South Whidbey churches announce topics for Sunday services

South Whidbey churches have announced the topics for Sunday services.

‘The Celtic Tradition of Oneness’ at Unity

Unity of Whidbey welcomes Rev. Pamela Douglas-Smith of Unity of Port Townsend as the guest speaker this week.

Douglas-Smith will speak on “Understanding: The Celtic Tradition of Oneness,” and focus on the essential truth that is the key to real understanding — that everything and everyone is of the divine; the presence that is above, below, behind, before, beside and within.

In addition, she will weave together the four tenets of Celtic Christianity with stories of Iona, Scotland — the oldest rock on earth and an ancient holy isle. Everyone is welcome for what promises to be a very interesting exploration.

The reverend will be accompanied by musician Lynn Parr and platform assistant Karen McInerney.

After the worship celebration, a Heart Circle will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

The service is at 10 a.m., and all are welcome. Unity of Whidbey is located in its new chapel at 5671 Crawford Road in Langley.

Unity of Whidbey also maintains office hours at the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

See the Unity Web site at www.unityofwhidbeyisland.org for information.

Inter-generational service at UUCWI

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island will hold a family service on Sunday.

Bring the whole family for an inter-generational service featuring songs, games and stories with Unitarian Universalist themes.

The service is at 10 a.m. at 20103 Highway 525, just north of Freeland. Check www.whidbey.com/uucwi for more information.

Forum considers Constantine’s conversion

Ted Brookes will present the topic “The Christianization of the Roman Empire” at the adult forum this Sunday at St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods.

In this lecture, the forum will move into the periods of the Christian mission after Paul to see how far and quickly the religion spread. The reasons for its success will also be examined, along with its ultimate reach into the upper echelons of the Roman government, as well as the role played by the claims of miracles in the Christian mission, and the unique aspect of Christianity that claimed it was right and all other religions were wrong.

The lecture will conclude by considering the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine in the early fourth century, and the enormous implications this event had for the future of the Christian religion.

Pastor Wenzek gives the Sunday sermon

How does Christ offer freedom from human tradition? What are the pitfalls of succumbing to religious regulations and rules? Is the glue that holds the church together common religious practices, or is there something much greater? Pastor Darrell Wenzek speaks on this subject tomorrow morning at South Whidbey Community Church, with a sermon based on Colossians 2:8-23.

Morning worship begins at 10 and is preceded by an adult learning forum at 9 a.m., with Stan Walker leading an inductive study into Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus and Art Angst leading a study into the Gospel of Luke. These are open classes, and everyone is invited.

All SWCC sermons and special adult forum lectures are recorded, and copies on CD-R or e-mailed as Windows audio attachments may be obtained by calling 221-1220.

SWCC is a local independent, non-denominational church and gathers for worship each Sunday at the Deer Lagoon Grange, 5142 Bayview Road.

For further information about the church and services, call 221-1220.

‘Truth’ is explored at the Sunday service

In a time when we’re bombarded with media-produced misinformation and propaganda that puts a spin on everything from politics to health, finding the truth can be a challenge. One doesn’t necessarily think of turning to the Bible to discern the truth, but we can find guidance: “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation,” (Psalms 25:5).

In the 1800s, Mary Baker Eddy established “Truth” as a synonym for God. In the Sunday service at the Christian Science Church, the sermon will explore “Truth” and its role in people’s lives, and how spiritual truth can be a guide to understanding what one needs to know in the world today.

The service is at 10:30 a.m. at 15910 Highway 525 (just north of Bayview and across from Useless Bay Road). All are welcome.

Register now for vacation Bible school

The First Baptist Church of South Whidbey Island will conduct its annual vacation Bible school Monday through Friday, July 26-30.

Classes will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will dismiss at noon each day.

This year’s theme is “Christ Declares Himself.” The theme is based on five “I am” statements of the Lord Jesus. Students will enjoy worksheets, songs, crafts and refreshments. and will practice writing in New Testament Greek.

The Bible school is free, but space is limited. Call 321-4457 or 321-8218 to register. The lessons are designed for children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade.

The First Baptist Church of South Whidbey Island is at 2277 Newman Road.