Harbor beacon october 2014

The light shines in the darkness…

John 1:5

OHLC Staff Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

Home Phone (360) 279-0413

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

Volume 61, Issue 10

October 2014

OAK HARBOR LUTHERAN CHURCH a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) nd

1253 NW 2 Avenue

360-678-2264

Oak Harbor, WA 98277

www.oakharborlutheran.org

office@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 A spirituality of Halloween, pg. 2

Click on these links for the October newsletter inserts:

October opportunities for growing, learning, and fellowship! pg. 3

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: http://www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Oct2014Spirit.pdf

Painting hands in preschool pg. 6 Highlighting El Camino de Emaus, pg. 8

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Martin Luther’s three pillars, pg. 9

This issue was snail-mailed September 29, 2014 1

by laughter. I think something similar is happening around many of the customs of Halloween. Laughter, community, and a mockery of death and evil help to defeat our ancient enemies’ hold on our heart.

Pastor’s Page: A Spirituality of Halloween?

The LORD laughs at the wicked, for he sees that their day is coming.”

Psalm 37:13

As Christians we have ample reason to laugh at death and evil, for they have been decisively defeated by our Lord Jesus Christ. Martin Luther frequently remarked about how when the devil tormented him, he dealt with it through mockery, merriment, humor, even amusing bodily functions! He said, “When the devil harasses you, seek the company of friends…joke and talk nonsense, or do some other merry thing.” He also said, “Almost every night when I wake up the devil is there and wants to dispute with me…instantly I chase him away with a fart.” (Martin Luther would not be a good person to invite to your Halloween party.)

o be honest, I’m not a big fan of Halloween. It isn’t that I’m overly concerned about its connections to paganism and the occult, though that can be a legitimate concern.

I just don’t like creepy costumes. I can’t stand gore, especially among children. The door-to-door extortion makes me a little uncomfortable. Also, I startle easily. Because of this latter fact, Halloween is to me what the Fourth of July is to many dogs.

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Death and evil are serious subjects, to be sure. But if the gospel is true, they have no ultimate power over us. They wreak havoc on our lives now, to be sure, but their day is coming. In the meantime, laughter born out of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil is both appropriate and good therapy for anxious hearts.

Even so, we celebrate Halloween in a limited, mostly non-creepy way at my house, and I think there is a way Christians can engage in Halloween festivities with spiritual integrity. Despite their pagan origins, cultural observances such as Halloween and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) can be a time for lifting up Christ’s victory over sin, death, and evil. This is what the church has historically done as it has absorbed and transformed pagan customs, steering them in a more Christian direction. Halloween itself developed as a pseudo-Christian response to the pagan festival of Samhain, and was originally referred to by its more churchly name of “All Hallows Eve,” or better yet, “All Saints Eve.”

Can there be a spirituality of Halloween? Perhaps that is saying too much, but we can certainly bring a Christian spirituality (along with a healthy dose of discernment) to our Halloween celebrations. The Grim Reaper can be mocked as an already- defeated foe. The devil can be fought back with merriment (or flatulence – your choice). The glow of those Jack-O-Lanterns can remind us of the light of Christ, a light no darkness can overcome (John 1:5).

As beautiful as autumn can be, it is also a season of growing darkness, when the earth itself is covered in dead leaves, barren trees, cobwebs, and decaying crops. As such, it has a way of stirring up human anxieties over death and evil. To have a festival in the midst of such a season has been a way to bring some relief to these anxieties. Dressing up as something you’re afraid of is a way of mocking it, robbing it of its power. Posting a Jack-O-Lantern with a silly, toothy grin on your front porch is a way of poking fun at your fears, thereby diminishing them.

So have a fun, Christ-centered Halloween. But please, no scary pranks. I startle easily, and I won’t be laughing afterwards.

- Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

My favorite scene in the Harry Potter movies is when the students of Hogwarts learn to defeat a Boggart. A Boggart is an apparition which takes the form of one’s greatest fear. Defending against a Boggart involves casting the aptly-named Riddikulus charm. This charm turns the Boggart into something laughter-inducing. Boggarts, you see, are defeated 2

Here’s a way to help Munchy Monday

Growing & Learning

Sign up with and every time you shop at Safeway a percentage of your purchase will go to Munchy Mondays!  Go to www.escrip.com  Click on Sign Up  Enter our Group ID# 163943701  Have your Safeway card # ready Contact me if you don’t have Internet access or have any questions.

Munchy Monday welcomes Oak Harbor High School students for food, fellowship, and a place to hang out for an hour on early-release Mondays before they go back to campus across the street for after-school activities.

On Monday, Sept. 22, we hosted 117 kids! (See pg. 20 for the text of a recent thank you note from one of the students.)

The Gospel of John: A visual study Have you attended our new Bible study on the gospel of John yet? If not, you should check it out! We’re using short video clips (about ten minutes each Sunday) from a word-for-word film version of John’s gospel before we jump into Bible study and conversation. This intergenerational class is offered for 7th graders on up to seasoned citizens. Join us in the library at 9:15 on Sunday mornings.

Beth Stephens, bethasteph@gmail.com

The Art of Marriage class begins October 12 Junior High Luth Youth gather October 12

Join us for a 6-session video series called The Art of Marriage, beginning Sunday, October 12, 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the library/ fireside room. We’ll continue to meet on the second Sunday of every month through March. Child care will be available. The Art of Marriage video curriculum includes engaging vignettes and powerful speakers. Your marriage is important – join us for The Art of Marriage and make yours a masterpiece!

The Junior High Luth Youth group (grades 6-8) will be meeting on Sunday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in the fellowship hall for games, fellowship, snacks, conversation, and prayer. All Junior High youth are encouraged to attend!

High School Luth Youth bowling, Oct. 17 OHLC high schoolers are invited to come for an evening of bowling and pizza at Oak Bowl on Friday, Oct 17, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. RSVP to Pastor Spencer or Mary Brock.

3rd graders and families invited for Bible Basics, October 19

All-ages corn maze outing, October 26

All 3rd graders and their families are encouraged to attend a Bible Basics class on Sunday, October 19, noon to 1:30 PM. Pizza will be provided. (Donations are welcome, but not required.) Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with their child. All 3rd graders who attend will be presented with their own Bible during our Reformation Sunday worship services on October 26. RSVP to Pastor Spencer, or through the opportunity form in the worship bulletin.

Members and friends of all ages are invited to join us on an outing to Dugualla Bay Farms for some fun at their corn maze! We’ll meet at church at 3 PM to carpool, or you may drive yourself and meet us there at 3:30 – they’re located at 36699 SR 20, north of Frostad Rd. We are getting a special group rate of $7 per person, which includes the corn maze, hay ride, and a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. We’ll need a head count, so please sign up via the opportunity form in the worship bulletin or by calling the church office, 679-1561.

Don’t miss this fall classic of family fun!

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Worship & Music

Welcome, new members!

Assisting Minister training offered Oct. 12

On Sunday, September 28, we received thirteen new members into our fellowship at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church:

Are you interested in serving as an assisting minister? These volunteers read the assigned scripture passages, participate in the liturgy, and assist with Holy Communion. Pastor Spencer will be offering assisting minister training in the sanctuary at 9:15 AM on Sunday, October 12 (note this date change from last month’s newsletter announcement).

Tom Coe Sr. Dick & Peggy Koch Adam & Kristin Duncan and children Reagan, Harper, Dax, and Sloane Kerri Totten and sons John, Kale, and Dylan

ASSISTING MINISTERS

We’re glad you’re here!

Let’s give them all a warm OHLC welcome!

Children’s Choir rehearses Oct. 19 The children of OHLC are invited to come to a Children’s Choir rehearsal on Sunday, October 19 immediately following the 10:30 AM service (about 11:45). The Children’s Choir will sing in worship the following Sunday, October 26, at both services – at the end of the 8:00 AM service, and the beginning of the 10:30 service.

Pizza will be served after the rehearsal. Please contact our Music Ministry Coordinator, Verna Morgan, with any questions.

Endowment Committee Will planning seminar offered in November

CHOIR

A ‘heads up’ to the congregation: On Sunday, November 9 after the 10:30 AM service, the Endowment Committee will be hosting a no-cost Will Planning Seminar in the church library. (Food provided.)

Guest speaker is Lutheran attorney Brian Stiles, who will bring us information that includes:  Why review your will  Easy ways to do will update  Average costs for wills, Time will be allowed for questions and answers. This conversation should be quite valuable.

Looking for instrumentalists Do you play a musical instrument? Verna Morgan, OHLC’s Director of Music, is looking for people who are interested in sharing their gifts for the glory of God at an occasional Sunday morning worship service.

Whether you’d like to offer a solo piece , participate as part of a small ensemble, or would be willing to play as part of vocal accompaniment, she’d love to hear from you! Send her an e-mail, themorgans@cablespeed.com , or sign up on an opportunity form in your Sunday worship bulletin.

Committee members, take note: There will be a meeting on Tuesday, November 4 at 9:30 AM in the library.

MUSICIANS NEEDED

Bob Wall Endowment Committee chair 4

bookmarks

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o what if the weather is blustery and daylight is getting shorter? It’s a perfect time to curl up with a good book!

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

The Coupeville Book Group meets in group members’ homes in the Coupeville area; contact Gaye Rodriguey for more information, 678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com. The Second Wednesday Book Group meets in the church library; contact Leona McKee if you have questions, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

2nd ANNUAL

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

The Coupeville Book Group will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7:00 PM at Julie Ward’s house, 1053 Halsey Drive. Gail Dobbyn is the discussion leader, and the book is Little Century by Anna Keesey. This book was the 2014 selection for Whidbey Reads.

Orphaned after the death of her mother, 18-year-old Esther Chambers heads west in search of her only living relative, a cattle rancher named Ferris Pickett near the lawless town of Century, Oregon. There she begins a new life as a homesteader, in the hope her land will one day join Pick’s impressive spread.

But Century is in the midst of an escalating and violent war over water and rangeland. As incidents between the sheep and cattle ranchers turn to bloodshed, Esther’s sympathies are divided between her cousin and a sheepherder named Ben Cruff, sworn enemy of the cattlemen. Torn between growing passion for Ben and her love of the austere land, she begins to realize that she can’t be loyal to both.

Fiction, 318 pages

Saturday, November 8 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Oak Harbor Lutheran Church Holiday shopping made easy! * Hand-crafted Items * Holiday Decor * * Knitted Items * Jewelry * Granny’s’ Attic * * Coffee * Tea * * Bake Sale *

The Second Wednesday Book Group meets Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1:00 PM in the church library, to consider the book Little Princes by Conor Grennan: At loose ends as to what to do with this life, Conor Grennan volunteers to serve three months as a volunteer at the Little Princes Orphanage in war-torn Nepal. While there he discovers that many of his charges are victims rescued from human traffickers. What he learns about the situation causes him to become an advocate for reform to protect these children.

Non-fiction, 294 pages 5

families interested, but need at least 12 to comfortably operate the class.

These children must be already registered in the 3-day program to be able to participate in the Pre-K class. If you know of anyone who may be looking for a preschool, please have them contact the church office for further information.

We’d like to finish this month’s article with some initial thoughts by our children of His Kids Preschool:

His Kids Preschool

This is what we have to say about our first month of preschool!

I like…

[3-day AM class] Christian: Playing with the Legos Willow: Painting Winter: I like playing with all the toys Daerek: Playing outside Graham: Playing with the cars Lucy: The playground Anika: Playing with friends Joshua: Playing with the cubes Chloe: Playing on the slides Arin: Playing with the cars Andrew L.: Playing Legos Andrew T.: The cars Lillian: The rabbit Jayden: The books Regan: Little Blue (the classroom rabbit) Danica: Playing with the cubes and cars and the shapes

A ministry of Oak harbor Lutheran Church eptember has been a busy but successful start of the school year!

The children gathered for the first day on Sept. 8 and got their hands “dirty” right away by jumping into their first hand-painting project. (Blue on one palm + yellow on the other = green hands!) They continued the month by reviewing shapes and colors as well as learning the alphabet by singing weekly songs, doing theme-related projects and exploring books that coordinate with the letter they are concentrating on.

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Our students have chapel time in the sanctuary on Wednesdays with Pastor Spencer, and they seem to be enjoying this special time with him as he leads them in song, prayer, and story. The ladies in the church offices look forward to Wednesdays as well, as the children always wave and smile as they go to and fro in the hallway just outside their open doors.

Torrey: The bananas (snack) Gabriel: Coloring Daulton: Playing with cars and Legos Jeremih: Playing with the cubes Codey: Painting my hands Nicolas: Legos

Our school year’s first field trip, to the Sno-Isle Public Library, was a great success and the children received their first library card so they could check out their own books. Then, we wrapped up the month with our Apple Day! We made homemade applesauce, tasted the different kinds of apples and even did an apple tree project. We’re looking forward to October and all the fun that fall brings to us at His Kids Preschool.

[3-day PM class] Dominic: Playing with Legos Evelyn: Painting Breann: Playing with cars Emma: Playing with Legos Lazlo: Playing with friends Caleb: Hand painting

God’s Blessings, Miss Sara, Miss Elva, Miss Michelle

We do have a request of monetary donations to our preschool program. The money that is donated will be used towards purchasing Bible storybooks for presentation to our students in November. Any amount is greatly appreciated; checks can be made to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church with His Kids/Bibles in the memo line.

Included in this newsletter are The Spirit (with a message from Bishop Unti about our Synod’s Team Russia and OHLC’s own Ken Grigsby, whose correct phone number is 675-4682), and Prayer Ventures for October.

The deadline for articles for the November newsletter is Tuesday, Oct. 21.

e have a few openings in our 3-day afternoon class (M,T,W: 12:30-3:00 PM), and are currently taking names of families who are interested in starting the Pre-K Readiness Program for children who will be attending Kindergarten the following year. We currently have six

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Men’s Ministry

OHLC Women Opportunities for fellowship, study & service

Lutheran Men in Mission & the Brotherhood of St. Bernard Saturday, October 4: Breakfast with Lutheran Men in Mission ll men are invited to join us for breakfast on Saturday, October 4 from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. Our morning together will include a 30minute video presentation from the recent Lutheran Men in Mission National Gathering in Nashville, where the theme was “Guys, Guts, and God’s Glory.”

Breakfast will be served after the video showing; coffee, however, will be piping hot and ready to drink at 7:30 AM!

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Circle meetings in October Mondays Lydia Circle meets at 6:30 PM in classroom 8/10 in the education wing Thursdays Deborah Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library/fireside room Tuesday, October 21 Rebecca Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library/fireside room

October’s opportunities for lunch, Bible study and fellowship

eborah Circle will continue with their study of Marcus Borg’s book Convictions.

10/ 2: Chapter 3, God Is Real and Is a Mystery 10/ 9: Chapter 4, Salvation Is More About This Life than an Afterlife 10/16: Chapter 5, Jesus Is the Norm of the Bible 10/23: Chapter 6, The Bible Can Be True Without Being Literally True 10/30: Chapter 7, Jesus’ Death on the Cross Matters – But Not Because He Paid for Our Sins

The Brotherhood of Saint Bernard will meet on Tuesdays, the 14th & 28th, beginning at noon in Herrigstad Hall. Lunch will be followed by our continuing, thought-provoking studies of the scriptures and concluded by a time for prayer.

Make an effort to come, to enjoy this special time of eating among other brethren and spending some worthwhile time with your Bible.

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For more information about men’s ministries at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, talk to Pastor Spencer or Tom Piper.

Blanket Workshop Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, October 7 & 8, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief. For more information, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

Marriage Encounter arried couples everywhere are looking for satisfying communication, more romance, and stronger commitment. Enrich your relationship on a Fall 2014 Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend – November 7-9 in Portland, OR, or November 14-16 in Renton, WA. Apply for either weekend at www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Carl & Dallas Ann Presley for registration and other information at 260-522-6849 or carl.presley@comcast.net. Pre-registration is required and weekends are quick to fill.

Lutheran Marriage Encounter is an affiliate of Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

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Heart & Hand Heart & Hand handwork group meets on Friday, October 17, at 9:30 AM in the comfortable chairs of the prayer room. Bring your own handwork projects or help assemble baptismal banners.

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Watoto fundraiser benefits African orphans

Compassion Ministry

The Watoto Team invites you to Octoberfest, Saturday, October 18, at the Oak Harbor Elks Club, for…

Ministry of the month: El Camino de Emaus ur neighbor over on the mainland, El Camino de Emaus Lutheran Church is our Ministry of the Month for October.

Rev. Esau Cuevas-Benitez and Rev. Emilio Benitez-Salgado offer weekly Hispanic worship services, family visits, farmer camp visits, Vacation Bible School, confirmation classes, music lessons, and so much more to families in the Skagit Valley area.

Please join me between morning worship services on Sunday, October 12, 9:15 AM in the library, as I share the good news of the El Camino de Emaus congregation. See you then!

German Dinner Silent & Live Auction African Fair Trade Goods for sale No-host bar Auction preview, 5:30 PM Dinner at 6:30 PM

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Tickets are $20 per person – contact a team member to purchase yours. 100% of proceeds benefits youth health care scholarships for the Watoto youth in Uganda and to purchase medical supplies for mission trips. If you have items you’d like to donate for the auction, please talk to Skip Lycksell.

Vickie Longshore

And more Watoto news…

Roadside litter pick-up

A medical mission trip is in the planning stages to go to Watoto in Uganda approximately January 17-28, 2015. Contact Dr. Lycksell (Skip) for further information.

Pat Dallen has scheduled another litter pick-up along OHLC’s adopted 2-mile stretch of Highway 20 north of Oak Harbor. Meet at church at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 11 to collect your hard hat and reflective vest, and carpool to the site.

God’s Work, Our Hands.

Skip & Judy Lycksell

Coat collection is underway October is Warm Coat & Warm Socks collection month! If you have new socks or new or clean and gently-used coats to share, please put them in the big red barrel in the narthex. Now is the time for coats to go on sale, so you may be able to purchase a new one for your contribution.

All sizes are needed, children up through adults. These will be shared with local people and with El Camino de Emaus.

Judy Lycksell

Much-needed support continues for Help House Members and friends of OHLC are continuing to donate to Help House, and they’re always thankful for our support. There is a barrel in the narthex for your regular giving (Bring a can a week!), in addition to special appeals in July and November.

Please be aware that Help House’s resources are being severely stretched. The following note is now being included in the food baskets that are given to our neighbors in need: You may have noticed that your food baskets are smaller than they have been in the past. We have seen a large number of people requesting food and a decline in the number of food donations. Both have made a definite impact on our food supply. We are running low on almost everything, so if there is something "missing" from your basket that would normally be there, it is probably because we are out of it.

Habitat for Humanity is looking for an O.H. homeowner Individuals interested in a recently-renovated 2-bedroom home in Oak Harbor are invited to an informational meeting, Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6:30 PM in the Oak Harbor Library meeting room to learn about the selection and application process. Attendance is mandatory in order to receive an application. For more information, contact Melissa McSwain, Program Director, 360-679-9444, Volunteer@IslandCountyHabitat.com.

We hope you’ll keep this in mind the next time you’re making purchases at the grocery store.

Carol Wall 8

Go Missions International - Peru

Martin Luther

with Nick & Shannon Kraft

and the Reformation

HLC-sponsored missionaries in Chiclayo, Peru, Nick and Shannon Kraft send word the Go Missions base is officially under construction! Completion of the foundation is anticipated by the first week of October. The building’s columns will be cement, but exterior walls will be constructed from the local adobe bricks.

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Because Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses, or thoughts, to a church door in Wittenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517, many Christians remember that day and the major changes, or Reformation, that resulted.

In their September 17th newsletter, posted on the narthex bulletin board, they introduced their project foreman, Isaac Sea. The Krafts met him in 2003 while they were posted in Bolivia and he began to assist them with their ministry projects there. He and his wife Julie have continued this connection, including having served as part of their CORE discipleship school team for the past 3 years. They may be shouldering even more ministry work as the building progresses and more programs are possible. Please keep Isaac and Julie and their 6-year-old daughter Madison Linne [Madison Kraft’s namesake, don’t you suppose?] in your prayers.

Luther’s theses contained three main pillars, which have stood for almost 500 years: 1. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) - The Bible is the sole authority in matters of faith, life and conduct. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NRSV).

2. Sola Fide (Faith Alone) - Christians are justified, or declared righteous, only through believing in Jesus Christ as Savior. Although morality and good works are important, they alone cannot lead to salvation. “A person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 2:16, NRSV).

$7,000 has been raised towards the goal of $50,000 for the project. Shannon invites us to follow them on YouTube and Facebook to keep track of their progress.

Upcoming events include an 8-week marriage seminar (Shannon writes they have 6 couples registered, one couple has been married for 40 years, one for 30, and another for 23 years, so she and Nick –as leaders– “feel like the young pups in the group.” The course’s aim is for couples to work on their own marriages as well as preparing to be a light and refuge for troubled marriages. The next CORE series will be offered January 17 – March 14, 2015, and students anticipate being housed at the new Go Missions base.

3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone) - Grace is God’s unmerited, or undeserved, favor. Salvation is a free gift from our gracious God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NRSV).

- The Newsletter Newsletter, October 2010

For more information and a wealth of colorful photos, visit their website, www.gomissionsinternational.com.

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ear Friends, Carlie and I are very thankful to you for your comforting words of condolence on the death of Ken. Obviously, this has been a very difficult time for Carlie and me. But your presence and kindness throughout has really helped to lighten our burden. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude. Your generosity will be remembered always.

Thanks again, from the bottom of our hearts.

Love, Vickie Lee Longshore and Carlie Ann Kenny

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Many Thanks!

We received this note on Sept. 15, following the first Munchy Monday gathering of the school year: ak Harbor Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for your amazing service. I really appreciate you giving up your own time to provide us with food. By the way, the food is amazing! I will definitely come back again and give friends a good word about you. Thank you so much for everything.

Callie Nuttall and the OHHS volleyball team

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y thanks to God, and to all of you who kept me in your prayers. I am a strong believer in the power of prayer and believe because of prayer my chemo treatments went so well for me.

I completed my 18 chemo treatments on August 27. Cancer is a battle with a ruthless foe; from now on my doctor and I will watch and I will continue to appreciate your prayers on my behalf.

God bless you all.

Anabelle Mitchell

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In Sympathy Our hearts go out the family and many friends of Gwen Solum, who died on September 14. She was 89. A member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church for nearly 45 years, Gwen was a longtime mainstay of our Altar Guild, and had been serving in more recent years as a dependable Friday morning bulletin assembly volunteer.

Gwen moved to Spokane this past April to be closer to family, but still retained strong ties to Oak Harbor, including weekly phone calls with her dear friend and fellow retired nurse, Abby Chromy.

Her memorial service was held at OHLC on Saturday, September 29.

Peace be to her memory.

hank you to everyone who made contributions to the ‘Kash for Kazan’ jar and who supported the Kazan Silent Auction. A total of $507 was donated to help our partner congregation, St. Katharina Lutheran Church in Kazan, Russia.

Thank you, too, to everyone who helped make September’s Gospel Sing & Pie Social such a success! That includes the pie-bringers (there were lots of pies!), pie eaters, the pie servers, the Men’s Chorus, Ron Ernst and Tom Piper who led the singing, the men’s group, and Jan Ernst for being the piano player. A big thanks, too, to Ron and Jan for putting together a new gospel songbook, and to those who helped with the clean-up afterwards.

Kazan Committee

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We received word after the paper version of this newsletter had gone to press that Helen Knudsen died on Sunday, September 28. She was 93 and had been a member of this congregation for 57 years.

Helen moved to Issaquah earlier in the year to be closer to her daughters; her memorial service will be held at OHLC on Saturday, October 4 at 1:00 PM.

ou may have noticed the three lovely cedar planter boxes in front of the church’s main entry. These were a gift from Donna Lay and Dusty and Linda Rhodes, in memory of Chris Lay. Chris had begun the project himself, and Dusty was kind enough to complete it. Our sincere thanks to Donna, Dusty, and Linda.

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Worship Assistants 10/ 5 8:00 10:30 6:30 10/12 8:00 10:30 6:30 10/19 8:00 10:30 6:30 10/26 8:00 10:30 6:30

Asst. Ministers Paul Senness Ken Grigsby Allan Swan Verna Pommerenke Allan Swan Gisela Hawley Paul Senness Carol Fitzgerald Debbie Wysomierski Rita Carter Jan Heideger Carol Snoble

Worship Attendance

Acolytes SamHiggins Anders Spencer Benjamin Bruland Isabel Carr Alyssa Blevins Benjamin Bruland Natalie Stone Isaiah Wiley Benjamin Bruland Johannes Christensen Addy Day Benjamin Bruland

Date 8:00 AM Aug. 31 65 Sept. 7 106 Sept. 14 58 Sept. 21 87 Average Att. 79

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

September

10:30 AM 103 121 117 110 113

Cpvl.

26 20 22 13 23

September 28 will be included with October’s attendance

Average Sunday attendance: 217

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Coffee Fellowship Assistants

10/ 5 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Rita Carter Computer: Rita Carter

6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 10/12 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 10/19 8:00 AM Ellis family 11:00 AM 6:30: Presider, Marc Stroud 10/26 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM

Communion: Candi Amarelo Computer: Lisa Margraf Communion: Gisela Hawley Computer: Michelle Tull

Income Outgo

10:30 AM Senior Choir

10/12 Morning Glory 10/19 Morning Glory 10/26 Morning Glory

Senior Choir Senior Choir Senior Choir

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

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Sande Mulkey Computer: Rick Culbertson

6:30 PM: Presider, Jay Decker

August $ 30,518 30,978 $ (460)

8:00 AM 10/ 5 Morning Glory

Coupeville 6:30 PM Harriet Dailey, Allan Swan Carol Reafs Patty Bruland Trudy Decker

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Jan McCullough Computer: Sheila Ryan

Financial Report:

October

As of this fall, Sunday morning coffee hours are being hosted by our congregation’s various ministry groups.

Ushers 10:30 AM

Nursery 2 1 2 2 2

Fair Trade Sponsors

Pommerenke Deborah Circle

October

19 Luke, Evangelist 23 James of Jerusalem, martyr 26 Philipp Nicolai, 1608; Johann Heermann, 1647; Paul Gerhardt, 1676; hymnwriters 28 Simon & Jude, Apostles 31 Reformation Day

August Little Lutheran bags in October: Elizabeth Norman

Year to date $ 329,010 341,577 $ (12,567)

This month’s featured font is VTC Goblin Hand 11

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

The church calendar is updated regularly on OHLC’s website, www.oakharborlutheran.org

Parish Nurse hours: Thursdays, 1:00-3:30 PM and by appointment 5 Healing prayer at both morning services Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Piano Recital 2:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 12 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Forum: El Camino 9:15 Assisting Min. Tr. 9:15 Worship 10:30 Jr. High Luth Youth 6:30 The Art of Marriage 6:30 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 19 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Children’s Choir 11:45 Bible Basics (3rd graders) & families 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 26 Reformation Sunday Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 All ages Corn Maze outing , 3 PM to carpool or 3:30 at Dugualla Bay Farms Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 11:30 OHLC Staff

2 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:45 Webelos 2 7:00 Council Youth: Deadline to register for Quake/Zone 9 10:00 Deborah Circle

3

4 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

6 1:00 Munchy Monday

7 9:00 Blanket Workshop 6:00 Patrol Leaders

8 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 10

5:00 Wolves 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:30 Worship Brass

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

13

14

15

16

1:00 Munchy Monday

10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

11:30 OHLC Staff

10:00 Deborah Circle

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:45 Webelos 2

6:30 HS Luth Youth bowling

22

23

24

11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee

10:00 Deborah Circle

1:00 Munchy Monday 5:00 Wolves 6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 27

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 21 Newsletter Deadline 10:00 Rebecca Circle 6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 28 10:30 Stamping Group

1:00 Munchy Monday

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

29

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:45 Webelos 2 30

11:30 OHLC Staff

10:00 Deborah Circle

12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 7:00 Solutions

6:00 CADA Parenting

5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass

12

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:30 Pack 98 7:00 Bus loading for LWR shipment

11 9:00 Roadside litter pick-up

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:45 Webelos 2

5:00 Wolves 6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 7:00 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Vanishing Friends 7:00 Solutions 20

1:00 Memorial service, Helen Knudsen

17 9:30 Heart & Hand

18

25

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use

31 Reformation Day

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M,T, W, 9:00-11:30 AM M, T, W, 12:30-3:00 PM