Harbor Beacon, september 2015

The light shines in the darkness…

OHLC Staff

John 1:5

Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

Home Phone (360) 279-0413

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud (360) 632-4243

Volume 62, Issue 9

September 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 September newsletter inserts:

“Jesus came to take away your sin, not your mind,” pg. 2

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

Growing & Learning opportunities abound, pg. 3

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Sept2015Spirit.pdf

Make a joyful noise! pg. 4 OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Lutheran Men in Mission & SPIN Café, pg. 5

This issue was snail-mailed August 28, 2015 Take a closer look at El Camino, pg. 9 1

Pastor’s Page:

this year as we participate alongside many other congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, a day of service across our denomination. Children and adults will be working side by side in Herrigstad Hall assembling – appropriately enough – school kits for Lutheran World Relief. These kits will be sent to impoverished children around the world, for whom education represents hope for the future in ways we can scarcely imagine.

While our children sometimes groan at the sight of school supplies showing up in store aisles (it isn’t just my kids, right?), children in Africa and Latin America and the Middle East receive these school supplies with joy as a lifeline to a better tomorrow. Please see the related “God’s Work, Our Hands” article on page 4 in this newsletter, and join us on September 13 in this important effort.

Celebrating Faith and Learning

An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15

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remember walking into the Shalom Center across the street from Western Washington University for my first Lutheran Campus Ministry gathering. As I entered I saw a poster on the wall inside the foyer. It read: “Jesus came to take away your sin, not your mind.” It was a striking statement affirming the pursuit of education for Christians, and an especially helpful message for college students pursuing both higher education and a deeper faith. There was no way to know then how much I would ultimately receive within the walls of the Shalom Center (including a call to ordained ministry, a mentor, even a spouse!), but the first thing I received was an invitation to embrace learning as a follower of Jesus Christ.

Jesus called his followers disciples. A disciple is a student. As Christians, then, we are all students, and opportunities for people of all ages to learn and grow in faith will continue throughout the program year. Sunday School continues with a celebration on September 20, and lessons based on our lectionary readings coming on subsequent Sundays.

Our confirmation program resumes this month, with several students looking forward to being confirmed this May. Adult education will begin on September 20 with a one-session class called Parenting in the Pew, followed by a variety of classes on a variety of themes, from vocation to prayer to the Small Catechism to Bible study. We have a strong tradition of Christian education in this congregation, with high rates of participation, and I can’t wait for it all to get underway! If you haven’t participated in adult education at OHLC before, I hope you will do so this program year.

The coming of fall brings a return to educational endeavors for students of all ages. We have members of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church currently pursuing higher education at St. Olaf in Minnesota, the University of Alaska, the University of Hawaii, Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, West Point in New York, Pacific Lutheran in Tacoma, Washington State University in Pullman, Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Gonzaga University in Spokane, Seattle University, Bellingham Technical College, and Skagit Valley College right here in Oak Harbor. We have students returning to kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms throughout the Oak Harbor and Coupeville School Districts. Our own hallways here at church will soon be filled with the sounds of preschoolers eager (mostly) for another day of fun and learning at His Kids Preschool.

Jesus came to take away our sin, not our mind. Being Christian does not mean being anti-intellectual, or having a knee-jerk attitude towards science or the arts. We are free in Christ to explore and ponder and ask questions. We are called by Christ to develop our gifts – including our minds – to better understand and serve God and our neighbors. We are invited by Christ to embrace learning as his followers with both an open mind and a heart full of faith.

The Lutheran tradition uses the language of vocation to describe our God-given duties, jobs, and callings in the world, and the vocation of students is an important one. Martin Luther was an early and important advocate of universal education and literacy, and as Lutheran Christians today we celebrate the vocation of teachers and students as an important means of understanding and serving the world God so dearly loves.

Whether you’re away at college or joining us Sunday mornings at OHLC, may all our educational endeavors lead us closer to the Author of all Truth.

Of course, our educational programming here at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church is about to start up again as well. We are kicking off our Sunday School program in a special way

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer 2

Growing & Learning

Sunday morning adult education for September

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e have some great opportunities this September for adults to serve God and grow in faith. See the schedule below and join us on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15. (Please note a more traditional group study on the topic of Christian vocation is coming in October.)

September 6: Blessing of the backpacks As a new school year begins, we invite the children and youth of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church to bring their school book bags and backpacks with them to worship on Sunday, September 6 for a special blessing. The blessing will be offered at both the 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM services.

Sept. 13: “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday Adults are encouraged to participate in the service project in the fellowship hall. Don’t forget your yellow t-shirt! Keep it on for worship! (If you didn’t order a shirt, please join us anyway!)

Sept. 20: “Parenting in the Pew” class As the kids begin regular classes, Pastor Spencer will lead a onesession class for parents on how to make worship more meaningful to children – while maintaining your Sunday morning sanity!

We’ll meet in the library.

Sunday School resumes September 13

Sept. 27: Visit from El Camino De Emaus El Camino is a Hispanic Lutheran congregation worshiping at Burlington Lutheran. Come meet our ministry partners and learn more about their important work in our region. We’ll meet in the library.

We are excited to begin a new year of Sunday School learning and fun, with opportunities for Christian service and growth for all ages from 9:15 to 10:15 on Sunday mornings. Join us on September 13 as we kick off Sunday school with God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, when children and adults will gather together in Herrigstad Hall to assemble school kits for Lutheran World Relief. All kids who participate will receive a special t-shirt!

Reading Revelation at Faith Lutheran, Bellingham

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Sunday School continues with a special celebration on September 20. Subsequent Sundays will continue with Bible lessons based on the readings we hear in worship.

embers of OHLC are invited to a oneday seminar at Faith Lutheran Church in Bellingham entitled Reading Revelation – Decoding the Bible’s Most Dangerous Book.

The seminar will be held on Saturday, Sept.

19 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and will be taught by Dr. Dan Peterson, professor of theology at Pacific Lutheran University and Seattle University (and a seminary classmate of Pastor Spencer’s!). Registration is $25, and includes lunch.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about a confusing, and often misunderstood, book of the Bible. Let Pastor Spencer know if you are interested in carpooling, pastor@oakharborlutheran.org, 679-1561.

Confirmation kickoff BBQ set for September 20 Confirmation students and their families (siblings welcome) will meet at church on Sunday, September 20 at 6:00 PM for a BBQ potluck to kick off the new year and distribute schedules and materials. Burgers and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share.

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Worship & Music

Getting ready for Munchy Monday

Make a joyful nose – Join a choir!

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Munchy Monday – OHLC’s earlyrelease Monday outreach to Oak Harbor High School students – is back for a new school year, every Monday afternoon from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, starting September 14!

We welcome any donations of baked goods, fresh fruit, and other snacks.

Watch your upcoming Sunday bulletins and opportunity forms for more specifics. Signup slips are also available on the Growing & Learning section of the narthex bulletin board, to the left of the double doors leading to the sanctuary.

Anyone interested in volunteering, we will be meeting at 12:00 noon on the 14th for orientation and prayer.

Welcome back to another school year!!

Beth Stephens Munchy Monday coordinator

o you like to sing? Can you flick your wrist on command? You might be a candidate for one of our music ministries! We have five music groups at OHLC: four are vocal ensembles and one features handbells. All four are welcoming to newcomers! Enjoy the special fellowship that comes from making music with fellow Christians and share your gifts in worship to the glory of God. Rehearsals are just beginning, so now is a great time to get involved!

Harbor Bells: rehearsals are Wednesdays, 5:30 PM, beginning 9/9 Harbor Bells is our handbell choir and plays occasionally at both services.

Senior Choir: rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:00 PM, beginning 9/9 The Senior Choir sings regularly at our 10:30 service and on other special occasions.

Morning Glory: rehearsals are Thursdays, 4:15 PM, beginning 9/10 Morning Glory sings at our 8:00 AM service.

Praise Team: rehearsals are Thursdays, 5:15 PM, beginning 9/10 Praise Team sings contemporary music periodically at both services.

Men’s Chorus: an occasional group that rehearses as needed for special events. New voices are always welcome; if you’d like to be contacted when a project’s in the works, e-mail Ron Ernst, ernie0220@msn.com.

Assisting Minister training offered Sept. 20

in your prayers

Are you interested in serving as an assisting minister? Pastor Spencer will be offering a training session on Sunday, September 20 at noon. We’ll meet in the sanctuary, and would love to see you there!

keep Pastor Lynne Ogren in your prayers Please this month as she begins her ministry in official capacity at Zion Lutheran Church, Lewistown, Montana. Lynne, who was ordained at OHLC on July 12, was installed as pastor of Zion Lutheran on Sunday, August 30.

Acolyte training scheduled for Sept. 27 Any young people (about 2rd grade and up, depending on height and ability) wishing to learn the duties of an acolyte are invited to join Pastor Spencer for training in the sanctuary at noon on Sunday, September 27.

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Table Fellowship

Men’s Ministry

Fellowship, Study & service

OHLC Dinner Club forming!

Lutheran Men in Mission & The Brotherhood of St. Bernard

Would you like to get to know your fellow OHLC members a little better? Would you like to take an active role in welcoming newcomers to OHLC? Do you like to enjoy food and fellowship with others? Sign up for the OHLC Dinner Club!

Names of those interested will be collected through September 20 via the Opportunity Form in your church bulletin. Participants will be organized into groups consisting of three households. (Families with kids will be grouped together.) Groups will then be encouraged to have dinner together three times during the program year (October through May), with each household taking a turn to host.

Whoever is hosting provides the main dish, and coordinates the other members of the group in bringing side dishes. The host is also encouraged to invite a fourth household – either newcomers to OHLC or unchurched friends from the community. (If you are unable to host, but would like to participate, you are welcome to sign up. Arrangements will be made.)

After the three dinners are shared, the groups are disbanded – though the relationships will surely remain! Sign up for the OHLC Dinner Club! Bon appétit!

Lutheran Men in Mission meets at SPIN Café

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t’s been a great summer’s holiday, but now it’s time for Lutheran Men in Mission to get together again and renew our ties. We thought it might be a nice idea to gather at SPIN Café for our first meeting since the beginning of summer. Let’s meet there at 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, and breakfast will be provided.

SPIN Café (the name stands for Serving People In Need) is a nonprofit community organization providing regular meal services, vocational training, support groups, and other assistance to people in need in the Oak Harbor area. They recently received a grant to go ahead with the updating of the facility. Join us on Sept. 5 to hear about the plans for refurbishing and to talk about what projects we might want to get involved with. Hope to see you there and bring a friend! The café is located at 658 SE Bayshore Drive in Oak Harbor; call the church office (679-1561) if you need driving directions.

Pastor Marc Stroud

The Brotherhood of Saint Bernard gears up for fall nd

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us for lunch, fellowship, study, and a time of prayer on the 2 & 4 Join Tuesdays of the month, which translates to Sept. 8 & 22, beginning at

noon in OHLC’s Herrigstad Hall.

Whether we’re “Old Dogs” or “Young Pups,” we can gather for a great lunch, lively discussion with varying viewpoints and insights, and quite a bit of humor. Many of us use The Master Builder’s Bible as our study Bible of choice, and we still have copies available for purchase.

We take turns providing lunch, which can be as simple (think pizza!) or as complicated as the ‘chef’ of the day prefers.

We’re active in support of OHLC’s “Munchy Monday” high school outreach, as well as other ministries and committees. Come and see!

Tom Piper

The deadline for articles for the October newsletter is Monday, September 21. If your submission will be a little late, please contact Martha in the church office, martha@oakharborlutheran.org, and the editor will do her best to save you a space.

Included in this newsletter are Prayer Ventures and The Spirit for September. Check out Bishop Unti’s article, “Grace Rock”, in The Spirit, as well as some outstanding thoughts on evangelism from Rev. Richard Christensen, interim pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Issaquah.

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Scholarship news

Notes from Camp Lutherwood

Christ. Kids. Camp.

Ferguson Scholarship awards $15,000 for the school year

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utherwood Camp and Retreat Center is located along the scenic shores of Lake Samish, near Bellingham. In partnership with Western Washington Lutheran congregations, Lutherwood is a yearround outdoor ministry, renewing all in the Holy Spirit through education, adventure, service, and prayer.

Program Director Bethany Dietrich sent out the following announcements:

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church’s Teresa Ferguson Memorial Scholarships have been awarded for the 2015-2016 school year. Each student received $1000 for higher education pursuits. Congratulations to them all!

Recipients and their schools are…

Donna Aspery – Central Washington University Juliet Aspery – Washington State University Ben Danielson – St. Olaf College Jasmine (Case-Smith) Hendricks – University of Alaska Kiefer Hermann – University of Hawaii Kody Hermann – Bellingham Technical College Kareen Kanjo – Seattle University Carlie Kenny – Pacific Lutheran University Hayley Lundstrom – Washington State University Rachel Margraf – Lehigh University Haley Marx – Washington State University Ben Muyres – Gonzaga University Roshel Muzzall – Pacific Lutheran University Kayla Nagel – Skagit Valley College Elijah VandeGriend – Pacific Lutheran University

Auction Items Needed! Camp Lutherwood needs one-of-kind and/or special items to beef up our auction! If you have the creative skills to create a colorful and warm quilt, build a woodworking masterpiece, or put together a beautiful basket of goodies, please send them our way. If you have Seahawks tickets lying around or a cabin that has an open weekend for guests, we accept those and other “big ticket” items, as well! All proceeds go to providing a safe, fun, and faith formation experience for our campers. All donations are tax deductible. Please contact Laura at office@camplutherwood.org or 360-734-7652 for details and arrangements.

Annual Auction & Smorgasbord! Nourish your bodies and the campers’ hearts at Lutherwood’s annual auction and smorgasbord on Saturday, Nov. 21, 5:00-8:00 at Trinity Lutheran College in Everett.

Ticket information available at www.camplutherwood.org/auction/ or 360-734-7652. We would love for you to join us for a night of celebrating and supporting the ministry that Lutherwood facilitates for campers of all ages!

All monies available for the 2015-16 school year have been awarded; applications for this renewable scholarship are now closed until spring of 2016.

Shanna Lundstrom, Scholarship Committee

our deepest Sympathy in appreciation

Our hearts go out to those who have recently suffered the loss of loved ones…

Theresa Ferguson Scholarship Committee and Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for renewing my Theresa Ferguson Scholarship for the coming year. I learned so much during my first year at Lehigh and I am excited to be heading back there for my second year with your support.

Thank you so much!

Rachel Margraf

…to Pat Michalski and family, following the death of her husband, Ski, on August 1. Ski’s memorial service was held at OHLC on August 7. …to Glen Eckard and family, following the death of his wife, Pat, on August 18. Pat’s service was held on August 24 at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. Glenn’s a former member of OHLC; we’re thankful that he still keeps in touch.

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BookMarks

OHLC Women

opportunities for fellowship, study, & service

Coupeville Book Group… …meets Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7:00 PM in the home of Julie Ward, 1053 Halsey Drive. The book for discussion is Alan Turing: The Enigma, written by Andrew Hodges, who teaches mathematics at the University of Oxford. Since 1995, the author has maintained a website at www.turing.org.uk to enhance and support his original work. The book is 665 pages, with an added 79 pages of notes.

Blanket Workshop: Getting September off to a busy start, Blanket Workshop meets at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall on Tuesday & Wednesday, Sept.

1 & 2, beginning at 9:00 AM. We’ll be working on tied quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Newcomers are always welcome, and you don’t have to know how to sew to help out. Drop by and take a look!

It is only a slight exaggeration to say that the British mathematician Alan Turing (1912-1954) saved the Allies from the Nazis and invented the computer and artificial intelligence – all before his suicide at age forty-one.

Andrew Hodges tells how Turing’s revolutionary ideas laid foundation for the modern computer, and how he took a leading role in breaking the German Enigma ciphers during World War II, a scientific triumph that was critical to the Allied victory in the Atlantic. This is also the tragic account of a man who, despite his wartime service, was arrested and forced to undergo a humiliating treatment program – all for trying to live honestly in a society that defined homosexuality as a crime.

The inspiration for the motion picture, The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley, this acclaimed biography is the definitive account of an extraordinary mind and life.

Nonfiction, 665 pages

Circle meetings in September: 9/3, 10, 17, 24 Deborah Circle meets for fellowship and study from 10:00 AM to noon in the library.

9/14&28 Lydia Circle bazaar workshops, 6:00 PM, ed. wing.

9/21 Lydia Circle meets for Bible study, 6:00 PM in the prayer room.

9/15 Rebecca Circle meets for fellowship and study at 10:00 AM in the library.

A day for rest and restoration… ’

Second Wednesday Book Group

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Treacy Levine Center, 24880 Brotherhood Road, Mt. Vernon Registration fee: $30.00, includes lunch and child care The agenda includes…  The Reverend Sara Wolbrecht: Making Peace with the Inner Critical Voice  The Reverend Helen McPeak: Making Peace with Our Bodies  The Reverend Abby d’Ambruoso: Making Peace in Our Families  The Reverend Joan Holms: Making Peace within Our Communities  A brief session of Gentle Yoga and Prayerful Movement

…meets Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 1:00 PM in the church library for a consideration of The Kitchen House, by Kathleen Grissom: Orphaned aboard a ship from Ireland, 7-year-old Lavinia arrives at a Virginia tobacco plantation, where the owner decides she owes him the price of her passage which he had paid when he hired her father. He assigns her to live in the kitchen house and to work with the kitchen slaves. As she grows up, she learns to straddle the white and black worlds and eventually must make a choice between them.

Fiction, 368 pages

Tickets are available until Saturday, September 5 by calling Cassie Freer, Fir-Conway Lutheran Church, 360-445-5396 or by e-mail: secretary@firconwaylutheran.org. (Please advise if you have dietary restrictions.)

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On the island… and beyond

His Kids Preschool

a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

Local efforts benefit international connections

Summer has faded away and the 2015 - 2016 school year is upon us here at His Kids Preschool! This year, our classes are being held in the morning (9:00-11:30 AM) and afternoon (12:30-3:00 PM) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. We still have openings in the afternoon class – if you know of a 3- to 5-year-old who would benefit from this program (that has been a part of OHLC and the community since 1993), then please spread the word! We have a spot waiting for them!

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HLC’s Bob & Carol Wall are on the Oak Harbor Sister City Committee and are helping with a fundraiser. You’re invited to buy tickets for a special performance of Godspell at the Whidbey Playhouse on Thursday, September 10. Key roles are being performed by OHLC members John, Penny & Wolly Fowkes. There will be a silent auction prior to the play.

Tickets available for $25 and can be purchased from Bob or Carol, at Click Music, or on-line thru Eventbrite. This Sister City program is newly formed; Oak Harbor is developing a relationship with the city of Santa Rita in the Philippines.

Here’s how a cleaner closet can benefit MOPS

Please keep the staff and the children in your prayers today and throughout the school year, and be on the lookout for what will be happening in our classroom over the course of the year! We are looking forward to a wonderful school year with returning students and to children who are brand new to our program.

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s you sift the outgrown and worn out clothes from your family closets, remember to wash them and put them aside in a bag at home to be saved for the local Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) “Clothes For The Cause” fundraiser, coming up in February 2016.

Household textiles of all kinds are acceptable in any condition, from old towels and bedding to drapes, throw pillows, purses, paired shoes, and more. CFTC will sort the items, giving wearable items to local thrift stores and recycling everything else (think wiping rags, insulation, and reclaimed fiber). MOPS will be paid per pound of textiles; last year’s target amount was 500 30-gallon garbage bags, which they were able to exceed with our help. Contact OHLC’s Amy Bruce for more information, 619-865-7430.

3-day morning class: Brody Bass, Riley Bass, Luke Brown, Keegan Chidsey, Harper Duncan, Reagan Duncan, Lillian Galbraith, Abigale Janda, Adalyn Nuxoll, Avren Reeves, Henry Rueter, Raelee Warner, Layla Willis 3-day afternoon class: Lazlo Barnette, Iliana Brady, Nicolas Cadwell, Emma Carlile, Cora Fix, Mikayla Hight, Emma Wienckowski, Seth Wisdom Students with names in bold print are members of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Fundraising event will honor life

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God’s Blessings, Ms. Sara, Ms. Elva, Ms. Michelle

alk for the Wee Ones, a 2-mile walk in the heart of Langley, Saturday, Sept. 19, benefits the Pregnancy Care Clinic.

9:30 AM – Registration; 10:00 AM – 2-mile walk Meet at Island Church of Whidbey’s parking lot, 503 Cascade Ave, Langley. For more information, visit www.supportpcc4life.org The Pregnancy Care Clinic is a Christian non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. It does not perform or refer for abortions. All services are free and confidential. All donations are tax deductible.

Our goal is for the children of our community to know that Jesus loves them and so do we.

– His Kids Preschool Committee, Donna Gruetzmacher, 1992

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Compassion Ministry

COORDINATOR WANTED: OHLC volunteers could use some help with clean-up efforts

El Camino de Emaus serves our Skagit Valley neighbors

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After many years of faithful service, Pat Dallen is signing off as coordinator of OHLC’s roadside litter cleanup crew for our 2-mile adopted stretch of Highway 20 north of Oak Harbor. (Many thanks, Pat!) Pat says he will happily provide training for a volunteer to take over this role. The position involves coordinating and supervising roadside litter pick up four times per year (October, January, April, July). The equipment (signs, reflective vests, hard hats, etc.) is provided and is stored at the church.

If you can help keep Whidbey Island a scenic place by coordinating our church’s litter pick-up efforts, please sign up on an opportunity form in your Sunday bulletin or contact the church office, 360-679-1561, office@oakharborlutheran.org.

eptember’s Ministry of the Month is El Camino de Emaus Lutheran Church, serving the needs of the Latino community in the Skagit Valley. As a congregation under development by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), it is supported in part by the congregations in our Northwest Washington Synod. Oak Harbor Lutheran Church has been an active partner in this support since the congregation of El Camino began nine years ago, and we thank you for being faithful brothers and sisters in Christ’s family.

This year we will be visiting OHLC on Sunday, September 28 and we invite you to visit us for a presentation in the library at 9:15 AM. We will share the news about the many changes that have taken place during this past year. Here are just a few of them:

+ Pastor Esau has a new assignment in Seattle, and Pastor Emilio is now our full-time pastor.

+ We held a drama camp, where we took part in a midsummer

Thank you for the support for our sister congregation!

night play.

+ We provided many summer activities for our youth to enjoy. + This past May, we experienced the tragic loss of Joel, a 16-

Dear members and friends of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Thank you for your continued support for the partnership between OHLC and St. Katharina Lutheran Church in Kazan, Russia, with your donations during July’s Mission of the Month emphasis. Our partnership is a reminder that the body of Christ knows no national boundaries.

year-old congregation member. Our church family still has a lot of healing to do.

+ The El Camino family celebrated with our first high school graduates, Agustin and Christopher. They will be attending Skagit Valley College in September.

I appreciate your taking the time to read a little about what is new in our congregation of El Camino de Emaus and I hope you will join us as we visit OHLC on Sept. 28. You’re also welcome to contact me anytime to ask questions. Yes, I’ve been referring to El Camino as “our congregation” all along in this article, because we are all brothers and sisters in Christ’s family. And when I am not attending worship at OHLC, I am worshiping in Burlington with my El Camino family.

OHLC Kazan Committee St. Katharina’s church

Good News!

We bid them Godspeed at the church picnic (and Pastor Spencer even wrote them an “on the way to Montana” song… but there’s been a change in the Navy’s plans. Wade & Angela Stone and family will be staying in Oak Harbor after all. We’re delighted to welcome them home!

(And we hope their household goods, which HAD been moved to Montana, will be reunited with them again soon!!!)

The important work this developing ministry provides is only possible if we continue to support our neighbors in the Skagit Valley.

Thank you for being a partner in our work!

Vickie Longshore 9

Looking ahead

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church: a familiar sight AND a well-used site!

Save these dates in October…

Oct. 4, 12:00-2:00 PM: New Member Class 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. Lunch is provided.

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ake a look at the September calendar included in this newsletter.

Busy, isn’t it? After a summer of relative quiet, our church is going to be humming again with activity! By intentional design, our building is accessible and available to various community groups and organizations for regular meetings and other events.

For example, CADA (Citizens Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse) schedules regular 8-week series of parenting classes; the next one begins Sept. 29. Various Girl Scout groups and Cub Scout dens use our classrooms for weekly evening meetings, and the Boy Scouts use the Eagles’ Nest (aka the church garage). New this year is Keepers of the Faith, a Christ-centered club for girls that begins meeting on Friday afternoons. Because of OHLC’s congregation member connections with Whidbey Playhouse, we’re occasionally called on for rehearsal space – and that almost happened this month [Ed. Note: Thanks for the lastminute update, Ken, just before the calendar went to press!].

We do our best to schedule these events so they won’t conflict for space with our own church-sponsored activities. If your committee, ministry, or Bible study group would like to schedule an event, please check with the church office to be sure your date and time are available and to get it written down on the calendar pages behind the office door.

Oct. 4, 6:00-7:30 PM: OHLC Youth & Family night Join us as we kick off a new program of monthly gatherings with fun, faith-filled activities for kids, youth, and parents.

Oct. 11, 12:00-2:00 PM: “Journey to Jesus’ Table” OHLC’s Holy Communion class for kids. Lunch is provided.

Oct. 18, 12:00-2:00 PM: 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. 25th).

Lunch will be provided.

Oct. 25 (time TBD): CORN MAZE OUTING We’re planning to make a return trip to Dugualla Bay Farm for a hay ride, corn maze, and trip to the pumpkin patch! Watch for more information on this popular OHLC outing!

…and remember that November’s coming soon!

If you’re using our building for a meeting space, whether or not you’re a member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, please take a moment before you leave to make sure the lights are off and the doors are locked and latched.

This is especially important if your group is the last one to leave the building.

Nov. 14: OHLC’s Holiday Bazaar!

Make sure the date is marked on your calendar!

The women of Lydia Circle are hosting twicemonthly workshops to get ready; you’re invited to come lend a hand, 6:30 PM on the 2nd & 4th Mondays, or work on your own projects at home.

If you’re planning on donating handcrafted or homebaked items, please make a note on an opportunity form in your Sunday bulletin. For more information, contact Becky Peattie, 360-675-7234, beckypeattie@yahoo.com , or Mary Brock, 360-672-8966, mkb1998@comcast.net.

Please note that OHLC’s parking lot is in use when Oak Harbor High School has a home football game.

This month’s dates are Fridays, September 11 & 25.

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Worship Assistants 9/ 6

9/13

9/20

9/27

Asst. Ministers Paul Senness Jan Heideger Gisela Hawley Shanna Lundstrom Rita Carter Margaret Anderson Ken Grigsby Trudy Decker Judy Fantauzzi Jeff Margraf Craig Pedlar Trudy Decker

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

Acolytes Isabel Carr Natalie Stone Benjamin Bruland Johannes Christensen Anders Spencer Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Sadie Harbaugh Benjamin Bruland Katie Norman Elias Wiley Benjamin Bruland

Financial Report: Music

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

Ushers

Assistants

9/ 6 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Jan McCullough Computer: Rita Carter

10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 9/13 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 9/20 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM R. Wood 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 9/27 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM

Income Outgo

July

July $ 24,202 28,667 $ (4,465)

Year to date $ 239,699 237,874 $ 1,825

Worship Attendance: Date 8:00 AM Aug. 2 45 Aug. 9 63 Aug. 16 52 Aug. 23 56 Average Att. 54

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Sheila Ryan Communion: Gisela Hawley Computer: Michelle Tull

August

10:30 AM 142* 111 93 91 109

Cpvl.

23 20 15 18 19

Nursery 0 1 0 0 (1)

*Worship/picnic, Aug. 2, at Muzzall farm August 30 will be included in next month’s statistics.

Communion: Candi Amarelo Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Jay Decker Computer: Luke Spencer

Average Sunday attendance: 182

Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Allan Swan Computer: Rick Culbertson

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations: September 2 Nicolai Frederik Severin Grundvig, bishop, renewer of the Church, 1872 9 Peter Claver, priest, missionary to Colombia, 1654 13 John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407 14 The Holy Cross 16 Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, martyr, c. 258

6:30: Presider, Jay Decker

Little Lutheran Bags in September: Sheila Ryan This month’s decorative font is Solemnis

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17 Hildegard of Bingen, abbess, 1179 18 Dag Hammarskjold, peacemaker, 1961 21 Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist 29 Michael and All Angels 30 Jerome, translator, teacher, 420

SUNDAY

MONDAY

There is an anthem In every chrysanthemum Singing praise to God! -Peggy Ferrell 6 Healing prayer at both morning services Blessing of backpacks & book bags Worship 8:00 Worship

10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 13 God’s Work.

Our Hands.

Worship 8:00 Sunday School Rally Day service project 9:15 Worship 10:30

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 20 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Parenting in the Pew 9:15 Worship 10:30 Assisting Minister Training 12:00 Confirmation BBQ 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 27 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Forum/El Camino 9:15 Worship 10:30 Acolyte Training 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

7

Labor Day Church Office closed

6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions

14 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:00 Tigers 6:00 If; Pray 6:00 Daisy GS info mtg.

6:00 Lydia Cir. Workshop 6:30 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Solutions 21 Newsletter Deadline 1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Bears 5:00 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Circle Study 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 28 1:00 Munchy Monday

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 9:00 Blanket Workshop 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 6:00 Patrol Leaders 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:00 Boy Scouts

2 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff

3 10:00 Deborah Circle 1:30 Kazan Committee

4

5 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission, SPIN Café

6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council

8 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 10:30 Stamping Group 11:30 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

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11

12

7:00 Boy Scouts 7:15 Cub Scout Leaders 15 10:00 Rebecca Circle 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 5:30 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Boy Scouts 22 10:00 Stephen Ministry training 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 7:00 Boy Scouts 29 10:00 Stephen Ministry training

11:30 OHLC Staff

1:00 Book Group 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 16 11:30 OHLC Staff

10 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 New Cub Scout parent meeting 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group 17 10:00 Deborah Circle

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 18 9:30 Heart & Hand

5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir

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OHLC serves at SPIN Café 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir 30 11:30 OHLC Staff

4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Pack 98 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Compassion Min. 24 OHLC serves at SPIN Café 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:15 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:00 Webelos 1 6:00 Knitting Group

1:00 Keepers of the Faith

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19 10:00 Reading Revelation - Decoding the Bible’s Most Dangerous Book, Faith Lutheran Church, Bellingham

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1:00 Keepers of the Faith

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use The church calendar is updated regularly on OHLC’s website,

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL Conferences: Sept. 8 & 9

www.oakharborlutheran.org

5:00 Bears 5:00 Tigers 6:00 Lydia Cir. Workshop 7:00 Solutions

6:00 CADA Parenting Class – new series begins 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Scout Board of Rev.

5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Girl Scouts 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Senior Choir

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

Classes begin Sept. 14!

M, T, W: 9:00–11:30 AM 12:30–3:00 PM