by Mark Lucero, LMHC.

W

e were saddened to receive word of the October 5th death of Margaret Jedele. She was 94. A native of Oak Harbor, her 4th of July birth date let her claim all the fireworks were actually for her. Margaret and her late husband Emerson joined our congregation in October 1956. She served in many areas in the life of the church, from teaching Sunday School and confirmation, to congregational treasurer, council member, and Stephen Minister. She was an accomplished seamstress and made several stoles used by OHLC pastors over the years. Taking on a task that was a bit less exacting, Margaret graciously hand-sewed the ears on most of our Sunday School Christmas program lamb hoods one autumn in the early 1980s as she was recuperating from back surgery.

The group will provide a compassionate and supportive setting in which to explore your grief. Beginning Tuesday November 3 6:00 to 8:00 6, NW Coveland Street, Suite 102, Coupeville. Cost is $200.00, Preregistration required. Contact: Marc Lucero at 360-320-1898 for information.

In recent years, Margaret was a resident of the Mira Vista care facility in Mount Vernon, but she still received regular visits from Pastor Marc and others from OHLC, as well as a big print bulletin and copy of the sermon every week in the mail. Her memorial service was held on October 17.

Author and radio host Garrison Keillor put a unique spin on expressing gratitude for special meals. He painted the following table prayer on his dining-room wall, encouraging guests to sing it together before eating:

Reception on Nov. 28 will be held in memory of Cathy Wade All are invited to join us for a reception in memory of Cathy Wade on what would have been her 91st birthday. Cathy has already been laid to rest in California, where a funeral was held. Cathy’s family would love to celebrate her life with her friends and her church family here in Oak Harbor on Saturday, November 28 at 1:00 PM. A light lunch will be served.

O Lord, we thank Thee for this food, For every blessing, every good.

For earthly sustenance and love Bestowed on us from heaven above.

Be present at our table, Lord.

Be here and everywhere adored.

Thy children bless and grant that we

thank you

May feast in paradise with Thee.

I have been overwhelmed by the many prayers and condolences offered by our church family while remembering Betty. I can’t begin to tell you how much it has meant to my family and me. Thank you all, and may God continue to bless our church and each of you.

Jack Wilcox

“It’s inspiring to hear 15 people find harmony around the Thanksgiving table,” Keillor writes. Singing together “sets a tone. No crying in the cranberries. … There is much to be grateful for.”

The Newsletter Newsletter, November 2015 5

BookMarks

Greetings from seattle

the coupeville book group will meet Tuesday,

dey Copstead sends word from her home at Foss Village in Seattle that she is well and adapting to her new way of life. In a phone conversation on Oct. 27, she mentioned that it’s hard to believe it’s been 9 months since she moved away from her much-loved home on Penn Cove in Coupeville, but that it’s good to be near family and to enjoy the frequent visits of her grandchildren.

She would like to take this opportunity to tell the pastors and her many friends at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church that she misses us all very much and appreciates those who regularly keep in touch, especially Liz Geiszler and Abby Chromy. Special thanks to Jay and Trudy Decker who dropped by recently and took her to lunch.

Her apartment at Foss Village is quite comfortable and she’s staying active [a fact we can attest to as we’ve tried to call her a number of times and she’s just never home!]. She attends worship regularly, is participating in weekly Bible study and a daily exercise group, and has been learning to play the chimes.

Please note there’s a typo in her phone number in the current edition of the OHLC directory; her correct number is 206-367-1593. Her failing eyesight makes it nearly impossible for her to call back if you leave a message, but if she happens to be at home when you call, you’ll be in for a great conversation.

O

November 3, 7:00 PM in the home of Jan Heideger, 146 E Welcher Road. Lisa Margraf will lead the discussion of Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver: Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farm wife who gave up her own plans when she accidentally became pregnant at seventeen. Now, after a decade of domestic disharmony on a failing farm, she seeks momentary escape through an obsessive flirtation with a younger man.

She hikes up a mountain road behind her house toward a secret tryst, but instead encounters a shocking sight: a silent, forested, valley filled with what looks like a lake of fire. She can only understand it as a cautionary miracle, but it sparks a raft of other explanations from scientists, religious leaders, and the media. The bewildering emergency draws rural farmers into unexpected acquaintances with urbane journalists, opportunists, sightseers, and a striking biologist with his own stake in the outcome. As the community lines up to judge the woman and her miracle, Dellarobia confronts her family, her church, her town, and a larger world, in a flight toward truth that could undo all she ever believed.

Fiction, 433 pages

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

the 2nd wednesday book group meets Wednesday, Nov. 11 (yes, that’s Veterans Day) at 1:00 PM in the church library to consider The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns, by Margaret Dilloway: Despite a chronic medical condition that defines her life, Galilee Garner pushes herself to excel in everything she does: living alone, teaching high school biology, and breeding hybrid roses. Gal wants her students to excel, and she wants to develop a new rose to win Queen of Show at a major competition. But one afternoon, everything changes in her regimented life – her teenaged niece arrives unannounced and moves in. The story is filled with gorgeous details of the art of rose breeding, crazy happenings of living with a teenager, and is a testament to the redemptive power of love.

Fiction, 356 pages

Go missions international:

nick & shannon kraft in peru

On Oct. 20, Pastor Spencer received word that the Kraft family – the missionaries we support in Peru – had been victims of a home invasion robbery that past weekend. Men with guns came into their home at 3:30 AM. Nick was beaten and tied up, while Shannon and the kids were made to lie on the floor. All their valuables (computers, etc.) were stolen.

Everyone is physically OK now, but they are understandably shaken up.

He immediately sent an extra donation from the Pastor’s Emergency Fund to help them get the things they need for their ministry, but they could all use our prayers as they recover from this traumatic experience.

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

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OHLC women

opportunities for fellowship, study and service

Blanket Workshop There’s lots of empty space in the storage areas, now that OHLC’s latest shipment of blankets and other LWR projects left the building in late October! With that in mind, Blanket Workshop will meet Tuesday & Wednesday, November 3 & 4, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Circle meetings in November: 11/2 & 16

Lydia Circle meets for Bible study, 6:00 PM in the prayer room.

11/5, 12, 19

Deborah Circle meets for fellowship and study, 9:45 to 11:45 AM in the library

11/10

Lydia Circle bazaar workshop, 6:00 PM in the ed. wing.

11/17

Rebecca Circle meets for fellowship and study at 10:00 AM in the library.

Deborah Circle notes: November’s study will either be “Give in Secret,” written by Emma Cossen - a look at stewardship presented in the Gather magazine, or “Women and the Reformation: Then & Now” - a story and study guide from the October 2015 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

the power of gratitude

G

ratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.

If you’re donating handcrafted or home-baked items for the bazaar… Please bring your items to church during the week of Nov. 9-13. Set up will be Friday, Nov. 13, beginning at noon. Donations of baked goods will be accepted only on Friday, Nov. 13.

- Melody Beattie

All proceeds from the bazaar go towards OHLC projects.

The Newsletter Newsletter, November 2015

7

about their first month at His Kids Preschool. We hope you enjoy their answers!

Morning class: Layla: Singing songs Max: I like to play Reagan: I like everything Mikayla: It’s cool Avren: It is fun Lazlo: I like Avren Luke: I like tractors the best Harper: Apples Adalyn: Good Henry: Good Abigale: Fun Keegan: Play Raelee: Snack Brody: My favorite part is the peg boards Riley: I think about preschool from eating apples here

His kids preschool

a ministry of oak harbor lutheran church

H

ere we are in the midst of fall at His Kids Preschool, and the classroom is decorated with vibrant colors of big orange painted paper pumpkins, brown bats, paper plate and cupcake liner owls, and “X-ton,” our X-ray guy.

Afternoon class: Emma C.: I like building Cora: Good. It’s so beautiful Seth: Playing Aria: The Legos Emma W.: Play Jameson: The brown school Ava: The Legos Logan: Good Jasmin: My family said I go to school Nicolas: Playing trucks and dump trucks and tow trucks Iliana: I like how toys come out when it’s a new month

We enjoyed our yearly class pumpkin patch visit to Case Farm, where Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkin (Mike and Sheila Case) took us on the tour. We learned about turkeys, pigs, peacocks, goats and cows, and watched as the cows happily chowed down on pumpkins.

The children were able to choose a pumpkin of their own from the patch to take home – Mr. Pumpkin always reminds students to “pick out a pumpkin that looks like you,” which also means they have to be able to carry it by themselves.

Blessings – Miss Elva, Miss Michelle, and Miss Sara

In October, we had our annual open house for each class.

Families and friends of our preschool children were invited to see all the projects proudly displayed in the classroom. Thank you to Pastor Jeff and to our Preschool Committee members Angela Stone and Gaye Rodriguey for attending that evening as well. Check out the “family tree” on the His Kids bulletin board in the education wing hallway, showing all the children attending our preschool program!

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

We wrapped up the month with our annual pajama party, the day that the kids and teachers can come to school in their pajamas, and even bring along a special stuffed toy. (So if you happened to visit OHLC on Oct. 28 and saw Pastor Jeff in his jammies, don’t worry. He didn’t forget to get dressed; he just wanted to be a part of the festivities.)

The deadline for articles for the December newsletter is Wednesday, Nov. 18. Please note this earlier-than-usual date, due to the Thanksgiving holiday – the newsletter editor will be very thankful if you do!

In the middle of our busy class time, we took a moment to ask the students what they liked best 8

update from the Watoto team

Compassion ministry

like to send a BIG thank you to the congregation for all the We’d support of our OctoberFest Dinner/Auction! We raised

November’s emphasis highlights Table Fellowship

approximately $7,000 for medical scholarships and medicines for our mission trips to Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda.

The Watoto Team is having a quilt raffle; tickets are $1 each and are available at coffee hour in the fellowship hall following worship as well as at the upcoming bazaar. The drawing will be following the OHLC choirs Christmas concert on the afternoon of Sunday, December 20.

Mark your calendar: The Watoto Children’s Choir will be coming on March 31, 2016!

Skip & Judy Lycksell

T

able Fellowship ministry is a backstage sort of group, with volunteer activity including overseeing the kitchen cleaning and maintenance, keeping an eye on the fellowship hall, making sure we have coffee and other vital supplies, coordinating Advent, Lenten, and other meals, offering training opportunities for use of the various pieces of kitchen equipment, and much more. In fact, it’s those rare occasions when their well-ordered duties don’t get done that Table Fellowship Ministry suddenly gets the attention. Anita Needler is the ministry coach; volunteers include Sheila Ryan and Peg Fosnaugh, recycling mavens, and Joanne Korengo, reception coordinator.

Be sure to look at the narthex bulletin board display for a behindthe-scenes look at the work of Table Fellowship!

an ongoing project: Warm coats (new or clean and gently-used, all sizes), and new socks are being collected; please place them in the red barrel in the narthex.

Fair Trade Winds coming to OHLC Emily Lynn with Fair Trade Winds will be coming to OHLC on Sunday, November 29, offering goods from artisans from developing nations. Visit their display in Herrigstad Hall between or after services to peruse a wide variety of gifts. Please note: Advent Calendars will be available for $8.50 and can be pre-ordered using the Opportunity Form. Your purchases directly support farmers and craftspeople in impoverished lands. In addition, Fair Trade Winds will donate a portion of the proceeds from these sales to Lutheran World Relief.

coming soon: OHLC’s Sharing Tree will put up in the narthex by the Sunday after Thanksgiving! Cards on the tree will list specific items for people in need in our area. If you or someone you know have a need you’d like to include on the tree, please speak with Pastor Spencer or Pastor Stroud.

companion synod news: Russia Russia Silent Auction

Have you filled out an emergency contact form?

Sunday, November 15, 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM Grace Lutheran Church, 9625 NE 8th Street, Bellevue, WA

We’re not borrowing trouble and we’re honestly not trying to be nosy, but we hope you’ll consider filling out an emergency contact form to have on file at the church.

These forms ask a few questions to help us know who to contact on your behalf in case something happens to you while you’re with us and you’re not able to take care of that yourself. It’s an especially good idea if you don’t have immediate family in the area, or if everyone has a different last name.

Forms are available from Abby Chromy, our Parish Nurse; completed forms are kept in a secure location and will ONLY be used in the event of an emergency.

Proceeds benefit mentally and physically handicapped children and youth in Togliatti, Russia, as well as Grace Lutheran Church’s sister congregation in St. Petersburg. Do some Christmas shopping, bid on items from Russia and other places; stay for a bite of lunch! Payment is cash or checks only. Worship is 10:00 AM and you’re warmly invited to attend.

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More from Compassion Ministry

any extra assistance. Josephine offered an outing to go out to eat at the Wonderful Buffet but Mary only had $5 left because she picked up some things last week that she needed at Walmart and the Dollar Store. The staff was able to apply to the Good Sam Fund and Mary was able to enjoy her favorite Egg Drop Soup along with her friends at the buffet!

Sincere thanks I would like to thank all of you that have helped out over the past 8 years on the roadside clean-up for OHLC’s adopted 2 miles of Highway 20. I have had a very good time working with you all and was so grateful for all of your support. I hope and pray that you will give the same support to Jeff Margraf as he takes over the wonderful ministry.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart and may God bless you.

Pat Dallen

One more true story... Joe enjoys coming to both Bible studies and worship at Josephine—but his eyesight was continuing to fail him to the point that he could not read his Bible anymore. He came into the Chaplain’s office and we spent some good and serious time listening to his grief over this loss. I found a used, but like-new, large-print Bible online for $22—but Joe did not have the funds to buy the Bible. The Good Sam Fund was able to get the Bible for Joe. You can just imagine the big smile that came across Joe’s face when I gave him that Bible!

Dear Josephine Partner Churches, Greetings from Josephine! We hope that things are going well in your ministry. Be assured that you are all in our prayers here.

The Good Sam Fund has been going strong at least 35 years and I can’t begin to tell you how many people it has helped during that time and how much money it has been able to gift to folks in need! This is why it broke my heart last month when I heard that this fund was almost out—and why I offered to share about The Good Sam Fund to our partners in our congregations—to let you know about this fund, some specific things it’s been able to do, and that there is a need right now.

The rest is up to the Spirit’s work, beginning in me (because I too am moved just by writing this article right now) and among you as God’s people. Thanks for letting me share something weighing on my heart this month and I invite your continued prayers and gifts. If you feel moved to donate to the Good Sam Fund directly, please feel free to indicate that designation specifically in your gift. Thanks again for your partnership!

Warmly, Chaplain Andy Director of Spiritual Care, Josephine, Stanwood

When I wrote to you last month, I shared about a few hopes that I had in communicating with you through your newsletter. All of those hopes were connected to strengthening our relationship and partnership with each other. It was important, then, that I focused on ways that you might share your gifts here at Josephine primarily through volunteering.

This month, I would like to share about a program where your financial gifts are being used to touch the lives of many of the residents here in very significant ways: The Good Samaritan Fund.

Josephine is a care community for all generations. We strive to provide that “care” piece in our mission statement in many different ways. For sure, because we are partly a nursing home, providing good medical care is a very important piece—but this is not the only avenue of care of importance. Beyond good medical care, I’m glad that we also consider how folks here are experiencing quality of life. Your Activities Department here plays a vital role in helping us think about that—and I should add your Spiritual Care Department as well! Another important question to ask is exactly who is allowed access to those quality of life activities—and this is where “The Good Sam Fund” (as it is affectionately known here) comes into play. The Good Sam Fund tries to allow those who may not have the means to also have access to fun things, to outings we do, and to things that many of us might take for granted.

To view a PDF version of Global Links, visit http://www.ELCA.org/Resources/ELCA-Global-Church-Sponsorship.

Mary is a good example of this question of access. Mary’s stay at Josephine is supported by the State which means that she only gets $57 a month to spend on herself. Her family is also not able to provide 10

worship assistants 11/ 1

11/ 8

11/15

11/22

11/29

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 Sheila Ryan Penny Fowkes Carol Snoble Paul Senness Carol Reafs Debbie Wysomierski Jeff Margraf John Fowkes Gisela Hawley Paul Senness Carol Fitzgerald Margaret Anderson Shanna Lundstrom Trudy Decker Carol Snoble

financial report: Acolytes Peter Higgins Emma Suley Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Anders Spencer Benjamin Bruland Sam Loustaunau Sadie Harbaugh Benjamin Bruland Isabel Carr Elias Wiley Benjamin Bruland Johannes Christensen Natalie Stone Benjamin Bruland

Music Praise Team Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs Morning Glory Men’s Chorus Cantor: Carol Reafs

assistants

11/ 1 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Ken Grigsby Computer: Rita Carter

10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 11/ 8 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 11/15 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM R. Wood 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 11/22 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 11/29 8:00 AM , 10:30 AM

Year to date $ 332,928 329,085 $ 3,843

worship attendance: Date 8:00 AM Oct. 4 85 Oct. 11 88 Oct. 18 75 Oct. 25 69 Average Att. 79

Cantor:

ushers

September $ 34,207 33,609 $ 598

Income Outgo

Senior Choir Cantor: Morning Glory Senior Choir Cantor:

September

October 10:30 AM 100 77 104 118 100

Cpvl.

15 15 19 12 15

Nursery 1 2 5 1 2

Average Sunday attendance: 196

Communion: Kathy Ridle Computer: Sheila Ryan Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Michelle Tull

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

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Tom Piper Computer: Luke Spencer Communion: Karen Krotz-Sperry Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Rita Carter Computer: Rick Culbertson Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Sydney Higgins Communion: Jay Decker Computer:

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

Little Lutheran Bags in November: Peg Fosnaugh This month’s decorative font is

6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer

Kramer 11

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 All Saints Day Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Youth/Family Night 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 8 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship & Stephen Ministry commissioning 10:30

2

3 9:00 Blanket Workshop 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 6:00 Patrol Leaders 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Boy Scouts 10 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 10:30 Stamping Group 11:30 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 17 10:00 Rebecca Circle 5:30 Cub Scout Leaders

4 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff

5 9:45 Deborah Circle

6

7 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission

5:30 Cub Scout Leaders 6:00 Girl Scouts Tr 50794 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

10:00 Synod Global Missions

11 Veteran’s Day Church office closed

12 9:45 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group

13

14

12:00 Set up for bazaar

HOLIDAY BAZAAR! 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

19 9:45 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Compassion Min.

20

26 Thanksgiving Day

27

28

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

1:00 Memorial reception for Cathy Wade

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 15 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Welcome Team 12:00

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle Study 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 9 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Cir. Workshop 6:30 West Mdws HOA 7:00 Solutions 16

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

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

22

23

Christ the King Sunday Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers

7:00 Solutions Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 29 Advent 1 Fair Trade Fair Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30

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

7:00 Boy Scouts

1:00 Book Group 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts Tr 50794 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 18 Newsletter Deadline 11:30 OHLC Staff 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts Tr 50794 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir

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

25 OHLC serves at SPIN Café 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee 5:30 Harbor Bells

6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Scout Board of Rev

6:00 Girl Scouts Tr 50794

21 1:00 Cub Scout Pack Meeting

1:00 Keepers of the Faith 5:00 Lutherwood Auction &Smorgasbord, Trinity Lutheran College, Everett

6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Thanksgiving Eve Worship, Whid. Presbyt.

30

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

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 7:00 Solutions

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

is the sign of noble souls.

Aesop (6th century BC)

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

12

www.oakharborlutheran.org

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M, T, W: 9:00–11:30 AM 12:30–3:00 PM

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

No classes on Nov. 11 Thanksgiving Break: Nov. 25-29