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. “Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by a lack of social interaction, delayed communication, and a lot of social awkwardness,” Smith says. “People look at us funny sometimes, and they shake their heads. If they only knew just a little bit of Patrick’s story.” 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, Ph.D., President of Pacific Assn. 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, 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 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 four-and five-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.
