The Olive Branch - January 16, 2008

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Accent on Worship

Minneapolis Epiphanies: Introducing Erik Floan
The first thing I noticed was not the cold, but the sunlight. My mossy Seattle eyes will need some time adjusting to the bright winter light. The second thing I noticed is that I had to search for a coffee shop—while common, they are not on every corner here like back home. Both my eyes and my coffee habit will undergo adjustment these next 90 days.
Our 90 days together begins during Epiphany season. Christ begins his public ministry in this short season at his Baptism, by calling disciples, by preaching and healing. Like my own eyes to the winter glare (or a caffeine quest), this call to ministry can take a little adjustment. I look forward to the various Epiphanies and adjustments Mount Olive and I will share in the coming weeks. 

Here are some Epiphanies about me to get us started.

I hold church music & organ degrees from St. Olaf College and the University of Notre Dame. Since 1994 I have served three Seattle churches, including Cross of Christ Lutheran in Bellevue, Washington (suburban Seattle) where I am Director of Worship Music & Arts.

At Cross of Christ I direct three choirs: Cantorei (SATB), Treasure (beginner adult), and Womens Schola; these groups lead the 9:30 am ‘traditional’ service. I also direct Mosaic, a worship band (yes, the drums-and-words-on-the-screen kind) that leads the 11:00 am ‘contemporary’ service. Cross of Christ and Mount Olive share a love of music—especially congregational singing—and a love of the liturgies of Holy Week & Easter.

I have two primary connections to Mount Olive and Cantor Cherwien. When I was ten years old my family visited Mount Olive. When Dr. Manz began to improvise on the opening hymn, I knew church music was what I wanted to do with my life—an Epiphany! When I was 16 my family visited Seattle, where David Cherwien took me on a tour of Seattle organs, including the famous Flentrop at St. Mark’s Cathedral.

While at Mount Olive I look forward to learning new organ repertoire, refocusing my improvisational skills, and celebrating your love of liturgy. I want to introduce you to the Ionian Psalter by Seattle composer Peter Hallock (best known for founding the St. Mark’s Cathedral—Seattle—Compline Choir). I will also teach the choir to sing at least one anthem in Hawaiian.

I am grateful to Mount Olive for the invitation, and to Cross of Christ for granting me this time away from them. I look forward to the Epiphanies we will share in this ministry during the coming months. 

– Erik Floan

The Presentation of Our Lord
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Festival Holy Eucharist - 7:00 p.m.

Taste of Nigeria

The Missions Committee will host Taste of Nigeria on Sunday, February 3. Plan to attend worship services, education hour and a banquet celebrating Nigerian culture, music and food and learn more about the missions in Nigeria.

Evening Prayer
Organ Vespers

Mark Spitzack, Organist
~ A service of silence, chant, scripture, prayer, choral music, and hymnody ~
Sunday, January 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m.
Boe Memorial Chapel, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN

The service will be broadcast live at : http://www.stolaf.edu/multimedia 

(But please note: current technology does not allow for the transmission of the smell of incense).

Church Library News

Last Call -- remaining Christmas and Book Nook items will be for sale in the Library, at half price, for one more week.

Wish List -- does anyone have a 12" table-top American globe (in good condition only) they would be willing to donate for use in our Library? If so, please speak to Leanna Kloempken. Thank you!

Meals on Wheels

Many thanks to the Olivites who delivered Meals on Wheels during the week of December 31, 2007: Lillian & Jack Olson, Kate Sterner, Gary Pagel, Robert Diercks, Naomi Peterson, Ellie & Ken Siess, Gary Burseth, John Cegielski, Jean Glabe, Gary Flatgard, Margaret Bostelmann, and Andrew Andersen.

January Book Discussion

Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group will meet this Saturday, January 19. This monthly meeting was postponed due to the annual Conference on Liturgy held this past weekend. This month, they will discuss Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. All readers welcome! 

Flower Chart

The flower chart for 2008 is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office door. If you wish to sign up to provide flowers for church for a given week (or weeks!), please sign your name on the chart, and include any designation you wish to have included for the Sunday bulletin this week. Instructions for payment are posted on the chart.

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