Harbor Beacon September 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 9

September 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

Click on these links for the September newsletter inserts:

Seeing the Lord while on summer vacation, pg. 2

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

September brings Sunday School, Munchy Monday, and much more! pg. 3

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit: http://www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Sept2014Spirit.pdf

Ready to join a choir this fall? pg. 5

OHLC’s website: www.oakharborlutheran.org

Gospel sing & pie social, pg. 9 This issue was snail-mailed August 28, 2014

Council news pg. 10 1

Pastor’s Page:

fully as a brother in Christ. I saw Christ at work in Liam’s fellow campers, who came to embrace him both literally and figuratively. I saw Christ in Liam himself, whose persistent love broke down barriers and deeply touched hearts that had been guarded and fearful.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

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f the story I’m about to tell you were pitched to movie studios or TV producers, it would be rejected a hundred times for being too contrived, too unbelievably sentimental. But all of this actually happened.

The preacher at that campfire service was right. Christ is often found in unexpected places, people, and situations. This began with Jesus’ birth in a barn, cradled as he was in a feedbox for livestock. It continued with his ministry among outcasts, sinners, and broken people.

It came to its climax in his crucifixion. No one expected to see the Messiah, the Son of God, on a cross.

I spent a week this summer at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in Montana. I served as one of the camp pastors, while my kids were enrolled as campers and my wife graciously volunteered in the camp store and the dining hall. At camp that week was a boy with Down’s Syndrome named Liam. With the help of a specially assigned counselor, Liam was integrated into a cabin with other boys his age and was able, for the most part, to participate fully as a camper. When Liam needed a break or some special attention, his one-on-one counselor was there to tend to him – which she did with remarkable patience and grace.

The preacher’s question was a good one, too: Where have you seen Christ recently? I hope you would say you’ve seen Christ in our Sunday worship, through the surprisingly humble means of the words of an old book, the feeble words of a preacher, in bits of bread and sips of wine, in the water gurgling in our baptismal font. But in coming to us through these unlikely means of grace on Sundays, Christ is training our eyes to see him the rest of the week in the midst of daily life, often in unlikely people, places, and situations. So where have you seen Christ recently? What is God trying to show you or teach you through the people he has placed in your life? Martin Luther taught that we are called to be “little Christs” to one another. How are you giving others a glimpse of his grace and love? These are good questions to ask ourselves each and every day.

One of Liam’s quirks was that he’d rise from his bench during each and every campfire worship song and roam about the crowd, giving random unsolicited hugs to his fellow campers. At the beginning of the week, the anxiety among the adolescent campers over being hugged by this boy with Down’s Syndrome was palpable. You could see it in their forced smiles and their pained expressions. As the week went on, however, things changed. As the campers got to know Liam, they became more accepting of him and his hugs. As they were rooted in the prayerful routines of Bible Camp they grew in patience, kindness, and Christian love. By the end of the week, campers were actively waving Liam their direction during campfire songs. His hugs were no longer something to be endured with a cringe. They were now sincerely received as a joyful blessing. To melt the hearts of youth in the throes of adolescent angst is no small thing. But Liam did it.

Here’s the unbelievable ending to my story. Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp does a Passion Play on Thursday nights. Campers reconvene in the amphitheater early on Friday morning for the resurrection scene.

In the final act of the play, Liam suddenly jumped up from his bench, scampered up onto the stage, and gave “Jesus” one of his signature hugs.

The crowd of campers responded with raucous applause. Liam then faced the congregation, arms in the air, and proclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!”

One of the other pastors at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp that week preached a message about how Christ is often found in unexpected places, people, and situations. He posed a question for the campers to ponder: “Where have you seen Christ this week?” I know where I saw Christ. I saw Christ in the counselors who cared for Liam with affection and grace. I saw Christ at work in Liam’s cabin mates as they came to accept Liam

We did too, Liam. We did too.

- Pastor Jeffrey R. Spencer

See you at the Rally Sunday Ministry Fair Visit the fellowship hall on Sunday, September 7 between and after worship services to learn more about the ministries of OHLC! Various ministries will have information on display, with opportunities to get involved. Come and see!

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Growing & Learning

Intergenerational Bible study: John Building on the success of last year’s intergenerational, multimedia Bible study, we will spend the program year studying the Gospel of John using an excellent word-for-word film version of the gospel.

We’ll watch short clips, read the passages in our Bibles, and continue with thought-provoking conversations. Whether you’re a 7th grader or a “seasoned” citizen, this class is for you! Bring your Bibles and get to know John’s magnificent gospel, which Luther hailed as a crowning jewel of the New Testament. Due to the Rally Sunday Ministry Fair and the LWR forum, the class begins September 21.

September 7: Sunday School begins!

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t’s that time of year again! Sunday School for all ages will resume on September 7 from 9:15-10:15 AM. We’ll have the Spark! lectionary-based curriculum for children Pre-K through 4th grade, a new discipleship curriculum for 5th and 6th graders, and those 7th grade and above will study the Gospel of John in the intergenerational class. Cheryl Blevins is our Sunday School Coordinator this year. Thanks to all our new and returning teachers! We look forward to a wonderful year of learning more about following Jesus!

New Member classes offered in September

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re you interested in becoming a member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church? Pastor Spencer will offer a new member class Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on Sept. 10, 17 & 24. The last class will include a new member social, with treats and opportunities to connect with other OHLC members. RSVP by calling the church office, or e-mail Pastor Spencer at: pastor@oakharborlutheran.org.

Blessing of the Backpacks, Sept. 7 As a new school year begins, we invite the youth of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church to bring their school book bags and backpacks to worship on Sunday, September 7 for a special blessing, offered at both the 8:00 and 10:30 AM services.

Holy Communion education for kids, Sept. 28 Young children (K-3rd grade) currently receiving Holy Communion or who wish to begin, are encouraged to attend Journey to Jesus’ Table, an educational journey through some of the important meal stories in the Bible which inform our understanding of the Lord’s Supper. We’ll meet from noon until about 1:30 PM. Lunch is provided. RSVP via the opportunity form in your worship bulletin, or by calling the church office. Please note any food allergies.

Munchy Monday resumes Sept. 15

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eth Stephens is our new Munchy Monday coordinator, and she’ll be getting our popular afterschool program started on Monday, September 15. We are always in need of chaperones between 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Donations of food are always appreciated as well. If you can help, please sign up on an opportunity form or contact Beth, bethasteph@gmail.com. Come hang out with some great Oak Harbor High School youth!

Thanks to our VBS crew!

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e hosted an average of 77 kids each day at Vacation Bible School this year. They learned about the parables of Jesus and played fun, beach-themed games. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who made VBS such a success! Thanks especially to our leaders, Melissa Johnson, Beth Stephens, and Christiane Weber, who organized their own curriculum and did a fantastic job

Adult Forum focuses on work of LWR On Sunday, September 14, the Missions Team will present a forum on the work of Lutheran World Relief. Join us for an engaging conversation on this important ministry of our church. We’ll meet in the library/fireside room at 9:15 AM. 3

More from Growing & Learning…

OHLC Scholarship recipients circle the globe!

New Confirmation program begins

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lease keep this year’s Theresa Ferguson Memorial Scholarship students in your prayers! In addition to Donna Aspery, who thanked us in last month’s newsletter for a scholarship towards her month of continuing education at Central Washington University, scholarships were received by the following college students:

A new confirmation program is beginning this fall which will include weekly workbook study over-seen by parents as well as monthly family potluck gatherings with Pastor Spencer. Our first potluck gathering will be held September 7, 5:00 to 7:00 PM. All subsequent gatherings will take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Our new confirmation students will be celebrated on Rally Sunday as we pray for them and present them with beautiful new Bibles with their names embossed on the covers. Families with 7th graders have already been sent a mailing. If you did not receive a mailing and are interested in participating, you are welcome! Please contact Pastor Spencer ASAP!

Ben Danielson, S P Jain School of Global Management, Singapore; Jasmine Case-Smith Hendricks, University of Alaska at Anchorage, AK Kiefer Hermann, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI; Kody Hermann, Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham, WA; Carlie Kenny, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA; Rachel Margraf, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA; Hailey Marx, Washington State University, Pullman, WA; Rebecca (Ogren) Miller, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA; Ben Muyres, Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA; Roshel Muzzall, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA; Elijah VandeGriend, Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA.

High School Luth Youth does Dinner @ DQ

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ll high school youth are invited to join Pastor Spencer for dinner and faith conversations on Sunday, September 21. Meet at the church at 5:45 PM to carpool, or meet us at Dairy Queen at 6:00.

Each OHLC member may bring one friend. We’ll cover the bill! RSVPs would be helpful, but last minute arrivals will be welcome. Call the church office, or e-mail Pastor Spencer, pastor@oakharborlutheran.org.

Sign up for The Art of Marriage Strengthen your marriage and enjoy fellowship with other married couples through an upcoming class which will be offered monthly beginning in October. Each session will include brief videos from The Art of Marriage curriculum which will get our conversations started.

A book will be provided for each couple for further reflection throughout the month.

Youth Encounter event in November A Youth Encounter Quake/Zone youth gathering will be held at the Holiday Inn in Everett November 14 - 16. Quake is for 6th through 8th graders, and Zone is for 9th through 12th graders. The events occur concurrently in the same hotel, but youth are separated into their respective age groups. There will be music, speakers, Bible studies, and service projects. Youth Encounter is a youth ministry organization based in Minnesota with deep roots in the Lutheran community. They put on great youth events! The cost (including hotel) is $161.00 per participant. Fundraisers, donations, and scholarships are a possibility depending on interest and need. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Spencer. Deadline to register is October 2.

We will be meeting afternoons or evenings on the 2nd Sunday of every month, from October through March. The precise time will be determined by the group. If the class is small, we’ll meet in each other’s homes. If it is larger, we’ll meet at the church. While it is ideal for couples to attend the class together, solo spouses (due to deployments, for instance) are welcome and encouraged to attend as well. Child care will be available. Please sign up via the opportunity form in your worship bulletin, or by e-mailing Pastor Spencer at pastor@oakharborlutheran.org.

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Worship & Music

Quiet Harvest, a service of gratitude,

Make a joyful noise – Join a choir!

will be presented Friday, September 19, 6:40 PM at First Lutheran Church, 2015 E Blackburn Road, Mount Vernon. Among the vocalists is Jennifer Swan Moyer, the daughter of Allan Swan.

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o you like to sing? Can you flick your wrist on command? You might be a candidate for one of our music ministries! We have several music groups at OHLC, vocal and instrumental. All are welcoming to newcomers!

Enjoy the special fellowship that comes from making music with fellow Christians and share your gifts in worship to the glory of God. Rehearsals are just resuming, so now is a great time to get involved! \ Morning Glory: rehearses Thursdays, 4:15-5:00 PM Morning Glory sings twice a month at our 8:00 AM services. \ Praise Team: rehearses Thursdays, 5:00 PM Praise Team sings contemporary music periodically at both services. \ Harbor Bells: rehearses Wednesdays, 5:30 PM Harbor Bells is our hand bell choir and plays occasionally at both services. \ Senior Choir: rehearses Wednesdays, 7:00 PM The Senior Choir sings three times a month at our 10:30 services and on other special occasions. \ Men’s Chorus: an occasional group that rehearses as needed for special events. This month, the group meets on Wednesdays, Sept. 3 & 10, at 5:00 PM to prepare music for the Gospel Sing and Pie Social on Sept. 14.

Worship assistants needed!

Acolyte training offered September 14 Any young people (about 3rd grade and up, depending on height and ability) wishing to learn the duties of an acolyte are invited to join Pastor Spencer in the sanctuary at 9:30 AM on Sunday, September 14 for training.

OHLC is seeking new Assisting Ministers You’d look great in an alb, you know...

We’d love to have some new folks serving as assisting ministers. Pastor Spencer will be training new recruits on Sunday, October 5 in the sanctuary at 9:30 AM, and he’d be delighted to see you there. Pray about it!

Free-will offering benefits PLU student Becky Ogren Miller’s comparative education and teaching experience trip to Namibia, coming up in early 2015.

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Men’s Ministry Programs for ‘14-‘15

BookMarks

The Brotherhood of Saint Bernard (aka Old Dogs & Young Pups) lunch/meetings will continue throughout the rest of this year and into 2015. We meet at noon until 1:30 PM to enjoy a great lunch on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month in the Herrigstad fellowship hall. All men take turns providing the meal. After eating, we settle into conversations based on the assigned Gospel lesson for the coming Sunday’s services. (This was originally meant to stimulate the ministerial leaders into provocative sermons based on our ‘far-reaching questions and outrageous ideas.’

Occasionally we’re successful!) The Master Builders Bible is still available to purchase… this has become our Bible of choice for this group. Tasks and opportunities are presented and/or financial needs made known. Prayers are offered at the end of each meeting.

Once in a while we’ll even “eat out on the town” at a favorite local eatery. Military men on leave and other employed men are especially invited to set aside these two occasions each month to be a part of a very supportive bunch of Christian Old Dogs and Young Pups.

The Coupeville Book Group meets at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 2 in the home of Jan Heideger, 146 E Welcher Road. Gaye Rodriguey is discussion leader, and the book is The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa: He is a brilliant math professor with a peculiar problem – ever since a traumatic head injury, he has lived with only 80 minutes of shortterm memory. She is an astute young housekeeper, with a ten-yearold son, who is hired to care for him. And every morning, as the professor and the housekeeper are introduced to each other anew, a strange and beautiful relationship blossoms between them as the numbers, in all of their articulate order, reveal a sheltering and poetic world to both the housekeeper and her young son. The professor is capable of discovering connections between the simplest of quantities and the universe at large, drawing their lives ever closer and more profoundly together, even as his memory slips away.

Fiction, 180 pages

Lutheran Men in Mission meetings are held on the 1st Saturday of each month, 8:00-9:30 AM in Herrigstad Hall. Coffee is always ready at 7:30. The breakfast meetings were started up 2 years ago in hopes that more men of all ages would be able to attend. We’re still strongly encouraging you all to consider coming. Grab your calendar now and circle those Saturdays! Home-cooked meals are prepared by volunteers. In the past we’ve had special guest speakers, videos, discussion about books, pictures, military service, hobbies – even cars.

NOTE: On Saturday, September 6, we will have our annual “bring your favorite breakfast item” buffet breakfast. Each man will bring a serving for four (4) to share. (Please: No store-bought pastries!)

The door opens at 7 AM if you’d like to cook or bake something. We will look back on successful programs and add these to our new agendas.

We have ordered the videos from last summer’s National Lutheran Men in Mission conference in Nashville, Tennessee, with the theme, God, Guts, and Courage. We will divide these presentations into 3 mornings of viewing and discussion.

OHLC is a wonderful place of Christian men involved in lots of activities, and we think you deserve these breakfast opportunities to feel good about your place here, be supported for your work, take a welldeserved break, and be blessed in one another’s presence.

Come and see!

Tom Piper

The Second Wednesday Book Group meets at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10 in the church library to discuss The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott: A spirited young woman survives the sinking of the Titanic, only to find herself embroiled in the tumultuous aftermath of that tragedy.

Tess is one of the last people to escape into a lifeboat. When an enterprising reporter turns her employer, Lady Duff Gordon, into an object of scorn, Tess is torn between loyalty and the truth.

Fiction, 306 pages

Interested in finding out more about OHLC’s book groups?

Leona McKee is our contact for the Second Wednesday group, 6755712, bcmac68@comcast.net, and Gaye Rodriguey will be happy to fill you in on the Coupeville group, 678-3561, gaye@tobysuds.com .

\ Included in this newsletter is The Spirit for September. Prayer Ventures hadn’t been posted by the time we went to press; you may access it via the website, www.elca.org/en/Resources/Prayer-Ventures . \ The deadline for articles for the October newsletter is Monday, Sept. 23.

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Living Christ’s Light: Women’s synodical retreat

Oak Harbor Lutheran Church Women

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he Northwest Washington Synod Women of the ELCA will gather for their fall retreat, October 3&4 at Warm Beach Christian Camp & Conference Center in Stanwood, WA. Check-in begins Friday at 4:00 PM.

fellowship, study, service When I enter the beautiful city and the saints all around me appear, I hope that someone will tell me, “It was you who invited me here.”

- Corrie Ten Boom

This 2-day event includes choices of crafting, singing, spiritual growth, fellowship, worship, and fun. Cost for Friday’s lodging and 3 meals is $125. Registration deadline is Sept. 21.

Blanket Workshop Blanket Workshop meets Tuesday & Wednesday, September 2&3, beginning at 9:00 AM in the fellowship hall to assemble quilts for Lutheran World Relief. No sewing experience is necessary; extra hands are always appreciated! For more information, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

See the information posted on the narthex bulletin board, talk to Gaye Rodriguey, or visit the NW WA Synod website, www.lutheransnw.org, and click on the ‘Women’s Ministry’ option under the ‘Our Ministries’ tab.

Circle meetings in September 9/2, 15

Lydia Circle meets for Bible study at 6:30 PM in the education wing.

In Sympathy

9/4, 18, 25

Deborah Circle meets for Bible study and fellowship at 10:00 AM in the library, beginning a new study in Marcus J. Borg’s latest book, Convictions: How I Learned What Matters Most.

Do Christian beliefs still matter? Do they really change us or the world?

Borg reflects on convictions he’s developed over his life and why they provide a path of hope for those seeking to be faithful Christians in the 21st Century and encourages today’s followers of Jesus to become more rooted to deep convictions that lead to transformation and renewal.

9/8, 22, 29

Lydia Circle craft workshop, 6:30 PM, education wing.

9/11

Deborah Circle meets in the fellowship hall to fill school bags for LWR and celebrate September birthdays.

9/16

Rebecca Circle meets for Bible study at 10:00 AM in the library.

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rief is perhaps the most difficult of human emotions to face, though it also has the potential for being the most therapeutic. Grief isn’t a bad thing; it’s the cost of having loved. If we hadn’t loved, if we hadn’t cared, we wouldn’t grieve. And our lives would have been even emptier.

– The Newsletter Newsletter, September 2008 Our hearts go out to those in our church family who have recently suffered the loss of loved ones… …to Vickie Longshore and her daughter Carlie Kenny, following the sudden and quite unexpected death of husband and stepdad, Ken Longshore. His memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, Aug. 30, on what would have been his 56th birthday. Vickie asks those who attend to forego the usual black and otherwise dark colors and instead wear red, white, and/or blue in recognition of Ken’s service in the U.S. Navy.

Heart & Hand

…to Barbara Wilson, following the death of her cousin, Danny McCurry;

Heart & Hand handwork group meets on Friday, September 19, 9:30 AM in the prayer room. Bring your own handwork projects or help assemble baptismal banners.

…to Dave and Carol Wiskow, following the death of their niece, Stacey Thompson.

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We’re delighted to introduce this year’s students of His Kids Preschool (names in bold are children of OHLC families):

His Kids Preschool a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

3-day AM class: Lazlo Barnette, Reagan Duncan, Christian Garcia, Jayden Garcia, Daerek Halstead, Winter Lemme, Andrew Lovello, Anika Nienhuis, Lucy Nigro, Chloe Pardington, Joshua Robertson, Graham Rueter, Andrew Tessier, Arin Weatherford.

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is Kids Preschool, a ministry of OHLC for the last 21 years, will be beginning our 2014/2015 school year. We are looking forward to welcoming the children and their parents to this great program. The preschool will also be welcoming back Elva McArthur who has moved into the lead teacher position, and our new addition to the classroom; Michelle Harper, as assistant teacher. She is already a familiar face to our church as she assists in the nursery during church services and the Sunday School hour.

3-day PM class: Torrey Baugh, Nicolas Cadwell, Emma Carlile, Gabriel Charnas, Lillian Galbraith, Breann Johnson, Dominic Morales, Caleb Woodward.

The first week of September, parents and children will be coming in to meet Miss Elva.

This will be where the children can get their first glimpse of their classroom, or for returning students it’s a chance to see what changes have transpired over the summer break. The His-Kids children will pick out some important things to them, such as their cubbies and their special drinking glass for the ever-favorite snack time when school starts. New students will be receiving their much anticipated His-Kids book bag.

Sometimes that bag seems even bigger than the child, but they love it!

When I play, I learn… …all the things I need to know before I go to school: that the teacher helps you, and is nice; that children are friends and that we have to help each other; that books will open up a whole new world; that when I am big, I will be happy to go to school, because I like school;

Miss Elva and Miss Michelle will be welcoming all the students as classes begin on the 8th of September. During this month, the children will learn about colors and shapes and getting to know the letters C, A and O. The children – along with the teachers – will be getting to know each other too, building relationships as well as getting familiar with the classroom routine. We will wrap up the month making applesauce on Apple Day and enjoy the school year’s first field trip, an excursion to Oak Harbor’s public library.

and I learn that I am me – a small child who is valued, and cherished, and loved, and someone who counts in the world – and I am good.

In my Lutheran preschool I also learn, best of all, that Jesus loves me and I am God’s child.

We still have openings available in the program; if you know of a child in the 3-4 year old age range who would benefit from a play and learn environment, please contact the church office.

We ask that you pray for the teachers and the children, and continue to pray for the program for the blessings that it has brought to our church and the community of Oak Harbor.

We wish everyone a blessed month, Miss Elva, Miss Michelle, Miss Sara

- from the handbook of His Kids preschool

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Compassion Ministry Gospel sing & pie social benefit St. Katharina’s church

September focuses on Lutheran World Relief

Mark your calendar for this fellowship opportunity: there will be an old-time gospel sing and pie social on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 PM at church in Herrigstad Hall. We’ll need pie bakers (be sure to sign up on an opportunity form, found in your weekly worship bulletin!), as well as pie eaters and singers!

We’d like to see a variety of pies and hear an even larger variety of music (Can anyone sing A Cowboy for Jesus, or I’ll Fly Away?). Thank you to our Men’s Chorus for agreeing to participate in this event!

Free-will donations will be accepted to help our sister congregation, St. Katharina’s Lutheran Church in Kazan, Russia, finish the restoration of their building and help support itinerant pastors in European Russia. We’ll begin at 3:00 PM and go until the pie and/or music runs out. Join us for fellowship, singing, and pie!

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utheran World Relief is a non-profit organization that works with local partners to provide lasting solutions to poverty, injustice, and human suffering. According to their website, http://lwr.org, Lutheran World Relief support in 2013 reached 7,752,262 people in 35 countries, through 185 projects.

Lutheran World Relief… … supports farmers and agriculture (including 35 projects in Africa, 16 in Asia, and 32 in Latin America); … responds to emergencies (including 24 in Africa, 29 in Asia, 7 in Latin America); …works to enhance water access and quality (including 16 projects in Africa, 3 in Asia, and 15 in Latin America); … works to reduce risks of disasters and climate (including 12 projects in Africa, 14 in Asia, and 20 in Latin America); … works to educate people about malaria and other diseases of poverty and to improve their ability to access health care services (7 projects in Africa, 4 in Asia, and 4 in Latin America); … educates and empowers marginalized people to raise their voices, advocate with their governments, and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives (including 18 projects in Latin America and 1 in Asia).

Ken Grigsby, OHLC Kazan Committee

Our Compassion Ministry of the Month will highlight the work of LWR in general and OHLC’s contributions in particular. As a part of this observation, there will be an informational bulletin board display in the narthex, an adult forum at 9:15 AM on Sunday, Sept. 14, and an array of our Blanket Workshop quilts in the sanctuary, displayed before they’re packed up for shipping.

Spin Café basket coming soon to OHLC’s narthex Spin Café would like to receive donations of your unopened, small-size hotel soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc. They will in turn share them with people who come to Spin Café . A basket will be placed in the narthex for you to drop them off at your convenience.

What’s in a name…?

Spin Café is located on Bayshore Avenue in Oak Harbor, near the transit station. They serve meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays and offer other support services to those in need. OHLC’s contact for Spin Café is Karola Cornelius.

Although some of our congregation’s ministry teams have recently changed their name designations, the good folks of the Compassion Ministry Team decided the title of Compassion really does describe what their mission is all about. Please note the Care-Giving Team will remain as a separate entity.

Carol Wall 9

Council News

Congratulations for…

Council officers reelected

…Babies!

An election for officers was held at the council meeting on August 7. Carol Reafs was reelected as Treasurer, Trudy Decker was reelected as Secretary, Jeff Margraf was reelected as Vice-President, and Ron Muzzall was reelected as President.

The church council will be formally installed at worship on Sunday, September 7, with members installed at the services they normally attend. We give thanks for the good work of all our council members!

Congrats to OHLC newcomers Adam and Kristin Duncan on the birth of Sloane Marie Duncan on July 18. She joins siblings Reagan, Harper, and Dax. Sloane was baptized at OHLC on July 24 in a private ceremony to accommodate her dad’s deployment schedule. Her baptism will be celebrated at OHLC when Adam returns from deployment.

Congrats also to former members Christian and Brittany Suszan on the birth of their daughter, Mia Josephine Suszan on July 24.

The Suszans are doing well in their new home in Florida.

OHLC Council will host fellowship hours in September

…Wedding bells!

This program year we will be asking different ministry groups at OHLC to take responsibility for hosting our fellowship time after worship. This is a great chance to give your group a little extra publicity and help out with our church’s ministry of hospitality. If your ministry group is interested, sign up via the opportunity form or contact Anita Needler.

We celebrate with Seth and Becky (Ogren) Miller as they were united in marriage on August 9. Pastor Spencer had the honor of officiating the service, which was held at Rocky Point on Whidbey’s West Beach side. The couple will make their home in Tacoma while Becky completes her studies at Pacific Lutheran University.

Nathan and Stephanie Stroud were married on August 9 at St. Matthew’s (Episcopal) Cathedral in Laramie, Wyoming, with Pastor Marc Stroud officiating. Nathan and Stephanie are now at home (surrounded by music, of course) in San Francisco.

Anne Wheeler totals up her years of service After a decade of crunching numbers for OHLC, Anne Wheeler is retiring as OHLC’s bookkeeper. Our office manager, Carol Wiskow, will be taking over most of these duties, while the accounting firm (John Kingma & Associates) Anne works for has graciously agreed to continue managing our taxes. Our staff recently took Anne to lunch to thank her for her years of service, and we hope you’ll find a way to express your gratitude as well. Thanks, Anne! Well done, good and faithful servant!

And a belated congratulations to Jasmine (Case-Smith) and Zach Hendricks, married June 14 in Great Falls, Montana! They’re now in Anchorage, AK, where Zach is stationed with the Air Force.

Jasmine transferred from PLU and will be completing her studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Sincere appreciation

Church auction raises over $4,000!

Thanks to everyone who provided goods and services for our church auction held at the congregational picnic, and to everyone who offered all those generous bids! We raised over $4,000 to begin replenishing our building fund, and had a great time in the process.

Special thanks to the Muzzall family and the Higgins family for their help in making this auction such a delightful success!

Don and I are so grateful for the love, prayers, visits, and food that came our way after my surgery. All your cards really brightened my days. And so we say a huge and heartfelt thank you to all of you!

With blessings and love, Peggy Fosso Our thanks to Tom and Joshua Piper for repainting all those miles of stripes and acres of arrows in the church parking lot!

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Worship Assistants 9/ 7

8:00 10:30 6:30 9/14 8:00 10:30 6:30 9/21 8:00 10:30 6:30 9/28 8:00 10:30 6:30

Asst. Ministers Shanna Lundstrom Carol Wall Gisela Hawley Tom Coe Craig Pedlar Carol Snoble Karen Krotz-Sperry Trudy Decker Margaret Anderson Verna Pommerenke Rita Carter Cheryl Coleman

Worship Attendance Acolytes Peter Higgins Elias Wiley Benjamin Bruland Kayla Raasina Wolly Fowkes Benjamin Bruland Sam Loustaunau Micah Burrow Benjamin Bruland Katie Norman Sadie Harbaugh Benjamin Bruland

Date 8:00 AM Aug. 3 67 Aug. 10 64 Aug. 17 25 Aug. 24 74 Average Att. 58

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

August 10:30 AM 94 103 Picnic 175 106 120

Cpvl.

15 19 28 18 20

August 31 will be included with September’s attendance

Average Sunday attendance: 201

Cantor: Carol Reafs

Coffee Fellowship Ushers

Assistants

9/ 7 8:00 AM Higgins family

Communion: Mike Fankhauser Computer: Donna Aspery Communion: Bob Wall Computer: Rita Carter

10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jay Decker 9/14 8:00 AM Margraf family 10:30 AM 6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer 9/21 8:00 AM Ellis family 11:00 AM 6:30: Presider, Tom Johnson 9/28 8:00 AM J. Flowers, L. Forster 10:30 AM

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

Thank you to the Council for starting us off!

8:00 AM 9/ 7 Muzzall, Reafs 9/14 Margraf

Income Outgo

10:30 AM Muzzall, Reafs Margraf, Needler, Decker Spencer, Wonner

Coupeville 6:30 PM Julie Ward

9/21 Spencer, Margraf 9/28 Spencer

Communion: Marge Moore Computer: Molly Nagel Communion: Pat Michalski Computer: Sheila Ryan

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations

Communion: Kathy Ridle Computer: Kathy Ridle Communion: Jan McCullough Computer: Rick Culbertson

July

Fair Trade Sponsors Ellis

Margaret Anderson

Spencer, Fowkes

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

6:30 PM: Presider, Marc Stroud

July $ 25,454 34,076 $ (8,622)

September

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

Financial Report:

Nursery 1 4 5 3

Deborah Circle

September

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

Little Lutheran bags in September: Sheila Ryan

Year to date $ 298,492 310,599 $ (12,107)

This month’s featured fonts are Adastra Black and Adastra Royal 11

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

1 Labor Day Church office closed

2 Preschool conferences 9:00 Blanket Workshop 6:00 Patrol Leaders

3 Preschool conferences 8:45 Pastors’ Text Study 9:00 Blanket Workshop 11:30 OHLC Staff 5:00 Men’s Chorus 5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

10 8:45 Pastors’ Text St. 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Book Group 5:00 Men’s Chorus 5:30 Harbor Bells 6:00 Cub Scout sign-up 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 New Member Class 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

17 8:45 Pastors’ Text Study 11:30 OHLC Staff 4:30 Girl Scout recruiting event 5:30 Harbor Bells 7:00 Senior Choir 7:00 New Member Class 7:00 Overeaters Anon.

24 8:45 Pastors’ Text Study 11:30 OHLC Staff 1:00 Library Committee

4 10:00 Deborah Circle

5

6 8:00 Lutheran Men in Mission breakfast 9

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

7

Healing prayer at both morning services Ministry Fair Worship 8:00 S S Rally Day 9:15 Worship 10:30 Confirmation families potluck 5:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 14 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Forum: LWR 9:15 Acolyte Training 9:30 Worship 10:30 Gospel Sing/Pie Social 3:00 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 21 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Angeli & Friends: Summer Song 3:00 HS Luth Youth carpool to DQ 5:45 Vespers/Coupeville 6:30 28 Worship 8:00 Sunday School 9:15 Worship 10:30 Journey to Jesus’ Table 12:00

8 Preschool classes begin!

6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 7:00 Cub Scout Leaders 7:00 Vanishing Friends 7:00 Solutions 15

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00 Cpvl Book Group 7:30 Worship Brass 9 10:30 Stamping Group 12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 16 10:00 Rebecca Circle

1:00 Munchy Monday 6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 6:45 4-H K-9 Korps 7:00 Solutions 22 Newsletter Deadline

6:00 CADA Parenting 6:30 Scout Adult Comm.

7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 23 10:30 Stamping Group

1:00 Munchy Monday

6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 7:00 Solutions 29

12:00 Brotherhood of St. Bernard 6:00 CADA Parenting 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass 30

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

11

OHHS football game; OHLC parking lot in use

12

13

10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:00 Stephen Ministry 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 18

l

19 9:30 Heart & Hand

20

26

27

10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts 6:30 Pack 98 25 10:00 Deborah Circle 4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 5:30 Jr. Girl Scouts

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL

1:00 Munchy Monday 6:30 Angeli 6:30 Lydia Circle 7:00 Solutions

4:15 Morning Glory 5:00 Praise Team 7:00 Council

Conferences, Sept. 2 & 3

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

6:00 CADA Parenting 7:00 Webelos 1 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:30 Worship Brass

Classes begin Sept. 8!

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

Vespers/Coupeville 6:30

12

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