The historical Jesus will be considered at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 at LIFETREE CAFE. The program, titled “Who Was Jesus — Really?” features a filmed interview with Greg Stier, author of “Outbreak,” and Rick Lawrence, author of “The Jesus-Centered Life.” Both men share their insights about the historical Jesus and what influenced their conclusions about the identity of Jesus. Polls indicate a large majority of Americans believe Jesus walked the earth. But a smaller percentage say he should be considered the Son of God. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own thoughts concerning the identity of Jesus. 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
Everyone is invited to share the excitement and joy of a concert by Seattle’s TOTAL EXPERIENCE GOSPEL CHOIR, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 10, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 555 SE Regatta Drive in Oak Harbor. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for Oak Harbor’s Help House. Since it was organized in 1973 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, the Total Experience Gospel Choir has inspired audiences throughout the world, sharing the Word of God in song. It has received more than 150 awards and recognitions, and it has performed on the same billing with such musical greats as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Pete Seeger. The choir has performed in 38 states and 28 countries on five continents. The Total Experience Gospel Choir is led by its founder, Pastor Patrinell “Pat” Wright. The core group came together from members of gospel choirs at Seattle’s Roosevelt and Franklin high schools. For information about the Total Experience Gospel Choir, go to www.totalexperiencegospel choir.org. For information about St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, go to www.ststephensofoakharbor.org
The Coupeville United Methodist Church will hold two EASTER SERVICES: a sunrise service at 7 a.m. March 27 at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville; and another at 11 a.m. March 27 at the church. Both are open to members of the community. For information, visit www.coupevilleumc.com
The WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT is at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the Oak Harbor High School Performing Arts Center. The choir will sing and dance to Christian music. Members of the choir are orphans from Watoto Orphanage in Uganda. Admission is free; donations will be accepted. CDs and African craft items will be available for purchase. Call 360-679-1561 for information.
Coffee Break BIBLE STUDY will conclude the current season with a six-week study of the New Testament book of Philippians, beginning Thursday, April 7. This letter, written by the Apostle Paul to a group of first-century Christians, speaks to all believers everywhere of standing firm in the faith, living in humility and unity with each other, and being committed to spreading the good news of Jesus. This study meets weekly from 10-11:15 a.m. each Thursday at the Christian Reformed Church, 1411 Wieldraayer Road (off of Swantown Road). Coffee Break is a non-denominational small group Bible study that is open to all women in the community. No previous Bible knowledge is needed. To receive study material, call Launa at 360-675-4706, or call the church office at 360-675-2881 for 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 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
