Harbor Beacon, october 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 10

October 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

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

Click on these links for the October newsletter inserts:

Christianity is for losers, pg. 2

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

4-session class considers serving God in daily life, pg. 3

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/October2015.pdf

Men’s Chorus begins rehearsals, pg. 5 Ministry of the month: Lutheran World Relief, pg. 8

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Do you know Josephine? pg. 8

This issue was snail-mailed September 29, 2015

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The Bible shows us a God who is often hidden in suffering and failure. Mary’s song proclaimed that the Messiah in her womb was coming to scatter the proud and lift up the lowly. As theologian Robert Ferrar Capon often reminds his readers, Jesus came to do his work among “the last, the lost, and the least.” St. Paul reminds us again and again in his letters that he preaches a crucified Christ. The Apostle is always finding God at work in his life, not in his worldly victories (which were few and far between in his lifetime) but in his sufferings – including being shipwrecked, beaten, and jailed. Paul’s preaching focused on the cross, where the power of God’s love is revealed in what appears to be complete and utter failure. If I were to guess which teams God favors, based on the scriptures I’d have to put my money on the losers!

Pastor's Page Christianity is for Losers For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

- 1 Corinthians 2:2

D

id you hear the joke? Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says to Russell Wilson: “Knock, knock.” Wilson replies, “Who’s there?” Rodgers responds: “Owen.” Wilson: “Owen who?” Rodgers, with the brutal punch-line referring to the Seahawks win/loss record at that point: “O-2.” Ouch.

The cross teaches us that God is with us in the midst of our deepest suffering, our deepest failures. The cross teaches us that when God seems most absent, God is actually most powerfully present. When we cry out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” we find that we are echoing the words of our Lord Jesus, who is right there beside us. The cross teaches us that God meets us in our brokenness. As Leonard Cohen sang, “There is a crack, a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

Rodgers didn’t actually tell such a joke, but after his team’s recent victory over the Seahawks he did say to a reporter, “I think God was a Packer fan tonight.” As they say, turnabout is fair play. After the Seahawks came back late in the game to beat the Packers in the NFC championship game last year, Wilson said to a reporter, “That’s God setting it up, to make it so dramatic, so rewarding, so special.”

Part of me is glad to hear these famous athletes referring to their faith in God. I appreciate the chance for my sons to see people in the media, people they admire, identify themselves as Christians. However, much of what they say, I have to admit, makes me cringe. Is God really a fan of any given sports team? Does God really orchestrate victories for the teams he favors? If so, what does God have against the Mariners?

There is only one victory we look to for the assurance of God’s power in our lives – it is Jesus’ victory over sin and death in his glorious resurrection on Easter morning. It isn’t wrong to give thanks to God for our successes in life, but it is spiritually dangerous to hang our faith on any victory other than the resurrection. So when those worldly victories are few and far between in your life, know that God still exists. When your win/loss record in life feels like the punch-line of a cruel joke, know that God cares about you. In the midst of all our troubles and failures, our crucified Lord is present with us, giving us hope, faith, and new life as we await the final victory.

To be fair to both Rodgers and Wilson, I suspect their comments are merely clumsy attempts to praise God and are probably not representtative of the fullness of their faith and theology. Their comments, however, do represent a widespread and unfortunate tendency we are all guilty of from time to time. We tend to associate God’s work in our lives with our victories, our successes, our triumphs. We tend to point to the good things that happen to us as evidence that God exists, and that God cares about us. Of course, God does exist, and God does care about us.

And, of course, it is good to praise God for the blessings we experience in life. But if this is all we believe about God, we are missing out on the good news of the gospel! If this is the only way we understand how God is at work in our lives, we are missing something important about how God has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ.

- Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

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Growing

You'r e invit ed to…

Learning

YOUTH

VOCATION: SERVING GOD IN DAILY LIFE A four-session class for adults Sundays, October 4, 11, 18 & 25 9:15-10:15 AM in the library

FAMILY NIGHT AT OHLC!

Sunday, October

pm

,

J

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

W

hether you are a teacher, a pilot, a waitress, an accountant, a nurse, a farmer, a stay-at-home parent, a retiree, or something else entirely, we all have opportunities to serve God in daily life. One of the great insights of the Lutheran Reformation is the inherent dignity and theological significance of the work we do in the world. However, many people feel a disconnection between worship and work, between faith and so-called “worldly” endeavors, between Sunday and the rest of the week. How can we find meaning and purpose in the tasks we are responsible for throughout the week?

Join us for adult education in October for a four-session class on the ways we serve God in daily life. This class will include Bible study, a DVD curriculum, and group conversation. Come find out how your daily work, whether it is wiping snotty noses, tending to an aging spouse, waiting tables, crunching numbers or shoveling out barns, is a meaningful way of serving God and living out your faith.

6:00 PM:

Meet in Herrigstad Hall for

Italian Sodas!

We’ll have all kinds of flavors to choose from, including

!

6:15:

Little Lutes (Pre-K) will meet in the nursery for fun and games.

Elementary Luth Youth will meet in the education wing for fun and games.

Middle School Luth Youth will meet for fun and games in Herrigstad Hall.

Where does it all go? Taking a look at Sunday School offerings

High School Luth Youth will meet in the youth room for fun and games.

Sunday School coordinator Cheryl Blevins reports that Sunday School offerings from preschool on up through adult classes for the 2014-2015 program year totaled $660. Our designated project for the year was God’s Global Barnyard, through the ELCA’s Good Gifts program.

The detailed breakdown is as follows: $250 for a community fish farm, $100 towards a share of a pair of oxen & a plow (each ox/plow set is $1000), $100 for 2 goats, $90 for 3 pigs, $50 for a share of a cow (each cow is $500), $ 40 for 2 sets of honeybees, $30 for 3 sets of chicks (10 chicks in each set).

Sunday School offerings for the 2015-2016 program year have been designated for Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda.

Adults will meet in the library with Pastor Spencer for a session entitled Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids.

7:15:

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

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

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Whidbey Island Theological Studies:

Mark these dates on your calendar!

MINOR PROPHETS – MAJOR MESSAGE Saturday, October 24, 8:45 AM to noon

Oct. 4: New Member Class

Coupeville Rec Hall – 901 N Alexander Street,

Anyone interested in becoming a member of OHLC is encouraged to come learn more about our church! Seekers are welcome – there is no obligation to join. We’ll meet in the library from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM; lunch is provided.

Instructor is Dr. Tom Johnson, former Professor of Religious Studies, Dean, and President of George Fox University. All are welcomed; there is no charge to attend.

The mission of W.I.T.S. is to increase the knowledge and love of God in the churches of Whidbey Island through college-level biblical, theological, and spiritual studies. For more information, call 360-2218365 or e-mail wits@whidbey.com.

Oct. 11: Journey to Jesus’ Table This special learning experience is offered twice per year, and is 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 receiving communion. 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 noon, and will be finished by 2:00 PM at the latest. Lunch will be provided.

Men’s Ministry Due to a scheduling conflict, the Lutheran Men in Mission gathering on Saturday, Oct. 3 has been cancelled.

The Brotherhood of St. Bernard meets for lunch, fellowship and Bible study at noon in the fellowship hall, Tuesdays, Oct. 13 & 27.

Oct. 18: Bible Basics for 3rd Graders All third graders are encouraged to come learn how (and why!) to read the Bible. All attendees will be presented with their own Bible at a special ceremony on Reformation Sunday (Oct. 25). We will meet in the library from 12 noon to 2:00 PM. At least one parent or guardian is expected to attend with their child. Lunch will be provided.

Building God’s kingdom On Reformation Sunday, as we think about Martin Luther, the 16th-century reformer of the church, we rejoice that God raises men and women in every era to lead movements which serve the kingdom of God. According to Luther, “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times.”

It was faith that helped Luther become such a daring and courageous leader. Columnist Walter Lippmann once wrote: “The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him, in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.”

Of course, that applies to both men and women — and it certainly applied to Luther.

God calls men and women out of the world to learn the meaning of commitment, love and service. God then sends those men and women back into the world to put their commitment, love and service to work.

That’s how the kingdom of God is spread and how God’s church remains alive and healthy.

The Newsletter Newsletter, published in October 2006

Oct. 25: Fall fun at Dugualla Bay Farm Members and friends of all ages are invited to join us on an outing to Dugualla Bay for some fun at their corn maze! We’ll meet at church at 2:30 PM to carpool. You can also drive yourself and meet us at Dugualla Bay at 3:00 PM. We are getting a special group rate of $8 per person which includes the corn maze, hay ride, and a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. We’ll need a head count, so please RSVP via the opportunity form in the worship bulletin or by calling the church office.

Don’t miss this fall classic of family fun!

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Library News

The Coupeville Book Group will meet on Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 PM in the home of Gaye Rodriguey, 228 Rhodena Drive, Coupeville. Contact Gaye if you need driving directions, 360-678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com.

The book for consideration is The Sandcastle Girls, by Chris Bohjalian. Discussion leader is Gail Dobbyn.

D

id you know… Oak Harbor Lutheran Church’s library has an extensive reference section, along with many books that may be checked out by children on up through adults. We have fiction as well as nonfiction, classics and contemporary works, theology, prayer helps, historical perspectives, picture books and big print editions, and a wide range of sacred and secular “good reads.” Stop by the library and take a look!

Library Committee members appreciate the many donations of books that come in to augment the collection on our shelves. If you plan to make a donation of books to the church library, please talk to one of our Committee members before you go to the trouble of dropping off any Library boxes. We try to be good stewards of our Committee shelf space. Sometimes books are left in Marian our care that simply will never be Bartleson checked out, and then we find ourselves Abby Chromy in the position of having to dispose of Leona McKee them. Thank you for your donations, Becky Wold and for your consideration before you donate.

See you at the Library, Abby Chromy

When Elizabeth Endicott, a wealthy young American, arrives in Aleppo, Syria, she has a diploma from Mount Holyoke, a crash course in nursing, and only the most basic grasp of the Armenian language. It’s 1915, and Elizabeth has volunteered to help deliver food and medical aid to refugees of the Armenian Genocide during the First World War. There she meets Armen, a young Armenian engineer who has lost his wife and infant daughter. After leaving Aleppo and traveling to Egypt to join the British Army, Armen begins to write letters to Elizabeth, realizing he has fallen in love. Years later, Laura – the American granddaughter – embarks on a journey back through her family’s history, uncovering a story of love, loss, and a wrenching secret that has been buried for generations. 293 pages, fiction

BookMarks

Grace notes

The 2nd Wednesday Book Group meets at 1:00 PM in the church library on Wednesday, October 14. Our book is The Call, by Yannick Murphy: The daily rhythm of a family in rural New England is shaken when a hunting accident leaves the eldest son in a coma. The father, a veterinarian, tries to maintain normalcy for the family while searching for the man responsible for the accident. When an unexpected visitor asks a favor, it tests the father’s resolve and forces him to come to terms with what it truly means to be a family.

220 pages, fiction

from Worship

Men’s Chorus begins regular rehearsals Mark your calendars, guys! Men’s Chorus practice begins on Wednesday, October 14 and will continue each week through November 18, 6:30-7:00 PM in the sanctuary.

We will be rehearsing songs for November 8 and December 20.

Ron Ernst 5

Music

OHLC Women

opportunities for fellowship, study service

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church’s Lydia Circle cordially invites you to their

Blanket Workshop

3rd annual

Meets Tuesday & Wednesday, October 6 & 7, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Newcomers are always welcome – you don’t have to know how to sew to help out!

Circle meetings in October: 10/1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Deborah Circle meets for fellowship and study from 10:00 AM to noon in the library.

10/5&19 Lydia Circle meets for Bible study, 6:00 PM in the prayer room.

10/12&26 Lydia Circle bazaar workshops, 6:00 PM, ed. wing.

10/20 Rebecca Circle meets for fellowship and study at 10:00 AM in the library.

Saturday, November 14 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Oak Harbor Lutheran Church Holiday shopping made easy!

D

eborah Circle continues discussion of the book Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande.

10/ 1:“Being Mortal,” 60-minute DVD produced by PBS Frontline); Chapter 3, Dependence, pages 55-78 10/ 8: Chapter 4, Assistance, pages 79-110; Chapter 5, A Better Life, pgs. 111-148 10/15: Chapter 6, Letting Go, pages 149-190 10/22: Chapter 7, Hard Conversations, pages 191-230 10/29: Chapter 8, Courage, pages 231-258, Epilogue, pages 259-264 All are welcome to join in our discussions; stop by the church library on any Thursday in October, 10:00 AM to noon. Please contact Gaye Rodriguey, 360-678-3561, if you would like to purchase a copy of Being Mortal or to pick up a set of the questions that Deborah Circle will be discussing each week.

* Hand-crafted Items * Holiday Decor * * Knitted Items * * Jewelry * Granny’s’ Attic * * Coffee * Tea * * Bake Sale *

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His Kids Preschool

In Sympathy

a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

We mourn the recent loss of two of our congregation’s stalwart members.

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is Kids Preschool students are back in the hallways at OHLC! The chatter of little voices full of excitement are a welcome noise for the church staff. Little Blue, the classroom rabbit, was even happy to return to his usual place following his summer vacation at Ms Debbie’s farm!

Betty Wilcox (pictured here with Jack because they just seemed to be inseparable at OHLC) died on September 4. She was 86, and had been a member of our congregation for 12 years. Her memorial service was held on Sept. 9.

So far, we have had a great start to the school year. For many of our students, this is their first year with our preschool program. They’re doing great with learning the circle time routine and walking in line on the way to chapel. With daily repetitions of the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, they’re learning quickly even though class has only been in session for a short time.

Cathy Wade died in the early hours of September 25, two months shy of her 91st birthday. A longtime librarian for Oak Harbor, she had been a member of OHLC for 57 years. At the time this newsletter was going to print, her memorial service had not yet been scheduled.

We started off the month with painting the children’s hands for several projects, learning about circles, and concentrating on certain colors. The students enjoyed their first chapel times in the sanctuary with Pastor Jeff (and Martha, Carol, and Ms Sara waved to them from their offices along the hallway as the children walked by).

We also offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for our Lord’s comforting presence for those in our church family who also suffered the loss of loved ones in September…

At this writing, we’re looking forward to our first field trip of the school year – a visit to the library. For many of our students, this will be their first time of getting their own library card!

…to Dick Koch and family, following the death of his mother, Louise Jensen, in St. Cloud, Wisconsin.

We’d like to thank the members of OHLC who weeded and cleaned up our playground and the areas near our classroom windows.

Thank you to Debbie Reetz for planting the fall flowers – everything looks colorful and cheerful! The students enjoy looking out the windows to see the flowers, as well as the neighborhood cats and squirrels who come by to see what’s new in the space. Thank you to Ms Gaye for washing the curtains and our “crayon” pillows that we keep in our little library space. Everything looked so inviting for our children as our school year got underway, and we appreciate those extra efforts that have made it so welcoming for them.

…to Ruth Culbertson and family, following the death of her mother, Frieda Jordan, in Bellingham. …to Bruce Roberts and family, following the death of his father, Larry Roberts, in Oak Harbor.

With appreciation Thank you, church family, for the cards, flowers, and wonderful food [following our loss of Ski Michalski]. Your kind words and hugs are greatly appreciated.

Please remember to give your husband a smile, hold his hand, and give him a hug and a kiss.

God bless you.

Pat Michalski and family

Yes, we still have a few openings in our afternoon preschool class, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, 12:30-3:00 PM. Call Martha in the church office, 679-1651, for more information.

God’s blessings!

Ms Sara, Ms Elva, Ms Michelle 7

Watoto news: exciting and exhilarating

Compassion Ministry

It’s a new start… Alfred is beginning studies at a 5 ½-year program at Kampala October International Medical School. Imagine one Fest year of school for $4,000 (10,000,000 shillings). You can hear the rest of the story at our Watoto Octoberfest Dinner & Auction on Saturday, October 17 at the Oak Harbor Elks Club. We’ll also have some early details about the January 2016 mission trip to Uganda and the Watoto Children’s Choir concert in March!

Join us for the auction preview at 5:30 PM and a Bavarian dinner at 6:30. Entertainment includes The Pickled Herring Band, and there will be African Fair Trade goods as well as the auction. Tickets are $20 apiece; 100% of the proceeds benefits youth health care and scholarships for Watoto Child Care Ministries in Uganda.

Make a note on an opportunity form in your Sunday bulletin if you have items to donate for the auction, or contact Skip or another Watoto Team member. Watch for a quilt auction and ongoing Sunday morning sales in the fellowship hall of Dottie Krigbaum’s canned peaches, homegrown pickled beets, and jam.

Thank you for your continued support for Watoto’s mission to help the children and adults of Uganda.

Skip & Judy Lycksell

Annual coat collection is underway!

October is Warm Coat & Warm Socks collection month! If you have new socks or new or clean and gently-used coats to share, please put them in the big red barrel in the narthex. All sizes are needed, children up through adults. These will be shared with local people and with El Camino de Emaus.

Judy Lycksell

Roadside clean-up set for October 10 After many years of serving as our coordinator, Pat Dallen has retired from his roadside clean-up duties. Thanks Pat! Jeff Margraf has volunteered to serve as our new coordinator. Thanks Jeff!

Our fall clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, October 10.

Volunteers must be at least 15 years old – please sign up in the narthex or make a note on an opportunity form in your Sunday bulletin, and plan to meet at the church at 8:30 AM to carpool to our adopted 2-mile stretch of Highway 20.

Compassion team highlights Lutheran World Relief

Josephine, providing care in the Stanwood area

During October, we’ll be highlighting the work of Lutheran World Relief. Some of that work starts right here at OHLC, where many hands work together to make quilts and assemble health kits, school kits, and baby care kits for refugees and others in need around the world.

You’ll be able to take a close look at the quilts as they’re displayed on the pews in the sanctuary on Sunday, October 25. It’s always a moving experience as Pastor Spencer invites worshipers to put their hands on all these quilts during the prayers of dedication, envisioning these signs of our love being placed into the arms of so many people who are in such need.

Your benevolence gifts to LWR in October, beyond your usual tithes and contributions to OHLC, will first go towards shipping costs for quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. Any funds over that amount will be sent to LWR to help Syrian refugees.

Carol Wall

Dear Josephine Partner Congregations, reetings in the name of Christ! I’d like to start something new with you with this article. I would like to find the time to connect with you on a monthly basis through your church newsletter with the intent of enhancing the relationship between Josephine and those who share and own our ministry with us here.

G

As I start this new venture with you, I don’t exactly know what it will look like—but that’s OK, we’ll figure that out along the way. If nothing else, it will be a place where we can continue to communicate our thanks for our partnership in the ministry together. However, I do hope that it can also be a place to share about our ministry here: to share some of the exciting new ventures we’re looking forward to trying, some 8

•Can you help provide hands-on opportunities with residents in our garden?

•Can you help run an art class?

•Can you give a violin recital during social hour?

•Can you play wii with our residents one day a week after school?

•Can you cook your favorite meal for our Assisted Living residents?

•Can you help read scripture to folks who are blind?

•Can your choir provide special music at our worship services here?

•Could your worship team help lead worship here once a quarter?

•Could you develop a relationship with a resident who doesn’t have family coming in to visit them?

•Could you teach residents how to use Facebook?

•Could you lead a group sing-a-long?

•Could you lead a group laugh-a-long?

•Could you lead a group in playing hand-chimes?

•Could you lead a Alzheimer residents in creative writing?

•Could you host a Monday Night Football gathering?

Compassion Ministry, continued

of the specific things here that truly give us life, and even some things that might be weighing on our hearts (after all, ministry here is set in real life and not a storybook). The hope here is that when you pray for us as our partners, and I hope you do pray for us, this might help better answer the question of: “For what should we pray about?” When you have the desire to connect more fully with Josephine, this might help answer the question: “How might I connect?” When you give your generous support, it might help answer the question: “Just what am I supporting?”

OK—enough of an intro—let’s get to some meaty stuff…

Do you know that you can participate in the ministry at Josephine beyond your generous prayers and financial gifts? Don’t get me wrong—I don’t want to minimize the importance of those prayers and gifts—they are more important than you know and maybe that will be the topic of another article…but do you know that you can participate in other ways as well?

With this approach, the possibilities are endless, and the questions you should ask should be: “What do I like to do?”—“What gifts do I have?”—“What are my special talents?”—“What really gives me life and can I share that with those who are living at Josephine?” I urge you to give this some thought and really consider sharing your passions. Let’s have so many volunteers doing things at Josephine that people will consider coming to Josephine, not because “This is where I have come to die” (yes, I really have heard this), but because “This is a place that is really inspired with life!” I challenge you to help us really mess with people’s stereotypical attitudes about nursing homes. Let’s have so many volunteers here, sharing their God-given gifts, that Josephine will need to hire a separate volunteer coordinator (shhh…don’t tell anyone I’m suggesting this). May your imagination run wild as the Spirit blows in and about you!

There are certainly things that we already have in place that might be opportunities for you to more fully engage as a volunteer: •Work in the Gift Shop. Do you have a few hours one day a week to spare to help in the gift shop? It breaks my heart when residents come, find the gift shop closed, and go away sad because it’s closed due to a shortage of volunteers. Beyond helping people purchase things in the shop, I can’t tell you how much of a ministry it is for so many of the residents and caregivers here—ahhh…another future article brewing here...

•Help on Outings. Josephine provides outing opportunities to residents to go out to eat, to go shopping like at the Dollar Store, or even to go and have a picnic somewhere—things that the rest of us probably take for granted most of the time—but very significant for the residents here. As you can imagine, it could be a ton of work to just have one staff member who is driving the bus to also manage everybody on these outings.

Feel free to contact me about anything I’ve written here—or topics you’d like to hear about in the coming months. You can also contact our Activities Director, Kathy Warrick and let her know how you might like to more fully participate. For now, thank you—thank you for your wonderful partnership—and as I say in many of the congregations I come to visit with…we may be able to do this ministry without you—but it’s not the same without you!

We’d be happy to share more about what we already have here for you to just plug in to. However, I would also like to encourage your participation in another way—not only with what Josephine needs to have but also what you are gifted in and called to share. I actually think it’s even more exciting to think of it backwards like this—so that you can share, here in this place, ways that God has gifted you! May I spark your imagination a little bit?

Warmly, Chaplain Andy Yee Director of Spiritual Care, Josephine, Stanwood 9

even more from Compassion Ministry

Christ. Kids. Camp.

Dear Oak Harbor Lutheran Church,

News from Lutherwood , Bellingham

On behalf of Mighty to Save Ministries, I would like to thank you for choosing us to be your Ministry of the Month for August.

Make a Difference Day is coming up soon, and the staff of Lutherwood Camp & Retreat Center near Bellingham needs YOUR help to make Lutherwood a better, safer, nicer place for campers! There are lots of projects that need to be worked on, including • Stain decks • Paint cabins • Weed garden • Chop firewood • Fix windows • Repair floating dock • Trim trees away from power lines • Inspect/repair picnic tables (and destroy those beyond repair) • And much more!

I enjoyed being able to share with your congregation about MtSM, our mission, our vision, and our hope for the future of those struggling with addiction.

We are so grateful to be able to get the word out about MtSM and very blessed by the financial support that came in.

God bless you all!

In Him, Christina Bowling, president, Mighty to Save Ministries

Lutherwood would like an RSVP from participating congregations; if you’d like to help, please sign up on an opportunity form in your Sunday bulletin or e-mail Steve Marx, OHLC’s Lutherwood contact, s.marx@co.island.wa.us .

ELCA Malaria Campaign reaches a milestone Christina Jackson-Skelton, Executive Director, Mission Advancement, ELCA , recently announced that the ELCA Malaria Campaign has met its goal, set 5 years ago, to raise $15 million for malaria programming:

The annual auction and smorgasbord to benefit Lutherwood’s mission will be Saturday, November 21, 2015, 5:00-8:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran College’s chapel, 2802 Wetmore Ave., Everett.

They are looking for donations of items to include in the silent and live auctions, such as handmade quilts, handcrafted woodworking pieces, tickets to a major sports game, and other special and unique paraphernalia. If you are willing and able to donate an item, thank you for your generosity! Please contact Laura at office@camplutherwood.org or (360) 734-7652 to arrange details.

Individual seats for the smorgasbord are $40 and a table of eight seats is $250. To purchase tickets, you may do so online or call their office at (360) 734-7652, and they’ll help you with the online system.

Thank you for being a part of this monumental milestone and helping us protect countless lives from this preventable, treatable disease. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Working with our Lutheran companions and partners in 13 African countries, we have brought about lasting change. But our work is not over. While the ELCA Malaria Campaign will officially come to an end on Jan. 31, 2016, our commitment to ending deaths from this disease will not. In the coming years, support to our companions and partners to address malaria will come through gifts to ELCA World Hunger, which has a long history of supporting health-related work.

Contributions received by Oak Harbor Lutheran Church for this appeal came to a little over $4,000.

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Worship Assistants 10/ 4

8:00 10:30 6:30 10/11 8:00 10:30 6:30 10/18 8:00 10:30 6:30 10/25 8:00 10:30 6:30

Asst. Ministers Ron Ernst Skip Lycksell Gisela Hawley Paul Senness Carol Reafs Debbie Wysomierski Josh Margraf Jan Heideger Debbie Wysomierski Ron Ernst Carol Fitzgerald Trudy Decker

Ushers

10/ 4 8:00 AM Higgins family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 10/11 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 10/18 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM R. Wood 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 10/25 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM

Acolytes Sam Higgins Emma Suley Benjamin Bruland Sam Loustaunau Wolly Fowkes Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Micah Burrow Benjamin Bruland Johannes Christensen Alyssa Blevins Benjamin Bruland

m Financial Report:

Music Morning Glory Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs

August $ 59,022 57,602 $ 1,420

Income Outgo

Praise Team Cantor: Carol Reafs Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs Morning Glory Senior Choir Cantor: Carol Reafs

August Year to date $ 298,721 295,476 $ 3,245

Worship Attendance: Date 8:00 AM Aug. 30 75 Sept. 6 75 Sept. 13 77 Sept. 20 82 Sept. 27 94 Average Att. 81

Assistants

Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Sande Mulkey Computer: Michelle Tull Communion: Candi Amarelo Computer: Lisa Margraf Communion: Jan McCullough Computer: Rita Carter

September

10:30 AM 102 108 96 115 109 109

Cpvl.

10 13 20 19 14 19

Nursery 2 0 0 5 3 2

Average Sunday attendance: 204

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Sande Mulkey Computer: Luke Spencer

Lesser Festivals

Commemorations: October

4 Francis of Assisi, renewer of the 19 Church, 1226; Theodor Fliedner, 23 renewer of society, 1864 26 6 William Tyndale, translator, martyr, 1536 7 Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, pastor in North America, 1787 28 15 Teresa of Avila, teacher, renewer 31 of the church, 1582 17 Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, martyr, c. 115

Communion: Shanna Lundstrom Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Martha Ellis Computer: Rick Culbertson

6:30: Presider, Jay Decker

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

Luke, Evangelist James of Jerusalem, martyr Philipp Nicolai, 1608; Johann Heermann, 1647; Paul Gerhardt, 1676; hymnwriters Simon & Jude, Apostles Reformation Day

Little Lutheran Bags in October: Amy Bruce This month’s decorative font is

The deadline for articles for the November newsletter is Wednesday, October 21.

LT Nutshell Library 11

SUNDAY 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 4 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 New Member Class 12:00 Youth/Family Night 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 11 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Journey to Jesus’ Table 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 18 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Bible Basics for 3rd Graders 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 25 Reformation Sunday LWR quilt display Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Class 9:15 Worship 10:30 Corn Maze, 2:30 at OHLC; 3:00 at D.B.F. WSMTA recital 3:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M, T, W: 9:00–11:30 AM 12:30–3:00 PM Open House, Oct. 21 3-day AM class: 6:00 PM 3-day PM class: 6:45 PM 5 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle Study 6:30 Angeli 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 12 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Cir. Workshop 6:30 Angeli 7:00 Solutions 19 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle Study 6:30 Angeli 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 26 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:30 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Cir. Workshop 6:30 Angeli 7:00 Solutions

6 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 13 10:00 Stephen Min. tr.

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 7:15 Cub Scout Leaders 20 10:00 Stephen Min. tr.

10:00 Rebecca Circle 5:30 Cub Scout Leaders 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Boy Scouts 27 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Wolves 7:00 Webelos 2 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Scout Board of Rev

7 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff

6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

14 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 21 Newsletter Deadline Preschool Open House 11:30 OHLC Staff 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 28 OHLC serves at SPIN Café 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:30 Men’s Chorus 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir

12

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 10:00 Deborah Circle

2

3

5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Knitting Group

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

8 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Pack 98 training 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council 15 10:00 Deborah Circle

9

4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Compassion Min. 22 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 29 OHLC serves at SPIN Café 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Pack 98 Spookeree 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Girl Scouts Tr 40740 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group Load van for LWR

10 8:30 Meet to carpool for roadside litter clean-up

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 16

1:00 Keepers of the Faith OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 23

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

17

6:30 PM Octoberfest Watoto benefit Dinner & Auction, Oak Harbor Elks Club; auction preview at 5:30 24 8:45 Minor Prophets – Major Message W.I.T.S., Coupeville Rec Hall Make a Difference Day at Camp Lutherwood

30

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

31 Reformation Day