September 5th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 36

Using Our Helper

Before GPS devices or apps, finding a new place could be difficult. Every now and then I’d get lost. But, like other real men, I refused to stop and ask for directions. While this irritated my wife, I didn’t really care. I wanted to see if I could find our destination on my own. Call it pride or ego, but it was an adventure to see if I could figure it out. Until I realized I had no idea where I was. Then it was time to get some help.

Asking for help can be a big threshold for some of us. And when we’re lost in our lives, where can we turn for help? That’s the question our writer asks in Psalm 121. With many spiritual options available to him (Psalm 121:1), he makes the choice to trust in God. Why? Because God has always been there and watched over him and his community (121:3-8). The Maker of heaven and earth gets his allegiance and trust because He cares for His people.

We see this described in the New Testament, too. God is watching out for us, so much so that he sent his son on our behalf (John 3:16, Romans 8:31). This doesn’t mean that we won’t face trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword (Rom. 8:35). But as it comes, we have this assurance: nothing will be able to separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). And that’s the kind of Helper worth consulting.

                                                          Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Scott Johnson continues his series discussing “Heaven” based upon Randy Alcorn’s book.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage. Mike Thielke is leading a discussion of I Corinthians.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** UPDATE: Women’s study will begin again on Thursday, October 7^th. Betty Lou will lead the afternoon session, which begins at 1:30 p.m. We will be going through Dee Brestin’s “Idol Lies”. There will be an evening session (same day) facilitated by Marlee Curry and Michelle Griggs at a time to be determined.

*** Men’s breakfast: Saturday, September 11 at 8:00 a.m. The theme this fall will be “Redeemed: Turning Brokenness into Something Beautiful” Session 1: “Called” (with Mariano Rivera video)

*** Jo Elin Hagen, now a resident of Country Villa. Her address is: N. 3782 Country Villa Way, Building 2 Room 2, Freedom, WI. 54913 She would love to receive cards and letters.

*** Our sympathy is extended to Carolyn (Jessen) Cornell and family with the passing of her husband Jerry.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** UPDATE: American Legion Labor Day Fish Boil has been canceled.

*** Gathering Ground Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Main Rd. next to (south of) KKs.

*** Forum 2040 Wednesday, September 8^th at the TPAC.  Steven Jenkins, Executive Director, Door County Economic Development Corp. “Developing Sustainable Island Businesses for Today and the Future.” with panelists. $10 cover. 7:00. Thursday September 23, 7:00 p.m. Jesse Koyen, Door County Land Trust presents “Stewarding the Island’s Lakes and Lands”.  Tickets $5.00.

*** TPAC September 11^th original song writers John Sieger, Julian Hagen, and others will perform. Concert will be held outside unless there is poor weather, then it’ll move inside. 7:00 – 9:00

*** Washington Island Literary Festival at the TPAC from September 16^th to the 19^th. Contact the TPAC for specific info and details.

*** Detroit Harbor Ladies Aid Society meets the second Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in the Rutledge Room.

*** Margaret Anderson, the Island Dentist, is seeing patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Fridays for general dentistry, cleaning, and emergencies. For information and appointments call 920-421-0024.

*** Congratulations to Alexandria Anderson and Raymond McDonald for their marriage on Saturday, August 21^st. Mother of the bride: Beatriz Anderson. Parents of the groom: Paula and Jeff McDonald.

August 22nd, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 34

Beauty and the Mar

Travelling about the Island in summer is spectacular. Betty Lou and I were drawn to come here on a June weekend five years ago as we sat down at the beach and discussed our future. The grassy hills and thick forests; the waves crashing on the shore; the varieties of birds, flowers, and animals; and the friendly people are just some of the glorious features. It’s a pretty cool place to be. We have loved it.

This place is great. But it’s not quite perfect, is it? By perfect, I mean flawless. No place is flawless. We have mosquitoes and ticks and poison ivy and other weeds. Some are agitated by cormorants and pelicans, others by mussels and gobies because of their marring effects on what has been here. And we have people. Even those friendly people, created in God’s image, are also flawed, sometimes selfish and inconsiderate, other times rude and obnoxious. 

The writer of Psalm 104 reflects on this. While ascribing to the LORD greatness and praise for his wondrous work and provision in creation (104:1-34), he laments the existence of wickedness and sin (104:35a). In an otherwise praise-filled psalm, this little wart at the end reminds us that flaws are part of our lot. And the antidote to this is not to first eliminate others, but to take our own issues before God in confession and repentance. And then, through Jesus’ gracious act (Ephesians 2:8-10), he can make “beauty from the ashes” (Isaiah 61:1-11).

                                                     Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Scott Johnson continues his series discussing “Heaven” based upon Randy Alcorn’s book.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage. Mike Thielke is leading a discussion of I Corinthians.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Potluck dinner on the third Saturday of the month (August 21^st) after Saturday night service. We’ll head to Chick and Sharon’s on Washington Harbor after church for potluck.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** WICHP Blood Pressure Screening: Tuesday, August 31^st 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity Fellowship Hall/WICHP office.

*** Gathering Ground Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Main Rd. next to (south of) KKs.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

*** Forum 2050 Wednesday, September 8^th at the TPAC.  Steven Jenkins, Executive Director, Door County Economic Development Corp. “Developing Sustainable Island Businesses for Today and the Future.” with panelists. $10 cover. 7:00.

*** TPAC September 11^th original song writers John Sieger, Julian Hagen, and others will perform. Concert will be held outside unless there is poor weather, then it’ll move inside. 7:00 – 9:00

*** Margaret Anderson, the Island Dentist, is seeing patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Fridays for general dentistry, cleaning, and emergencies. For information and appointments call 920-421-0024.

*** The rich tradition of Islander baseball goes back more than 100 years!  This blurb is from the Door County New 90 years ago (8.13.1931): “The Institute Cubs bowed to the Washington Island baseball team!  In a game played on the Island Sunday, 6 to 3. The Island batsmen clouted the ball hard in the opening frame and the hits, together with several errors on the part of the Cubs, allowed four of the Island’s five counters to cross the plate. Fax, on the mound for Institute, held the Islanders to only one more run for the remaining six Innings but his team was only able to gather three runs during the entire game. Writt twirled the final frame for Institute and retired the side by striking out the first three batters to face him. Cornell went the route for the Island team.  Young caught for the Islanders and Moeller for the Cubs.”

*** The Islanders baseball team lost to Kolberg last Sunday, which marks the end of the regular season. The two teams will play at Kolberg on August 22nd for the first tournament game.  1st place team, Sister Bay, will compete with 4th place Institute. The winner of these two games will compete for the championship.

August 15th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 33

God the Majestic and Powerful

When I lived in Nebraska, I loved seeing storms pass through. While a bit unnerving for our farmers, seeing the amazing display of swirling clouds, colors and shadows was jaw-dropping. We’d see huge cumulus clouds with gigantic thunderheads, or roll-over clouds bearing down on us. My son, Mike, and I would sometimes stand outside, watching a tornado a couple miles away, with Betty Lou’s voice in the background, scolding us to get inside and get in the basement. Such raw unrestrained power (both BL and the storm).

Seeing nature’s power, whether in the skies, or in our often turbulent lake, is humbling. And it’s just the type of imagery used to give us a picture of God. In Psalm 97, the psalmist uses the image of clouds and darkness, lightning, and fire as illustrations of God’s daunting strength. The heavens proclaim God’s glory and righteousness (Psalm 97:6). At its core, he’s saying God is king and reigns over all.

In Christian faith, we extend that to the lordship/kingship of Jesus. The essence of this is to recognize there is an authority in my life beyond me. Through his life, death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus earned that place. God the Father, of Psalm 97, exalts Jesus to the highest place and before him every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord (Philippians 2:8-11). Which begs the question: Is he your king? Check him out against the other gods out there. He stands above them all.                                           Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Scott Johnson continues his series discussing “Heaven” based upon Randy Alcorn’s book.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Men’s Breakfast Saturday August 14^th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick’s message: Passing the Baton and Finishing Well. Bring a friend!

*** Potluck dinner on the third Saturday of the month (August 21^st) after Saturday night service.

*** Thank you to Peg Nikolai for her generous gift in memory of Gene Mutchlur.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** The Island Fair will be held Saturday, August 14^th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. “Island Adventures” is the parade theme. Parade begins at noon.

*** TPAC on August 14th Variety music – Jenny and Robin Bienemann, David Taylor. Jazz/ Folk. Outside unless poor weather, then inside. 6:00 – 8:00

 *** WICHP Blood Pressure Screening: Tuesday, August 17th 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity Fellowship Hall/WICHP office. Tuesday August 31st 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity Fellowship Hall/WICHP office.

*** Gathering Ground Farmers Market is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Main Rd. next to (south of) KKs.

*** TPAC on Monday, August 16^th the Forum 2050 – WI State Rep. Joel Kitchens will present on “The Future of the Island’s Rural School District” with panelists. 7:00 p.m.

*** TPAC Nationally known Folk artist Bill Staines performs Saturday August 21st. Event will be outside unless there’s poor weather, then event will move inside. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

*** Forum 2050 Wednesday, September 8^th at the TPAC.  Steven Jenkins, Executive Director, Door County Economic Development Corp. “Developing Sustainable Island Businesses for Today and the Future.” with panelists. $10 cover. 7:00.

*** TPAC September 11^th original song writers John Sieger, Julian Hagen, and others will perform. Concert will be held outside unless there is poor weather, then it’ll move inside. 7:00 – 9:00

*** Margaret Anderson, the Island Dentist, is seeing patients on Mondays, Tuesdays, and some Fridays for general dentistry, cleaning, and emergencies. For information and appointments call 920-421-0024.

*** The Island Procrastinators Club: meeting time and place to be determined.

August 8th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 32

God Knows
After a knee surgery, I was supposed to wear a knee brace. Well one day, after Jr. High group, I was walking around with it in my hand. One of the students, Jimmy, looks at me and says, “Rick, aren’t you supposed to be wearing that?” I said, “Well, probably.” And then Jimmy says, “God Knows.” Ufff. Called out by a seventh grader. Now that’s sobering.

But He does. We think we have things under control and our secret things are hidden, but there’s one who is never fooled. God knows. In Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, this setting before God is put up for consideration. First, Moses observes that in comparison to God, we’re like a morning grass which grows in the morning and withers by nightfall (90:4-8). But even more, Moses notes that all our errors and faults (aka sins) are in full display before God (90:8-11). This stark setting causes Moses to conclude our hopelessness in facing God’s wrath (90:11).

In the end, Moses resorts to the only thing he can think of, plead for mercy from God’s compassionate heart and loving kindness (90:13-14). Funny how a 4000-year-old prayer can be so relevant. We all need help. We are probably worse than we think, and our good things don’t outweigh the bad. Moses asks for help. And God provides that help through the Lord Jesus. Mercy is available through the cross. Will we reach out and accept it, or take our chances on not being discovered? Ask Jimmy about that. Pastor Rick
CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need? Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.
*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Potluck on the third Saturday of the month (August 21st).
*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Scott Johnson begins a discussion of Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven”.
*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.
*** UPDATE: No Tuesday night Adult Connect Group this week. We’ll meet again beginning Tuesday, August 10th.
*** Wednesday night study: Pastor Rick facilitates the series: The Great Society. The series considers how people, created in the image of God, coordinate life through our faith, culture, economics and more.
*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend! For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.
*** Men’s Breakfast Saturday, August 14th 8:00 a.m. Come and enjoy good food, good fellowship, and great teaching. Bring a friend!
*** A special thank you to those who have donated flowers to add to the beauty at church, and to those who create the gorgeous bouquets.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!
*** The Washington Island Caregiving Support Group will be restarting meetings on Friday August 6th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (please note the new time). Future meetings will be on the first Friday of the month from 10:00
am to 11:30 am in the WICHP office at Trinity Lutheran Church.
*** Under the Big Top Fundraiser variety show to raise money for music in the school. Thursday, August 12th at the TPAC, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. outside. If it rains the event will move inside.
*** Family Pajama Storytime at the Red Barn, Wednesday, August 11th at 7:30 p.m.
*** The Red Barn presents Short Acts directed by Andrew Sachs, Saturday and Sunday, August 13th and 14th at 7:00 p.m. (featuring Pastor Rick).
*** The Island Fair will be held Saturday, August 14th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. “Island Adventures” is the parade theme.
*** TPAC on August 14th Variety music – Jenny and Robin Bienemann, David Taylor. Jazz/ Folk. Outside unless poor weather, then inside. 6:00 – 8:00
*** WICHP Blood Pressure Screening: Tuesday, August 17th 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity Fellowship Hall/WICHP office. Tuesday August 31st 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity Fellowship Hall/WICHP office.
*** TPAC on Monday, August 16th the Forum 2050 – WI State Rep. Joel Kitchens will present on “The Future of the Island’s Rural School District” with panelists. 7:00 p.m.
*** TPAC Nationally known Folk artist Bill Staines performs Saturday August 21st. Event will be outside unless there’s poor weather, then event will move inside. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.
*** The Washington Island Islanders baseball team lost its home game against Egg Harbor, Augus 1st by a 4 to 11 score. Fan appreciation luncheon was enjoyed after the game.

August 1st, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 31

A Community of Fixer-Uppers

A lot of you have restoration projects you’re working on. Houses, cars, furniture, etc. I enjoy shows that take fixer-uppers and bring them back to their former glory. One of the factors needed in a restoration project is to know how things were originally, and then identify what is no longer functioning, and then figure out how to make it right.  This even works for relationships.

All relationships, even solid friendships go through times when things unravel. This even applies in our relationship with God. In Psalm 80, Asaph is wondering about just that. Asaph feels disconnected from God and wants a change. So, he begins by calling God out. “Hear us!” is how he gets things rolling (Psalm 80:1). “You’re supposed to be our shepherd, be with us!” Then, three times (80:3, 7, 19) he petitions God to restore His relationship with the people.

A couple things strike me about this song/prayer. First, Asaph gives a voice to any of us who’ve felt like we’re down and out. We’re not alone. For whatever reasons, we’ll have times where we feel more like a fixer-upper than a completed work. But secondly, Asaph has the confidence to openly express his concern and expectation things will return to normal. In 80:4 he asks “How long…” This is not a question of if things will return, but when. As you face hard times, do not give up on asking for God’s help and strength. He hears.    

                Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Potluck on the third Saturday of the month (August 21^st).

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Scott Johnson begins a discussion of Randy Alcorn’s book “Heaven”.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.

*** *** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”!

*** UPDATE: New Wednesday night study begins Wednesday, August 4^th. The Great Society considers how people, created in the image of God, coordinate life through our faith, culture, economics and more.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Thank you, Marsha Williams and Scott Sonoc, from the Historic Island Dairy and Lavender Farm, for donating the wooden train from the Dairy backyard to Bethel Church!  It is getting lots of use and enjoyment by kids of all ages!

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Immunization Clinic August 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Community Center. Pediatric Vaccines available to ages 18 yrs. or younger: • Have Health Insurance but vaccines are not covered. • Have no health insurance. • Have Badger Care/Medical Assistance. • Are an Alaskan Native, or a Native American.

• Tetanus/Pertussis vaccine is available to all children regardless of insurance status.  Adult Vaccines available: • Adult Hepatitis A ($70.00)

• Adult Tdap (no charge).  COVID-19 Vaccine also available – NO CHARGE Any questions, or to make an appointment, please call 920-746-2234 (Appointments are required)

*** WICHP Blood Pressure Screening: Tuesday, Augst 3^rd 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Trinity Fellowship Hall. Sunday, August 8^th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Trinity Library. Sunday, August 8^th 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bethel Church Lobby or Fellowship Hall.

*** The Washington Island Caregiving Support Group will be restarting meetings on Friday August 6th 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (please note the new time). Future meetings will be on the first Friday of the month from 10:00

am to 11:30 am in the WICHP office at Trinity Lutheran Church.

*** Randy Sorenson Memorial, July 31^st at 3:30 p.m. at the Island Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the School House Beach Pavilion. Bring a story to share and a dish to pass.

*** Scandinavian Fest is back! This popular Island tradition is scheduled for Saturday, August 7th. Kids and adults will again perform traditional dances in honor of the Island’s Scandinavian history.

*** The Island Fair will be held Saturday, August 14^th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. “Island Adventures” is the parade theme.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

*** The Washington Island Islanders took the win over Maplewood at the July 25^th game. After 11 full innings, the Islanders won, 12-9. There was an impressive display of home runs.

July 25th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 30

That’s Not Fair, Fortunately

Last week I mentioned the Milwaukee Bucks’ various reversals. That ended this week when they won the NBA Finals and became 2021 NBA CHAMPIONS! That’s great news (unless you’re my mom who lives in Phoenix and loves the Suns). If you watched the game, you likely saw some plays that appeared to be called the wrong way. Missed fouls, traveling, 3-second violations. For fans this feels unfair. Yet it’s also pretty common, and not just in sports.

Unfairness is pervasive in the world. People get away with stuff, sometimes really bad stuff. This can be troubling for us all. In fact, it is the struggle of Asaph, the writer of Psalm 73. Asaph has tried to live life right. He’s worked at remaining pure and upright. Yet with so much success being enjoyed by those who live selfishly and arrogantly, he feels like he’s done so in vain (Psalm 73:1-16). As Asaph tries to grasp this, he is troubled deeply, at least until he remembers God and, ultimately, that everyone will face justice (73:17-20).

There’s a lot to wonder about in our world today. It may seem that wickedness goes unchecked for a while. But there will come a time when all will face true justice, God’s justice (Hebrews 9:27). That’s trouble for each of us, unless we recall that God intentionally allowed one of the most unjust acts to happen. Jesus who didn’t sin, was murdered so that we could experience mercy and forgiveness (Romans 5:8). And that’s a “wrong” call we can all appreciate, and take for our advantage. Have you?           Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Potluck on the third Saturday of the month.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen winds up his last discussion of “The Persecuted Church”.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary.

*** *** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”!

*** UPDATE: New Wednesday night study begins Wednesday, August 4^th. The Great Society considers how people, created in the image of God, coordinate life through our faith, culture, economics and more.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Bethel Church’s semi-annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28^th at 7 p.m.

*** Thank you to the Bethel Builders and all the volunteers, chefs, and participants who contributed to an awesome Summer Salad Luncheon!

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** Lions Club Fly-in Fish Boil was a wonderful afternoon with 87 planes flying in and over 500 served! Music and wagon rides added to the fun. This event helps fund the Lions Club’s many community projects!

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Immunization Clinic August 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Community Center. Pediatric Vaccines available to ages 18 yrs. or younger: • Have Health Insurance but vaccines are not covered. • Have no health insurance. • Have Badger Care/Medical Assistance. • Are an Alaskan Native, or a Native American.

• Tetanus/Pertussis vaccine is available to all children regardless of insurance status.  Adult Vaccines available: • Adult Hepatitis A ($70.00)

• Adult Tdap (no charge).  COVID-19 Vaccine also available – NO CHARGE Any questions, or to make an appointment, please call 920-746-2234 (Appointments are required)

*** Rec Center Run on Saturday, July 24th. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

*** Washington Island Ultra Relay, runs July 29th through the 31st.

*** Scandinavian Fest is back! This popular Island tradition is scheduled for August 7th.  Stay tuned for further information.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

*** The Washington Island Veterans Monument dedication was held on July 3^rd. This marks the 100^th year of the monument. According to Richard Purinton, we know little about who designed or constructed the monument, or where the funds to build it came from. Herman Magnusson played a major role as mason (this from Jacob Ellefson, and great-grandson Dan Nielson).  Many names have been added to the monument.  WWI 43 names; WWII 108 names; Korean War 14 names; and Viet Nam 54 names.

     Tom and Brien Jordan poured the new steps that surround the monument.  Masons Dave Llewellyn, Jr. and his son, Wyatt, with an assist from Tom Bloch, ground out old mortar from between the granite stones and replaced it with new.  The name plaques were removed and polished, then rehung. The white trim of the cap and ledge were then painted by Andy Kellerman.

   The monument will be topped with an eagle.

July 18th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 29

From Prey to Praise

Have you ever experienced a reversal? Milwaukee Bucks fans have been living them out on a regular basis lately. The team has had the best record in the league (yeah!) and then been booted from the playoffs before the finals (boo!). And then, as they’re on the verge of being knocked out yet again (boo!), they go on a tear and win the series and advance (yeah!). So many highs and lows.

Those ups and downs transpire in deeper things in our lives as well. It can seem, at times, like we go from the glory of God’s overwhelming presence to this oppressing sense of our sinfulness and brokenness. And then, at the lowest points, we are reminded of God’s outrageous grace and love (Romans 5:8). This is a central piece of David’s message as he writes Psalm 57. Written with his memory of escaping from King Saul’s pursuit while in a cave as a backdrop (1 Samuel 24), David recalls pleading to God for help.

The Psalm describes David’s desperation, feeling like he is being preyed upon by lions as Saul’s men pursue him (Psalm 57:4, 6). Then, in a twist of fortune, David sees his pursuers falling into their own traps (57:6) and comes to a place of praising, singing, and desiring to tell all peoples about God’s love and faithfulness (57:7-10). Through it all, David exalts God (57:5,11). Through it all, he’s learned to trust in God. As your storms come, and they will, do not lose sight of the One who is over heaven and earth.

                                                    Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen winds up his last two weeks’ discussion of “The Persecuted Church”.

*** UPDATE: NO Tuesday night Adult Connect Group this week (7/20/21)

*** UPDATE: NO Wednesday night study until Wednesday, August 4^th.

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Bethel Church’s semi-annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28^th at 7 p.m.

*** Potluck every 3^rd Saturday (July 17^th) after Saturday night service. Bring a friend and a dish to pass.

*** Follow up VBS meeting for everyone involved (or those interested in becoming involved) Thursday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. This will be a meeting to recap what went well and learn what we can improve and talk about next year VBS ideas/leadership/etc.

*** We are pleased to announce the marriage of Katherine Anderson to Timothy Obenberger. Tim and Katie were married by Pastor Rick Smith on July 10th at Bethel Church. The reception was at the home of Katie’s parents, Rick and Dana Anderson. Rick’s grandfather, Aymond Anderson often preached to the Bethel Church community as interim pastor from time to time.  Aymond and Mildred served Door County for many years as pastor of both Bethel Baptist Church and Sister Bay Baptist Church.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Hagen Family Singers Friday July 16^th at the Red Barn at 7:00 p.m.

*** Lions Club Annual Fly-In Fish Boil on July 17 at the Island airport. The first boil over is at 11:00 a.m. Come out and enjoy a great meal and support the Lions Club.

*** Kewaunee-Door Salmon Fishing Tournament begins on Friday, July 23. The K/D Salmon Tournament is an amateur sport fishing tournament on Lake Michigan.

*** Nancy Thiele Memorial Service will be held at Nelsen’s Dock on Friday July 23rd, Visitation 12:00-2:00 p.m. Service at 2:00 p.m. with luncheon to follow.

*** Ellen Alderfer Funeral will be Saturday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church 

*** Grace Ann Carpenter Memorial Service will be Saturday, July 24th, at 2:00 p.m. at Nelsen’s Dock.

*** Immunization Clinic August 5^th from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Community Center. Immunizations include pediatric (18 yrs. and younger), Adult (hepatitis & Tdap), and COVID-19. Appointments are required. Call 920-746-2234

*** Scandinavian Fest is back! This popular Island tradition is scheduled for August 7th.  Stay tuned for further information.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

July 11th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 28

Wrestling with Guilt and Shame

“I once sent a dozen of my friends a telegram saying, ‘flee at once – all is discovered.’ They all left town immediately.”  ― Mark Twain.  This quote might be from Mark Twain, though I’ve also heard it attributed to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Still, it gets at something in our world: Guilt, shame, and fear of discovery. Many of us fear if others really knew all our messiness, they’d be horrified. 

David, in Psalm 51, relates a time when his sin was outed. He’d committed adultery, got his partner pregnant, and arranged to have her husband killed in battle (2 Samuel 11). Pretty dark stuff. It’s unseemly that it’s even in Scripture. God, obviously, was displeased and directed a prophet to confront him. As David is exposed, he realizes his guilt and becomes stricken with grief.

Psalm 51 begins with pleas for mercy and forgiveness and acknowledges his guilt (51:1-9). A good start. But David recognizes that he needs more than forgiveness. So, he begs God to create in him a pure/clean heart and restore their broken relationship (51:10-12). Creating something new is kind of God’s thing, (see Genesis 1:1). In the process, David invites us to examine our own lives and actions and lay them before God as well. Because forgiving and restoring people is also God’s thing. Jesus offers to take the penalty of our sin and exchange it for new life (Romans 6:23). Will you bring yourself to Him as well?

                                                         Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen leads a discussion on “The Persecuted Church”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”! Bring that friend you’ve been sharing the Gospel with!

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Join us on Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m. for a 5-week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Leaders Council will meet at church on July 12^th at 7 p.m.

*** Mark your calendars! Bethel Builders’ Summer Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eat in or take a box to go. Salads, deli meats, cheese, fruit, and desserts. $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 to 12 yrs. old, and children under 4 yrs. old free.

*** Bethel Church’s semi-annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28^th at 7 p.m.

*** Potluck every 3^rd Saturday (July 17^th) after Saturday night service. Bring a friend and a dish to pass.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Scandinavian Fest registration and costume checkout is Monday, July 12^th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the gym. Couple dancers will begin practice the same night.

*** Art and Nature Center Open Door Bird Sanctuary on Thursday, July 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

*** Lions Club Annual Fly-In Fish Boil on July 17 at the Island airport. The first boil over is at 11:00 a.m. Come out and enjoy a great meal and support the Lions Club.

*** Kewaunee-Door Salmon Fishing Tournament begins on Friday, July 23. The K/D Salmon Tournament is an amateur sport fishing tournament that runs for nine consecutive days on Lake Michigan. Anglers compete off the Kewaunee County/Door County shorelines for top prizes, including $10,000 in cash.

*** Rec Center Run on Saturday, July 24^th. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

*** Washington Island Ultra Relay, runs July 29^th through the 31^st.

*** Scandinavian Fest is back! This popular Island tradition is scheduled for August 7th.  Stay tuned for further information.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

*** A big thank you to the Washington Island Fire Department for their awesome 4^th of July fireworks display.

July 4th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 27

Is This Normal?

As Independence Day activities arrive, we’re again having ceremonies, parades, and fireworks. It seems like we’re almost back to normal, sort of. It’s almost normal. There are again lots of visitors on the island. Lots are heading to the beaches and trails.

But things have changed. Some long-standing businesses are gone. New ones have emerged. Some families have moved off island and others have arrived. Good friends and family have died, and miraculous new ones have been born. So, it’s a different kind of normal.

Life’s never been a straight and consistent line, has it? In Psalm 30, David reflects on this. As he experienced opposition, betrayal, illnesses and hurt, even times when he thought he might die (Psalm 30:1-3), he tried to keep one thing constant. God. Still, he didn’t always succeed. Sometimes his pride got the best of him, and he got stuck on his own abilities (30:6). Invariably, God would bring him back to earth (30:7).

David’s take away (and advice for us (30:4))? No matter how un-normal life has become, turn back towards God for help and healing. Plead for mercy and restoration, if needed. For it’s in exalting and praising God he’d rediscover his greatest source of strength and healing. So it is for us. As we pursue normalcy, we’re going to find some things changed. And the only constant is that the one who turns wailing into dancing (30:11) remains, awaiting our return.                                               Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen leads a discussion on “The Persecuted Church”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”! Bring that friend you’ve been sharing the Gospel with!

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Join us on Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m. for a 5-week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Leaders Council will meet at church on July 12^th at 7 p.m.

*** Mark your calendars! Bethel Builders’ Summer Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eat in or take a box to go. Salads, deli meats, cheese, fruit, and desserts. $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 to 12 yrs. old, and children under 4 yrs. old free.

*** Bethel Church’s semi-annual meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 28^th at 7 p.m.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Annual Big Picnic at the Red Barn on Friday, July 2. This is their 50th year! Begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by music at 7:00 p.m.

*** Memorial Monument re-dedication on Saturday, July 3 at 5:00 p.m. The monument is at the corner of Main and Jackson Harbor Road, by Bethel Church.

*** Friends of Rock Island (FORI) Annual Picnic Saturday, July 3 on Rock Island. For more information, see their website.

*** Children’s Parade July 4^th, is sponsored by the American Legion. Parade begins at Legion Hall at 8:30 p.m. and ends at the Ballpark.

*** Fireworks!  July 4^th after the Children’s Parade at the Ballpark.

*** Scandinavian Fest registration and costume checkout is Monday, July 12^th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the gym. Couple dancers will begin practice the same night.

*** Scandinavian Fest is back! This popular Island tradition is scheduled for August 7th.  Stay tuned for further information.

*** Art and Nature Center Open Door Bird Sanctuary on Thursday, July 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

*** Lions Club Annual Fly-In Fish Boil on July 17 at the Island airport.

*** Kewaunee-Door Salmon Fishing Tournament begins on Friday, July 23.

*** Rec Center Run on Saturday, July 24^th. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

*** Washington Island Ultra Relay, runs July 29^th through the 31^st.

*** Death’s Door Bar-B-Q on Saturday, August 28^th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live music, barbecue, food, lots of Island venders and a raffle. Lots of kids’ activities too.

June 27th, 2021 – Vol. 75, No. 26

Psalm 23 – Do I Know You Too Well?

You’d think a sermon on Psalm 23 would be easy. But someone writes that commenting on it is almost pretentious, so second thoughts begin to rise. Many have written and reflected on it. It is regularly requested at funerals. It is succinct, beautiful, and profound. It fairly speaks for itself. Maybe, I’d be better off skipping it and tackling something a little less familiar?

Still, if you’re doing a series on the Psalms, how do you not include it? It is profound. It speaks about God’s provision using accessible word pictures of a shepherd and a host and invites us to picture ourselves receiving such care. There’s a reason it is adored. It builds up our souls.

When David writes about the LORD as his shepherd, he’s remembering his own shepherding days. Protecting the flock from predators and locating sources for feed and water were his responsibility. The life of the sheep is reliant on a good, caretaking shepherd. And this is what the Lord does for his people. God is faithful and trustworthy even in the difficult times (valley of the shadow of death (23:4)).

He also restores our souls (23:3). This imagery is so striking, Jesus appropriates it to indicate the nature of his relationship to his own followers as the good shepherd (John 10:1-16). As a sheep is by a good shepherd, you are cared for, watched over, and known by Jesus. So, follow Him. And that’s worth hearing again.                         Pastor Rick

CHURCH NEWS

*** Do you have a need?  Contact Janet Hanlin at 920-535-0021.

*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.

*** Saturday night service: 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday morning service: 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Pastor Rick continues his series in Psalms.

*** Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. in Memorial Hall. Dave Nehlsen leads a discussion on “The Persecuted Church”.

*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group: is meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage.  Please join us in watching and discussing “The Chosen”! Bring that friend you’ve been sharing the Gospel with!

*** Youth Group: We will be meeting weekly at Bethel church’s Memorial Hall on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Come for pizza, games, and Bible study! Pass the word and bring a friend!  For more information, please contact Michelle Jordan at 920-535-0081.

*** Join us on Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m. for a 5-week study called the Two Roads.   The study will combine video, Scripture, and discussion to look at the radical concept of “grace” as presented to us from God through Jesus.

*** Bethel Builders will be meeting to plan the Salad Luncheon Monday, June 28^th at 1:30 p.m.

*** Mark your calendars! Bethel Builders’ Salad Luncheon will be held on Friday, July 16.

*** VBS: Thank you to all of the many volunteers who’ve made this year’s VBS one of the best ever! A special thank you to Sue Tobey for her tireless efforts in making sure this valuable service to our youth and community was special. She was somehow able to herd and corral all the volunteers into a cohesive organization.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** WICHP is providing volunteers to run errands for you. Please contact us at 920-847-2108 or wichp77@gmail.com. We are here to help!

*** Sol Grass Music Festival begins at the Washington Island Campground on Saturday, June 25^th and runs through Sunday, June 26^th. The live performances run from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each day. More information regarding events, schedule, and tickets can be found on their website: http://www.solgrassmusicfestival.com.

*** On July 3^rd, join our community’s Rededication of the Veterans Memorial Monument beginning at 5:00 p.m.

*** Children’s Parade July 4^th, is sponsored by the American Legion. Parade begins at Legion Hall at 8:30 p.m. and ends at the Ballpark.

*** Fireworks!  July 4^th after the Children’s Parade at the Ballpark.

*** The August 8, 1930, Door County Advocate reported a record 10 cars were loaded on the ferry to attend an Islanders’ game!

*** From the Door County Advocate June 10, 1893: “’Washington Island -farmers state that they can find a better market for their potatoes in

Milwaukee than at either Escanaba or Menominee. A lot shipped to the Cream city the past week brought eighty cents and no trouble in finding buyers at that figure.

*** Just a reminder of what life was like only 138 years ago: (From the Weekly Expositor Independent 8/17/1883) “Advices from Washington Island have been received stating that the wrecking expedition which bad been at work on the stranded schooner C. H. Burton since June 15, have succeeded in releasing her, and that she is now at Washington Island having temporary repairs made, preparatory to being towed to Manitowoc, where she will be rebuilt.”