April 5th, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 14

The Rock Foundation

My parents’ old home is on the slope of Lookout Mountain, one of many peaks in the Phoenix area. I’ve hiked it numerous times and am always rewarded with a great view of the Valley. One challenge of this hike is the areas of loose rocks and stones. When stepped on, the slope and their loose nature combine to give you a “moving” experience. More than once I’ve come away with scrapes trying to cross them. There’s nothing unique about those rocks. They blend together, there are lots of them and they’re always shifting.

However, there are other spots on that mountain that do not shift at all. The rocks are big and they are connected to deep foundations. You can climb them and jump on them. They are the very definition of what it means to be rock solid. It is this sense of rocks that biblical writers draw on when they describe the presence of God in our lives. Moses says “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (Deut. 32:4 NIV). David proclaims “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; (2 Sam. 22:2 NIV).

The image of the Rock is solid and stable and unchanging. In placing faith and reliance on God, Scripture guides us toward where we can find peace in a world that is unstable and unpredictable. Pandemics or pestilence have happened in the past. We forget that. Let’s not forget to lean on God, our Rock, for our strength as we go through this one. Blessings!                                           Pastor Rick

*** In keeping with Governor Evers “Stay Safe at Home” edict, our services on Saturday and Sunday are cancelled for the next month.

*** Point to Ponder: Jesus said to Peter (with all his faults and foibles), “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” How is God using each of us (with all our faults) to build His Church? (Matt. 16:18)

*** We will broadcast our service on the website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com Look under the “media” section.

*** If you have prayer requests, please forward them to Pastor Rick at the church office (920-847-2116) or to his e-mail address (rickblsmith@gmail.com).

*** All groups are cancelled for now.  Check the Church’s Facebook page for information on other schedule changes.

 

CHURCH NEWS

*** Church expenses and mission support continue during this crisis. As you’re able, please drop off or mail your tithes and contributions to Bethel Church. And if you’ve got needs, let us know. Between our deacons committee and others, we’re ready to serve.

*** Thank you for the Memorial Gift from Herb and Marianna Gibson in memory of Bob Nikolai.

*** Easter Lilies were donated to Bethel in honor of Everall Jorgenson, in memory of Chuck Jorgenson, from Kay and Russ McCartney. In memory of mother, Charlotte Cornell, from Everall, Beth, Eileen and Glenna. In memory of Lois Harvell and Ken Henning from Larry Harvell.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

*** W.I. school is closed indefinitely by order of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

*** The Washington Island Food Pantry has modified food distribution protocol in response to the CoVid-19 virus. To eliminate person-to-person contact everything will be done by phone or email.  All distributed food will be pre-packed by pantry volunteers and delivered to clients’ vehicles. The Pantry will continue to distribute food at Trinity Lutheran Church from 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month.  For those unable to come to the pantry on distribution day, or in cases of emergencies, other arrangements can be made.  For more information or to arrange for food assistance, call Amy Rose at 920-535-3035 or Dan Westbrook at 920-750-9265.

*** Town and National spring elections are April 7th. Register to vote at the town office.

*** Congratulations to Lou and Junior Goodlet on their 50th wedding Anniversary April 4th.

*** Jill J. Jessen Jorgenson, 71, went to be with her Lord, March 25. She was born on the Island, December 28, 1948 to Karly and Evelyn Jessen. She married the love of her life, Kermit Jorgenson on November 4, 1972. Jill loved sewing and quilting. She taught quilting at Sievers and was involved in sewing the Quilts of Valor. Jill loved volunteering for her Island community, serving as a Girl Scout leader, preforming with the Island Players, serving on the W.I. Park Committee, and was a member of the Woman’s Club. She sewed many squares and assembled many of the Woman’s Club Island quilts which were made for various fund raisers.

*** K.K. Fiske, Karly’s, and Middle Bar II are serving food on a take-out basis.  Call to order.

FOR THOSE IN NEED

*** If you are “in need” and have errands to run or groceries to be picked up and delivered, please call WICHIP at 920-847-2108.

FUTURE PLANNING

*** VBS is scheduled for June 22-26.  We need helpers in ALL areas! Even if you can only commit for one or two mornings, we can use you! Please see or call (Sue Tobey, 989-430-4004).

March 29, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 13

Remembering to Remember

 

At the front of my journal this year I’ve listed some things that I want to get done this year. My list includes spiritual practices to engage in, exercise, relational priorities, and some ongoing learning. I put it up front so that, in a glance I can remember these goals. I did that because, while I want to pursue those things, sometimes seemingly urgent or incidental events distract me from… hey there’s a squirrel outside my window… Oh, er…sorry. I’m distracted and driven off track somewhat easily.

St. Peter knew a bit about getting off track. His actions garnered both praise and condemnation from our Lord. Jesus tells him, in one instance, “Blessed are you Simon” (Matt 16:17). A few verses later, however, he exclaims “Get behind me, Satan” (16:23). And then there’s the whole denying Jesus three times episode. When Peter writes in 2nd Peter about staying on track, he knows something about its necessity.

So, after some warnings about false teachers (2 Peter 2), Peter reminds the church about what they’ve been taught about faith (2 Peter 3:1-2). The basics of living lovingly, morally and ethically are essential, as is remembering that Jesus will return. This is the ultimate hope for believers. We’re in strange days with this virus. Public figures claim to tell us what’s essential. Fearfulness and anxiety are consuming many. Where is our hope? Remember to remember that our hope is in the Lord. As Peter writes, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Pet. 3:18 NIV)

Pastor Rick

*** In keeping with Governor Evers “Stay at Home” edict, our services on Saturday and Sunday are cancelled for the next month.

*** Points to Ponder: The church is not our building, but “the people of God gathered.” What does it mean to be a church that does not gather? How do we continue to grow and reach out with the love of Christ?

*** We will broadcast our service on the website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com Look under the “media” section.

*** If you have prayer requests, please forward them to Pastor Rick at the church office (920-847-2116) or to his e-mail address (rickblsmith@gmail.com).

*** All groups are cancelled for now.  Check the Church’s Facebook page for information on other schedule changes.

CHURCH NEWS

*** Obviously church expenses and mission support continue during this crisis. As you’re able, please drop off or mail your tithes and contributions to Bethel Church. And if you’ve got needs, let us know. Between our deacons committee and others, we’re ready to serve.

*** Viola Marie Smith (7 lbs. 14 oz.) arrived safely (finally!) to Matt and Mandie Smith.

*** To donate a lily to Bethel Church for Easter, or in memory of, or honoring someone, please contact Kirsten Ellefson at 920-535-0072

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** W.I. school is closed indefinitely by order of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

*** The Washington Island Food Pantry has modified food distribution protocol in response to the CoVid-19 virus. To eliminate person-to-person contact between food pantry clients and volunteers, the pantry is now following a “no contact” food distribution protocol. Interaction between food pantry clients and volunteers for food assistance will be done by phone or email.  All distributed food will be pre-packed by pantry volunteers and delivered to clients’ vehicles while they remain in the vehicle. The Pantry will continue to distribute food at Trinity Lutheran Church from 2-4 p.m. on the fourth Monday of every month.  For those unable to come to the pantry on distribution day, or in cases of emergencies, other arrangements can be made.  For more information or to arrange for food assistance, call Amy Rose at 920-535-3035 or Dan Westbrook at 920-750-9265.

*** Nicolet National Bank: The lobby is open.  The Night Drop will be monitored throughout the day.  If you are ONLY depositing, please use this option rather than coming into the bank. Call us at 920.847.2557 with questions, or for appts. Call our phone banking system at 877-296-2745.  You can check balances, transfer funds, and make payments. Customer support at 800-369-0226 or email us at voice@nicoletbank.com.

*** Town and National spring elections are April 7th. Register to vote at the town office.  Request an Absentee Ballot from the town office by calling them at 920-847-2522 or you can email your request at: townoffice@washingtonisland-wi.gov

*** Washington Island Lions Club “Roses for Spring” has been cancelled. Thank you for your support!

*** The W.I. Birding Festival has been cancelled.

*** K.K. Fiske, Karly’s, and Middle Bar II are serving food on a take-out basis.  Call to order.

FOR THOSE IN NEED

*** If you are “in need” and have errands to run or groceries to be picked up and delivered, please call WICHIP at 920-847-2108.

FUTURE PLANNING

*** VBS is scheduled for June 22-26.  We need helpers in ALL areas! Even if you can only commit for one or two mornings, we can use you! Please see or call (Sue Tobey, 989-430-4004).

March 15, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 11

From Spring Training to Springing a Leak

Part of me wants to address the issues of life and faith in light of the corona virus. Another part of me is exasperated with how it’s the only thing that’s being discussed and would prefer to talk of anything else (like baseball). My regular Tidings article would’ve centered around 2 Peter 2, where Peter gives serious warnings of false teaching in our midst. That doesn’t seem to be very fun either. In fact, Peter’s warnings hit so close to issues that face contemporary Christianity that it’s scary. Right now, nothing seems “happy, happy, happy” (to quote your favorite duck dynasty character).

And maybe that’s the bigger thing here. For all the joyous reflections on the wonderful grace of God, Jesus also warns us of difficulties. For all the talk about being blessed by God, as you might find in the Beatitudes (Matt 5:1-12), often there are simultaneously tough circumstances in which that blessedness is embedded. In fact, the 8th and final beatitude is “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (Matt 5:10). Talk about oxymoron!

It is, however, in the trials of living that we are reminded that we need God and His power and touch. We don’t seem to be in control anymore. Were we ever? Our stock portfolios are not our stabilizing foundation. Neither is our health. But we can reach out for the strength and presence of the Lord. The psalmist writes, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Well, we’ve apparently been given some still time right now. What shall we do with it?

Pastor Rick

***Regarding our schedules, while the island is still in an uninfected region that could change at any moment. So, in keeping with Governor Evers ban on gatherings over 10, we will not be having our services on Saturday and Sunday for at least the next couple weeks. The church is not our building but the people of God gathered. So, what does it mean to be a church that does not gather? How do we continue to grow and reach out with the love of Christ?

*** We will still put on a service and broadcast that on the website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com . Look under the “media” section. We are also investigating having a video recording of an entire service including some worship songs.

*** Sunday School and The Rock (youth group) are also cancelled at this point.

*** If you have prayer requests, please forward them to Pastor Rick at the church office (920-847-2116) or to his e-mail address (rickblsmith@gmail.com).

*** For information on the Ladies Bible Study on Psalms, contact Meghann Haertig.

*** For information on the Tuesday Connect Group contact Pastor Rick at the office.

*** Other activities including Ladies’ Night Out, book discussion and Thursday Bible Study are cancelled. Check the Church’s Facebook page for information on other schedule changes.

CHURCH NEWS

*** If you are interested in donating a lily to Bethel Church for Easter, or in memory of, or honoring someone, please contact Kerstin Ellefson at 920-535-0072

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** W.I. school is closed indefinitely by order of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

*** Door County declared a health emergency on March 16 and ask if you own rental property not to book tourists for the next 30 days and cancel any reservations you currently have. This is a recommendation currently and not an order.

*** Town Board and School Board spring elections are April 7th.  Register to vote at the town office.  If you don’t want to go out to vote because of the CoVid-19 virus or if you’re going to be off Island, you can request an Absentee Ballot from the town office by calling them at 920-847-2522 or you can email your request at: townoffice@washingtonisland-wi.gov

*** Last Call:  Washington Island Lions Club is taking orders for, “Roses for Spring”. Contact a Lion by March 24^th to place an order to be delivered April 17^th and 18^th.

*** WICHP Facts of Life Luncheon: March 24th, is cancelled.

*** March 26^th WICHP The following programs are cancelled: “New Balance Screening Workshop” with Adam Peronto, “Memory Screening” with Christy Wisniewski, and “Driving Evaluation” with Carol Shabbit.

*** K.K. Fiske, Karly’s, and Middle Bar II are serving food on a take-out basis.  Call to order.

FOR THOSE IN NEED

*** If you are “in need” and have errands to run or groceries to be picked up and delivered, please call WICHIP at 920-847-2108. They will contact folks who can help you!  We can always use more volunteers to help out too.

FUTURE PLANNING

*** VBS is scheduled for June 22-26.  We need helpers in ALL areas! Even if you can only commit for one or two mornings, we can use you! Please see or call (Sue Tobey, 989-430-4004) to let her know where you would like to help out.

*** Children’s Fluoride Clinic:  Friday, April 17^th, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Washington Island School is on hold for now.

*** Groundwater Study: Friday, April 17th, 5:00pm – 6:00pm. Presentation by Carmen Thiel from UW Oshkosh is cancelled.

*** Island Party 2020, which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25^th has been cancelled.

***The Ferry Line’s new ferry, the Madonna is on schedule.

March 15, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 11

A Theology of Quilting

My wife Betty Lou enjoys quilting. It started out as an interest and then grew into a desire to discover more about quilting. The more she thought about it the more curious she was about learning how to do it. She talked with friends who knew a little, and others who were accomplished and it began to deepen her resolve to become a quilter.

Her interest moved to action when she took some classes and completed some of her own quilts. Her knowledge and skill grew. She’d visit quilt stores and check out material and patterns. She read history books of quilting and discovered their role in the underground railroad in freeing slaves. She became a quilter.

Betty Lou’S discovery of quilting reminds me of our movement towards faith in Jesus. What begins as curiosity transitions to making choices to make following God the fabric (if you will) of our life. We get interested in going deeper and then act on it. St. Peter encourages that ongoing pursuit and indicates that it is something that helps assure us that we really are Christians (2 Peter 1:10-11). For, in knowing and loving Jesus, growing deeper is a characteristic of true faith.

Peter affirms that we come to faith because of God’s generous actions through Jesus. But he also indicates that we add to our faith things like goodness, knowledge, self-control and more (2 Peter 1:5-9). Our faith, if it exists, grows. So, in what ways are you growing these days?

Pastor Rick

SATURDAY:  Fellowship Dinner will follow service March 14^th. The theme is Asian food.
SUNDAY:  9:30 A.M. Adult Sunday School:

“Birth of Freedom” 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service and Staffed Nursery
11:15 A.M. Junior Church
CONNECT GROUP:  Meets Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Pastor Rick and Betty Lou’s.
LADIES BIBLE STUDIES: Mondays 9:00 a.m. at church, Meghann Haertig leads Bible study in Psalms.  Thursdays, Ladies Bible study this week at Jeannette’s at 12:30, March 19^th.  We’re studying “Twelve Women of the Bible” and next up is, “Mary of Bethany”.

LADIES’ BOOK DISCUSSION: Monday, March 23^rd at church from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Discussing the book, “Shades of Light”.

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT: March 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. at church.
COMMUNION:  The first Saturday night and the first Sunday of the month (April 4^th and April 5^th).
MEN’S BREAKFAST:  Second Saturday of the month at Memorial Hall at church (Mar 14^th).

CHURCH NEWS

*** “The Rock” Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  6^th to 12^th graders welcome!  We’re looking for 1 or 2 more adult volunteers to help.

*** If you are interested in donating a lily to Bethel Church for Easter, or in memory of, or honoring someone, please contact Kerstin Ellefson at 920-535-0072

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** Ferry schedule changes on March 20th. No reservations needed.  First come, first served.

*** Town Board and School Board spring elections are April 7th.  Register to vote at the town office.

*** A HUGE thank you to the Lions Club, fire department and all other volunteers (esp. Don Riewe) for providing the gift of the ice rink.  It was enjoyed and much appreciated!

*** Washington Island Lions Club is taking

orders for, “Roses for Spring”. Contact a Lion by March 24^th to place an order to be delivered April 17^th and 18^th.

*** WICHP Facts of Life Luncheon: March 24th, 12:00- 2:00, KK Fiske. Speaker is Geraldine Veneman, Psychotherapist, Mediator.  She will discuss her Mental Health/Counseling Services on the Island.

*** On Thursday, March 26^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon, WICHP will hold 3 concurrent sessions at Trinity Fellowship Hall. The following workshops require appointments (Call WICHP 847-2108 or email wichp77@gmail.com):

“New Balance Screening Workshop” with Adam Peronto, “Memory Screening” with Christy Wisniewski, and “Driving Evaluation” with Carol Shabbit.

*** School is closed March 20^th to March 27^th for Spring Break.

*** Joan P. Schott, daughter of Ann Greenfeldt, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2019 at age 79. She was born February 20, 1940 in Biddeford, Maine. She moved to Washington Island as a young child. She is survived by siblings, Leonard, John, Marion, Marge, and Cheri.

 

FUTURE PLANNING

 

*** VBS is scheduled for June 22-26.  We need helpers in ALL areas! Even if you can only commit for one or two mornings, we can use you! Please see or call me (Sue Tobey, 989-430-4004) to let me know where you would like to help out.

*** Children’s Fluoride Clinic:  Friday, April 17^th, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. at the Washington Island School.

*** Save the date: Island Party 2020 Saturday, April 25^th.  Details coming.

March 8, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 10

Servants’ Quarter

A common refrain among those who serve their church bodies is, “Ten percent of the people do ninety percent of the work”.  Pleasantly, I have found this adage not to be true of the Island Bethel community.  I have never experienced a church community so willing to serve wherever, and whenever, they’re needed.  It is truly remarkable!

The gospels are filled with hundreds of references to being a servant and to serving.  Our primary example is Jesus.  Matthew 20:28 says, “…just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  It is a standard and an expectation we can all aspire to.

There are a couple of passages that should motivate our service.  Matthew 23:11 says, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”  Not that any of us is in competition with any other member of Bethel, but that our value is measured by what we do in God’s service.  “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Another motivator, also from Matthew, is 25:21, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”  Who of us doesn’t long to hear those words from Jesus as we enter into our judgement?

Remember this week to lift our fellow servants up to the Lord, that they be strengthened, invigorated, and encouraged into more meaningful service to others.                                     Elder Mike

SATURDAY:  No Saturday night service, March 7^th.  Fellowship Dinner will follow service March 14^th. The theme is Asian food.
SUNDAY:  9:30 A.M. Adult Sunday School:

“Birth of Freedom” 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service and Staffed Nursery
11:15 A.M. Junior Church
CONNECT GROUP:  Study March 10^th at Sue and Dick Tobey’s at 7:00 p.m.  Studying the Beatitudes.
LADIES BIBLE STUDIES: Mondays 9:00 a.m. at church, Meghann Haertig leads Bible study in Psalms.  Thursdays, “Twelve Women of the Bible”. This week’s location will be announced at church on Sunday. Meet 12:30 P.M. March 12^th.  We’re studying Mary Magdalene.

LADIES’ BOOK DISCUSSION: March 23^rd at church from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Discussing “Shades of Light”.

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT: March 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. at church.
COMMUNION:  The first Saturday night and the first Sunday of the month (April 4^th and April 5^th).
MEN’S BREAKFAST:  Second Saturday of the month at Memorial Hall at church (Mar 14^th).

CHURCH NEWS

*** “The Rock” Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  6^th to 12^th graders welcome!  We’re looking for more adult volunteers to help.

*** Bethel Builders donated the beautiful artificial plants in the church.  Thank you to the Builders for their unheralded work!

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend. Make sure to set your clocks forward one hour Saturday night.

*** Washington Island Community Van offers year-round service to the mainland. The cost is a ferry ticket plus $10 to Sturgeon Bay and $20 to Green Bay. Reservations required: 920-847-3301

*** Town Board and School Board spring elections are April 7th.  Register to vote at the town office.

*** Saturday, March 7, at the Island Community Center at 10:30 AM the Washington Island Bucks will host the Sturgeon Bay’s Intramural Boys Team. Following the boys’ game, there will be another game of our girls’ high school team vs women’s alumni. It is Senior Evan Lux’s birthday that day so be sure to wish him happy birthday.

*** The Island West Party is on March 20 at the home of Rosalie Gunnlaugsson, located at 3958 N 162nd Lane in Pebble Creek, AZ. The event starts at noon. Guests are asked to bring a dish to pass. Rosalie will provide the main dish. Please call Rosalie with your dish so we can avoid duplication at 623-680-8173. Email Don Jensen at reachdon@cox.net or call 920-737-8507 if you plan on attending. Let me know by March 15. Hope to see everyone there.

*** Washington Island Lions Club is taking

orders for, “Roses for Spring”. Contact a Lion by March 24^th to place an order to be delivered April 17^th and 18^th.

*** Lights are on at the Lions Club Skating Rink on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

*** Registration is open for the W.I. Birding Festival on May 14-17. Register on the Art and Nature Center’s website.

 

FUTURE PLANNING

 

*** Rec. Center will be open Sundays 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. through March.

*** Save the date: Island Party 2020 Saturday, April 25^th.  Details coming.

*** WICHP “New Balance Screening Workshop” Thursday, March 26^th 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

March 1, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 9

Staying Focused on the Main Thing

Baseball spring training is here! It’s the time when teams and their fans once again brim with the hope that this could be their year. As they gather, they work on the fundamentals of the game, physical conditioning, assessing which players are performing best, and team building. Their main task is taking what they have and coming up with a strategy to win over the course of the season. As nice as it is to hang out in Arizona during March, the main thing is to put together a team that can win games through September and October.

In his Epistle, Jude warns of false teachers who’ve infiltrated the church. And he’s pretty frank about the ramifications for those who call themselves Christians but live immorally and deny the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice and His authority (4-19). As he ends the letter though, he changes tack a bit, and reminds them (and us) about who God is. He, the Creator of all, loves and cares for humanity. While the problem of evil remains because of those who have turned away from Him, He will guard and protect those who trust in Him to the end.

God’s love and care is made known in the work of Jesus and He is preparing His followers for the life that is to come. And in an especially moving passage (24-25), Jude ends his letter by directing us to gaze upon the One who is glorious, majestic, powerful and sovereign. And in life, that’s key to staying focused on the main thing.

Pastor Rick

SATURDAY:  Service at 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Dinner will follow service March 14^th. The theme is Asian food.
SUNDAY:  9:30 A.M. Adult Sunday School:

“Birth of Freedom” 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service and Staffed Nursery
11:15 A.M. Junior Church
CONNECT GROUP:  No Study Tuesday, March 3^rd. Study March 10^th at Sue and Dick Tobey’s at 7:00 p.m.  Studying the Beatitudes.
LADIES BIBLE STUDIES: Mondays 9:00 a.m. at church, Meghann Haertig leads Bible study in Psalms.  Thursdays, No Study March 5^th. “Twelve Women of the Bible”. Meet 12:30 P.M. at Jeannette Schauske’s March 12^th studying Mary Magdalene.
COMMUNION:  The first Saturday night and the first Sunday of the month (Mar. 1^st).
MEN’S BREAKFAST:  Second Saturday of the month at Memorial Hall at church (Mar 14^th).

CHURCH NEWS

*** “The Rock” Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  6^th to 12^th graders welcome!  We’re looking for a few more adult volunteers to help.

*** The Bethel Youth Ski trip at Rib Mountain is coming up this weekend. Other activities include swimming, bowling, shopping, dining. Chaperones are Michelle & Tom Jordan, Joel Gunnlaugsson, Rich Ellefson.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** The Washington Island Foundation has an opening on its board. They oversee the endowment for the Rec Center. Respond by March 1^st to Carolyn Foss, 847-2814. You do not have to be a year-round resident.

*** “My Big, Fat, Greek Wedding” afternoon movie at the Velkommen Community Room. Friday Feb 28^th from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Supper provided. Everybody welcome!

*** Washington Island Community Van offers year-round service to the mainland. The cost is a ferry ticket plus $10 to Sturgeon Bay and $20 to Green Bay. Reservations required: 920-847-3301

*** Washington Island Lions Club is taking

orders for, “Roses for Spring”. Contact a Lion by March 24^th to place an order to be delivered April 17^th and 18^th.

*** Town Board and School Board spring elections are April 7th.  Register to vote at the town office.

*** Lights are on at the Lions Club Skating Rink on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

*** Registration is open for the W.I. Birding Festival on May 14-17. Register on the Art and Nature Center’s website.

*** Bonnie Lynn Tobey, born November 17, 1953, returned home with a grateful heart on February 17, 2020 after a life filled with countless blessings, the greatest being her beloved and loving family.  Bonnie was a Home-Health and Hospice nurse for 43 years, certified Hatha Yoga instructor, proud and excellent parent with Jim Johnson to their three daughters Laila Bernhardt, Hannah Johnson, and Paula Johnson Bowers, daughter of Marjorie and Stephen Tobey, doting older sister to Stephen Tobey Jr., Richard Tobey, and Julie Ratcliffe, partner to Robert Rutter, delighted Oma to eight grandchildren, and loving friend to more people than can be named here.

FUTURE PLANNING

*** Rec. Center will be open Sundays 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. through March..

*** Save the date: Island Party 2020 Saturday, April 25^th.  Details coming.

February 16, 2020

Vol. 74, No. 8

Sometimes We Need a Sad Song

Quickly, what’s your favorite book in the Bible? Is it the poetry of the Psalms? Wisdom of Proverbs? The rich theology of Romans and Hebrews? Others may gravitate to how John’s Gospel reveals Jesus as the Son of God. What about Revelation and its imagery and its look at what’s to come, or the simple but profound stories of Jonah or Ruth?

Whatever your favorite, it’s not likely to be Jude’s Epistle. Jude’s message against immorality and false teaching is short on being positive and encouraging. In fact, a large part of it is harsh and judgmental. On top of that, he refers to some rather obscure literature to make his point, which seems to get us more confused than enlightened.

As strange as the letter is, it’s about as applicable to us today as the original recipients. Christ’s church today faces difficult internal obstacles. Christian leaders have engaged in immoral and abusive behavior. Churches, and even denominations, have exchanged biblical authority for tolerance, and others deny the necessity of Jesus’ sacrifice. Jude’s ancient message rings out that we, too, must contend for the faith that’s been entrusted to us.

Deliberating on God’s judgment isn’t pleasant. Yet it’s why Christ’s death mattered. It is the consistent message of Scripture that sin is a big consequential deal (Gen. 3; Is. 59:2; Rom. 3:23, 5:12). And the remedy and rescue is faith in the Messiah who took our place (Is. 53:6; Rom. 6:23, 10:9-10).

Pastor Rick
SATURDAY: Service at 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Dinner will follow service March 14th. The theme is Asian food.
SUNDAY: 9:30 A.M. Adult Sunday School:
“Birth of Freedom” 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship Service and Staffed Nursery
11:15 A.M. Junior Church
CONNECT GROUP: Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Pastor Rick and Betty Lou’s. Studying the Beatitudes.
LADIES BIBLE STUDIES: Mondays 9:00 a.m. at church, Meghann Haertig leads Bible study in Psalms. Thursdays, “Twelve Women of the Bible”. Meet 12:30 P.M. at Jeannette Schauske’s. Next is Mary, mother of Jesus.
COMMUNION: The first Saturday night and the first Sunday of the month (Mar. 1st).
MEN’S BREAKFAST: Second Saturday of the month at Memorial Hall at church (Mar 14th).

CHURCH NEWS

*** “The Rock” Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. 6th to 12th graders welcome! We’re looking for a few more adult volunteers to help.
*** “The Rock” Youth Group will be skating on Feb. 26th at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. All are welcome!
*** Leaders’ Council Mon., Feb. 24th at 7 p.m.
*** WICHP Blood pressure screening this Sunday Feb 23rd, after church at Bethel 11:45 – 12:30 p.m.

COMMUNITY NEWS

*** Ray Hansen Memorial Fish Derby winners announced:
Walleye: Hannes Johnson 6.28 lbs. $$50.00
Northern: Aaron Bresnahan 14.38 lbs. $50.00
Perch: James Carson 1.19 lbs. $50.00
Lawyer: Hunter Bjarnarson 7.48 lbs. $100.00
*** W.I. Boys’ play against Kewaunee February 24th and the boys and girls basketball teams play against Dunbar on Friday, February 28th.
*** Graphic Novel Author Nathan Hale visiting W.I. School on February 24th.
*** Forest Ed for Kindergarten, grade 3 and 4 on Thursday, February 27th. Forest Ed, is a program where students spend an hour and a half in the same outside environment once a month with a naturalist who teaches age-appropriate lessons about nature and is specific to their location. They explore nature and discuss animals, trees, and plants, as well as the changes they see each month and season.
*** Washington Island Community Van offers year-round service to the mainland. The cost is a ferry ticket plus $10 to Sturgeon Bay and $20 to Green Bay. Reservations required: 920-847-3301
*** Washington Island Lions Club is taking
orders for, “Roses for Spring”. Contact a Lion by March 24th to place an order to be delivered April 17th and 18th.
*** Town Board and School Board spring elections are April 7th. Register to vote at the town office.
*** Lights are on at the Lions Club Skating Rink on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
*** Registration is open for the W.I. Birding Festival on May 14-17. Register on the Art and Nature Center’s website.
*** The Great Backyard Bird Count was last week with 23 species observed here on the Island. Spotted were everything from turkeys and eagles to four different woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches to mergansers and snow buntings. Melody Walsh has all the numbers on the Washington Island Birders page on Facebook.
*** Bonnie Tobey, daughter of Steve and Marjie Tobey passed away on Monday, Feb. 17, after a battle with cancer. Full obituary in next week’s Tidings.

FUTURE PLANNING

*** Rec. Center: Next swimming lessons will be offered in May – watch for date.