Growing & Learning (Youth & Family)
Celebrating God's gift of salvation through baptism, the Growing and Learning Ministry serves to coordinate the many programs which support, equip and strengthen children, youth, families and adults for their lifelong process of discipleship within the congregation and community through education and fellowship.
2009 Vacation Bible School
Bring your 3 Year Old to 5th Grade and join us for Vacation Bible School will be held the week of June 23 - 27th 9:00 am to 11:45 am
Online Registration will be available soon.
Sunday School
Sunday morning opportunities for learning are available for ages 3 – adults, beginning at 9:15 AM throughout the programmatic year, September – May.
Our children’s Sunday School uses the Augsburg Fortress curriculum Akaloo which means to follow. Children in graded classes explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. Each unit of study begins with a family event during the Sunday School hour. Families are invited to visit the Akaloo web site each week at home for follow-up activities.
High School Sunday School meets at 9:15 on Sundays during the school year (September through June).
Sunday education for adults offers 3 different opportunities:
A class based on various biblical topics is lead by several gifted teachers who provide stimulating discussions and studies.
Adults in the 25 – 45 age group meet with various presenters, to discuss current topics and interests concerning this population.
Adult Sunday School meets for an in depth study of the New Testament reading dedicated to each Sunday .
Infants & Preschoolers
Nursery
Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers up to age 4 during the Sunday morning worship services and the Sunday School hour. Requests for additional nursery care may be made to the church office at least 24 hours ahead of the event. In addition to our two Nursery Care providers, we have adult and youth volunteers that help care for the children. We are always looking for more people to add to our volunteer list.
Cradle Roll
The Cradle Roll program provides faith support to families with newborns through age 3 years. Monthly mailings give parents developmental information and ideas for passing on the faith to their young children. Please contact the church office if you have a child in this age range and are not receiving the materials.
Preschool
Visit our His Kids Preschool page for more information about our preschool program.
Vacation Bible School for children ages 3-5 is held for three days the same week as our elementary program. Our next Vacation Bible School will be June 2009.
Elementary Ages
See Sunday School and Children’s Choir for information about these programs.
Vacation Bible School for children entering first - fifth grades takes place for a week each summer. Our next Vacation Bible School will be June 25-27, 2007.
Children in grades 4 and older are invited to serve as acolytes for worship, lighting candles and assisting with Holy Communion. Training happens throughout the year. Contact Lynne Ogren, 679-1561, if your child is interested.
Middle School Youth
We have many activities going on with our middle school youth!
Pre-confirmation
Youth-friendly year of in-depth Bible study, which also serves as an introductory year of preparation for Affirmation of Baptism. Pre-confirmation involves youth in 6th grade and meets three times a month during the school year. Special activity nights are built into the class schedule including interaction with the first and second year Confirmation students for fun and fellowship.
Confirmation
A two-year program, usually attended by 7th and 8th grade students, studies topics including the Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, the Creed and the Sacraments, and is an essential component in preparation for Affirmation of Baptism. Confirmation students meet weekly during Sunday School
with an additional once-a-month activity night focused on service and fellowship.
All middle school students (grades 6-8) are also invited to participate in our middle-school youth group, held from 6-7:30 p.m. once every six weeks on Monday nights. This includes time for devotions, service projects, fellowship, and games. These special gatherings might include pizza parties, movies, or holiday celebrations.
Middle School Special Events
Students also have occasional lock-ins, service projects, and other special events! Friends are always welcome.
If you are interested in any of these activities, please contact Keith Snavely at (425)-231-5405 or email him at keithohlc@gmail.com.
High School Youth
High School students meet weekly on Saturday at 6:30 PM following Saturday Celebration Worship at 5:30 PM. This is an opportunity to build friendships and consider what life and Jesus are all about. There are many trips and activities planned throughout the year for fun and fellowship.
High School Trips (and other stuff): -
Camping, Ski/snow trip, NW WOLY gathering, "Faith, Hands On" mission trip, WildWaves, Baseball Games, Basketball Games, GO! (Greatest Overnighter), 30-Hour Famine, Holden Youth Weekend, Creation Festival, Camp Jr. Counselors
For more information about any of these activities, please see the Youth Group Web Site and you can contact Keith Snavely at (425)-231-5405 or email him at keithohlc@gmail.com.
Weekday Bible Studies
BBQ & BS
High School Youth Group is meeting on Wednesday evenings over the summer (2008) for Barbeque & Bible Study at 6:00 pm to about 8:00. Check the youth group web page or contact Keith Snavely at (425)-231-5405 or email him at keithohlc@gmail.com for more information.
Brotherhood of St. Bernard (AKA “The Old Dogs)
This men’s bible study group meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month for lunch at Mitzel’s restaurant at the north end of Oak Harbor. Bible and topical studies provide variety to their discussions.
The Journey
Adults who are considering being baptized or who are already baptized but would like to establish a more solid faith foundation may participate in The Journey. Classes meet on Sunday afternoons from January to May, with baptisms taking place at the Easter Vigil service. Those with questions about this process should speak with the pastor.
Women's Bible Study:
Oak Harbor Lutheran offers several "Circles" for women to get to know each other, study the Bible and offer Christian service to the church or community. A circle is never full. It expands to allow more within it. No one is left outside it.
Esther Circle - 1st Tuesday of the month @ 6 PM.
Deborah Circle -every Thursday at 10 am - noon.
Rebecca Circle - 3rd Tuesday of the month @ 10 AM.
* Need child care? Please contact the church office the day before to make arrangements. 679 -1561.