Church Notes

Here's what's happening at Whidbey Island churches.

The question of whether everything really happens for a reason will be discussed 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at LIFETREE CAFE. The program, titled “True or False: Everything Happens for a Reason,” features filmed interviews with Brittney Andrews, the recipient of a heart transplant, as well as with the family of the heart donor. Both share their perspectives regarding the tragic murder that made a heart available for transplantation. “Somebody had to die for me to live,” Andrews says. “I’m living my life, and he has no life. I have to live his legacy on and show his family that I’m going to make everything work.” Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Lifetree Café is located 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 Dunlap at 360-679-3431 or office@gracebythesea.org

In November, GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH will be hosting a series of conversations with special guests. These conversations will be aimed at “building bridges” with other cultures rather than burning them. How can we discover common ground without compromising our convictions? The first conversation was  held on Nov. 1 and focused upon Christians and the LGBT community. The second was held on Nov. 8 and focused upon Christianity and science, humanism and atheism. The third will be held Nov. 22 and will focus upon Christianity and Islam. All are welcome. Services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Email contact@whidbeygrace.org for more information.

GRIEFSHARE, a support group for those in mourning, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Dec. 10, at the Family Bible Church room C-3, 2760 N. Heller Road, Oak Harbor. Call 360-679-3736 for more information.

COFFEE BREAK BIBLE STUDY will continue its season with a four-week lesson series entitled “Discover Christmas,” beginning Nov. 19. Examine the unfolding of God’s plan for Christmas throughout the centuries, and be challenged to decide what Christmas is really all about. This group meets weekly at the Oak Harbor Christian Reformed Church, 1411 Wieldraayer Road (off Swantown Road), on Thursdays from 10-11:15 a.m. Coffee Break Bible Study is a non-denominational small group Bible study that is open to all women of the community. No previous Bible knowledge is needed. For more information, call Launa at 360-675-4706 or the church office at 360-675-2881.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES at Coupeville United Methodist Church are at 5 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 information, call Suzanne Loomis 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