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The light shines in the darkness… John 1:5

Volume 59, Issue 9 September 2012

OAK HARBOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

1253 NW 2nd Avenue (360) 679-1561

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

IN THIS ISSUE:

Living as Jesus’

disciples,

pg. 2

OHLC welcomes

Pastor Stroud

pg. 3

See you on Rally

Day!

pg. 4

Wondering about

Jesus,

pg. 8

Focus on Lutheran

World Relief,

pg. 10

OHLC Staff Home Phone

Pastor:

Jeffrey Spencer 279-0413

Pastor of Care Ministries

Marc Stroud 678-5994

Youth Ministry Coordinator:

Stephany Vogel 679-1561

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 679-9795

Church Phone 679-1561

Click on these links

for the September newsletter inserts:

The ELCA’s monthly Prayer Ventures:

www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Prayer-Center/Prayer-Ventures-2.aspx

The Northwest Washington Synod’s insert, The Spirit:

www.lutheransnw.org/files/publications/spirit/Spirit201209.pdf

OHLC’s website:

www.oakharborlutheran.org

This issue was snail-mailed August 30, 2012

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Pastor’s Page Every Member in Mission

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 disciple-

ship 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.

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.

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.

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

February. Youth ministry will be more intentionally intergenerational,

with more events for families to attend together.

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.

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.

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

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!

Looking ahead: New Member Class

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.

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Pastor Stroud’s installation set for the 2nd

of September

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.

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.

New OHLC website is coming!

n a Navy community with new people con-

stantly 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.

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!

Giving to God

Budget update

hank you for responding to our budget needs this

summer! As of the 31st of July we have made up about

$10,000 of our shortfall, bringing our budget deficit down to just over

$3,000. Your generous giving is empowering important ministry. Thank

you for your support!

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)

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

- Clarence C. Stroughton (1949)

“Christian stewardship has come to mean ‘what we do with what we

have, all the time.’” - John H. MacNaughton (1983)

“All things are yours...and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to

God.” - St. Paul in I Corinthians 3:21-23

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.

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.

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Growing & Learning

Rally Sunday set for the 9th

of September

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!

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!

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!

Adult Education for September

s we come to the fall, opportunities for learning and growing in faith

abound at OHLC! On September 2 there will be a presenta-tion on

Lutheran World Relief (our Ministry of the Month for Septem-ber),

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 6-

session 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 every-

day 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!

Sept. 2: Lutheran World Relief Presentation

Sept. 9: Ministry Fair (fellowship hall)

Sept. 16: Sacred Parenting, Session 1 (library)

Christian Worship (prayer room)

Sept. 23: Sacred Parenting, Session 2 (library)

Christian Worship (prayer room)

Sept. 30: 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.”

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It’s the season for possibilities!

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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

Stephany Vogel, Youth Ministry Coordinator

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.

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.

- Stephany

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-12

th 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 12

th graders are encouraged to plan on joining us from

6:30-8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings!

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.

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Worship & Music

Opportunities abound!

Acolyte Training – September 23 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.

Assisting Minister Training – September 30 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.

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.

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!

We’ll save you a seat in the choir!

POSITIONS OPEN: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass —

no others need apply.

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.

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.

FRINGE BENEFITS: Social Security — we promise you the security of

social fellowship with other members of the choir.

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.

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.

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.

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OHLC Women Opportunities for fellowship, study and service

Lend a hand!

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

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

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.

eart and Hand will resume on Friday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 AM in the

prayer room. Some gals are making sweaters and hats for LWR

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.

If you’d like more information about Blanket Workshop or Heart

and Hand, contact Leona McKee, 675-5712, bcmac68@comcast.net.

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!

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 accom-

modate 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.

Mark your calendars

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 (cinema-

tography)-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.

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.

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 360-

221-8365, or e-mail fuzzwuz@whidbey.com.

Lesser Festivals & Commemorations September 2 Nicolai Frederik Severin Grundvig, 17 Hildegard of Bingen,

bishop, renewer of the Church, 1872 abbess, 1179

9 Peter Claver, priest, missionary to 18 Dag Hammarskjold,

Colombia, 1654 peacemaker, 1961

13 John Chrysostom, Bishop of 21 Matthew, Apostle

Constantinople, 407 & Evangelist

14 The Holy Cross 29 Michael and All Angels

16 Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, 30 Jerome, translator, teacher, 420

martyr, c. 258

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Brotherhood of St. Bernard a fellowship of Christian men

Sometimes I wonder…

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?

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

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

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’ hospital-

based 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) .

See you in the library,

Abby Chromy

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His Kids Preschool a ministry of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church

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:

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

Please keep these students and teachers in your prayers for our

new school year!

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

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

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

Teacher: Gaye Rodriguey; Assistant Teacher: Debbie Reetz

Children with names underlined are part of our church family.

Shalom,

Miss Gaye

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.

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.

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

If you’re interested in e-mailing Travis,

contact Bob at bobcwall@gmail.com.

B

10

Compassion Ministry

September will focus on Lutheran World Relief

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.

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!

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!

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.

BBQ fundraiser supports our companion synod church

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 cook-

off, unseating reigning champ JD’s BBQ.

Ken Grigsby sent along the following

e-mail received from Phil Zanko,

who keeps in touch with us from the

congregation in Kazan:

Dear Ken,

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). 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

L J

11

Worship Assistants Asst. Ministers Acolytes Music

9/ 2 8:00

10:30

6:30

Tom Johnson

Ken Grigsby

Sydney Higgins

Peter Spencer

Cantor: Carol Reafs

9/ 9 8:00

10:30

6:30

Tom Coe

Gerry Schwartz

Carol Snoble

Elizabeth Norman

Kayla Wiley

Benjamin Bruland

Cantor: Carol Reafs

9/16 8:00

10:30

6:30

Jeff Margraf

Mike Crawford

Allan Swan

Joshua Margraf

Luke Spencer

Benjamin Bruland

Cantor:

9/23 8:00

10:30

6:30

Paul Senness

Carol Fitzgerald

Gisela Hawley

Joshua Margraf

Benjamin Bruland

Cantor: Carol Reafs

9/30 8:00

10:30

6:30

Rachel Margraf

Rita Cline

Trudy Decker

Elizabeth Norman

M. or S. Harbaugh

Benjamin Bruland

Cantor: Dick Ward

Ushers Assistants 9/ 2 8:00 AM Higgins family

10:30 AM J. Wilcox,

L. Michalski

6:30: Presider, Jay Decker

Communion: Lenita Forster

Computer: Rachel Margraf

Communion: Rita Cline

Computer: Rick Culbertson

9/ 9 8:00 AM Margraf family

10:30 AM J. Wilcox,

L. Michalski

6:30: Presider, Jeff Spencer

Communion: Candi Amarelo

Computer: Mary Brock

Communion: Willard Krigbaum

Computer: Michelle Tull

9/16 8:00 AM Ellis family

10:30 AM B. Heideger

6:30: Presider, Tom Johnson

Communion: Marge Moore

Computer: Molly Nagel

Communion: Carol Fitzgerald

Computer: Josh Jepsen

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

Communion: Marian Bartleson

Computer: Kathy Ridle

Communion: Donna Meyers

Computer: Rita Carter

9/30 8:00 AM Amarelo family

10:30 AM R. Wood, M. McNae,

H. Herrigstad, D. Fosso

6:30 PM: Presider, Jeff Spencer

Communion: Gaye Rodriguey

Computer:

Communion: Rose Ann Herrigstad

Computer: Rita Carter

Financial Report: July July Year to Date

Income $ 35,278 228,420

Outgo 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.

Worship Attendance: August Date Sun. 8 AM

Sun. 10:30 AM

Cpvl. Nursery

July 29 51 90 33 4

Aug. 5 -- (church picnic) 138 17 --

Aug. 12 44 125 24 2

Aug. 19 50 105 20 3

Aug. 26 51 96 34 1

Average Att. 49 111 26 3

Average weekly attendance: 189

Coffee Fellowship 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 : 0 0 A M / 1 0 : 3 0 A M / C o u p e v i l l e

6 : 3 0 P M

F a i r

T r a d e

S p o n s o r s

9/ 2 Pommerenke,

Margraf

Peattie

9/ 8 Pommerenke,

Margraf

Geiszler Anderson

9/16 Rodriguey

Swan, Dailey,

Heideger

9/23

Rieb Ellis

9/30

Decker

This month’s featured font is Bodoni Black; decorative drop

caps are Coffee Tin.

12

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

2 Worship 8:00

Adult Ed. 9:15

Worship 10:30 Installation of Pr. Stroud

(Assoc. Pastor of Caring

Ministries) & Commission-

ing of Stephen Ministers

10:30

Vespers/Coupeville

@ St. Mary’s 6:30

3 Labor Day

Church office closed

6:45 4-H K-9 Korps

7:00 Solutions

4

Preschool Conferences

9:00 Blanket Workshop

6:30 Patrol Leaders

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 Coupeville Book

Group

7:30 Worship Brass

5

Preschool Conferences

8:45 Pastors Text Study

9:00 Blanket Workshop

11:30 OHLC Staff

5:45 VAQ 133 FRG

7:00 Senior Choir

7:00 Overeaters Anon.

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

8

Set up for Ministry Fair

9 R a l l y S u n d a y !

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

10 His Kids Preschool

classes begin!

1:00 Munchy Monday

6:00 Homeschoolers

7:00 Vanishing Friends

7:00 Solutions

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

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

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

14

10:00 Oak Harbor

Bay Artists

OHHS football game;

OHLC parking lot

in use

15

11:30 Thrivent picnic,

Mt. Baker Branch,

Camp Lutherwood

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

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

18

10:00 Rebecca Circle

6:00 Cub Scout Round-up

7:00 Boy Scouts

7:00 Worship & Music

Ministry

7:30 Worship Brass

19

8:45 Pastors Text Study

11:30 OHLC Staff

5:45 VAQ 133 FRG

6:30 Luth Youth WOW

7:00 Senior Choir

7:00 Overeaters Anon.

20 Newsletter Deadline

10:00 Deborah Circle

2:00 Esther Circle

4:15 Morning Glory

6:30 Pack 4098

7:00 Compassion

Ministry

21

9:30 Heart & Hand

10:00 Oak Harbor

Bay Artists

7:00 Family Movie Night

OHHS football game;

OHLC parking lot

in use

22

8:45 W.I.T.S. seminar:

How We Got The Bible,

Coupeville Rec Hall

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

24

1:00 Munchy Monday

7:00 Solutions

25

10:30 Church Mice

Stampers

12:00 Brotherhood of

St. Bernard

7:00 Scout Board/Review

7:30 Worship Brass

26

8:45 Pastors Text Study

11:30 OHLC Staff

6:30 Luth Youth WOW

7:00 Senior Choir

7:00 Overeaters Anon.

27

10:00 Deborah Circle

4:15 Morning Glory

5:00 Wolves

6:30 Webelos 1

6:30 Webelos 2

28

10:00 Oak Harbor

Bay Artists

29

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

By all these lovely tokens September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer.

- Helen Hunt Jackson

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