The Olive Branch - February 13, 2008

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Accent on Worship

My grandfather, a missionary, told me that when he arrived in India he was instructed by the other missionaries to wear a pith helmet. He refused because he knew that they were not just for sunburn; they signified prestige and authority. He said he did not need to wear a helmet because the Lord’s promise was that “The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night” (Psalm 121).

This pilgrimage psalm, one of the Songs of Ascent or “psalms of the steps” (120-134), reflects the kind of trust and obedience to God’s command that is needed to pack up your life and family and to move forward to an unknown land and future, as Abraham did. The Middle Eastern sun would have beat down harshly upon anyone wandering through the desert. Exposure to the moon was also considered by some in the ancient world to be harmful. But just as for the Exodus pilgrims. God provided ‘round-the-clock shade by a daytime pillar of cloud, and light and warmth by a nighttime pillar of fire. God guarded the Abraham clan and brought them into a new land, into the dawn of a new era, and into the richness of an ever-unfolding covenant fulfillment. 

It’s the kind of trust that means stepping forward towards suffering and the cross, “not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us” (Evening Prayer, ELW page 317). As we travel God’s way, we will suffer - perhaps even in the darkest valley (Psalm 23:4), and we will feel forsaken (Psalm 22), but always glancing longingly at the hills, we will one day see the Messiah coming there, waiting to take our hands and to lead us the rest of the way into the new and eternal Jerusalem.

- Mark Spitzack

Special Congregation Meeting Set

Mount Olive’s Vestry has called a special Congregation Meeting to be held on Sunday, March 9, 2008, immediately following the 10:45 a.m. liturgy. Matters to be discussed will be limited to a capital campaign proposal and a case statement for modifications to our building and support of ministries. Look for more details soon!

Children’s Ministries Reminders

•  Bible memory verses for all to learn (adults can participate, too!) are being sent home with all of the children, and they are also posted on the Children’s Ministries bulletin board. Help yourself!
•  Be sure to pick up a Lent and Easter Kids Celebrate pamphlet for your child from the narthex.
• The Church School Choir sings at the 10:45 a.m. liturgy on February 24.
• The Church School children recently donated a total of $64 to the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria.

Update on Mount Olive’s Columbarium

All work on the Columbarium is complete at this time. It’s a beautiful and truly meaningful addition to our sanctuary. If you haven’t noticed, several of the stones have now been engraved with the names of those interred in that space. Since the Columbarium was completed, a total of sixteen spaces have been reserved. Many have asked for a specific niche in the Columbarium. At this time, it’s easy to accommodate those preferences. Forms for making a reservation are available in the rack beside the church office door. If you have questions about the Columbarium or about making a reservation, either Pastor Heisley or Art Halbardier are able to assist you.

Adult Education: February 13, 9:30 a.m.

In the Chapel Lounge: A continued discussion about the possibilities for a capital campaign, ministry support, and modifications to our building.
In the East Assembly Room: “Reading Matthew Together” (continuing)

A Minnesota Without Poverty

A Minnesota Without Poverty is an initiative sponsored by the six synods of the ELCA in Minnesota, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, and the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in MN. A legislative commission has also been established to end poverty by the year 2020.

The next metro gathering of A Minnesota Without Poverty will take place on Thursday, February 28, from 7-8:30 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (285 N. Dale St., St. Paul – located at I-94 and Dale St.).

Please come to this informative and lively gathering to learn how the ambitious goal of ending poverty can indeed become a reality.

Music for Lent

Mark your calendars for a special concert of Lenten Music for Organ and Jazz Piano, featuring Norwegian musician, Lars Gjerde.

The concert will take place at Mount Olive on Saturday afternoon March 15, 2008, at 4:00 p.m. There is no cost for this concert, but a freewill offering will be received. For information about Mr. Gjerde, visit www.larsgjerde.com.

+ Rest In Peace +

It has pleased almighty God to call to himself his servant, +Howard Royce+. Howard died on Ash Wednesday, February 6, following heart surgery. His funeral was held at Mount Olive on Monday, February 11.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him. May he and all the blessed dead, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

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