July Harbor Beacon Bulletin of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

The light shines in the darkness…

John 1:5

OHLC Staff

Volume 69, Issue 7

Home Phone

Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

360-320-4041

Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

360-941-1484

Youth & Family Ministry Beth Stephens 619-729-3031

July 2022

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: The State of the Congregation, pg. 2 New council members, a n d t h e r e t ur n o f the Watoto garage sale! pg. 3

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

Family summer activities, pg. 3

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit:

Women’s retreat, Oct. 1: save the date! pg. 4

https://dq5pwpg1q8ru0.cloudfront.net/2022/06/15/09/58/12/867f5634-3cc4-4655820b-77aef6f2292f/JULY%202022%20Spirit.pdf

July’s ministry focus is Help House, pg. 5

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Stephen Ministers make a difference, pg. 6 1

AM service during the summer months. It has been a few years since we’ve come together as one congregation!

Pastor’s Page: The State of the Congregation The following is an adapted version of the verbal report Pastor Jeff gave at our semi-annual meeting on June 12, 2022, which was given in place of written committee reports. It is printed here for the sake of those who could not be with us.

Coming this fall is an opportunity for us to revisit what was previously one of our strongest ministries at OHLC, our Munchy Monday after-school program. This ministry ended when the high school moved to a late-start schedule instead of an early-release. However, beginning next school year they will have early-release Wednesdays! Beth and I will be putting out some feelers in the weeks ahead to gauge our volunteer base in reviving this after-school ministry. Perhaps we can involve Young Life as well.

W

e have been through a hard season. We are not the same congregation we were before the pandemic. Like just about every other congregation in the country, the pandemic exacerbated already existing trends towards less frequent worship attendance and a general decline in church membership. After two years of having to adapt, and then readapt, and then readapt, ministry teams have struggled to regain footing and momentum. We’re needing to remember and relearn how to do things. It hasn’t been easy. However, there is much to be grateful for here at OHLC. In spite of our challenges, there are signs of health and there is much to look forward to.

I’d like to close on a personal note. Thank you for your patience as I clawed my way through a difficult season in my life over the last few months. I felt like a zombie pastor there for a while as I grieved for my mother and sought counseling for all the emotional issues her death stirred up. I have turned a corner and am doing much better. My therapist thinks so too, and so I am done with counseling. I am truly feeling like my old self again.

We welcomed about a dozen new members DURING the pandemic! We have also bounced back to about two-thirds of our prepandemic in-person worship attendance. These are both remarkable feats! Thanks be to God!

I celebrated the 22nd anniversary of my ordination this year. This isn’t usually a notable milestone except that it means I have now spent more than half of my years of ordained ministry here at OHLC. I am still so grateful to be here. I am enjoying the trust and the depth of relationships we’ve built and look forward to ministry with you for years to come. Staying sharp and fresh after many years in the same place requires being diligent about continuing education, and now that things are opening up again I am looking forward to pursuing such opportunities, beginning with the 1517 conference in San Diego this fall. I am also eligible for another sabbatical in 2023. This takes a lot of planning, and so it is time to start talking about it. This, too, is an investment in the future of our ministry together.

In addition to adjusting to post-pandemic ministry, we are also adjusting to being a one-pastor congregation after Pastor Stroud took medical retirement. We are making a big investment in Stephen Ministry to help keep our visitation and care-giving ministry strong, and we have two gifted and committed leaders in Gaye Rodriguey and Gail Dobbyn.

Thanks be to God! We have some big-ticket maintenance projects in the near future, but we can also be grateful that our landscaping at OHLC is as beautiful as it has ever been, thanks in large part to the loving care of Tom Piper.

Thanks be to God! And to Tom!

Once again, thank you for your support, your patience, your love, and your partnership in the gospel here at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. I am truly blessed to be your pastor. + Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

While we are still missing some of our families, Sunday School was back to pretty much normal by the end of the year. It took courage for our teachers and students to come back to the classroom. Educating our children in the Christian faith is among our most urgent ministries.

Thank you for coming back.

August 28: Worship & picnic on the farm! Save the date!

We will have one service at 11 AM on Aug. 28, at the Muzzall farm (938 Scenic Heights Road, Oak Harbor), with a church picnic afterwards. BBQ and beverages will be provided.

(Donations will be welcomed.) Please bring a side dish and/or a dessert to share. Bring a friend too!

We are financially stable. THANK YOU for your generous, faithful giving.

Among the things we have to look forward to is our single 9:30 2

Growing & Learning

Semi-annual congregational meeting recap: Council elections, upcoming repairs, and more

- with Beth Stephens

The Flat Jesus project is underway!

O

ur semi-annual meeting was held at 9:15 AM on Sunday, June 12.

It was well-attended and a quorum was easily met. Council president Mike Dilley chaired the meeting; Paul Senness served as parliamentarian.

After adopting the standing rules, the congregation approved the minutes from January’s meeting. Treasurer Mary Brock reported we are currently meeting our budget. Mary detailed some upcoming maintenance projects which may end up being costly, including a roof repair and a new gas fireplace in the library. Mary also shared a summary of the Audit Committee report, which found our financial procedures and record-keeping in good shape. Mary noted that suggestions from the Audit Committee are being considered by the Executive Committee.

Bob Allen, Tracey Tomlin, and Lynda Wallgren were elected to three-year terms on council. They will replace Judy Fantauzzi, Cheryl Mensler, and Sheila Ryan, whose terms are complete.

Pastor Spencer gave a verbal report in lieu of written committee reports. (An abbreviated version of this report has been included in this newsletter on the Pastor’s Page.) Written committee reports will resume next year.

Council President Mike Dilley noted we are due for a review of our constitution and by-laws. Pastor Laurie Johnson (retired) shared a summary of the Northwest Washington Synod Assembly. A motion was made and passed to adjourn.

Thanks to all who picked up a Flat Jesus to join you for the summer!

Flat Jesus is inspired by a national school project called Flat Stanley, based on a book written by Jeff Brown. Just as Flat Stanley has helped children with literacy and geography, Flat Jesus helps us stay plugged into the biblical message, giving families a unique opportunity to continually engage in their faith development all summer long.

This summer, bring Flat Jesus with you on your adventures—to the park, your camping trip, and even the pool! We will have a bulletin board this Fall showcasing all the places we've been with Jesus.

Where will your journeys take you and your Flat Jesus? Take pictures and include Jesus! Send photos to Beth Stephens at bethasteph@gmail.com or post and tag on Facebook: Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Mark your calendar! Sunday, July 3, 6:00 PM, All Ages Fun Run! Our theme is My Lifeguard Walks On Water.

Walk or run with us for either 1 mile or 5k and join us for a hot dog afterwards. All ages are welcome!

Friday, August 5, 9:00 PM, Drive-in Movie Night!

Overcomer (2019) Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After John reluctantly agrees to coach cross-country, he and his wife Amy meet an aspiring athlete who's pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery.

Inspired by the words and prayers of a new friend, John becomes the least-likely coach helping the least-likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.

Coming soon: the Watoto Garage Sale!

It’s on the church calendar and on the horizon, but so far we’ve received no specifics. All we know is there WILL be a Watoto Garage Sale, Saturday, July 30, at OHLC.

In appreciation We received the following note after the June 11 litter pick-up along OHLC’s 2 miles of Hwy. 20: To the volunteers to who do trash pick-up along Rt. 20 in north Oak Harbor – Thank you so much! We live in Dugualla Bay and drive along 20 almost every day. We watch the trash pile up and then we see your trash bags filled and awaiting pick-up. We so appreciate your efforts, and your service to put yourselves in harm’s way with all the traffic.

Many blessings on your service, Connie & Tim of Oak Harbor 3

His Kids Preschool

OHLC Women

A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

H

Opportunities for fellowship, study, service

is Kids Preschool is out for the summer, but we’re looking back over a great year of learning, playing, going to chapel on Wednesdays with Pastor Jeff, and taking some fun field trips!

Blanket Workshop lanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, July 5&6, starting at 9:30 AM in the fellowship hall to work on tied quilts for Lutheran B World Relief. Materials are supplied and no experience is necessary.

While we were still in class in May, we asked the students to finish the sentence, “I love my Dad because...”

New volunteers are always welcome! For more information, contact Leona McKee, bcmac68@comcast.net, 360-675-5712.

AM class Poppy: he pushes me on the swings Lila: he lets me watch TV Alice D: he plays with me Violet: he plays with me Cecily: he gives me toys for Christmas Kinsley: he reads to me Claire: we have daddy-daughter days Victoria: he builds campfires Kamila: he gave me a balloon Leslie: we go hunting Natalee: he’s fixing my bed Lona: he plays with me Julianna: I like to cuddle with him Alice G: he takes me outside and plays with me James: he gives me hugs and I love playing with him Chelsie: he always picks me up and I can hold on to him when I’m scared

Circle meetings in July ydia Circle would like to remind the L congregation that OHLC’ holiday bazaar will be Saturday, November 5! With that in mind, the women of Lydia Circle will meet every Monday in July (except the 4th, to work on crafts for the bazaar, starting at 6:00 PM in the education wing

PM class Katarina: he gives me surprises Aurora: he snuggles me Nate: he plays with me a little bit Sophia: he helps me do things Eddie: he sometimes takes me to t-ball Olivia: he plays with me Roslyn: he gives me piggyback rides Jenna: he gives me dinner Leah: we play video games and he loves me so much Savannah: he has a big house with lots of animals Wyatt: he gives me presents for Christmas Camilla: he gives me a lot of kisses and a lot of hugs Dean: he sometimes takes me outside when it’s not raining Keyara: he lets me have two Reese’s candies

eborah Circle will take the month of July off and start out August by assembling Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief (see the D related article on page 5).

SAVE THE DATE: Women’s Retreat, Oct. 1 Woven Together in Love is the theme for the 2022 NW WA Synodical Women’s Retreat, Saturday, October 1, 2022, 9 AM to 3:30 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Marysville. Retreat leaders are the Rev. Cara Tanis and OHLC’s own Gaye Rodriguey.

Registration cost is $30 (includes lunch) if paid by Sept. 1; $40 afterwards. Registration forms will be available soon!

God’s peace, Ms. Elva, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Gaye, Ms. Debbie & Ms. Sara

Registration is underway for the 2022-23 school year, and space is available in all our classes! For more information, call the church office, 360-679-1561.

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Loving Our Neighbors

Compassion Ministry

- with Gaye Rodriguey

Take the hand of the person next to you: hold hands this evening, friends. Hold the hand of someone next to you. Hold the hand of your neighbor as a symbol of us being stronger together!

Help House: continuing to feed those in need

O

ur ministry of the month is North Whidbey Help House, 1091 SE Hathaway Street, Oak Harbor’s community food bank since 1977.

Help House assists those in need in an impartial and dignified manner by providing emergency/supplemental food, Salvation Army prescription medicine vouchers, and telephone health and welfare checkups via their tele-care program. They work with other human services agencies in our communities to ensure they’re prepared to offer the best assistance possible and assist wherever possible in not only improving lifestyles but striving towards independence from the need for assistance.

This month they’re celebrating Christmas in July, an annual emphasis started in 1986 to help keep the shelves stocked during a normally slow time of year for donations.

On Saturday, July 16, you’re invited to visit Help House and help celebrate their 45th anniversary, with live music, hamburgers, hot dogs, and family-friendly beverages. Enjoy some food and music and take a tour to see how our community food bank works.

OHLC members regularly contribute non-perishable food items in the collection bin in the narthex. In addition to the continuing call for the usual staples, we receive updates from Help House about specific food needs each month. Monetary donations are also welcome, as this program is solely community-supported and receives no government funding. Contributions may be made through OHLC; please designate your gift “Help House.”

Let us pray.

O God of many names, we know that you call us to work hard to bring people together.

To build bridges of hope for the future, we reach out tonight to our neighbors, no matter their race, creed, sexual orientation, or color.

Lord, we hold hands together for healing of the pain and grief from violence and death. Lord, we allow your love to overcome our fears as we learn to respect the “other” and to treat the most vulnerable of our society just as we do our friends. Help us, O God, to become the loving children you want us to be.

Lord, we ask you to open our minds to discern the complex issues of our communities, our nation, and our world. Lord, open our hearts to your Spirit and to the teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to open our doors with radical hospitality to all our neighbors, seeking both conversation and civic actions as we work together to end discriminations in all forms, and to solve all communities’ problems together.

Lord, you have spoken through your prophets and teachers throughout history. They have taught us that we must not demonize individuals or groups or peoples of other faiths as a response to perceived threats. They have challenged us to tear down walls of fear and hatred so that we can be stronger together. They have called us to love others as we love you—to treat others as we wish to be treated.

Lord, as we hold hands right now, we are reminded that together we can transform the world for good.

Lord God, give us courage—the courage, determination and fortitude to move onward and upward to become a better nation, one that can solve our many problems TOGETHER, not apart. And Lord, help our world to see our nation as a shining lamp on a hill. Give us courage, strength, and stamina for the days ahead.

Great God of the Universe, may we, as the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, taught: ‘Do all the good we can. By all the means we can.

In all the ways we can. In all the places we can. At all the times we can.

To all the people we can. As long as we can.’ Amen

Personal Care Kits items collected for LWR utheran World Relief Kits are specifically designed to help people coping with poverty, disaster, conflict, and more. LWR Kits L provide dignity and hope in the direst situations around the world.

We’re continuing through July 24 to collect items for Personal Care Kits. Some of the required items have already been purchased in bulk by OHLC. We need donations of:  Bath towels, lightweight preferred, dark colors are best  Bath-sized bars of soap in original packaging  Adult-sized toothbrushes in original packaging These items may be placed in the marked bin in the narthex.

Questions? Contact Leona McKee, bcmac68@comcast.net, 360-6755712, or call the church office, 360-679-1561.

From Strong for a Moment Like This; Rev. Dr. Bill Shillady, 2017, Abingdon Press

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When someone you love is terminally ill, people often pull back because they’re scared and don’t know what to say. But my Stephen Minister stood with me through it all – listening, talking, and helping me on the journey. It was so reassuring to know he was by my side.

Andrew 7

Stephen Ministry: Christ caring for people through people Care receivers share how Stephen Ministers made a difference

S

tephen Ministries was established in 1975 as an independent, notfor-profit Christian educational organization and is based in St. Louis. This caring ministry is currently being used in more than 13,000 congregations. Over the years, well over 1½ million people have benefited from the one-to-one Christ-centered care of a Stephen Minister.

My Stephen Minister listens – really listens. He doesn’t judge me or tell me what to do but walks side by side with me. I never realized how helpful and healing that can be. With his care and support, I’m making it through.

Brian 10

Stephen Ministers provide care in a wide variety of situations: 9

My Stephen Minister loves me, listens to me, cares for me, prays for me, supports me, and gives me a safe, confidential relationship where I can totally share my heart. No matter how much I have to unload on her, she listens to whatever is going on.

Celeste 3

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3 4

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I’m blessed with an amazing Stephen Minister. She’s been genuinely attentive and caring ever since she came alongside me. She’s kind of fearless in that way – she’ll just be there without trying to fix me or talk me out of my feelings as I struggle with what’s happening.

Nancy 5

5 6 2 5

6 7

I needed to know that there was one person in the world who knew the good, the bad, and the ugly about me – and still cared for me. Experiencing that through my Stephen Minister was a tangible expression of God’s love. It changed my life.

Julia 6

8 4

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9 10

My Stephen Minister’s weekly visits became an anchor in my life – something I could rely on when everything else was so uncertain. She was a steady reminder of God’s presence, helping me know I was never alone. Heather 4

Although my needs changes as I went from wife to caregiver to widow, my Stephen Minister’s love and support remained a constant. She was there at every stage of my journey, helping me through some of the most difficult moments of my life – so I could begin to heal.

Susan 1

Stephen Ministry showed me the face of Christ. God brought me exactly what I needed through the care of my Stephen Minister, and that demonstrated to me how God cares for each and every one of us.

Frank 2

When things seemed like too much to handle, my Stephen Minister brought normalcy and calm. With him by my side, I knew I could make it from one week to the next. I could feel God’s presence when my Stephen Minister was there.

James 8

On Sunday, July 10, we will commission Gail Dobbyn and Gaye Rodriguey to serve as Stephen Leaders at OHLC. Gail and Gaye have recently completed their Bridge Leader’s Training Course and will lead our Stephen Ministry in selecting, training and supervising our Stephen Ministers in offering this caring ministry for those in need in our congregation and community.

At this service, we will pray for and show our support for the ministry and the leaders God has called and equipped as a vital part of OHLC’s mission.

My Stephen Minister was a constant presence walking with me throughout my divorce. He would always show up, and most importantly, he refused to give up on me. I’ll forever be grateful for the way he changed my life.

Ralph 4 When I was with my Stephen Minister, I felt Jesus was with me. I saw the love of God in her eyes while we talked and prayed, and it would fill me with such comfort and peace. It helped me know that I could make it through. Ashley 9 After the death of my mom, I needed someone who would listen – even to the same stories over and over – and who wouldn’t be afraid to say her name or bring up her memory. That’s who my Stephen Minister was. I don’t know how I would have gotten through it without her.

Molly 1 6

Worship assistants

Worship Attendance

July 3 9:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Rita Carter Comm. Assts.: L. Johnson, G. Hawley

Computer: Anders Spencer Organ/Piano: Sue Stroud

Assisting Minister: Peg Fosnaugh Comm. Assts.: C. Amarelo, W. Wilson

Computer: Ted Smith Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan

Date 8:00 AM May 29 54 June 5 76 June 12 62

July 10 9:30 AM

July 17 9:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Jeff Margraf Comm. Assts.: T. Tomlin, S. Ryan

Computer: Bruce Holroyd Organ/Piano: Jan Ernst

Assisting Minister: Bobbi Miller Comm. Assts.: P. Fosnaugh, C. Reafs

Computer: Kerrick Norman Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan

Assisting Minister: Janet Smith Comm. Assts.: T. Piper,

Computer: Sam Richards Organ/Piano: Verna Morgan

June 19 June 26

July 24 9:30 AM

June 10:30 AM 80 82 84

9:15 AM 106 121

Average Sunday attendance: 133

July 31 9:30 AM

Little Lutheran Bags in July: Peg Fosnaugh

Financial Report Income Outgo

May May $ 42,224 39,044 $ 3,181

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations 1 Catherine Winkworth, 1879; John Mason Neale, 1866; hymn translators 4 Thomas, Apostle 6 Jan Hus, martyr, 1415 11 Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540 12 Nathan Söderblom, Bishop of Uppsala, 1931 17 Bartolomé de Las Casas, missionary to the Indies, 1566

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

Year to date $ 202,320 197,595 $ 4,725

The deadline for articles for the August newsletter is Wednesday, July 20.

The Brotherhood of St. Bernard, OHLC’s men’s fellowship & Bible study group, meets at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, July 12 & 26.

Due to Brass Camp being held in our building on the week of the 12th, this particular day’s gathering will be held off-site.

(Tom’s letting the Dogs out!)

Contact Tom Piper for more information!

July

22 Mary Magdalene, Apostle 23 Birgitta of Sweden, 1373, renewer of the church 25 James the Elder, Apostle 28 Johann Sebastian Bach, 1750, Heinrich Schütz, 1672 George Frederick Handel, 1759, musicians 29 Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany; Olaf, king of Norway, martyr, 1030

The Fosso family has moved to the other coast: The new address for Don, Dan & Yuli is 82836 Belvoir Ct., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Don’s phone is the same, 360-675-3652.

Copies of the daily devotionals Christ in our Home and Portals of Prayer for July-September are now available in the narthex. If you’d like us to mail you a copy, contact Rekann in the church office.

This month’s featured font is Patriot with help from Britannic Bold.

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SUNDAY 3 Worship

MONDAY 4 9:30

TUESDAY

Independence Day Church office closed

WEDNESDAY

5 9:30 Blanket Workshop

6 9:30 Blanket Workshop

THURSDAY 7

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1

2

8

9

15

16

Livestreamed on Facebook

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

Youth & Family Night Fun run/walk 6:00 7:00 North Whidbey NA/library 10 Worship 9:30 Commissioning of Stephen Leaders

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7:00 NA, fellowship hall

12

13

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B r a s s C a m p – 9 AM to 5 PM -- Penn Cove Brass & Harbor Brass – sanctuary/fellowship hall/library/ed. wing

Livestreamed on Facebook

17 Worship

6:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group 6:00 Lydia Circle/Bazaar 7:00 North Whidbey NA/library 18

12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard (off site) 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 19

2:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group 4:00 Stephen Ministry

20 Newsletter Deadline

7:00 Council 7:00 NA, fellowship hall 21

22

23

9:30

Livestreamed on Facebook

24 Worship

Watoto Garage Sale prep 6:00 Lydia Circle/Bazaar 6:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA/library 25

9:30

Livestreamed on Facebook

6:00 North Whidbey NA/fellowship hall 6:00 Lydia Circle/Bazaar 6:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group 31 Worship

2:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 26 10:00 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

7:00 NA, fellowship hall

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28

2:00 WhidbeyHealth Grief Group

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

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30

Watoto Garage Sale

7:00 NA, fellowship hall HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL

9:30

Livestreamed on Facebook

Watoto Garage Sale wrap-up

Summer break!

This is the day that the Lord has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Ps. 118:2

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Registration for His Kids Preschool 2022-23 is open to the community.

Space is available in all classes!

For more information, contact the church office, 360-679-1561