Church Notes

Here's what's happening at Whidbey Island churches and places of worship.

One family’s journey through a child’s diagnosis of autism will be examined at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18 at LIFETREE CAFE. The program, titled “The Mystery of Autism: Understand. Support. Connect,” features a filmed interview with Patty Smith, a mother whose son Patrick was diagnosed with autism at an early age. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their experiences with autism. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Lifetree Café is located at 540 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor. Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual, comfortable setting. Questions about Lifetree may be directed to Chrissie at 360-679-3431 or office@gracebythesea.org

WHIDBEY ISLAND THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (W.I.T.S.) will offer its next public seminar, “The Beloved Community: A Study of the Church, Part 2” at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, May 21 at the Coupeville Rec Hall. The instructor will be Dr. Marty Folsom, PhD., President of Pacific Association for Theological Studies, and author of “Face to Face,” volumes one and two. 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. Seminars are open to everyone. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served. For further information, please call 360-221-8365 or go to www.whidbeyseminars.org

GRACE BY THE SEA ANGLICAN CHURCH will be dedicating its building by the Bishop of the Diocese of Cascadia, Kevin Allen, during its regular 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, May 22. This is the old YMCA building at 540 SE Pioneer, which the church bought and moved into in December 2013. Since then the church has refurbished the building with internal and external painting, installing new LED light fixtures and most recently the remodeling the entryway.

LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL is taking registrations for fall. Classes for 3-and 4-year-olds are Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday in the morning. The pre-kindergarten class is for 4-and 5-year-olds Monday through Friday, afternoons only. Call 360-679-1697 or visit www.concordiaoakharbor.org/little-lambs-preschool.html for more information.  Little Lambs is located at N. Oak Harbor and 7th, on the east side of the complex.

HIS KIDS PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION is open for the 2016-17 school year. The school has provided early childhood education for over 20 years. Registration costs a $100 initial fee, plus monthly tuition of $140 beginning in the fall. Registrations will be accepted through Sept. 21. Call the church office at 360-679-1561, or visit http://oakharborlutheran.com/his-kids-preschool/ for more information.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES at Coupeville United Methodist Church are at 12:30 p.m. Sundays. There are games, music, crafts and Christian education. Special activities are planned for taking the teens to beaches, forests and other activities. All youth grades six through 12 are welcome; they don’t need to have an affiliation with the church or attend any church. For more information, call Suzanne Loomis, church life coordinator, at 360-678-4256.

WHIDBEY ISLAND FRIENDS (QUAKERS) hold their regular meeting for worship 4-5 p.m. Sundays at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 20103 Highway 525, two miles north of Freeland. This time of silent worship together may include spoken messages. For more information, visit www.whidbeyquakers.org or email Tom Ewell at tewell@whidbey.com

Oak Harbor’s CHRISTIAN SCIENCE READING ROOM, located at 721 SW 20th Court at Scenic Heights Street, is open for study, questions about Christian Science and prayer from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and from 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays. For information, call 360-675-0621 or go to christianscience.com