Harbor Beacon September 2012

The light shines in the darkness… John 1:5

OHLC Staff

Home Phone

Pastor: Jeffrey Spencer

279-0413

Pastor of Care Ministries Marc Stroud

678-5994

Youth Ministry Coordinator: Stephany Vogel 679-1561

Volume 59, Issue 9

September 2012

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

1253 NW 2 Avenue

(360) 679-1561

Oak Harbor, WA 98277 www.oakharborlutheran.org office@oakharborlutheran.org

IN THIS ISSUE: Living as Jesus’ disciples, pg. 2

Preschool Director: Gaye Rodriguey

678-3561

Parish Secretary: Carol Wiskow

720-2451

Newsletter Editor: Martha Ellis

678-2264

Custodian: Salvador Carvallo

675-3957

Church Fax Church Phone

679-9795 679-1561

Click on these links for the September newsletter inserts:

OHLC welcomes Pastor Stroud pg. 3

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures: www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx

See you on Rally Day! pg. 4

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Spirit201209.pdf

Wondering about Jesus, pg. 8

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Focus on Lutheran World Relief, pg. 10

This issue was snail-mailed August 30, 2012 1

Pastor’s Page

February. Youth ministry will be more intentionally intergenerational, with more events for families to attend together.

Every Member in Mission

We will work harder at building up a sense of community in our congregation with more fellowship opportunities. (Did someone say potluck?) We will work at getting new people involved in new ways in the life of our congregation. We will renew our efforts to serve our surrounding community through our Munchy Monday after-school program, and our local partnerships with Help House and El Camino de Emaus, among others.

E

very member at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church has a mission to live as a disciple of Jesus. Each of us carries out this mission in a variety of contexts. For some, the primary context for discipleship is the home. If you are parenting children, there is no greater mission for you than to raise your children in Christian faith. But the arena for discipleship is never confined to the four walls of one’s home.

The gospel calls us into community as well. We each have a mission to share our gifts with others. We do this as we participate in the life of the church, contributing our time, talents, and treasures for the sake of our congregation. We do this as we serve our neighbors in our community through our vocations and our charitable efforts. But discipleship doesn’t end there, either. We are called by Christ to the ends of the earth to make his name known through evangelism, fellowship, and servanthood.

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church is remarkable in that we are intimately involved in global ministries on three continents. This year we will strive to deepen our relationships with the Kraft family, our missionaries in Peru, with Watoto Childcare Ministries in Uganda, and with St. Katharina Lutheran Church, our sister congregation in Kazan, Russia. We will expand our reach even further as we continue to work through Lutheran World Relief to provide health kits, school kits, and quilts to those in need around the world.

Every member at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church has a mission. We are all called to live as disciples of Jesus in our homes, in our community, and in the world. Different life stages and circumstances mean we might be involved in one context more intensely than another at a given time, but all are important arenas for discipleship.

You have a mission to live as a disciple of Jesus in your home, in our community, and in the world. How will you grow as a disciple in the year ahead? Come to worship. Attend a class. Get involved. This year Oak Harbor Lutheran Church is your discipleship training school, here to equip you for ministry.

-Pastor

Jeffrey R. Spencer

Ministry Leaders Potluck/Meeting – September 30

Our emphasis for the 2012-2013 program year is discipleship.

You will be seeing the words “Every Member in Mission: Home, Community, World” on our screens as we gather for worship, and in other places around the church as well. These words will serve as a reminder of the mission we all share as disciples of Jesus. They will shape our life together in the program year ahead.

There will be a potluck meeting for all ministry leaders beginning at 6:30 PM on Sunday, September 30. We will begin with a meal, share information about our areas of ministry, and conclude with a time of prayer. Mark your calendars and plan on bringing a dish to share!

For those whose primary context for discipleship is the home, we will work to equip you for that ministry. We will continue to provide take-home sheets for home devotions based on the Scriptures we hear in worship. There will be new adult education offerings on Christian parenting this fall and a six-session class on marriage starting in

A three-session new member class will be offered on Sunday afternoons at 12 Noon on October 7, 14, and 21. A light lunch will be provided.

Looking ahead: New Member Class

2

Pastor Stroud’s installation set for the 2nd of September

Giving to God

We will formally install Pastor Marc Stroud as our Associate Pastor for Caring Ministries at the 10:30 AM service on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Join us as we call Marc to the tasks of Word and Sacrament ministry, with a special focus on visitation and caring ministries.

Budget update hank you for responding to our budget needs this T summer! As of the 31 of July we have made up about $10,000 of our shortfall, bringing our budget deficit down to just over st

$3,000. Your generous giving is empowering important ministry. Thank you for your support!

New Stephen Ministers to be commissioned Moments after he is installed on Sept. 2 as our Associate Pastor, Pastor Marc Stroud will commission two OHLC members as Stephen Ministers. Richard Vogel and Norm Brinker have been undergoing Stephen Ministry training under the wise tutelage of Pastor Stroud and Jan McCullough. We look forward to commissioning Bob and Carol Wall as Stephen Ministers later in October.

Stephen Ministers receive 50 hours of training to prepare for their role as a caregiver, underscoring the basic needs of confidentiality, empathetic listening, and respect for the person in crisis. We give thanks for this wonderful ministry at OHLC.

The Bible’s Good News about living a generous life Some Bible scholars have defined stewardship in different ways over the years. Here are a few of those definitions taken from Mark Allan Powell’s book Giving to God: “Christian stewardship is the practice of the Christian religion. It is neither a department or life nor a sphere of activity. It is the Christian conception of life as a whole, manifested in attitudes and actions.”

- W. H. Greever (1937)

New OHLC website is coming!

“Stewardship is what we do after we say we believe.”

- Clarence C. Stroughton (1949)

n a Navy community with new people constantly coming into town, our presence on the internet is crucial to our outreach. More than ever before, people are “Googling” information about their new location, and checking out churches online before ever setting foot inside our building.

I

“Christian stewardship has come to mean ‘what we do with what we have, all the time.’”

- John H. MacNaughton (1983)

We need a strong presence on the internet, with a website that reflects the vibrant ministries happening at OHLC. Therefore, we have hired the webmaster at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland to design a website for OHLC, and train people at OHLC to maintain it. This webmaster has done remarkable work both for businesses and nonprofit organizations on Whidbey Island. Her work for Trinity has produced one of the best congregational websites in the ELCA. (Check it out at www.trinitylutheranfreeland.org.) Photos of OHLC activities will be taken and collected in the days to come, and write-ups will be sought from various ministry leaders for use as text for our forthcoming new site.

Watch for information about the launch of this new site, and return to it often for updates on all the wonderful things happening at OHLC!

What do you think when you hear or read the word stewardship? what positive or negative images come to mind? Perhaps we could base our definition of stewardship on this basic vision: our goal is to find the life that God wants us to have, in confidence that this will be the best life we could possibly have.

“All things are yours...and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” - St. Paul in I Corinthians 3:21-23

More good news about stewardship next month!

Carol Reafs Included in this newsletter are The Spirit and Prayer Ventures for September.

The deadline for articles for the October newsletter is Thursday, September 20.

3

Growing & Learning

Adult Education for September s we come to the fall, opportunities for learning and growing in faith A abound at OHLC! On September 2 there will be a presenta-tion on Lutheran World Relief (our Ministry of the Month for Septem-ber),

Rally Sunday set for the 9th of September

W

including a video of LWR’s work throughout the world.

On Rally Sunday (Sept. 9) we will be having our Ministry Fair, an excellent opportunity to learn more about all the various ministries and ministry opportunities here at OHLC. Plan on checking out all the various information tables in the fellowship hall.

Beginning Sept. 16, we will be offering two different options running concurrently. In the library, Pastor Spencer will facilitate a 6session study called “Sacred Parenting.” Rather than a “how-to” of parenting, this class, featuring video presentations by author Gary Thomas, explores how parenting shapes us as disciples of Jesus. Thomas is known for his powerful, engaging teaching on the spirituality of everyday life. All parents, including grandparents, are encouraged to attend!

Not a parent? Not interested? Pastor Stroud will lead a study in the prayer room on Christian worship. Read on for more information!

ith the beginning of a new school year comes a new program year at OHLC. To “rally” is to come together again for a common purpose. On Rally Sunday, we will rally around one another as we take up our ministry of worshipping, growing, and serving once again with renewed vigor. Council members, teachers, and ministry leaders will be called forward at our worship services so we can rally around them with prayer.

We will then rally in the Fellowship Hall at our Ministry Fair, which will celebrate the various ministries at OHLC and give you an opportunity to sign up to participate in something new. Join us on this festive Sunday as we celebrate a new beginning!

Sept. 2: Sept. 9: Sept. 16: Sept. 23:

Jesus’ Family Tree: Sunday School 2012-2013 Sunday School for all ages will be held from 9:15-10:15 AM beginning Sunday, September 9. We are using the popular “Spark” curriculum again this year. This year’s theme is “Jesus’ Family Tree.”

Throughout the year, our children will learn the stories of important figures from the Bible.

Registration is encouraged. Please pick up a registration form on the Welcome Table in the narthex, and return it to the church office.

Thank you to Melissa Johnson for being our Sunday School superintendent this year!

Sept. 30:

Lutheran World Relief Presentation Ministry Fair (fellowship hall) Sacred Parenting, Session 1 (library) Christian Worship (prayer room) Sacred Parenting, Session 2 (library) Christian Worship (prayer room) Sacred Parenting, Session 3 (library) Christian Worship (prayer room)

Adult class considers Christian Worship in a Post-Modern Era Christian worship has undergone great change over the past century. Has it become more faithful in its outreach to the world or has it lost its integrity as a means to express the news about Christ the Savior?

This educational study will use the works of author Marva Dawn and her two books Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down and A Royal Waste of Time to facilitate a discussion about worship practices that inspire faith and impart an evangelical message to the world around us.

Week 1: Life as our culture sees it, life as the church sees it.

Week 2: The elements of our worship as the pattern for our lives.

Week 3: Worshipping with Christ at the center.

Week 4: Forming a community and calling it church.

Week 5: Our worship as an expression of our Christian selves.

Week 6: What happens after we say, “Go in peace, serve the Lord.”

Blessing of the Backpacks During Children’s Time on Sunday, September 9, there will be a “Blessing of the Backpacks.” Children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to worship for a blessing as they prepare for a new school year!

4

It’s the season for possibilities!

Here’s how you can help our youth programs: Munchy Monday — we’ll need donations of food, or grocery store gift cards of cash for supplies, and/or volunteers for the Mondays themselves, 1:00-3:00 PM in the fellowship hall.

As we come to the end of August, I have noticed a hint of fall already. One of the trees in my yard has touches of red and orange leaves, as have many of the maples I’ve seen around town. That seems early to me, and makes me wonder if fall will come early this year. With autumn, I expect to hear the sounds of school buses in the morning and afternoon. It will soon be time to slow down again when driving near schools. The football stadium across from church will be filled with sound, light and energy again. And we will start Luth Youth meetings on Sunday mornings at 9:15 and WOW (Word on Wednesday) gatherings midweek at 6:30 PM.

WOW (Word on Wednesdays) — Bring a healthy snack for our youth or help lead in games or crafts for a short 20 to 30 minutes.

Sunday morning — help with Sunday School at 9:15 AM or with Children’s Church during the sermon at the 10:30 AM worship service.

And remember to pray ! If you can help in any of these areas, call me at 360-320-3782, or sign up on a weekly Opportunity Form, or leave a message in the church office.

I’m hopeful. I want to believe we can grow a stronger program.

I want to have faith that we can offer relevant programming for younger people. And on these topics, I need your prayers.

- Stephany

Last year, I was talking with a woman I know about meeting with her regarding an event our kids were attending. As we spoke, she spontaneously shared her faith with me. I was surprised by this, not by the content, but by her manner of sharing with me. She was so kind and passionate about God’s love in her life. And it was not awkward, or pushy. If you have tried to share your faith story with someone, you may realize how special this conversation was. Since then, I most remember one thing she said, “Just remember, all things though God are possible.” She said that as we were talking about the worries of launching our kids into the world as they come closer to adulthood, as a reminder to keep our eyes on Faith, not the fear and worry of the world.

Luth Youth ice cream social – September 12 On Wednesday, September 12 at 6:30 PM there will be an ice cream social for all Luth Youth (6th-12th grades). Parents and siblings are encouraged to attend as well. This will be a fun, informal time of socializing, ice-cream eating, and learning about some of our plans for the year ahead. (For a preview, see the announcement below!)

Coming this fall: WOW! (Word on Wednesday) Starting Wednesday, Sept. 19, we will begin a new format for Luth Youth. Every Wednesday we will gather for games, snacks, Bible study (featuring a series of hilarious videos), and a brief closing worship.

All 6th through 12th graders are encouraged to plan on joining us from 6:30-8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings!

“Things are possible.” It’s not a guarantee, not a gift – just possible. If it’s right. If it’s God’s will. If we’re right in our hearts. If what we ask is God’s work.

So, here we are on the brink of September and the start of the program year. I ask you as the congregation, can you pray for this outreach? Can you help us grow this program? I ask the youth, will you attend? Can you help build this up? Tell me what you want to see, with kindness and open hearts, and work with us to bring in youth to share our faith experience. Please help bring this program up in your hearts, in your words and in your prayers.

Looking ahead: 3rd/4th grade Bible basics (with pizza!)

All 3rd and 4th graders are invited to attend a Bible Basics class on Sunday, Oct. 21 beginning at 6 PM. Pizza will be provided.

(Donations welcome, but not required.) Parents are strongly encouraged to attend with their child. Siblings are welcome, but will be dismissed to an alternative activity during the class portion of the evening. Nursery care can be arranged if necessary. All 3rd and 4th graders who attend will be presented with their own Bible during our Reformation Sunday worship services on Oct. 28.

“Just remember, all things though God are possible.”

Stephany Vogel, Youth Ministry Coordinator 5

We’ll save you a seat in the choir!

Worship & Music Opportunities abound!

POSITIONS OPEN: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass — no others need apply.

Acolyte Training – September 23

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Must be able to carry light musical notes part way across the church sanctuary. Must have sufficient vision to see director twenty feet away.

There will be a training session for new acolytes offered at 12:00 PM on Sunday, September 23.

Any young person who is tall enough to reach the candles and mature enough to handle the job is welcome to serve as an acolyte. The training should take about 20 minutes.

EXPERIENCE: No application accepted from persons who have not sung, hummed or whistled in the tub or shower.

WAGES: Satisfaction and joy in God’s service.

Assisting Minister Training – September 30

FRINGE BENEFITS: Social Security — we promise you the security of social fellowship with other members of the choir.

There will be a training session for new assisting ministers at 12:00 PM on Sunday, September 30. Anyone interested in serving as an assisting minister is invited to attend. Young people are especially encouraged. The training should take about 30 minutes.

HOURS: Sunday mornings with occasional opportunities for overtime (at above mentioned wages).

VACATION: Missed rehearsals and church services are primarily a matter of conscience and the ability to return the questionable glances of the director and other choir members.

Nursery Assistant Needed We are looking for an assistant to help in our nursery. This paid position provides assistance to our head nursery attendant on Sunday mornings and on other occasions according to necessity and availability. Please contact Pastor Spencer if interested.

RETIREMENT: No particular age, but retirement is generally determined by printed notes getting too small, notes too high or low, or the organist is unable to play the notes you sing.

REHEARSALS: Once a week except in the summer.

Like to Sing (or Ring)?

The music ministries of OHLC will soon be back underway! Morning Glory is our choir for the 8:00 AM service, and will be directed this year by Verna Morgan.

Verna also leads our Praise Team, which provides occasional contemporary music leadership. Our Senior Choir sings at the 10:30 AM service and for special occasions, and is directed by Cynthia Fletcher. Harbor Bells is our handbell choir, offering special music several times per year. Harbor Bells is directed by Marj McNae. If you are interested (and you know you are!) in one or more of these music ministries, contact the director, visit their table at the Ministry Fair on Rally Sunday, or just show up at one of the rehearsals listed in the newsletter calendar!

APPLY: By attending the next rehearsal!

Carol Fitzgerald

Senior Choir rehearsals resume Wednesday, September 5 at 7:00 PM. Morning Glory rehearsals resume Thursday, September 6 at 4:15 PM.

6

OHLC Women

Mark your calendars

Opportunities for fellowship, study and service

Family Movie Night: A Man Called Peter, Friday, Sept. 21 It’s Friday night movie time! We’ll see you at 7:00 PM in the library/fireside room for a screening of A Man Called Peter, the Academy Award (cinematography)-nominated film based on the life of Peter Marshall, and from the best-selling biography with the same title. Cost of admission and popcorn is a big smile and a prayer!

Come early to get a good seat and your bag of popcorn. The movie lasts about 2 hours. Need a ride? Call Tom Piper, 675-4739, or Norm Brinker, 550-7717. This event is sponsored by OHLC’s men’s ministry.

Lend a hand!

B5, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall. We are still looking

lanket Workshop will meet on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 4 and

for new volunteers. If your children are all in school and you are wondering how to fill your time, please join us. You do not need to know how to sew. You do need a willingness to help others in need.

Our work time together is filled with assembling fabric and batting into quilts for Lutheran World Relief. This is done by pinning and tying the pieces together. Our seamstresses at the sewing machines do the rest.

Hprayer room. Some gals are making sweaters and hats for LWR eart and Hand will resume on Friday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 AM in the

layettes and hats for Secret Harbor. Others are working on personal projects. If you would like to learn to knit or crochet, please join us and we will show you how to get started. This is a great way to meet other handworkers in our congregation.

W.I.T.S., Whidbey Island Theological Studies: How we got the Bible Saturday, Sept. 22, 8:45 AM to Noon Coupeville Recreation Hall 901 N Alexander Street.

If you’d like more information about Blanket Workshop or Heart and Hand, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

Presented by OHLC’s Dr. Tom Johnson, former Professor of Religious Studies, Dean, and President of George Fox University, author of I, II, & III John in the Understanding the Bible commentary series. No charge to attend.

The mission of W.I.T.S. is to increase the knowledge and love of God in the churches of Whidbey Island through college-level biblical, theological, and spiritual studies. For more information, please call 360221-8365, or e-mail fuzzwuz@whidbey.com.

Circle meetings in September 9/6, 13, 20, 27 Deborah Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library/fireside room.

9/18

Rebecca Circle meets at 10:00 AM in the library/fireside room.

9/20

Esther Circle meets at 2:00 PM in the prayer room.

Women’s Circles meet regularly for Bible study, fellowship, and occasional service projects (thank you to the women of Deborah Circle for all the help this summer to get ready for Vacation Bible School!).

New participants are always welcome!

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

Women of the ELCA, NW WA Synod Fall Retreat, Oct. 5&6 Join us at Warm Beach Christian Camp & Conference Center, Stanwood. Registration deadline is Thursday, Sept. 20. Cost is $120, includes 1 night’s lodging (minimum of 3 per room; rooms can accommodate 6) and 3 meals. If you’d like to attend with the group from OHLC, please call the church office, 679-1561, by Monday, Sept. 17.

7

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

your lunch hour, why don’t you eat it here with us, leave early and pray on your way back to work? The Brotherhood of Saint Bernard wants you. Welcome, Brothers!

Norm Brinker

Brotherhood of St. Bernard a fellowship of Christian men Sometimes I wonder…

H

ave you ever just sat and thought about something that you know you will never know the answer? It’s still very interesting to just imagine. Like…

I wonder what Jesus looked like or what his voice sounded like?

I wonder how big he was and how much Jesus weighed?

I wonder what was the color of his eyes?

I wonder what kind of sandals Jesus wore?

I wonder, how fast did Jesus walk?

I wonder what Jesus’ laughter sounded like?

I wonder how loud he got as he drove the money changers out of the temple?

I wonder, did Jesus ever comb or brush his hair or shave?

I wonder, did he ever brush his teeth? What kind of tooth brush did he have?

I wonder, did Jesus ever snore?

I wonder, did he ever dream?

I wonder, did Jesus ever sneeze?

I wonder, did Jesus ever get so tickled while drinking that he snorted wine out his nose?

I wonder, did Jesus ever tell a joke?

I wonder how did he wash his clothing?

I wonder, did he and how did he, trim his fingernails?

I wonder, did Jesus ever get a headache?

I wonder, did Jesus cover his head in the rain?

I wonder, did Jesus ever just throw his arms around the shoulders of his disciples in a good natured hug for just no reason other than he cared?

Jesus was God but he also was man. As men we have to deal with all of this and I'm sure this applied to Jesus also. I doubt if the angels did it for him.

Although, I do wonder... Angelic valets?

BookMarks Coupeville Book Group Meets Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 7:00 PM in the home of Julie Ward, 1053 Halsey Drive, to discuss The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls: Second child of a scholarly alcoholic father and an eccentric artist mother, the author describes her family’s nomadic life from the Arizona desert to Las Vegas to an Appalachian mining town, as she and her siblings fended for themselves while their parents outmaneuvered bill collectors and the authorities.

For more information about the Coupeville group, contact Gaye Rodriguey, 678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com.

Second Wednesday Book Group Meets September 12 in the church library/fireside room at 1:00 PM to discuss The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. A lost child, a terrible secret, a mysterious inheritance… This novel will take the reader on an unforgettable journey through generations and across continents as two women try to uncover their family’s secret past.

For more information about the 2nd Wednesday group, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

In the library We’ve received a 16-volume donation of Guideposts’ hospitalbased series, Stories of Hope Haven. Written by 5 authors, these books are very good reads and can be read in any order. Our thanks to Esther Herlevi for these new additions to our library shelves!

A hospital can be a scary place for sick children. It’s interesting to note that a portion of the purchase price of books from this particular series goes to fund Comfort Kits for hospitalized children (more about that on their website, www.guidepostsfoundation.org) .

We don’t have all the answers but we study and discuss the Holy Scriptures every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at noon for an hour and a half over lunch in the fellowship hall. We even practice a little humor.

We’re just a group of Old Dogs looking for a bone of Truth. Why don’t you join us and we can chew on that bone together? We’ll share. On

See you in the library, Abby Chromy 8

2-day PreK Readiness Class: children’s names printed in bold type.

Teacher: Gaye Rodriguey; Assistant Teacher: Debbie Reetz

His Kids Preschool a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

Children with names underlined are part of our church family.

B

efore they left us at the end of the school year last spring, the students from our PreK Readiness Class told us what they were looking forward to when they began kindergarten this fall. Here are their answers:

Shalom, Miss Gaye

Gabriel: Painting Logan: The fish Connor: Going into the gym Jaida: The pointing sticks Maya: Painting Andrea: The exercising Taylon: Going to the exercise room Noah: Coloring Rhett: Reading the books in the library Luke: The pointing sticks Michael: Playing with the new toys Brooklyn: Going to the different things and instructions

On August 3, Bob Wall e-mailed [Michael] Travis Deater of our congregation with a message that read in part…

I called your home here in Oak Harbor to invite you to our Men’s Breakfast this Saturday. I have heard of some excuses not to come but being stationed in South Africa just about tops them. …and he received the following reply: Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, they mean a lot. I guess it is a good excuse not to come, ha ha.

I am currently on tour as a Marine Security Guard to the US mission here in South Africa. It’s been an eye opener even though this isn’t my overseas duty. It is however the first time I’ve been awarded an opportunity to travel and do more for the US, the Corps, and myself.

Please keep these students and teachers in your prayers for our new school year!

I must say I miss my family at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church and I think about all of you on a regular basis. It’s crazy that you mention Dr. Skip Lycksell being in Uganda, as I’m currently in Uganda providing security for Secretary Clinton and her team while they visit. It’s even more of an eye opener being here rather than South Africa where it’s more or less a first world country.

3-day AM Class: Evan Carmona, Adam Carvallo, Cameron Charnas, Caylin Charnas, Max Fletcher, Caroline Glavan, Treasure Grant, Riley Jackson, Bennett Lenz, Connor Murkerson, Grant Nienhuis, Jayleigh Reeves, Weston Thompson, William Thompson, Caleb Zarraonandia Teacher: Gaye Rodriguey; Assistant Teacher: Elva McArthur

I would enjoy keeping everyone updated on my travels and adventures. I’m definitely not the kid that left Oak Harbor 4 years ago and I have made great changes in my life and I still want to thank everyone back at Oak Harbor Lutheran for their enduring support and love. It is well appreciated. Please be well and as always, Semper Fidelis!

CPL Michael T. Deater

3-day PM Class: Priscilla Agblekpe, Wesley Crawford, Elijah Johnson, Aleera Kent, Andrew Larsen, Emma Norman, Cody Payton, Damien Soto, Ethan Tang, Kierra Thayer, Erin Thompson Teacher: Gaye Rodriguey; Assistant Teacher: Elva McArthur 2-day AM class: Addi Bahr, Francesca Brockmeyer, Autumn Bustillo, Jacob Harris, Logan Hauselmann, Grace Horn, Jeremy Kelchner, Addie Nigro, Emily Sorensen, Cooper Walton Teacher: Elva McArthur; Assistant Teacher: Debbie Reetz

If you’re interested in e-mailing Travis, contact Bob at bobcwall@gmail.com.

9

Compassion Ministry

BBQ fundraiser supports our companion synod church

J

oin us on Sunday, Sept. 16 at noon in the fellowship hall for our annual St. Katharina Lutheran Church Russian Partnership barbecue, featuring the grilling artistry of OHLC’s own Roger Anglum. Tickets are $20/adults; $30/couple; $35 family. Tickets are on sale in the fellowship hall following Sunday morning worship services, or leave a message in the church office during the week, 679-1561.

Proceeds go to help St. Katharina with building restoration/repairs and towards the salary of their new Russian pastor.

And speaking of Roger Anglum… congratulations on his winning the Top Barbecuer award at the recent annual Fidalgo Avenue Block Party & Pig Roast! His Smoke Tree Barbecue won the pork cookoff, unseating reigning champ JD’s BBQ.

September will focus on Lutheran World Relief

L

utheran World Relief (LWR) is our monthly emphasis for September. Please be on the lookout for information on opportunities to support this worthy organization.

An estimated 20% of the world’s Lutherans were left homeless in Europe following WWII; in response, Lutherans in America mobilized to help their German and Scandinavian relatives through a new agency called Lutheran World Relief. The focus soon broadened to include hungry refugees all over Europe, and then reached beyond to people in need around the world. Today, LWR works with 100 local partners in some 35 countries each year. Basic support is provided through the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod World Relief.

Ken Grigsby sent along the following e-mail received from Phil Zanko, who keeps in touch with us from the congregation in Kazan:

Here at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, we have a long history of making quilts and gathering items for school, personal care, and baby care kits. Thank you to all who serve as God’s hands and participate in this much-needed ministry!

Dear Ken,

The beautiful gifts of quilts are a particular blessing. Mother Teresa once said, “Being unwanted, unloved, uncared for, forgotten by everybody, I think that is a much greater hunger, a much greater poverty than the person who has nothing to eat.” Through a simple combination of fabric and thread, something beautiful and life-affirming is created – a quilt shows people in need that they are neither unloved nor forgotten.

Giving these gifts of quilts, personal care kits, baby care kits and school kits, Lutherans are taking to heart the words of Mother Teresa. Thank you!

I confirm that we’ve received one part of your gift ($1,500). Thank you so, so much.

Your help was invaluable. Today we have new furniture, a new fridge and so on in our repaired kitchen. I will make photos and send you soon. The corresponding financial report will be ready only in September (because many people in the church have their vacation in August).

A primary need for donations towards this ministry is for funds to ship the quilts and various kits. In 2011, OHLC’s total cost was $1304 for the May and October shipments (total shipping weight was 2,415 pounds). Please prayerfully consider a special offering of support for our Lutheran World Relief projects, whether it’s a donation of specific items for the quilts or the kits or a gift towards the shipping costs.

St. Katharina’s Church, Kazan, Russia

The other part of your money is still in Moscow. The wage of our new Russian pastor depends not only on the Kazan parish but on our central church office as well. I think Bishop Brauer controls the situation.

Thank you for the photos. And again, many thanks to people in Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

All the best, Phil Zanko 10

Worship Assistants 9/ 2

9/ 9

9/16

9/23

9/30

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

Asst. Ministers Tom Johnson Ken Grigsby

Acolytes Sydney Higgins Peter Spencer

Tom Coe Gerry Schwartz Carol Snoble Jeff Margraf Mike Crawford Allan Swan Paul Senness Carol Fitzgerald Gisela Hawley Rachel Margraf Rita Cline Trudy Decker

Elizabeth Norman Kayla Wiley Benjamin Bruland Joshua Margraf Luke Spencer Benjamin Bruland Joshua Margraf

Financial Report: July Year to Date $ 35,278 228,420 25,656 232,079 $ 9,622 $ (3,659) For a more detailed picture of the July financial status, please refer to the reports posted in the narthex.

Music

Income Outgo

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Benjamin Bruland Elizabeth Norman M. or S. Harbaugh Benjamin Bruland

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Cantor:

Assistants Communion: Lenita Forster Computer: Rachel Margraf Communion: Rita Cline Computer: Rick Culbertson

10:30 AM J. Wilcox, L. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 9/16 8:00 AM Ellis family 10:30 AM B. Heideger 6:30: Presider, Tom Johnson 9/23 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae, H. Herrigstad, D. Fosso 6:30 PM: Presider, Marc Stroud 9/30 8:00 AM Amarelo family 10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae, H. Herrigstad, D. Fosso 6:30 PM: Presider, Jeff Spencer

Date July 29 Aug. 5 Aug. 12 Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Average Att.

Cantor: Dick Ward

9/ 2 8:00 AM Higgins family 10:30 AM J. Wilcox, L. Michalski 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 9/ 9 8:00 AM Margraf family

Worship Attendance:

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Ushers

July

August

Sun. 8 AM Sun. 10:30 AM 51 90 -- (church picnic) 138 44 125 50 105 51 96 49 111

Cpvl.

33 17 24 20 34 26

Nursery 4 -2 3 1 3

Average weekly attendance: 189

Coffee Fellowship

Communion: Candi Amarelo Computer: Mary Brock Communion: Willard Krigbaum Computer: Michelle Tull

September

Bring cookies, make coffee, set up and clean up – we need at least 2 per week for 8:00 AM services; 3 per week for 10:30 AM services, and 1 per week for Coupeville services.

8:00 AM/

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Carol Fitzgerald Computer: Josh Jepsen

9/ 2 Pommerenke, Margraf 9/ 8 Pommerenke, Margraf 9/16 Rodriguey

Communion: Marian Bartleson Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Donna Meyers Computer: Rita Carter Communion: Gaye Rodriguey Computer: Communion: Rose Ann Herrigstad Computer: Rita Carter

10:30 AM/

Coupeville 6:30 PM

Peattie Geiszler

Anderson

9/23

Swan, Dailey, Heideger Rieb

9/30

Decker

This month’s featured font is Bodoni caps are Coffee 11

Fair Trade Sponsors

Tin.

Ellis

Black; decorative drop

SUNDAY 2 Worship Adult Ed. Worship

8:00 9:15 10:30

Installation of Pr. Stroud (Assoc. Pastor of Caring Ministries) & Commissioning of Stephen Ministers 10:30

Vespers/Coupeville @ St. Mary’s 6:30 9 Rally Sunday!

Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Luth Youth 9:15 Ministry Fair 9:15 Worship 10:30 Vespers/Coupeville @ St. Mary’s 6:30 16 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Luth Youth 9:15 Adult Ed. 9:15 Worship 10:30 BBQ, Kazan benefit 12:00 Vespers/Coupeville @ St. Mary’s 6:30 23 Fall Preview Day, PLU Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Luth Youth 9:15 Adult Ed. 9:15 Worship 10:30 Acolyte Training 12:00 Vespers/Cpvl 6:30 30 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Adult Ed. 9:15 Luth Youth 9:15 Worship 10:30 Asst. Min. Training 12:00 Min. Ldrs potluck 6:30 Vespers/Coupeville @ St. Mary’s 6:30

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

3 Labor Day Church office closed

4 Preschool Conferences 9:00 Blanket Workshop

5 Preschool Conferences 8:45 Pastors Text Study 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff

6 Preschool Conferences/ Home Visits 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Wolves 6:30 Webelos 1 6:30 Webelos 2 7:00 Council

7 10:00 Oak Harbor Bay Artists

1 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast

13 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:00 Wolves 6:30 Webelos 1 6:30 Webelos 2 7:00 His Kids Pre-K Readiness Families 20 Newsletter Deadline 10:00 Deborah Circle

14 10:00 Oak Harbor Bay Artists

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

10 His Kids Preschool classes begin!

1:00 Munchy Monday 6:00 Homeschoolers 7:00 Vanishing Friends 7:00 Solutions 17 Deadline to register for the NW WA Synod Women’s Retreat 1:00 Munchy Monday 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Solutions 24 1:00 Munchy Monday

6:30 Patrol Leaders 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Coupeville Book Group 7:30 Worship Brass 11 10:30 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 5:30 Boy Scout ad. comm 5:30 Girl Scout Info Event 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 18 10:00 Rebecca Circle

5:45 VAQ 133 FRG 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

12 8:45 Pastors Text Study 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group 6:30 Luth Youth WOW Ice Cream Social 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon 19 8:45 Pastors Text Study 11:30 OHLC Staff

6:00 Cub Scout Round-up 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Worship & Music Ministry 7:30 Worship Brass

5:45 VAQ 133 FRG 6:30 Luth Youth WOW 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

25 10:30 Church Mice Stampers 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard

26 8:45 Pastors Text Study 11:30 OHLC Staff

7:00 Solutions 7:00 Scout Board/Review 7:30 Worship Brass

6:30 Luth Youth WOW 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

2:00 Esther Circle 4:15 Morning Glory

15 11:30 Thrivent picnic, Mt. Baker Branch, Camp Lutherwood

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 21 9:30 Heart & Hand 10:00 Oak Harbor Bay Artists

22 8:45 W.I.T.S. seminar: How We Got The Bible, Coupeville Rec Hall

7:00 Family Movie Night 6:30 Pack 4098 7:00 Compassion Ministry 27 10:00 Deborah Circle

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use 28 10:00 Oak Harbor Bay Artists

29

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Wolves 6:30 Webelos 1 6:30 Webelos 2

By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.

- Helen Hunt Jackson 12

8 Set up for Ministry Fair

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL M, T, W: 9:00-11:30 AM; 12:300-3:00 PM Th, F: 9:00-11:30 AM; 12:300-3:00 PM

Classes start the week of Sept. 10!

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