July and August 2021 Harbor Beacon Newsletter

The light shines in the darkness…

John 1:5

OHLC Staff Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

Home Phone 360-320-4041

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud 360-632-4243

Volume 68, Issue 7

Preschool Director: Sara Harbaugh

July & August 2021

360-941-1484

Youth & Family Ministry Beth Stephens 619-729-3031

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

Parish Secretary: Rekann Brannon

360-969-0775

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

360-678-2264

IN THIS ISSUE:

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

360-675-3957

Christian patriotism, pg. 2

Church Phone

360-679-1561

Vespers in Coupeville & on-site meetings resume! pg. 3

Click on these links for the July newsletter inserts:

Free in Christ to disagree, pg. 4

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

Summer with Youth & Family: fun run & chalk art, pg. 6

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: https://files.constantcontact.com/eccc8a0a001/624626dc-a0d1-4492-9aeeb041eba154ae.pdf

Roadside clean-up, July 24, pg. 7

Visit these websites for the August issues, https://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures; https://www.lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit

Focus on missions, pg. 8 His Kids staff sign off for the summer, pg. 9

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org 1

This issue was snail-mailed June 25, 2021

keeping it in check with honesty and humility and a biblical worldview which leads us to recognize and love others beyond our borders, particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ of other nationalities.

Pastor’s Page: Christian Patriotism Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

However, there is also a healthy form of patriotism for Christians that is often too quickly dismissed by the cynics and the perpetually outraged. The healthy form of patriotism Lewis describes is related to love of family and love of a place. The word “patriotism” comes from the Greek root patrios, which also means, “of one’s fathers.” Lewis notes that Jesus himself exhibited this kind of love when he wept for Jerusalem, the land of his earthly ancestors. Healthy patriotism is loving our country because it is our home, because is the land of our families.

This special love for the particular need not exclude or hinder love for other places or people.

Matthew 6:33

have always loved Independence Day. For me, it has not only been a day for parades, rodeos, grilling burgers, and playing cornhole in the backyard – though I love all those things. It has also been a time to reflect with gratitude on the wondrous good fortune of living in this free, prosperous, and beautiful country. This year Independence Day falls on a Sunday, which invites some further reflection on the intersection of patriotism and Christian faith. Are they at odds? How do they fit together?

Healthy patriotism for Christians is also rooted in gratitude. Our nation isn’t perfect, but to deny the wondrous blessings of this land, its people, and our ideals, is as dishonest and wrong as whitewashing our past. There is so much to be grateful for as Americans. There is jazz and rock and roll and baseball, our majestic national parks and our agricultural abundance, our Bill of Rights and our lofty ideals of equal opportunities and justice for all, towards which we still strive. We put a man on the moon. Our nation literally saved the world from dictatorial regimes with global aspirations. Twice. This nation that once put African people in chains put an African-American in the White House.

Twice. As Christians we are encouraged to be thankful in all circumstances. The ugly parts of our national life should not negate our gratitude for the many, many parts that are good, true, and beautiful.

In his book The Four Loves, C. S. Lewis distinguishes between what he calls a “demoniac patriotism” and a “healthy patriotism.”

Regarding the former, Lewis succinctly states that “love of country can become a demon when it becomes a god.” We dare not elevate our love of country above our love for and our obedience to God. Moreover, we must recognize as Christians that God is the God of all nations, and that Christ’s kingdom includes people from “every nation, tribe, people, and language,” (Revelation 7:9). Even now we consider Christians of other nations our brothers and sisters. We have all been baptized into a new “nation,” and pledge our highest allegiance to this kingdom.

Further, we know that no nation, including the United States of America, is free from the stain of sin. Patriotism takes a dark turn quickly when the evils of the past are whitewashed or ignored. If we are unwilling to recognize our nation’s sins, including things like slavery and the mistreatment of Native Americans, we become dangerously prideful and unmoored from the truth. We must acknowledge the ugly national realities of the present as well. Lewis wrote the following of a benign, but prideful patriot he once knew: “To be sure, this conviction had not made my friend (God rest his soul) a villain; only an extremely lovable old ass. It can however produce asses that kick and bite. On the lunatic fringe it may shade off into that popular Racialism [nationalism] which Christianity and science equally forbid.”

On the Fourth of July this year we will gather for worship as God’s people. We will honor the day first as Christians, then as Americans. We will seek first the kingdom of God, and then celebrate our nation. Before we head to the fellowship hall for apple pie that morning, we will sing “America the Beautiful” as a postlude. This stirring patriotic hymn celebrates our land, our brave heroes, and our freedom, even as it humbly asks for God’s grace and asks that God would “mend thine every flaw.” This is the healthy Christian patriotism C. S. Lewis described. May it be the one we practice.

Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

We must indeed be careful about our patriotism as Christians, 2

August 1: Worship & picnic on the farm!

Congregation news

We will have ONE SERVICE on Sunday, August 1, at 11 AM. The service will be held at the Muzzall farm (938 Scenic Heights Road, Oak Harbor). We will have a church picnic following the service. 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!

Time to catch up!

It is officially summer, and it is time to break out the catch-up — the Catch Up Campaign, that is! We are behind in meeting our congregational budget and could use a few extra squirts in the offering plate to help us catch up.

Please consider making a special extra offering this summer to keep our ministry going strong as we emerge out of COVID and look to a full reopening of all our programming this fall. Thank you!

Visit from El Camino on August 22 El Camino de Emaus is a Spanish-speaking Lutheran worshipping community in Burlington, with a special outreach to migrant workers in the Skagit Valley. OHLC has been supporting this ministry for many years now. El Camino recently called a new pastor, Rev. Josh Stromberg-Wojcik. He will be visiting OHLC to bring a greeting and an update to both of our worship services on Sunday, August 22.

Apple pie (and more) on the Fourth of July!

We will resume our fellowship time after services beginning July 4, by kicking things off in a big way and enjoying apple pie after each service in celebration of Independence Day! Thanks to all who have volunteered to bring apple pie and other desserts, and to help with set-up and clean-up.

Check the calendar More church groups return for on-site meetings!

Church Mice Stampers meet in the library/fireside room on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month, starting at 10:00 AM. Bring your own stamping projects and supplies and come for the fellowship, sharing of ideas, and the sheer joy of being together again! For more information, contact Carol Fitzgerald, cfitz1@frontier.com.

Coupeville evening worship resumes July 11!

We will resume our Sunday evening vespers service, held at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Coupeville, as of July 11.

This brief service includes Holden Evening Prayer, a homily, and communion, and begins at 6:30. All are welcome.

Deborah Circle resumes Thursday gatherings in the library/fireside room, but NOTE THIS CHANGE IN SCHEDULE: 1:00-3:00 PM. We’ll still offer a Zoom connection so Donna can participate from California.

Blanket Workshop’s longtime meeting schedule is the first Tuesday of the month and the following Wednesday. We’ll gather on August 3 & 4, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Note the adjusted meeting times!

Contact Leona McKee for more information, 360-675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net .

Game Night, July 24!

We hope we’ll see you at the Game Night on Saturday, July 24, for games, fun and prizes for ages 5 through 105. Games start at 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall!

Stephen Ministry will meet in person on Thursday, July 8 and Thursday, August 12 at 4 PM in the library/fireside room.

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Semi-annual meeting recap: budget update, Council members

Free in Christ to disagree

ur semi-annual meeting was held in the sanctuary at 9:15 AM on Sunday, June 13. It was well-attended and a quorum was easily met. Outgoing council president Donna Aspery chaired the meeting. Paul Senness was on hand to serve as our parliamentarian.

After adopting the agenda and standing rules, the congregation approved the minutes from our January meeting, memorably held in the church parking lot.

Roshel Donwen, our outgoing treasurer, gave a budget update, noting our spring shortfall in meeting our budget and encouraging increased giving. Next, Mary Brock, Ken Grigsby, and Al Wheeler were elected to three-year terms on council. They will replace Donna Aspery, Amy Bruce, and Roshel Donwen, whose terms are complete.

Pastor Spencer then presented Mary and Kelly Brock with our annual Servus Dei award, citing their exemplary service, especially during the pandemic.

The congregation voted to Kelly & Mary Brock, with Pastor Spencer.

Amy Bruce photo. adjourn, after which Pastor Spencer extended his thanks to the whole congregation for its patience and diligence over the past year. He noted that while we will likely have some challenges ahead, we are a resilient congregation with a firm foundation upon which to build things back up.

n important concept in Lutheran Christianity (the Augsburg Confession in particular) is adiaphora, which loosely means “matters not pertaining to salvation.” The general idea is that Christians are free to hold a variety of convictions in matters that do not directly pertain to the essential doctrines of Christian faith.

We are UNITED in our Confession of Faith, not in the uniformity of our lesser convictions.

Please keep this concept in mind whenever you read this newsletter. The opinions expressed herein by the pastors, church members, or synod leaders, are not binding on the consciences of the members of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, nor do they necessarily reflect any kind of official position of our congregation. We are united in our Confession of Faith, not in the uniformity of our lesser convictions.

If you come across something in these pages, including past or future issues, which upsets you, first consider the following: Is God convicting me of something here, trying to change my perspective? If you are certain this is not the case, ask yourself: Is God using this upsetting opinion or perspective to push me to refine and strengthen my own position? As scripture says, “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) Finally, consider the offending statement or idea in the best possible light and then proceed to ask yourself: Are there shared values behind what this person is saying upon which we have common ground, even if I disagree with their application? You see, God can use opposing viewpoints in a variety of ways that are beneficial to us, even if we never come to agreement.

If you have completed this little spiritual guide to encountering different viewpoints and you are still upset, simply shout the word adiaphora! (pronounced ODD-ee-AH-four-uh) and go on with your day, knowing that you are free in Christ to disagree, and remain a beloved member of Christ’s church and this congregation.

Pastor Jeff

The Krigbaums send their thanks During a recent visit with Katie Zimmerman, Willard and Dottie Krigbaum expressed their deep appreciation for all the love shared with them through cards and correspondence since they moved into assisted living in Milton, east of Tacoma. We miss them and continue to keep them in our hearts and in our prayers (as well as on our newsletter mailing list)!

ADIAPHORA!

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Coupeville Book Group

OHLC Women:

he Coupeville Book Group will continue meet via Zoom until the Sno-Isle Libraries open their meeting rooms to the public. All are welcome; please join us! For more info, contact Gaye Rodriguey, gaye@tobysuds.com.

Deborah Circle: Changes (gasp!) are ahead!

Fellowship, study & service

eborah Circle will begin meeting IN-PERSON on Thursday, July 1 at a new time, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM in the library/fireside room!

Bible study that day will finish up our discussion of N.T. Wright’s book, Following Jesus. After that, we’ll use several issues of Gather magazine for study sources. If you can’t find your copies or don’t have a subscription, it’s available free online at https://www.gathermagazine.org/.

A Zoom connection will still be available for circle members who are out of town. All are welcome!!

Tuesday, July 8, 7 PM: The book is Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson. Trudy Decker will lead the discussion.

For August, running into a long-ago friend sets in motion resonant memories, and transports her to a time and place – 1970s Brooklyn, where friendship was everything. August, Sylvia, Angela, and Gigi shared confidences as they ambled their neighborhood streets, a place where the girls believed that they were amazingly beautiful, brilliantly talented, with a future that belonged to them. But beneath the hopeful promise there was another Brooklyn, a dangerous place where grown men reached for innocent girls in the dark hallways, where mothers disappeared, where fathers found religion, and where madness was a mere sunset away.

Fiction, 175 pgs Available in CD Audiobook, Downloadable Audiobook, ebook and paperback.

7/ 1: Following Jesus, Chapt. 12, New Life – New World, pgs 112-120.

7/ 8: June Gather, Just L.I.F.E. (Liberation Is For Everyone!) pgs 20-22 7/ 15: Just L. I. F. E., pgs 22-24 7/ 22: Just L. I. F. E., pgs 24-25 7/ 29: July/August Gather, Just L. I. F. E., pgs 22-24 8/ 5: July/August Gather, Just L. I. F. E., pgs 24-25 8/12: Just L. I. F. E., pages 25-26 8/19: Just L. I. F. E., pgs 26-27 8/26: May 2021 Gather, The Journey of Generations, pgs 20-23 Questions about Deborah Circle? Contact Gaye Rodriguey, 360-632-1579, gaye@tobysuds.com.

Tuesday, August 10, 7 PM: Carolyn Kroon will lead the discussion of the book Washington Black by Esi Edugyan: Washington Black is an 11-year-old field slave who knows no other life than a Barbados sugar plantation. When his master's eccentric brother chooses him as his manservant, Wash is terrified of the cruelties he is certain await him. But Christopher Wilde, or "Titch," is a naturalist, explorer, scientist, inventor, and abolitionist. He initiates Wash into a world where a flying machine can carry a man across the sky; where two people, separated by an impossible divide, might begin to see each other as human; and where a boy born in chains can embrace a life of dignity and meaning. When a man is killed and a bounty is placed on Wash's head, Titch abandons everything to save him. What follows is their flight along the eastern coast of America and to a remote outpost in the Arctic, where Wash, left on his own, must invent another new life, which will propel him further across the globe.

Fiction, 333 pgs.

Available as a book, ebook or audiobook

Lydia Circle: Summer schedule!

7/ 5: Bible study, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall 7/12: Craft workshop for the bazaar, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall 7/19: Bible study, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall 7/26: Craft workshop for the bazaar, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall And then the pattern changes:

8/ 2: Craft workshop for the bazaar, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall 8/16: Craft workshop for the bazaar, 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall Questions about Lydia Circle? Contact Mary Brock, mkb1998@comcast.net, or Peg Fosnaugh, 360-675-2821. They’d also like to remind you that the annual bazaar will be Saturday, November 6!

Blanket Workshop resumes in August! See the note on page 5.

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tadpoles. Mark tried to brush away some of the kelp and other things from the bottle and noticed it was manufactured in the 1800s. Mark was thinking this bottle probably wasn’t actually from the 1800’s and went through a time machine because the note found inside mentioned Jonah and the whale. Then Mark picked up the second bottle and remembered the sign he had seen which read, “Litter and it will hurt.”

And so, then Mark dumped the fishes into the water and threw both the bottles in the recycling.

Youth & Family Ministry

- with Beth Stephens

One Nation Under God Bible Fun Run, July 11, 6 PM Walk or run with us for either 1 mile or 5K, wear red, white & blue, and join us for a hot dog after. As we celebrate America’s birthday let’s remember we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD. If you’re interested in donating food for this event, please contact Beth (bethasteph@gmail.com) or make a note on your bulletin insert Connection Card. She’ll contact you about what they’ll need in the way of hot dogs, buns, condiments, and ice cream bars.

Bobby and His Big Elephant Tony stares at the elephant with his jaw dropped and wonders what to do next. He had never seen an elephant at a Starbucks before and didn’t even know they drank coffee. As the Starbucks employee hands the elephant his drink, the elephant grabs the drink with his trunk and hands it up to a tiny little man on his head. The tiny little man said, “Thank you, Wilbur, for my coffee, but I asked for tea.” Wilbur trumpets an apologetic toot and returns to the front of the Starbucks line, attempting to gently nudge aside the cars in line.

The elephant, Wilbur, steps over cars as he arrives at the drivethrough window. But unbeknownst to Wilbur, underneath him were three boys on bicycles who had just placed their order. Those three boys hadn’t even noticed Wilbur above them and just thought the shadow was from a great cloud. But then one of them asks, “Do you think this shadow is too big to be a cloud?” They look up and see Wilbur. The boys watch as Wilbur’s trunk snakes its way through the window and slurps down fourteen gallons of Pike Place Blend.

Bobby, the tiny little man on top of Wilbur, witnesses him drinking all the coffee. Knowing what is about to happen he holds on tight.

Then Wilbur lets out a loud burp right into the window onto everyone inside. He lets out a trumpet blast and runs down to Windjammer Park, with the three boys on bikes pedaling as fast as they can behind him.

With the elephant running as fast as he can, he cannonballs off the dock into the lagoon. The boys slide down his trunk into the water. And then, SPLASH! The elephant splashes almost all of the water out of the lagoon. Then he squirts a fountain for everyone to enjoy. Holding scorecards, the mermaids and sea stars all give him 10s.

Chalk Art Festival, August 15, 6 PM Each participant will have a spot in the parking lot to transform into a masterpiece. A basic set of sidewalk chalk colors will be provided as well as snacks. All skill levels are welcome! Feel free to bring additional washable art supplies if you wish such as: liquid water colors and brushes, artist pastels, or sponges for blending. Questions? Contact Beth, bethasteph@gmail.com.

Storytelling in May s promised, here are the other two group-generated stories from our gathering on May 23. Each participant added one sentence at a time to the tale.

The Parable of Recycling One day Mark found two plastic bottles washed up on the beach.

While walking along the beach, Mark noticed other people not doing anything about the bottles. So, he let out a little grunt and leaned over to pick up one of the bottles to examine it closely. And it was covered in limpets and barnacles and strands of bull kelp as if it had a story to tell.

Living inside the bottle were some little fishes about the size of 6

Stephen Ministry: Giving and receiving care

Compassion Ministry

Receiving care: Stephen Ministry is for people in need! The pandemic has taken our congregation into uncharted waters when it comes to our mental health. The months of isolation may be mostly over but the effect it has had is still hanging onto our abilities to socialize with people around us. Even though we can visit with one another again, we still suffer from bouts of depression; we still have a knee-jerk reaction to one who might cough our way or we may be wary of those people around us without masks.

Sometimes we find that our circle of friends is not enough to help us through troubled times. Community gatherings may be a burden and we long for a gentler, more comforting interaction with people on a one-on-basis.

Stephen Ministers are trained to provide a listening, supportive, one-on-one relationship to help through these hard times. Confidentiality is maintained. If you feel a Stephen Minister might be of help, contact Gaye Rodriguey or Pastor Spencer or Pastor Stroud through the church office, 360-679-1561, office@oakharborlutheran.org.

Showing love through Lutheran World Relief Often, when natural disasters strike or when war drives families from their homes, our hearts ache with compassion but we don’t know how to help. Making Lutheran World Relief kits is a tangible way to offer comfort to those suffering and to express love to our neighbors in need.

LWR School Kits are specifically designed to help children to keep learning, even in a crisis. There’s a donation bin in the narthex for the following items. (Please make sure these items are new and include no religious, patriotic, or military symbols.) Thank you! Spiral notebooks (70 sheet) – no loose leaf paper, please!

Each school kit contains 4 notebooks Blunt scissors – safety scissors with embedded blades work well Pencil sharpeners (small) Crayons (boxes of 16 or 24) Ballpoint pens (blue or black ink) – no gel pens, please!

Each school kit contains 5 pens 30-cm rulers (or rulers with inches and centimeters) Yes, each individual school kit also includes a bundle of 5 unsharpened pencils, but we have a multi-year supply of those already on hand. Questions about school kits for LWR? Contact our coordinator, Trudy Decker, tldwhidbey@aol.com.

Giving care: Plans are underway for a new training series for Stephen Ministers at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, most likely to begin in January 2022. We already have a healthy list of interested members, but we can always take on more. We are seeking men and women from within the congregation who feel called to a ministry of compassionate, active listening to those who are enduring pain and isolation in their lives.

Here is what is required of these volunteers: 40 hours of training (about 2½ hours per week), beginning in January. Availability to help others within the limits of their own time commitments. Continuing supervision along with a Stephen Minister Leader and other commissioned Stephen Ministers. Two years commitment to serve, which includes the training.

If you’re interested in being equipped for this particular service and haven’t already done so, contact Gaye Rodriguey or Pastor Stroud through the church office, 360-679-1561, office@oakharborlutheran.org.

OHLC’s Adopt a Highway Program team picks up again! ith the assistance of Dave Myers and some volunteers, we now have 11 first-aid-qualified AHP team members and we can finally schedule a live cleanup event along our adopted 2 miles of Highway 20 north of Oak Harbor. Thank you to all who helped out as we scrambled to comply with these new requirements from the state.

We’re holding our first post-COVID roadside clean-up event on Saturday, July 24.

Meet at church at 8:30 AM for a safety briefing before heading out.

Jeff Margraf, OHLC AHP Coordinator 7

NOT FORGOTTEN – HERE OR THERE! OHLC’s mission partners: GO Missions, Peru

Loving our neighbors

Watoto, Uganda

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

El Camino de Emaus, Skagit Valley

ow! That’s quite a list for a chosen one of God. For this article, I’m focusing on humility. Merriam-Webster defines the word as “freedom from pride.” It’s intriguing that the Bible has more than a few words to say about pride and humility. (I admit I’ve never particularly thought of myself as a prideful person, or a humble person either.)

In the past eighteen months, I have found that I don’t know as much about the racial history of the United States as I thought I did. So with humility, I’ve opened myself to learning.

With God’s guidance, I have found – and I’m still finding – unlimited resources of stories, books, magazine and newspaper articles, online interviews, workshops and classes that foster my learning and seeking on a daily basis. Each new book or workshop or documentary brings to light the gap in my racial justice history knowledge. So I will continue my journey, my calling by God, to humble myself as His holy and beloved child, to listen more, open my heart and mind, and to study the hard truths of the history and voices of my non-White sisters and brothers.

his year of COVID pandemic has been long, arduous and lonely for most of us but maybe even harder for those living in 3rd world countries and in less prosperous areas of our own country where there have been fewer job opportunities and providing for families has been even more difficult.

We have not had a lot of information about how our mission partners Go Missions in Chiclayo, Peru, Watoto in Uganda, and El Camino de Emaus in Burlington, WA, have been doing during this difficult time. But we have not forgotten them, and have continued to support them with prayer and with finances, helping them to weather the Covid storm, to recover and – hopefully – to flourish.

In June, we were blessed with a visit from Shannon and Nick Kraft, now in their 21st year of Go Missions outreach and providing training for local missionaries in Peru, Bolivia, and beyond.

On August 22, we will have a visit with Pastor Josh StrombergWojcik of El Camino de Emaus. El Camino is a worshiping community of the ELCA, proclaiming the Good News in Word and Sacrament in solidarity with the poor, particularly those living in the Skagit Valley.

The mission of the month for July is Watoto, and we are continuing our congregation’s connection that began about 20 years ago with their ministry. We have hosted the Watoto Children’s Choir for several concerts in Oak Harbor and have taken several trips to Uganda, including helping to build a medical clinic and housing for nurses. Two students we have been supporting there are graduating this year; Ronald will finish law school and Alfred will complete medical school. The ministry of Watoto continues to help women and children of Uganda meet the daily needs of living. OHLC’s Watoto team hopes to hold our annual garage sale later this summer, date to be determined.

As you can see, we have not forgotten our brothers and sisters near or far. Please continue to pray for their needs and to help financially as you are able. We are blessed to be a blessing and to do God’s work with our hands and hearts!

Watoto Mission Team

Let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance.

Proverbs 1:5 A Prayer for Humility Lord, come into my brokenness and my life with your love that heals all.

Consume my pride and replace it with humility and vulnerability. Allow me to make space for your correction and redemption. Allow me to bow down with a humble heart, a heart of repentance. May I hear your voice in all that I read, and give me eyes to see my role in repairing what has been broken. Then bind me together with others in true unity and restoration. Amen.

-Latasha Morrison, adapted from “A Prayer for Humility,” Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation Shalom, Gaye Rodriguey 8

Thank you from our scholarship recipients

His Kids Preschool A ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

Dear Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, I am writing to thank you for your generous $1000 scholarship each year. I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected as the recipient of your scholarship.

After graduation, I will attend Voldosta State to earn my ASL interpreting degree. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to that goal. In August I will begin studying American Sign Language/English interpreting with an emphasis in ASL grammar and interpreting from ASL to English and vice versa. I plan to pursue a career in ASL interpreting upon graduating from Valdosta State University.

By awarding me the scholarship, you have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school: learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.

Dear Friends of OHLC, On behalf of His Kids Preschool and our teachers, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing commitment to our ministry, especially during this past school year, with all its many challenges. Your words of encouragement, your monetary donations and your checking in to see how we were doing helped us immensely. It helped us to stay focused and to breathe easier, and it reassured us that we were doing the right thing with being open. Doing all those extra steps in the classroom to protect “our” children was the right decision, not only for our church but our community as a whole!

We’re looking forward to what the fall brings, and what we can bring back to the classroom for our future His Kids Preschoolers.

Regardless of what that may be, we know we will continue to be blessed with the love and support of a beautiful congregation. We have faith that will stay constant.

Sincerely, Mia K. Ackerman Dear Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for awarding me the Teresa Ferguson Memorial Scholarship. I will be attending Washington State University this fall, where I will pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. This scholarship will help me towards my career and educational goals, and I appreciate it very much.

Regards, Peter Spencer

Have a wonderful summer!

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

It’s a boy!

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

Visit their websites for the August issues, https://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures; https://www.lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit

Congratulations to Andy & Melissa Faivre on the May 25th birth of their son Colton! He joins his big sister Abigail. Melissa says that everyone’s doing fine!

The deadline for articles for the September Harbor Beacon is Friday, August 20.

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Worship Attendance

Worship assistants

Date

July 4 8:00 AM 10:30 AM

Assisting Minister: Paul Senness Assisting Minister: Moira Bartrand

July 11 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Tom Carey Assisting Minister: Jan Heideger Assisting Minister: Carol Reafs

June

8:00 AM, in person 10:30 AM, in person June 6 38 70 June 13 58 63 June 20 43 66 June 27 will be included in the next issue’s statistics

July 18 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Tom Piper Assisting Minister: Trudy Decker Assisting Minister:

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations

July 25 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

July

Assisting Minister: Sheila Ryan Assisting Minister: Craig Pedlar Assisting Minister:

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

August 1 11:00 AM

WORSHIP at the Muzzall farm; picnic afterwards!

6:30 PM

Assisting Minister:

August 8 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Assisting Minister: Carol Reafs Assisting Minister:

August 15 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

Assisting Minister: Jeff Margraf Assisting Minister: Rita Cline Assisting Minister:

August

August 22 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

8 Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), 1221 10 Lawrence, deacon, martyr, 258 11 Clare, Abbess of San Damiano, 1253 13 Florence Nightengale, 1910, Clara Maas, 1901, renewers of society 14 Maximilian Kolbe, 1941, Kaj Munk, 1944, martyrs

Assisting Minister: Ron Ernst Assisting Minister: Bobbi Miller Assisting Minister:

August 29 8:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM

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

Assisting Minister: Assisting Minister: B. or K. Holroyd Assisting Minister:

15 Mary, Mother of our Lord 20 Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, 1153 24 Bartholomew, Apostle 28 Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 430, Moses the Black, martyr, 405

Interested in volunteering as an Assisting Minister? Contact Rekann in the church office, office@oakharborlutheran.org, 360-679-1561.

Financial Report Income Outgo

May $ 33,460 37,327 $ (3,867)

May

This issue’s featured font is Stars Drop caps are

Year to date $ 188,671 199,094 $ (10,423)

& Stripes

Little Lutheran bags in July & August: Peg Fosnaugh 10

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Summer praises you, God: Birds sing, trees clap their hands, the sun beams, rain showers announce your goodness and we join in.

Hallelujah!

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6

11 12 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 6:00 Lydia Circle bazaar crafts Fun Run 6:00 7:00 North Whidbey NA

13 10:00 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Coupeville Book Group, via Zoom 20

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 18 19 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 6:00 Lydia Circle Bible study Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 7:00 North Whidbey NA 25 26 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 6:00 Lydia Circle bazaar crafts 7:00 North Whidbey NA Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

FRIDAY

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 8

7

2

3

9

10 Peter Spencer’s Eagle Scout project

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

4:00 Stephen Ministry 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 Council 7:00 North Whidbey NA

5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 14

15

16

17

23

24 8:30 Roadside clean-up; meet at OHLC for a safety briefing

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA

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22

Whidbey Island Brass Camp, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 27 10:00 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

SATURDAY

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

The Newsletter Newsletter, July 2013

4 Independence Day 5 Church office closed Apple pie (& more) after both services In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 6:00 Lydia Circle In-person worship 10:30 Bible study 7:00 North Whidbey NA

THURSDAY

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 29

28

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

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

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA

11

30

6:00 OHLC Bingo Game Night 31

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

1 2 Worship & picnic 11:00 on the Muzzall farm 938 Scenic Hgts Rd 6:00 Lydia Circle bazaar crafts Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 7:00 North Whidbey NA

3 9:30 Blanket Workshop, to 12:30 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts

4 9:30 Blanket Workshop, to 12:30

8 9 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30

10 10:00 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Coupeville Book Group, via Zoom 17

11

7:00 North Whidbey NA Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 15 16 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 6:00 Lydia Circle bazaar crafts Sidewalk Chalk Art 7:00 North Whidbey NA Festival 6:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 22 Visit from El Camino, 23 both morning services In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 7:00 North Whidbey NA 29 30 In-person worship/ livestreamed on Facebook 8:00 In-person worship 10:30 5:30 Brass rehearsal 6:00 North Whidbey NA 6:30 Brass Ensemble Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 concert

THURSDAY 5

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

6

7

13

14

20 Newsletter deadline

21

27

28

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 12

1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

4:00 Stephen Ministry 6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 18

19

11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

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

24 10:00 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 5:30 Al Anon 6:30 Cub Scouts 7:00 Boy Scouts 31

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

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA 25

26

11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Deborah Circle Note the new time!!

6:00 Knitting Group 7:00 North Whidbey NA

To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower, hold Infinity in the palm of your hand, and eternity in an hour.

- William Blake 12

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL Classes start next month!

M, T, W: 8:45-11:45 AM 1:00-4:00 PM Pre-K Readiness Class, Th, F: 8:45-11:45 AM Contact the OHLC office for registration info.