Weekly News & Events

Orcas Island

Orcas Island

Worship Services

Worship-3

April 26, 2026 – Fourth Sunday of Easter and Earth Day!

Sunday Worship in person at 1:15 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 242 Main Street, Orcas Island, Washington 98245

Live Online worship via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Notice: Connection directions sent via email, or contact the church email. Weekly Bulletin available online or click blue link.

This week's Events

This week Events 3

Announcements

Announce-Orcas

Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Bible Study via Zoom, Becky Moore host

Thursday 9:30 a.m. – Walking Group, TBA

Thursday 11:30 a.m. – Men’s Lunch at Golf Course

Saturday 5:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer around the World, Center Church. See Announcements.

Saturday - World Labyrinth Day – Pilgrimages at Episcopal Churches on all three islands

World Labyrinth Day May 2, 2026 at Grace Church on Lopez Island from 10 am to 4 pm: You are cordially invited to join the Episcopal Churches and island communities of the San Juan Islands as we walk together in peace and prayer on World Labyrinth Day, Saturday, May 2, 2026. All island residents are encouraged to use the interisland ferry for a serene and memorable day pilgrimage to visit labyrinths on three islands in NW Washington: Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan.

Holden Evening Prayer Around the World: May 2, 2026 5:30 PM at Center Church. The Lutheran Church of the San Juans will participate in Holden Evening Prayer Around the World (https://www.holdenvillage.org/program/holden-evening-prayer-around-the-world/) at 5:30 p.m. on May 2, 2026 at Center Church on Lopez Island.

Adding an event/announcement:

Please forward your written listing to Steve Simpson by Thursday. Be sure to include all relevant information (who, what, when, where, why, how). Unless otherwise specified, announcements will be listed for one week and events will be listed weekly until the event date.

Pastor's Note

Coming events

Coming Events 3

Every year during a lovely gathering of clergy of the Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA in Seabeck, WA, I make a little pilgrimage to the Echoes Brewing Company that shares a name with my church in Bellingham – Echoes! This year was special as I took others who are on the journey with me as I also serve as the Transitions Care Pastor for the Lutheran Church in the San Juan Islands. Last year during this time I couldn’t have predicted how much of my life would be related to our fabulous ferries or to these two. We are not often all in the same place at the same time, as always it is good to be together and “discuss” or listen to what we are “Seeking together” – to reference last week’s sermon on Jesus and the Road to Emmaus. I’m grateful for this wild calling and all the places it’s taken me. And I am full of gratitude to be with all of you during this time of transition.

A Special Meeting of the 2025 Synod Assembly will be held online on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 9am-12noon. Following a welcome and devotion, we will address these four items of business: 2027 Budget approval; Election of Synod Vice President; Election of Synod Secretary; Election of a Synod Council Youth Representative. Note: this is not a mini-assembly, there will be no other reports, greetings, resolutions, or business items. If you attended in 2025 you can register for this online event here. (Posted April 3, 2026)

Saturday, May 30, 2026, “Life in God’s Garden: Seeds of Generosity,” NW Washington Synod Gathering, Lynnwood, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will gather to celebrate, learn and connect around the theme of generosity. This is generosity rooted in God’s abundant love for God’s creation. Generosity of time, space, talents, money – and generosity of our hearts. (Posted April 3, 2026)

We will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood AND the new Lynnwood Neighborhood Center. We will center our time in worship at 9am with song, communion, preaching by Bishop Shelley. We will welcome our keynote presenter, Rev. Tim Brown, ELCA director for congregational stewardship. Following lunch, there will be 2 afternoon workshop times – with a total of 22 options from local leaders! As we prepare to close the day, we will re-gather for a sending service – including time to install our newly elected synod council officers and members. Click here to learn more and get registered! (Posted April 3, 2026)

- Weekly Reflections -

In addition to preaching a weekly sermon, Pastor Emma sends out short weekly reflections that cover scripture, current events, church news, and other items of interest. Past reflections are available at Sermons and Reflections.

Weekly update for PNW Synod of the ELCA is available here.

Adding a coming event/announcement:

Also of Note

Also of Note 3

Bishop Shelly Wee gave a talk on Christian Nationalism. Watch the presentation here. (Posted March 29, 2026)

OPOP Update: Our formerly incarcerated friend, Andrew Tucker, is now back in Jail at Skagit County Jail. We do not know how long he may be there. Your prayers for his continued healing and movement towards his life goals are greatly appreciated. The Core Team continues to meet regularly and is in touch with Andrew. For more information please talk with one of us LCSJ representatives on the core team, Beth Drake, Henning Sehmsdorf, Ruth Fothergill, Kristi Carpine-Tabor.

WRITING CHECKS: Checks to be deposited to the church’s bank account should be made payable to “Lutheran Church in the San Juans”. If you would like to designate your gift in any way, please note that in the memo line. Thank you! From your Financial Secretary.

Email changes: Please contact Steve Simpson to make changes to the email distribution list for these notes.

Prayers

Prayers 3

Our Prayers – April

Healing: Bill Lowe (friend of Samantha Bryner), Barbara S., Helena (granddaughter of Craig & Krispi), Dave Staehlin, Christine, Janet, Lilly.

General/Support: George and family (brother of Lilly Handler), Ann Brewer (caring for parents), Jim (son-in-law of Joan & Gordon Eustis), Scott and Marie, Mary, Steven, Rachel (friend of Lilly Handler), Ryan, Andrew and Andrew’s son Tre’vion (healing).

Bereavement: Family of Barbara Buck

For pastoral care needs, and to add requests for Sunday Prayers, please contact Pastor Emma: email pastoremmad@gmail.com