October 2020 Issue of Oak Harbor Lutheran Bulletin

The light shines in the darkness…

OHLC Staff

John 1:5

Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

Home Phone 360-320-4041

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud 360-632-4243 Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

Volume 67, Issue 10

360-941-1484

Youth & Family Ministry Beth Stephens 619-729-3031

October 2020

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

IN THIS ISSUE: I will fear no evil, pg. 2 October includes charades & pumpkin ice cream, pg. 4

Parish Secretary: Rekann Brannon

360-969-0775

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

360-678-2264

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

360-675-3957

Church Phone

360-679-1561

Click on these links for the October newsletter inserts: The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: http://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures

Confirmation celebrated on Reformation Sunday, pg. 4

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit:

Bring your donations for the bazaar, pg. 5

https://faithconnector.s3.amazonaws.com/lutheransnw/files/publications/spirit/octob er_2020_spirit.pdf

Preschoolers enjoy snacks and watching the bunny, pg. 6

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Good news from Beirut (yes, really!), pg. 9

This issue was snail-mailed September 29, 2020

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it was written, David found courage in the darkness through the assurance of God’s presence. He was able to keep putting one foot in front of the other through that dark valley because he trusted that God was with him. “I will fear no evil,” David wrote, “for you are with me.”

Pastor’s Page: I Will Fear No Evil “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

Psalm 23:4

D

arkness. Spiderwebs. Gory, macabre exterior décor. Yes, October is upon us. While the month has much going for it – football and fall leaves for instance – October is probably best known for its creepiness. As creation itself literally turns to the dark side, human fears are stoked by growing shadows and howling winds.

Fear has its purpose. It alerts us to dangers. It accentuates our senses and even our strength in order to protect us from those dangers.

But left unchecked, it can be bad for you. This is true physically. Doctors tell us that elevated levels of cortisol brought on by prolonged fear or anxiety or stress can have adverse health effects. It is true spiritually as well. Fear robs us of our joy. It hinders our hope. It eats away at our faith, our trust in God. Fear in small doses can be helpful, but it is a force that can be harnessed by the enemy to drive us into despair.

And then there’s Halloween. I’ve never been a big fan. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy handing out candy to kids and I hope they’ll get the chance to trick-or-treat this year. I just don’t enjoy the morbid aesthetic. There are enough real-life grim realities throughout the year that I don’t need to see tacky headstones in my neighbor’s yard or a bloody clown on my doorstep. Also, I startle easily. Who needs a “holiday” which is hell-bent on terrifying everyone?

Especially this year. We have already been living through a fearful time for several months now, haven’t we? “2020” has practically become a synonym for catastrophe. Some of this, no doubt, has been fed by a media which seems to take perverse joy in frenzied fear mongering, making things sound as horrible as possible (renaming Asian giant hornets “murder hornets,” for instance). Even so, COVID-19 is a legitimate fear, particularly for the aged or infirm. The partial shutdown of our economy is a real threat to jobs and business and communities fearing for their livelihood. While we’re holding our own here at OHLC, some congregations which were already struggling are worried about how much longer they’ll be able to scrape by. Many parents are deeply afraid that their kids will fall behind educationally with online educational models which are not working out for them. The social unrest and violence in many American cities is sad and scary and real and doesn’t seem to be abating. People in either political camp seem particularly afraid this election cycle of what will happen if their candidate doesn’t win next month. All these fears are just made worse by the loneliness and isolation so many are enduring. The dark days of October are coming to align with the dark moods so many have been experiencing in these dark times.

I’ve heard that the phrase “Do not be afraid” is written in the Bible 365 times. I haven’t counted, but I believe it. God says it over and over again to his people Israel. Christ Jesus says it several times to his disciples. St. Paul says it to the church in many of his letters. God is trying to tell us something here. He is, of course, telling us to not be afraid (duh), but perhaps he’s trying to tell us something else too.

Perhaps he’s telling us to be in his Word every day of the year. Perhaps he knows our tendency to become afraid, and this serendipitous tally of “do not be afraid” commands is God wink-wink-nudge-nudging us to his promises in scripture, encouraging us to spend time there every single day of every single month.

If you aren’t doing that already, October would be a great time to start. Because you see, fear can’t be willed away, and you can’t just wait it out either. It won’t necessarily go away with a vaccine or when the election is over or when we can finally flip our calendars to 2021. Fear can only be driven out by a promise. And God’s promise to us all is that when we are in the darkest valley, he is there. When we are in the valley of October shadows, he is with us. As you find yourself surrounded by scary headlines or creepy “decorations” this month, cling to this promise, so that you too would say, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”

God’s people have been in dark valleys before. King David wrote a beloved psalm about his own stroll through the valley of the shadow. I wonder if it was written in October? I bet it was. Whenever

- Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer 2

Financial Report

Worship schedule for October

W

ith prayers for continued good weather for the sake of our drive-in service, we will continue with our current worship schedule for the month of October. The only difference this month is that the 8:00 AM in-person service will be livestreamed on Facebook and available by demand on Facebook and YouTube afterwards.

Income Outgo

August $ 33,147 36,995 $ (3,849)

August Year to date $ 310,861 303,513 $ 7,348

Give to OHLC with your smartphone!

8:00 AM – In-Person Service (registration required) 8:00 AM – Livestream on Facebook 10:30 AM – Drive-in Service Worship video available on YouTube

you know you can now give through your smartphone by Diddownloading a free app. Just download “Tithe.ly” (the one with the green logo) from Google Play or Apple. When it is installed you will be prompted to set up an account. You can then search for Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Once you’re set up you can give one-time gifts with a few taps or set up recurring automatic gifts. (Please note: If you already have automatic withdrawal tithes set up through Simply Giving, there is no need to change to Tithe.ly.) An online giving link has been added to our website as well. All electronic gifts continue to be tax-deductible and will be recorded in your giving statements.

If COVID-19 cases remain low in Island County throughout October, we may resume our 10:30 AM service in the sanctuary beginning November 1. Stay tuned!

Tuesday evening Bible study continues on Zoom

A few words about designated funds: If you use checks and/or offering envelopes to make designated gifts beyond your usual gifts to OHLC’s general fund, please help the offering counters ensure these donations go into the correct accounts and that you receive the credit for your tax statements. Remember to indicate the particular designation on the memo line of your check itself as well as on the outside of your offering envelope. Thank you!

Stephen Ministry Ministry will meet Thursday, October 8 at 4:00 PM (note the Stephen earlier time) via Zoom. Questions? Contact Gaye Rodriguey at

It isn’t too late to join us as we continue to work our way through John’s gospel. If you are interested, just e-mail Pastor Spencer and he’ll send you the link.

gaye@tobysuds.com.

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Growing & Learning

Staying connected!

Join us online in our new Facebook group: a virtual get together of Oak Harbor Lutheran families to share and celebrate our faith. Use this space to share what your family is doing at home in your daily lives and in Homeschool Sunday School. Fun monthly activities will also be posted.

Just search in Facebook for OHLC Youth & Family to join.

Youth & Family Night: October 4, 6:00 PM Zoom Charades - Sign-up required This month, join us on Zoom for an extravagant night of Charades! Stretch those muscles and prepare to laugh as you act out a series of mysterious phrases.

To participate, please e-mail Beth Stephens at bethasteph@gmail.com in order to receive the invite link and instructions. Access links will also be available via the Facebook group.

A smartphone, tablet, or computer with camera and microphone is required. Mobile users will need to already have downloaded the ZOOM app. Sign-up required by 5:00 PM on Oct. 4.

Sunday School at home Beginning in October we will be sending out Sunday School lessons for families to use at home. Watch for them in your “Friday Foretaste” email. (If you currently do not receive the “Friday Foretaste” email, please e-mail Pastor Spencer at pastor@oakharborlutheran.org to get on the list.)

We are in ongoing conversations with our Sunday School families and will resume in-person Sunday School when we have a consensus that we are ready to do so.

Confirmation news!

Our first confirmation class of the new program year will be held at church on Sunday, October 18 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. We are making arrangements for safe, in-person gatherings for our students and their families. More information will be sent directly to our confirmation families.

OHLC @ THE FARM STAND! Sunday, October 11

Our students who completed the program last spring will be confirmed at our 8:00 AM in-person service on Sunday, October 25 (Reformation Sunday). An outdoor reception for our confirmation families will follow.

2:00 PM

Join us for a safe and much-needed opportunity for some fun and fellowship. The Farm Stand (K&R Farms on Highway 20 at Dugualla Bay) has pumpkins, a corn maze, hot cider, mini-donuts, pumpkin ice cream, and plenty of room for social distancing! Hope to see you there!

If you have one of the OHLC shirts or hoodies, be sure to wear it!

Those who are being confirmed on October 25 are expected to attend a pizza party and rehearsal on Saturday, October 24 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. 4

It ’s almo st t ime f or th

OHLC Women

Lydia Circle’s 8 annual

Opportunities for fellowship, study and service

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Circle meets every Thursday from 10 AM until noon via Deborah Zoom. All are welcome! Questions? Contact Gaye Rodriguey at gaye@tobysuds.com.

October 1: Be the Bridge, Ch. 3, pgs. 34-55, “An Invitation to Empathize” October 8: Be the Bridge, Ch. 4, pgs. 57-81, “Removing Roadblocks to Reconciliation” October 15: Be the Bridge, Ch. 5, pgs. 83-100, “Where Healing Begins” October 22: Be the Bridge, Chapter 6, pages 101-123, “The Healing Balm” October 29: Be the Bridge, Ch. 7, pgs. 127-148, “Facing the Oppressed, Facing God”

Saturday, November 7

Update on Bead for Life Bead for Life is an organization that believes every woman has within her a spark of purpose, possibility, and pride. They ignite opportunities for women living in extreme poverty to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs, finding within themselves the power to transform their lives. They also help women all over the world engage meaningfully in the fight against extreme poverty, finding within themselves the power to change the world.

One way Bead for Life and the women in the program attained these goals was by making and selling jewelry of recycled paper beads.

For several years, I have hosted Bead for Life Markets at OHLC, Women’s Retreats, NW WA SWO Events and in-home gatherings. I appreciate, as do the women who create the beautiful beaded jewelry, the church’s support of this outreach.

Unfortunately as with many businesses, nonprofit and for profit, Bead for Life was unable to continue the retail part of the organization due to COVID-19. The Bead for Life goal of “Ignite Potential, End Poverty” is now being supported through donations. I still have a supply of the jewelry – a variety of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings in addition to a couple of small baskets. All items are priced at half off and all the proceeds will be donated to Bead for Life. My plan is to host a virtual market in November and December for holiday shopping. If you are interested in attending or would like to “see” the jewelry before the holidays, please contact me at gaye@tobysuds.com. Thank you.

Shalom, Gaye Rodriguey

You can start bringing in your donations to the church narthex!

We’re looking for handcrafted items, as well as gently-used and muchloved, old, or new items for Granny’s Attic.

Questions? Contact Peg Fosnaugh, 360-675-2821, or Roberta Koster, 360-279-0303.

Limitations due to COVID-19 means there will not be any vendors from the community this year, nor will we be able to accept baked goods. All items sold at the bazaar will be packaged to meet with safety rules.

Yes, it’s a challenge as we jump through all these hoops, but being faithful in following the guidelines is an act of love that helps us keep our church and our neighbors healthy.

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His Kids Preschool

This is what our students had to say about our first month of Preschool!

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

Morning class: Emma: It’s going to be so awesome Juliett: I like coloring Kara: Snack time is my favorite Bradley: I like playing Tristan: I like to play with the toys Ryan: I like to go home Chelsie: I like to play with toys Lila: I like eating snack Leia: I like to play with the clay Taysom: I like to eat everything Cillian: I like to play with the blocks and the cars

H

ere we are, off to a great start to the His Kids 2020/2021 School Year! The students are adjusting well with keeping their masks on and getting better all the time about distancing themselves while still playing with their classmates. Our guidelines we implemented into our routine are consistently running smoother each day as we welcome the children into our classroom.

Afternoon class: Jaxon: I like looking at the bunny Lux: I miss my mom Jaden: I like to play on the playground Keyara: I like coloring Roslyn: I like snacks like goldfish Olivia: I like snacks Indi: I like playing with the blocks J.J.: I like snack Henry: I like looking at the bunny when he moves Lorelei: I like to do the lacing and play with the clay and blocks and look at the bunny

Our letter study for the beginning of the year are the letters C and A. We made construction paper cacti with tissue paper flowers and little pieces of dry spaghetti noodles for spines. We also made a paper alligator with cutout triangle shapes for teeth.

We had our first chapel time with Pastor Jeff, and it was wonderful to have the little voices singing songs in the sanctuary once more. A sense of normalcy and peace in our lives is always a good thing.

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

We wrapped up the month of September with a silly hat day and our annual apple day. Ms. Elva brought apples from her farm and we cooked them down into a yummy applesauce. The halls smelled of goodness, and thoughts of fall surrounded our senses.

We want to extend a special thank you to Rita Cline for her time and talent in sewing the masks for the children to wear during class time.

In addition, a thank you to Matt Harbaugh (Sara’s husband) and a friend of their family for making the clear acrylic plexiglass shields for our table tops. It means so much to us, the love that is given to the program, the children and staff.

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

The deadline for articles for the November newsletter is Thursday, Oct. 22. If your item will be a little late, please contact Martha in the office, martha@oakharborlutheran.org, and she’ll do her best to save you a space.

We would also like to extend congratulations to Ms. Elva and Mr. Bill for becoming first-time grandparents to a sweet little granddaughter – Coraline Arabella. Proud parents are Justin and Carmen. Welcome to the world, Cora! (And who knows – maybe a future His Kids Preschooler?)

This month’s decorative font is DeRoos.

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In Sympathy

BookMarks

W

he Coupeville Book Group will meet Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. Gaye Rodriguey will lead the discussion of Men Explain Things to Me, by Rebecca Solnit. Everyone is responsible for their own beverage and dessert. Contact Gaye at gaye@tobysuds.com if you’d like to join the discussion.

T

e were saddened to receive the news that Becky Wold died on Sept. 10 from complications related to cancer. She was 84. Becky and her late husband, Don, joined OHLC in early 1998 and were faithful worshipers at the 8:00 AM service.

In her comic, scathing essay “Men Explain Things to Me,” Rebecca Solnit took on what often goes wrong in conversations between men and women. She wrote about men who wrongly assume they know things and wrongly assume women don’t, about why this arises, and how this aspect of the gender wars works, airing some of her own hilariously awful encounters. She ends on a serious note— because the ultimate problem is the silencing of women who have something to say, including those saying things like, “He’s trying to kill me!”

This updated edition of the book features that now-classic essay of the title, as well as Solnit’s recent essay on the remarkable feminist conversation that arose in the wake of the 2014 Isla Vista killings.

Nonfiction, essays, 154 pages

Becky made many quilts with our Blanket Workshop group (she was one of our primary sewers of quilt tops, had a great eye for color combinations, and always turned out works of art), and over the years these have been distributed around the globe through Lutheran World Relief. She was a beloved member of OHLC’s Rebecca Circle, the 2nd Wednesday Book Group, and a dear friend to many in our congregation, especially to Leona McKee. In his OHLC E-pistle posted on Sept. 11, Pastor Spencer wrote: Becky was vital and active, intellectually and socially, to the very end of her life. I occasionally write my sermons at the Starbucks on the north end of town, and I regularly ran into Becky there on Friday mornings. She had a standing meeting with friends with whom she would chat about books, current events, and theology. (I couldn't help but overhear a bit here and there!) She was well-read, crackling with intelligence yet humble, pious in the best sense of the word, and so very warm hearted. We will all miss her.

Lesser Festivals and commemorations October 4 Francis of Assisi, renewer of the 18 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

A memorial service was held for Becky at OHLC on Sept. 19.

Due to COVID-19 precautions it was a small service and open by invitation only, but it was livestreamed on Facebook and is available via the church’s website.

Don died in 2006 and was buried in Illinois.

The family is planning to lay Becky to rest beside him.

Peace be to their memory.

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

Rooted in the past and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this lifetransforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.

- Sundays & Seasons, 2020, Augsburg Fortress

For an update on a particular shipment of Lutheran World Relief quilts which may have included some that were made by Becky and other OHLC Blanket Workshop volunteers, see page 9.

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Compassion Ministry

Update from Camp Lutherwood, Bellingham Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center is putting on a virtual fundraising event, November 14, 4:00-5:30 PM. This year more than ever, we need your help with donations for our event! We are looking for quilts, items, cabin rentals, trips, dinners, baskets, outings, etc.

U.S. Wildfires

As many of you know, we weren’t able to host overnight camps this summer, which has put a huge hole in our yearly operating budget. Any help that you can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you to those who have supported us and continue to support us during this time.

The Situation: Fueled by a heat wave and unfavorable winds, wildfires have erupted across California, Oregon, Washington and other western states.

At least 20 people have died, hundreds of thousands of people are under evacuation orders and more than 3.5 million acres have burned across the three states. Some evacuees face the difficult decision of whether to stay in a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center is a year-round organization that supports youth, adults and families. Lutherwood leads on-site summer camps, high ropes adventures, and congregational day camps. It is part of our mission to make camp available to everyone regardless of their financial situation. To make this possible, we rely heavily on support from individuals and fundraising to provide “campership” scholarships.

Our Response: Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with at least three Lutheran social services agencies and five synods to assess the situation and determine the best ways to respond. We expect immediate needs may include food and other necessities, as well as emotional and spiritual care for those who have been traumatized.

We appreciate your consideration and support. If you wish to make a donation, or arrange for pick up, please call our office at 360734-7652, e-mail office@camplutherwood.org, or send to the office.

Here’s what you can do Pray:

Thank you for your support!

Please pray for the communities that lie in the paths of wildfires in the western United States. May God’s healing presence give them peace and hope in their time of need. Pray that God will deliver comfort to those who mourn and strength to those working diligently to contain the fires and care for affected communities.

Robert K. Gillespie, Executive Director Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center

Lutherwood Camp and Retreat Center 1185 Roy Road Bellingham, WA 98229 Lutherwood’s Federal EIN is 91-0629888.

Give: Your gifts will support wildfire survivors. Gifts to U.S. Wildfires will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete. Google ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response for online giving opportunities, or gifts may be made through Oak Harbor Lutheran Church; please make your check to OHLC, with U.S. Wildfires on the memo line.

Need more info about Lutherwood?

Contact OHLC’s own Mike Dilley, 425-641-2995, mikedilley@comcast.net 8

Humanitarian aid feared destroyed in explosion, found intact!

News from Papua New Guinea

Reprinted from the Lutheran World Relief website --by John Rivera BALTIMORE, Sept. 24, 2020 — Three 40-foot shipping containers filled with humanitarian aid that included thousands of handmade quilts and baby-care items, which were reported as destroyed in the August 4 explosions at the port of Beirut, Lebanon, have been found intact and are ready to be distributed victims of the blast and refugees.

Authorities assumed the containers were lost in the historic blast that killed more than 200 people and laid waste to parts of the city. It took several weeks for longtime Lutheran World Relief partner Anera to gain access to the port, locate the containers and check their contents.

While other Anera shipping containers were heavily damaged, the three containers of quilts and kits were apparently stored behind a concrete block building that helped spare them from the blast. A fourth container, which was on a ship offshore when the explosion occurred, has since been delivered.

The contents of all four containers have been transferred to a warehouse and will be distributed to families displaced by the explosion, as well as to refugees living in Lebanon, principally from Syria and the Palestinian territories.

Anera provides humanitarian assistance and sustainable development to advance the well-being of refugees and other vulnerable communities in the Middle East.

A

s we reported in the April 2020 newsletter, the Coupeville Worship Group (OHLC’s Sunday evening services at St. Mary’s, Coupeville – currently on hiatus) has been assisting seminary student Theodora Bokun with tuition during her senior year at Martin Luther Seminary in Lae, PNG. Contributions were also gathered to go towards Theodora’s gifts of pectoral crosses for her teachers.

Carol Reafs received the following e-mailed letter of appreciation from Theodora’s father, Brata Bonio, on July 21 [slightly edited here for clarity]: Susa [Sister] Carol, Thank you very much. You and other great Susas in Coupeville are the “sweet aroma” for the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in PNG. Over the past years, there used to be 3 or 4 females graduate among male colleagues. This year, 2020, Theodora alone will graduate with male colleagues. I will give you the exact number of those graduating in October.

My sincere apology I did not reply to your e-mail earlier. The reason is that my National Church, ELC-PNG (corresponds to your ELCA) is very down on money to run the affairs of the church. The National Church invited some of us in the teaching ministry to help by bringing “Faith Giving” awareness to some 17 church districts. I was sent up to the highlands of PNG. The reason is that our partner churches – Germany, USA and Australia – in their giving to support PNG in spreading of the Gospel are declining due to impacts of Coronavirus and other pertaining reasons. July 12 is ELC-PNG Day. The offerings taken on this Sunday will come to the National Church basket. (On that date in 1886, the Gospel of Jesus Christ came to the shore of PNG.)

“It’s been a roller coaster for all of us, and especially our quilters and kit-makers,” said Melanie Gibbons, deputy director for outreach and engagement at Lutheran World Relief. “First, grief over the loss of items so carefully made and prayed over, followed by determination to keep quilting and making kits. Then joy over the news that the items not only survived but are able to be distributed!

“It’s an incredible blessing to realize that now these items are in exactly the right place at the right time,” she said.

In addition to distributing the quilts and kits, Lutheran World Relief is also working to address immense shelter needs in the wake of the explosion, helping poorer families to repair and return to their homes.

My heart is bleeding and rejoicing, too. I am happy to know that you great friends in America would like to see Theodora graduate with a diploma and work in Women’s Ministry. You may send your generous money in August so that I can work out the fifts that Theodora will give to her lecturers (all clergy7 except two women) and the leftovers for other use for graduation purposes.

We received word early on that many of the quilts and kits packed in those particular containers had been shipped from the Pacific Northwest.

For more info about Lutheran World Relief, visit https://lwr.org/

Thank you. Love you all.

Brata Bonio 9

SUNDAY

MONDAY

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M, T, W: 8:45-11:45 AM 1:00-4:00 PM Pre-K Readiness Class, Th, F: 8:45-11:45 AM 4 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 Drive-in worship 10:30

Youth & Family charades via Zoom 6:00 (Sign up required 7:00 North Whidbey NA by 5 PM) 11 12 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 Drive-in worship 10:30 Worship video on YouTube

OHLC at The Farm Stand 7:00 North Whidbey NA 2:00 18 19 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 Drive-in worship 10:30 Worship video on YouTube

5:00

7:00 North Whidbey NA

25 Reformation Sunday 26 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook includes Confirmation 8:00 Drive-in worship

10:30

Worship video on YouTube

WEDNESDAY

11:30 OHLC Staff

Worship video on YouTube

Confirmation

TUESDAY

William Shakespeare wrote of times when "our life … finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones and good in everything."

The month of October can preach breathtaking sermons. It speaks in the glorious colors of leaves, the splendor of the abundant harvest, the grass whitened by the first frost, the honking birds flying to their winter haven and busy squirrels gathering nuts before snow covers their feeding ground.

How wonderful October's sermons are, and how they bless us. Thank you, Lord!

5 6 7

7:00 North Whidbey NA

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Coupville Book Group, via Zoom 7:00 Zoom study: Gospel of John 20

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

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3

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10

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6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 8 10:00 Deborah Circle via Zoom 4:00 Stephen Ministry via Zoom 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council 7:00 North Whidbey NA

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Zoom study: Gospel of John 13 12:00 Old Dogs, via Zoom

THURSDAY 1 10:00 Deborah Circle via Zoom

14 11:30 OHLC Staff

15 10:00 Deborah Circle via Zoom

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 21 11:30 OHLC Staff

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Zoom study: Gospel of John

22 Newsletter Deadline 10:00 Deborah Circle via Zoom

6:00 Knitting Group

6:00-7:30 Confirmation rehearsal & pizza party

7:00 North Whidbey NA

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28

12:00 Old Dogs, via Zoom

11:30 OHLC Staff

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Zoom study: Gospel of John

29 10:00 Deborah Circle via Zoom

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA

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31 Remember to change your clocks BACK 1 HOUR tonight!