Mount Olive Church

The Olive Branch, 2/18/15

February 23, 2015 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on Worship

Growing up Catholic, Lent for me was always a time to “give something up.” Chocolate. Soda. TV. And on Fridays, meat, unless we forgot it was Friday, or forgot it was Lent. Still today, it doesn’t feel like Lent until I have put away the basket of candy that typically sits out in my office!

Giving up little things can seem trivial, but the ritual of abstaining from something that I usually do or consume without thinking about it served, and still serves, an important pur-pose for me. It sets Lent apart from ordinary time, inviting the question that echoes through the Jewish tradition of Passover, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” Why is Lent different from all other seasons?

Lent is a time to be aware of things that get in the way of my relationship with God. When I honestly pay attention, I can see how sometimes the silliest little
things, like a TV show or chocolate, can go from being a treat to enjoy to something that prevents me from being fully present to God and those around me. Lent invites us to set these things aside and trust in God, knowing we are God’s people.

Our Old Testament scripture readings during Lent call us to awareness of who we are as people of the covenant, as baptized children of God. After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising that God would never again flood the earth. God has promised to be faithful to us, even when we are not faithful. Our baptism is an outward sign of that unbreakable covenant.

Whether or not you, or I, choose to “give something up” this year, Lent is a season set apart for reflection. There are many ways for us to take that time at Mount Olive as a community. I look forward to seeing you here!

-Vicar Meagan McLaughlin

Sunday Readings

February 22, 2015: First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
I Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15

March 1, 2015:Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38

Sunday’s Adult Forum: February 22, 2015:
“Crossing the Threshold: Liturgy as Transformational Journey,” presented by Susan Palo Cherwien.

Lenten Devotional Book Available

The Grain of Wheat, Susan Cherwien’s new devotional booklet for Lent, is free and available at church. Pick one up for use during Lent!

Vestry Listening Sessions

This Sunday, Feb. 22, the Vestry Listening sessions continue. This is an opportunity for the congregation to discuss the Vision Expression statements introduced earlier this month. This week’s focus will be on Missions and Property. Following both the first and second liturgies, Judy Hinck (Missions) and Brenda Bartz (Property) will be available in the East and West Assembly rooms to hear your ideas on the work of their committees.

Grab your coffee and join the small group to talk. Each session will last 30-45 minutes, and you may move in and out as you wish.

Midweek Lenten Worship
Wednesdays, Feb. 25 – Mar. 25
• Noon: Holy Eucharist, followed by soup luncheon
• 7:00 pm: Evening Prayer, preceded by soup supper, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Meals for the Manuels

The Manuel family would like to thank everyone who signed up and brought us wonderful meals during Julie’s treatments. We know it wasn’t easy with construction, road closures, and parking restrictions on top of a very torn up street. It meant so much to us to have the help of a meal each week. We’d also like to thank all those who showed support with kind words, listening, and talking to us.

We are so thankful to be a part of the wonderful congregation that is called Mount Olive.

– Julie, Steve & Eric Manuel

Book Discussion Group Update

For the March 14 meeting we will discuss The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho; for April 11, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain; and for May 9, The Boat of Longing, by O. E. Rølvaag.

Thursday Evening Study Returns Feb. 26

Starting Feb. 26, the Thursday evening study will begin meeting again in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Not strictly a Bible study this time, Pr. Crippen will lead a four-week series studying “The Use of the Means of Grace,” our church’s 1991 statement on our sacramental practices. Presiding Bishop Eaton has asked all congregations to study and discuss this.

As always, there will be a light supper. If anyone wishes to provide the first week’s meal, please let Pr. Crippen know.

Granlund Exhibit at Mount Olive

Mount Olive is currently hosting an exhibit of sculptures by the famed artist, Paul Granlund. Beginning in mid-February and going through mid-April, the exhibit is sponsored by Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts.

Paul Granlund wanted his sculptures to be viewed and enjoyed from all angles and even touched. The exhibit will be on display in the Chapel Lounge and assembly areas. We encourage members to come and see it, and to invite guests to visit.

Soup-Makers Needed!

Soup makers are needed to provide soup and bread for our midweek Lenten meals. Soup and bread for the lunch following Wednesday midday Eucharist should feed 40-50 people, and for the supper before Wednesday Evening Prayer, we need soup and bread for about 15-20 people.

If you can help by signing up to bring a meal (or two!), the sign up chart is available at the serving window at coffee hour on Sundays.

Common Hope Vision Team 2016

Would you like to learn more about a Mount Olive Vision Team to visit Common Hope in Guatemala in 2016? We will be an intergenerational team of 10-12 people, high school age or older. Common Hope will ask what skills/talents our team brings and design our visit to use our gifts. We will learn and prepare. We will be gone for eight days. The cost is $800 plus airfare. Fund raising is an option. Mount Olive Missions Committee is committed to supporting the $4,000 program donation.

These dates are being considered: winter, possibly Jan.24-31, 2016; early summer, possibly June 19-26, 2016; and late summer, possibly July 31-Aug 7, 2016. We would like to decide by Easter.

Get your input registered! Fill out a yellow interest form and leave it in the church office or with an usher, talk to a member of the committee (Lisa Ruff, Mark Pipkorn, Paul Schadewald, Mike Edwins) or contact Judy Hinck at judyhinck@gmail.com or 612-824-4918. Do it today!

TRUST Youth: Empty Bowls

On Sunday February 8, TRUST Youth participated in painting bowls to be donated to the Empty Bowls Event to be held at a soup dinner in March. The youth went to Simply Jane’s Studio in S. Minneapolis where they had a lot of fun painting and having pizza. The Empty Bowls Event the youth donated their bowls to will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at the Hopkins Center for the Arts at 1111 Main Street, Hopkins. Hours are 11am to 7pm. The meal is a simple meal of soup and bread donated by local restaurants. Donations benefit ICA Food Shelf and ResourceWest.

Night On The Street

April 17-18 is the annual Night On The Street (NOTS) event that TRUST Youth have participated in in recent years.

Youth in grades 6-12 spend a night in a cardboard box at Plymouth Congregational Church. Participants have gained a unique understanding in the difficulties that homeless youth have in Minnesota.

Since Mount Olive Youth have participated, we have had very cold weather and also warmer weather with rain.

The youth eat a soup kitchen meal and get a snack from the Fishes and Loaves truck from St. Joan of Arc Church. Programming for the evening includes testimonials from previously homeless youth and workers who help the youth, and information about where to find help.

Donations for Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative will be received through April 16. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to this important work, please contact Eric or Julie Manuel.

From the Church Library

Approximately a month ago the Congregational Care Committee requested a list of books available in our library that might be useful for the “End of Life Concerns” seminar which was held at church on Saturday, February 7. A correlating display of the books listed has had a prominent place in our library since that time, but will remain available only one more Sunday. Because the full list is long, we are including here only the headings used for this list, which might help you know if something mentioned applies to you and your family at this time.

• Reflections on the Evening of Life
• Coping with Disabilities as We Age
• Living with a Life-Threatening Illness
• On Death and Dying
• Sorrow and Grief
• Widowhood
• The Bereaved Parent
• The Healing Power of Grief

This quote from Charles W. Eliot is appropriate for us to remember at all times: “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”

– Leanna Kloempken

JRLC Day On the Hill

Calling ALL people of faith! Consider participating in the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) Day on the Hill on March 10, from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the RiverCentre in St. Paul and the State Capital. This year’s theme is Dignity in Democracy.

Use your gift of citizenship to speak out for the needs of the most vulnerable in Minnesota and make a difference. The keynote speaker is Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Vice President for Catholic Relief Services. There will also be Issue Briefings and District Table strategy sessions before we shuttle via buses to the Capitol to meet with our elected officials. The Social Justice issues and background papers that people of faith will be invited to advocate for on March 10 can be found by visiting JRLC online at: http://www.jrlc.org/advocacy/legislative-goals.

Register by Feb. 20 at www.jrlc.org/register-day-on-the-hill and the cost is $30, which includes breakfast, lunch and resources (after Feb. 20 the cost is $40). There is a flyer posted at the church for you to look at also.

As an extra bonus to the day, arrangements have been made for the group from Mount Olive to meet with Mount Olive member, Senator John Marty in his office at the State Capitol. Contact Connie Marty if you want to be included in this opportunity: conniejmarty@gmail.com; 651-633-8934.

Brochures with more information about the event and important ways to contact your representatives are placed on the cabinet in the West Assembly area.

National Lutheran Choir Winter Concert:
“I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”

Saturday, February 28, 2015 – 7pm
Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 Fourth Ave., Anoka
Sunday, March 1, 2015 – 4pm
Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Ave. S., Minneapolis

Tickets: $25 for Adults; $23 for Seniors; $10 for Students (age 17 and under FREE!). For tickets or more information, visit www.NLCA.com. or call (888) 747-4589.

News from the Neighborhood
Anna Kingman

In effort to share in the relationships being built through our interaction in the neighborhood, we will hear from the people who find support, relief, and help through Mount Olive.

Profiles: Kenneth

Quite a few of the men that come in to seek help are recently out of prison and trying to gain back a normal, healthy life. Kenneth has known the church for a while even before serving his time. Now out, he lives at Volunteers of America on E. Lake St. and just got a job working at Goodwill collecting the donations and separating them. He came in the office with relief and excitement to be so close to becoming independent. He just needed work boots and a bus pass. He relies on VOA to keep him on track and has taken seriously his responsibility to be able to move on. I appreciated his confidence and positivity and sense of achievement he was exuding. Note: Minnesota recently passed a new expungement law that allows certain crimes on a record to be sealed, improving opportunities for employment. The Star Tribune article is posted downstairs or can be read at: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/289846451.html

Opportunities to BE involved:

• Register for early-bird rates for the JRLC Day on the Hill on March 10.

• Attend the Saturday March 14 presentation of “Bottom,” a student-written play on sex trafficking followed by a community discussion on our response at Minnehaha Academy (more info to come).

Getting to Know Our Neighbors

Part of sharing in community is understanding one another through language, culture, or experience.

You may have noticed that in the Muslim community there are many men named Abdi. “Abdi” means “slave.”

In the religious sense, “Islam” means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law. Allah is known to have 99 different names (i.e. kind, merciful, almighty). Abdi is usually accompanied by one of these names so: Abdi Kareem means “slave – kind.”

Now you know a little more!

The Cold Weather Continues …

…and so does the need for hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and coats.

Please bring new and gently used cold weather gear to church for distribution to those who need them most. These items may be brought to the designated area in the coat room at Mount Olive.

We will continue to collect these items as long as the weather remains cold.

Thanks for whatever help you can offer.

End of Life Decisions: The conversation continues – – –

Forty people attended the February 7 workshop on End of Life Decisions, which followed the forum presentation the previous Sunday by Pastor Crippen. (View at http://youtu.be/npRfQf8TTJg). Thanks to Pastor Crippen, Rob Ruff, and Kathy Thurston for presentations helpful in looking at how we as people of faith approach our deaths and the deaths of our loved ones.

Health Care Directives served as a focal point for discussion and stimulated thinking about how such tools are not only helpful but also essential in making our wishes known to others about critical end of life decisions. A tentative workshop is being planned for Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 AM – noon to specifically address the Honoring Choices Health Care directive. How do we know what we want and what are the options? How and with whom do we have the conversation with? These and other questions will be discussed. Help with completing the form will be available, as well as a notary to finalize any documents that are completed on that date.

Scheduling this workshop is dependent upon the demand for it. If you would like to participate, please let Marilyn Gebauer or the church office know in advance. You can contact Marilyn at 612-306 -8872 or gebauevm@bitstream.net, or the church office at (612) 827-5919.
Some of the suggestions made for follow-up workshops include:

Estate planning – with or without an agent
Funeral planning – burial rites, “green funerals,” the Columbarium
Writing a will
Assisted suicide – ethical and faith considerations
Establishing a volunteer group at MO to serve as healthcare proxies for fellow members who are without close family, friends, etc.
Near death experience

The Olive Branch, 2/11/15

February 11, 2015 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on Worship

Extra Time

I was talking to someone about our Eucharist February 2 on the feast of the Presentation. He said, “I don’t do the extra ones, only Sundays.” This is not uncommon. We had 35 at that Eucharist, far from our usual Sunday crowd. But the comment was intriguing.

Sunday is Transfiguration, so we are on the cusp of our season of “extra” liturgies. Ash Wednesday is next week, Eucharist at noon and 7:00 p.m. Noon Eucharist and 7:00 p.m. Vespers for the next five Wednesdays after. In the six days between the two liturgies on Passion Sunday and the two liturgies on Easter Sunday we will have eight additional liturgies.

I love this time of “extras,” Lent through Holy Week. That’s the truth I want to share. I was standing at the altar on that Monday, Feb. 2, having just veiled the elements after sharing Christ’s Body and Blood as a people of God, and I was filled with a sense of joy and peace, and the thought, “There is nowhere else I’d rather be right now than right here, with these people, having Eucharist.” This sense comes to me almost every time at our “extra” liturgies.

It wasn’t that on February 2 I absolutely felt a need to celebrate Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, to hear Simeon’s song, though that is worthy. The joy was that a group of us were able to gather together once more before the altar, pray, listen, sing, eat, rejoice, and be together in the love of God. That we took time in the middle of our lives to come together around Word and Table, that this was where we needed to be. That’s why I love the “extras.”

They’re coming fast and thick starting next week, these “extras,” thanks be to God. Thank you, too, for being a place where we can come together any time of the week for the grace of God’s presence, and the blessing of our life together as Christ’s Body. Most days there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.

Joseph

Sunday Readings

February 15, 2015: Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
______________________

February 22, 2015: First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
I Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15

Sunday’s Adult Forum
February 15, 2015:
“Bach’s Cantata 23, The Opening of an Era,” an audio/visual presentation by Art Halbardier, in anticipation of the Cantata Vespers Sunday afternoon by Mount Olive Cantorei, soloists and orchestra.

Bach Vespers This Sunday

Sunday, February 15, 4:00 pm
Bach Vespers, with Cantata 23, Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn

Mount Olive Cantorei and Bach Ensemble; David Cherwien, Conductor

This event is sponsored by Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts.

Thursday Evening Study Returns February 26

Starting February 26 the Thursday evening study will begin meeting again in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Not strictly a Bible study this time, Pr. Crippen will lead a five week series studying “The Use of the Means of Grace,” our church’s 1991 statement on our sacramental practices. Presiding Bishop Eaton has asked all congregations to study and discuss this.

As always, there will be a light supper. If anyone wishes to provide the first week’s meal, please let Pr. Crippen know.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

For their meeting February 14, the Book Discussion Group will read Wise Blood, by Flannery O’Connor. For their meeting on March 14, they will read The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho.

Attention, Mount Olive Worship Assistants!

The Servant Schedule for the second quarter of 2015 (April-June) will be published at the beginning of March 2015. The deadline for submitting requests to me is February 15, 2015.
Please email your requests to me at peggyrf70@gmail.com. Thanks!

– Peggy Hoeft

Lent Begins.
Ash Wednesday, February 18
Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at Noon & 7:00 p.m
All are welcome.

An Evening with Donald Jackson

Concordia University St. Paul invites all to a rare U.S. speaking engagement by Donald Jackson, renowned British calligrapher, illuminator, and artistic director of The Saint John’s Bible. This event will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2015, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. at Buetow Music Auditorium, Concordia University St. Paul, 1282 Concordia Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104.
This event is free and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

Choral Music Fans, Take Note!

The St. Olaf Choir (Northfield, MN) will present a concert at Orchestra Hall (1111 Nicollet Mall)
this Sunday, Feb. 15, at 3:00 p.m. Ticket information is available at www.orchestrahall.com

The Concordia Choir (Moorhead, MN) will present a concert at Roseville Lutheran Church, 1215 Roselawn Ave. W., Roseville, on Sunday, March 7 at 7:30 pm. Ticket information is available at concordiatickets.com, or at the door.

Vestry Listening Sessions

This Sunday, Feb. 15, will be our first Listening session, an opportunity for the congregation to discuss the Vision Expression statements introduced earlier this month. This week’s focus will be on Evangelism.

Following both the first and second liturgies, Andrew Andersen (Director of Evangelism) will be available in the East and West Assembly rooms to hear your ideas on his committee’s work.

Grab your coffee and join the small group to talk. Each session will last 30-45 minutes, and you may move in and out as you wish.

Common Hope Vision Team 2016

Many thanks to all who helped with Taste of Guatemala last Sunday. Keep learning about the two ways that you can become more involved in our partnership with Common Hope: sponsorship of a student and joining a vision team. Brochures on both are available.

Cost: $800 plus airfare. Fund raising is possible. Mount Olive Global Mission Committee is committed to supporting the $4,000 program donation.

These dates are being considered: winter, possibly Jan.24-31, 2016; early summer, possibly June 19-26, 2016; and late summer, possibly July 31-Aug 7, 2016. We would like to decide by Easter.

Granlund Exhibit at Mount Olive

Mount Olive will host an exhibit of sculptures by the famed artist, Paul Granlund, beginning in mid-February and going through mid-April. The exhibit is sponsored by Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts program.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Bring Your Palms!

The Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held this Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 6:45 pm. Everyone is invited for an evening of pancakes and fun! At 6:45 pm we will observe the burning of the palms for the Ash Wednesday ashes.

Bring your dried palms from last Palm Sunday and leave them in the basket in the narthex. They will be burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday liturgies.

JRLC Day On the Hill

Calling ALL people of faith! Consider participating in the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) Day on the Hill on March 10, from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the RiverCentre in St. Paul and the State Capital. This year’s theme is Dignity in Democracy.

Brochures with more information about the event and important ways to contact your representatives are placed on the cabinet in the West Assembly area.

National Lutheran Choir Winter Concert

NLC’s Winter Concert, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” will be presented February 28 and March 1, 2015.

So much of the world’s powerful choral music has emerged from peoples caged and hemmed-in by oppression. These works endure over centuries and across oceans to shine light on the human condition and pronounce the power of hope, and that is what you’ll experience during these special performances: hope.

• Saturday, February 28, 2015 – 7pm
Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 Fourth Avenue, Anoka

• Sunday, March 1, 2015 – 4pm
Woodlake Lutheran Church, 7525 Oliver Avenue South, Minneapolis

Tickets: $25 Adult – $23 Senior – $10 Student – 17 and under FREE.

To purchase tickets or for more information about these concerts, please call (888) 747-4589 or visit www.nlca.com.

News from the Neighborhood

Anna Kingman

In effort to share in the relationships being built through our interaction in the neighborhood, we will hear from the people who find support, relief, and help through Mount Olive.

Profiles: Yourself.

The message that has been most prominent throughout this week is the value and importance taking care of ourselves in order to take care of one another. Through many avenues, God has been gently nudging me (and others I believe) to stop, slow down, and take time to nourish my own spirit so that I even more capable of showing grace and love to others. Our benefits provider, Portico, is promoting the discipline of stillness. My friend recommended a podcast from Thich Nhat Hanh, a zen Buddhist monk and peace activist speaking on awareness and being present. Last night I read a TED interview titled, “Want to be happy? Slow down” with monk Matthieu Ricard and journalist Pico Iyer. Matthieu said, “Stillness is to avoid the chaotic aspect of the mind, and then you can deal with thoughts and emotions, or sometimes you just sit or rest in that pure awareness. That’s a place of immense peace.” We, too, are members of this neighborhood that need care and give care – what better to offer than our own peace so that we can notice beauty or hurt or joy or need around us.

There is so much cool stuff happening in this area and in Minneapolis -so much to try to do and be. But the messages that I’m hearing right now are ones to be calm, be patient, be quiet, so that we can actually hear and respond when we are called. Peace to you and your mind.
(For info on these articles or TED Talks, feel free to email neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org or call at 612.827.5919 x14).

Getting to Know Our Neighbors

Part of sharing in community is understanding one another through language, culture, or experience. As we explore our community and get to know our neighbors, let’s continue with some helpful language lessons.

English: ‘Excuse me’
Spanish: ‘Permiso’ (Pear-mee-soh)

Review: ‘Have a nice day’ Spanish: ‘Tenga un buen dia’ (Ten-gah oon bu-eyn dee-yah)

Go out and be fearlessly friendly folks!

Opportunities to BE involved:

Invite friends and neighbors for pancakes and service on Shrove Tuesday!

Pancakes are a GREAT way to invite someone to share a meal and a meaningful (brief) service. Also, be mindful this week and take any opportunities for stillness as if it were food for your brain.

The Olive Branch, 2/4/15

February 5, 2015 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on Worship

Why assemble for liturgy?

In two short weeks we embark on our Lenten journey. In addition to our regular assemblies for Holy Eucharist on Sundays, we add Evening Prayer on Wednesdays, and during Holy Week (March 29-April 5) there are daily assemblies for prayer, and of course the Three Days (Triduum) with their intense focus.

Why?

Of course there are the almost obvious reasons we know and have rehearsed: Because God is central to our lives. As a community of faith, we gather regularly. As we do, we expect to participate in praise, prayer, to be challenged by God’s Word, strengthened by the meal, and sent. The season of Lent is a time where we renew our lives in Christ – recommitting to our Baptismal identity as God’s chosen. The word “discipline” gets used for the season as if a negative. I like to link the word “disciple” to that word – and ask, “What does it mean to be a disciple?”

The Wednesday Evening Prayer services are an opportunity to be reminded mid-week whose we are, to rejuvenate our efforts and focus (discipline?) of the season. Holy Week is a time when we reverse the norm: Rather than being mostly in the world and here one day, we are mostly HERE every day around this central story of Christ’s death and resurrection.

But consider the following aspect. Your presence may be what SOMEONE ELSE needs. By your being there, someone else may be drawn into participation where they may not otherwise. What do people see in our participation when they decide to be among the assembly – perhaps for the first time? Smaller gatherings especially need folks willing to carry a bit of extra weight to insure we don’t sound like an uninterested group of mumbling worshipers.

The smaller the gathering, the more stepping out with more full responses is needed! “Amen” or “Thanks be to God” – speak up!!! Sing out!! Most are a little uncomfortable singing in public, the smaller the gathering the more exposed it may feel – but if there are those here singing out (even if a few, or even one: YOU!), it’s much easier for others to enter in. Maybe they can’t sing for whatever reason – then we need to sing FOR them.

I have had too many experiences being a part of assemblies where people are afraid to sing out or speak out. It’s difficult for me to enter in, and frankly, that situation is a bit unfortunate. Smaller shouldn’t mean softer responses and singing. Just fewer in number.

Be brave. Be here. Sing and speak out. Don’t mumble.

After all – many are watching – including God. Let your inner glow be known!

-Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

February 8, 2015: 5th Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11
I Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
______________________

February 15, 2015: Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

Sunday’s Adult Forum: February 8, 2015

“A Taste of Guatemala: Celebrating our Partnership with Common Hope,” sponsored by the
Mount Olive Missions Committee

End of Life Planning: Join the Conversation

• This Saturday, February 7: 9-Noon at Mount Olive – Mount Olive members Kathy Thurston and Rob Ruff will present perspectives and direction on end- of -life planning including the POLST and Honoring Choices Advance Directive.

This workshop is a follow-up to last Sunday’s Adult Forum (2/1) presentation by Pastor Crippen on this topic. The presentation was recorded by Paul Nixdorf and can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/npRfQf8TTJg

Registration for Saturday is not required, but if you know you are coming, a call or email to the church office or Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872, gebauevm@bitstream.net) helps us have enough handouts available. Friends and family welcome.

Feel free to stay for lunch. The Community Meal will be served at noon in the lower level.

More Helping Hands Are Needed to Feed the Homeless

Members of Mount Olive provide the evening meal at Our Saviour’s Shelter the second Sunday of every month. This important ministry meets a real need right in our own neighborhood. You can serve in these ways:

Food preparation – We’ll cook the meal in our kitchen Sunday afternoon.
Food transportation – We will bring the food eight blocks north to the shelter.
Serving – We’ll meet the residents as we serve the meal to them.

You can find the sign-up sheet for 2015 in the East Assembly Room, near the Sunday coffee. Come and be part of this chance to help. Questions? See Elaine Halbardier or Connie Olson.

Common Hope and Taste of Guatemala at Mount Olive to be Held This Sunday, February 8

What is Mount Olive’s support of Common Hope in Guatemala all about? We learned about this organization through Lisa and Mark Ruff and their family, and we were impressed with the focus on education and community development. We could see that we could learn much and could contribute much. Here’s an introduction for you.

Common Hope promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of develop-ment to improve their lives through education, health care, and housing. Serving Guatemala since 1986.

• We EDUCATE children and help them graduate from primary and secondary school, and some continue on to college.
• We PARTNER with local schools to help them reach new standards of excellence.
• We TREAT illnesses and TEACH parents how to prevent them so that their families live healthier lives.
• We help parents BUILD houses so that their families have clean, dry, and safe places to live.

Keep Us in the Loop!

Have you moved? Are you moving? Dump your land line or get a new phone number or email address?

Please be sure to let us know so that we can update your information and keep YOU in the loop!

It’s an Open House!

All are cordially invited to an open house at the new home of Art and Dorothy Gaard.

The open house will be held this Sunday, February 8, from 2-4 pm at 502 Lynnhurst Ave. E., Apt 407, St. Paul, MN 55104.

The Gaards will celebrate their “126th anniversary” ( 63 years for Art and 63 years for Dorothy). The afternoon will also include a house blessing.

Call the Gaards (651-457-5736) with any questions you may have about parking or finding their new home.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Bring Your Palms!

The Shrove Tuesday pancake supper will be held on Tuesday, February 17, from 6 to 6:45 pm. Everyone is invited for an evening of pancakes and fun! At 6:45 pm we will observe the burning of the palms for the Ash Wednesday ashes.

Bring your dried palms from last Palm Sunday and leave them in the basket in the narthex. They will be burned to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday liturgies.

This event is free and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

Lent Begins
Ash Wednesday, February 18
Holy Eucharist with the Imposition of Ashes at Noon & 7:00 p.m.
All are welcome.

A Reminder About Parking at Church

All who come to Mount Olive (for Sunday worship particularly) are asked to reserve the handicapped parking places in the north lot for those who need them (and there are several who do need them!) Also, please remember that the spaces with diagonal stripes near the sidewalk are to be left open so that those who park in the adjacent spot can actually get out of their cars to come in to church.

Thanks for doing what you can to make things as easy as possible for everyone who comes to Mount Olive.

Bach Vespers at Mount Olive

Sunday, February 15, 4:00 pm
Bach Vespers, with Cantata 23, Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn
Mount Olive Cantorei and Bach Ensemble; David Cherwien, Conductor
This event is sponsored by Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts.

Vision Expression

Vestry members will host Listening Sessions on five consecutive Sundays, beginning on Feb. 15. These events are designed to be an opportunity to give and receive feedback on the Vision Expression document which was presented after liturgy on Sunday, January 25. Copies of this document are available in the church office.

Watch for these sessions and attend as many as you wish.

On March 22, we will have a larger congregational update for everyone.

News from the Neighborhood
Anna Kingman

In effort to share in the relationships being built through our interaction in the neighborhood, we will hear from the people who find support, relief, and help through Mount Olive.

Profiles: Writings from Rodney
I introduced you to Rodney a few weeks ago and many more have had the pleasure of meeting him at church. Rodney has a very interesting, difficult story, but throughout his trials he has developed a talent and interest in writing. He believes this is a gift from God as a method to share with others. Here is a short excerpt from #84, Fare for Fair, of a collection of 128 writings. Full copies of some writings may be found on the new cabinet on the south wall of the West Assembly area.

“The heart has the ability to heal, endure, satisfy, gratify, love overcome, ease pain, bear with, care, share, see, touch, smell, here, taste, delight, desire, retrieve, forgive, calm, war, sense, determine, change, pretend, understand, and smile just to name the minimal. The abilities of the heart know no bounds and are without measure. Yes, who can search the heart of man? God, and whomever he elects to gift that ability to. Everything imaginable and even that which is unimaginable lies within the heart…”

Opportunities to BE involved: Tuesday Night Tutoring – it’s a blast!

We have a weekly Tuesday night tutoring program from 7:00pm-8:30pm. There are great kids involved and we try to keep it to a one-to-one ratio to really build relationships and be mentors to these young students. It’s an hour of tutoring and a group activity with a snack and will be the highlight of your week!

If you are able or interested in helping for an evening or learning more please contact Anna at: neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org.

English: ‘Have a nice day’ Spanish: ‘Tenga un buen dia’ (Ten-gah oon bu-eyn dee-yah)

Review: ‘Welcome’ Spanish: ‘Bienvenidos’ (bee-en-ven-ee-dos)

Go out and be fearlessly friendly folks!

Mittens and Scarves and Hats – Oh, My!

As long as the weather stays cold, warm clothes are still needed!

Please continue to donate mittens, scarves, coats, hats, and gloves to the box near the coat room. They will be given away at the Community Meals as the cold weather demands.

Thank you!

The Olive Branch, 1/28/15

January 28, 2015 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on Worship

On days when I need a new perspective (which is most days) I reach for Oswald Chambers’ popular devotional, My Utmost for His Highest. After searching for inspiration not found in a gray Minnesota sky, and after waiting for my caffeine to kick in so I could think of something coherent to write to you, I was pleased when today’s message from Oswald started with, “A simple statement of Jesus is always a puzzle for us because we will not be simple.” Oh Oswald, that happens to you too?

We’re in the midst of a very rich time in the life of Mount Olive. The sharing of the expression of Vision with the congregation is a beautiful, challenging season of reflection, anticipation, and work. As I consider my role within this vision, both from my position on staff and my role as a member, I’m finding myself twisting around corners and chasing the rabbit deeper and deeper with self-inflicted complication. As encouraging and supportive as this community can be, that doesn’t always save one from one’s self. In steps Oswald today to bring simplicity and calm.

Micah was doing the same in chapter 6:1-8 when he told the people to remember their journey, remember God’s blessings on them, and then simplified the pending question of “with what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted?” No burnt offerings, no rams, olive oil or first born sons. Instead, the generous answer of “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Easy, right? So why do I complicate it?

I’m very excited about what is to come. There is so much potential circulating within the people of this church and good work already being done. I am wary to share my struggle so openly – that I can get a little over-zealous on the ‘do’ nature and let that pressure complicate my ability to see the truth of the Lord’s Word and allow it to free me rather than bind me. But I trust that God is working, putting words and people around me to uplift and inspire (thanks Oswald!), and hopefully, I am helping do the same for you as well as we live together – in the presence of God. Being the presence of God.

– Anna Kingman

Sunday Readings

February 1, 2015: 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
I Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
______________________

February 8, 2015: 5th Sunday after Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
I Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

Sunday’s Adult Forum: February 1, 2015

“End of Life Decisions,” a presentation by the Congregational Care Committee

Can You Help?

If you love food, good conversation, and have a compassion for caring, this opportunity may be for you!

This past year Mount Olive members have been amazingly responsive to several calls to help families within our congregation by supplying meals and also offering support and encouragement as needed. In doing so, it has become increasingly clear that others among us have similar needs that may be going unrecognized.

Mount Olive’s Congregational Care Committee wants to help what has been a “naturally occurring experience” become more inclusive and available to all of its members. The goal is to increase awareness and responsiveness to needs such as:

• A new baby in the family. A few starter meals can ease the adjustment.
• A spouse suddenly alone. A meal, coffee or lunch out, and/or companionship can ease the loneliness.
• An unexpected illness in the family. Meals to drop off or share, and perhaps provide a needed break for caregivers.
• The loss of job and income. Meals, a listening ear, and supportive conversation to lessen feelings of discouragement.
• A single person experiencing a significant life change. Help with meals, transportation, etc. to support continued independence.

How will this work? The hope is to develop a list of people who would be willing to bring a meal, take someone out for lunch, and to participate in the sharing of food and conversation. Think about it! The opportunities are wide open.

Are you ready to give it a trial run? A recently widowed member has had friends and relatives present after the death of a spouse. These people have now returned to their homes. Before leaving, however, and in recognition of how difficult the loneliness will be, family members have asked if the Mount Olive family can step in a few times a week to bring a meal and share in conversation.
Can you help? Please call or email Marilyn Gebauer (phone: 612-306-8872, email: gebauevm@bitstream.net).

Paying Attention

Recently personal items of value belonging to Mount Olive folk were taken from public areas of the church building during Sunday liturgy. It has been several years since we have had a similar occurrence.

Because of the open nature of the building it is not always possible to know who is coming and going from the building.

All of us can help prevent future problems by: 1) greeting and welcoming persons who are unfamiliar to you and ask if they need assistance or directions. Our hospitality helps us get to know folks who come among us, and will help with things like this as well; 2) keeping personal valuables, e.g. purses, com-puters, phones, car keys, and brief cases with you or locked away; and 3) notifying staff, ushers, or vestry members if you observe suspicious activities.

You can find the sign-up sheet for 2015 in the East Assembly Room, near the Sunday coffee. Come and be part of this chance to help. Questions? See Elaine Halbardier or Connie Olson.

The Presentation of Our Lord
Monday, February 2
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

All are welcome.

This event is free and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

Common Hope and Taste of Guatemala at Mount Olive – February 8

Here’s why I’m excited about Common Hope:
• CH has a deep respect for the Guatemalan people;
• CH offers us a way to learn and serve;
• CH starts with hope and joy;
• CH offers different levels of involvement, from the congregational level to personal sponsorship to the experiential;
• I’m excited about the possibility of being on a Mount Olive Vision Team to Guatemala to learn and offer more;
• CH is honest, effective, innovative and reflective.

You are invited to join in celebrating and supporting our partnership with Common Hope at the education hour and luncheon on February 8.

-Judy Hinck, Missions Committee

A Word About Parking

All who come to Mount Olive (for Sunday worship particularly) are asked to reserve the handicapped parking places in the north lot for those who need them (and there are several who do need them!) Also, please remember that the spaces with diagonal stripes near the sidewalk are to be left open so that those who park in the adjacent spot can actually get out of their cars to come in to church.

Thanks for doing what you can to make things as easy as possible for everyone who comes to Mount Olive.

End of Life Planning: Join the Conversation

• This Sunday, February 1: 9:30 am – Adult Forum on End-of-Life planning with Pr. Crippen

• Saturday, February 7: 9-Noon at Mount Olive – Kathy Thurston and Rob Ruff will present perspectives and direction on end- of -life planning including the POLST and Honoring Choices Advance Directive.

Start the conversation and gather resources so that you can prepare or review your own Advance Directive.
What should I know about health care directives?
• All individuals ages 18 and older should have a health care directive to appoint an agent and address basic quality of life and medical questions.
• The directive is a “living document”. It should be updated as life circumstances change and when any of the “Five Ds” occur: Decade; Death of a loved one; Divorce; Diagnosis; Decline.
• A health care directive is a legal document which serves as the basis for medical decision making.
• A copy of your health care directive should be shared with your agent (surrogate), family, loved ones, and health care and long term care providers.
• A health care directive can be changed as you grow older or as your life circumstances change. Always share any changes with your health care agent, family and health care providers. Destroy old copies that are no longer valid.

WHO – me? This event is open to all, including spouses, parents, adult children, caregivers and friends. Even if immediate life changes are not evident now, they can happen surprisingly quickly. If you wish an invitation be sent to someone who will not see the Olive Branch notifications, let the church office (612-827-5919) know.

Registration – Not necessary, BUT if you plan to attend, a call to the church office or Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872) will help in planning for enough handouts and refreshments.

Bach Vespers at Mount Olive
Sunday, February 15, 4:00 pm
Bach Vespers, with Cantata 23, Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn
Mount Olive Cantorei and Bach Ensemble; David Cherwien, Conductor
This event is sponsored by Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts.

Vision Expression

Thank you to the 90-plus people who attended the congregational event on Sunday, Jan. 25. It was a great opportunity to “dive” into the Vision Expression document.

As a reminder of the next steps in this process, this is what is coming up in the next few weeks.

Vestry members will host “Listening Posts” on five consecutive Sundays, beginning on Feb. 15. Watch for schedule and attend as many as you wish.

On March 22, we will have a larger congregational update for everyone.

News from the Neighborhood
Anna Kingman

In effort to share in the relationships being built through our interaction in the neighborhood, we will hear from the people who find support, relief, and help through Mount Olive.

Profiles: Let’s call him … David.

When David came to the office he had just spent this night sleeping in an open closet on a porch after getting kicked out of his rehab housing for starting a fight. He’s burnt all of his contacts and friends and has nowhere to turn, not even family. In the chaos he lost his wallet that held his birth certificate and social security card which he used for ID rather than a state license. Recently out of jail, David has no established home and no address.

Recovering such important documents is very difficult without having other important documents (also lost), and complicated when you have no address to mail them to anyways. David came in stressed, panicked, and option-less. Here, he was able to just sit, vent, and we came up with a plan. His most important priority was getting his phone reactivated so that he could start to work things out.

So that’s what we did. Over and over he said thank you and that no one had ever helped him out like this. He came back the next day with registrations for the documents he needed and a plan for what to do next. I gave him a meal from our church food shelf stash and off he went to keep pulling the strings of his life back together. I made sure that he knows that here he has a place if he needs it.

Thank you for your support!

There was a generous out-pouring of diaper support – thank you to those who could put that Target deal to use! I didn’t have to go buy diapers at all last week!

The Diaper Depot is open Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm, and Thursdays from 1:30-3:30pm. If you are able or interested in helping for an evening or learning more, please contact Anna: neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org

Keep Us in the Loop!

Have you moved? Are you moving? Dump your land line or get a new phone number or email address?

Please be sure to let us know so that we can update your information and keep YOU in the loop!

Church Library News
Stop in the Mount Olive library soon to see the displays there for your inspiration, enjoyment, and/or helpful assistance. The smaller display, across from the checkout desk, includes:
• The Touch of the Earth, by Jean Hersey
• Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul (101 stories to open the heart and rekindle your spirit), by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and others
• Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul (101 stories to open the hearts and rekindle the spirits of women), by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and others
• Put on a Happy Faith, by Cecil B. Murphy
• Give Happiness a Chance, by Phil Bosmans
• Parables for the Present, by Christine Fleming Heffner
• In Clover, by Myra Scovel
• Small Blessings, by Celestine Sibley
• A Touch of Greatness, by Harold E. Kohn
• All Rivers Run to the Sea (a book of reflection and renewal by the author of Think on These Things), by Joyce Hifler

The second and larger display is one requested by the Congregational Care committee of our church and has to do with end-of-life concerns, which will be a topic for the forum on Sunday, with another part of that seminar to be held on Saturday, February 7. A booklist has been prepared of some of the resources in our library surrounding this topic. Please stop in the library soon to ascertain what might be helpful to your family now or in the future. If you don’t happen to receive this booklist in the next two events mentioned, stop in and ask the librarian-on-duty for a copy.

An interesting article from the Star Tribune in the fall of 2013 told the story of Katherine Powers, daughter of distinguished Minnesota writer J. F. Powers, a teacher at St. John’s University, and the first Minnesota author to win a National Book Award in fiction, who decided to publish some of his letters herself. However, after trying to donate a copy of that book to her own public library system in Cambridge, Mass. she found they appreciated her offer but rejected it, nevertheless. It’s interesting to note that our own Hennepin County Library system has six copies of that book in the collection, and at the time of the article, nineteen people waiting to read it. The Ramsey County Library system also has this book and continues to get recommendations and requests to read it nearly every month.
A quote worth repeating: “Without the love of books the richest man is poor; but endowed with this treasure, the poorest man is rich” (Leon Gullerman).

– Leanna Kloempken

The Olive Branch, 1/21/15

January 20, 2015 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on worship

“In the presence of God. Being the presence of God.” These words expressing the vision of Mount Olive’s next years have been rolling around in my head the last few days. “In the presence of God” calls me to be aware of how God is at work all around me. Like a mantra, it washes over me, re-minding me that God is present, in the midst of phone calls, e-mails, meetings, and even Accent-article-writing. I am always “in the presence of God.”

Saul walked the road to Damascus, and found himself in the presence of God, and he was never the same. Those Saul once persecuted were astonished at the change. Being in the pre-sence of God transformed Saul into the presence of God for those around him.

Saul didn’t plan this. He thought he knew what he was called to do—protect the faith he loved and cherished from anyone who would threaten it. Saul was doing just that when the presence of God over-whelmed him, and he realized he had been wrong. He let go of his own plans and beliefs, and allowed God to guide him, his physical blindness an outward sign of his need for God’s help. He became the presence of God for those around him, and was willing to go where he did not want to go, even to death.

“Being the presence of God” is both an invitation and a challenge. And when I think about it, it raises far more questions than answers. And that scares me, because it means acknowledging my own blindness to how to live out this call. But then, I am always in the presence of God, who will show me the way. And so I ponder . . . What does it mean to be the presence of God? How can I live this out in my family? My neighborhood? In my work at Mount Olive?

– Vicar Meagan McLaughlin

Sunday Readings

January 25, 2015: Conversion of St. Paul
Acts 9:1-22
Psalm 67
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 21:10-19
______________________

February 1, 2015: 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
I Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28

Sunday’s Adult Forum
January 25, 2015:
Thomas Merton: A Film
On the occasion of Thomas Merton’s
100th birthday.

The Presentation of Our Lord
Monday, February 2
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.
All are welcome.

Congregation Visioning Event to be Held This Sunday

A congregational event to unveil the work of the Visioning Lead team will be held this Sunday, January 26, after the second liturgy. We will review the material that the committee has written and begin to plan how all of us will bring that work to life.

By now you should have received in the mail a copy of the Visioning Team’s “expression of vision” (as well as your annual contribution statement). Please take a moment to review this important information from the Visioning Team before this event.

A light lunch will be served, and activities to occupy the kids are being planned. We know your time is valuable, so including lunch we’ll be here no more than an hour and a half. Please come! We need everyone’s voices to be heard!

RIC Festival Service to be Held This Saturday, January 24, 2015, 4:00 p.m.*

This annual service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 North Dale Street, St. Paul, MN 55103. Rev. Jim Erlandson will preside, and Rev. Bradley Schmeling will preach.
A soup supper follows the service.

* please note change new service time!

Centering Prayer Continues

Wednesday evenings
at 6:15 p.m.

No more snow this winter?

Wishful thinking on my part?

Our sexton, William, is doing a great job of keeping the sidewalks clear for us this winter season. However, if we get hit with a major snow event yet this year, it would be helpful to have a list of volunteers who would be willing to lend a hand and shovel if needed. If you feel so inclined, please call the office or email me with your name and contact number. We’ll prepare a call down list that William can use if necessary.

Thanks for your consideration!

– Brenda Bartz,
Property Director

You can find the sign-up sheet for 2015 in the East Assembly Room, near the Sunday coffee. Come and be part of this chance to help. Questions? See Elaine Halbardier or Connie Olson.

Heaven and Earth in Little Space
A Hymn Festival with David and Susan Palo Cherwien

Sunday, January 25, 4 pm
The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
3115 Victoria St. N., Roseville, MN

Free and open to the public – all are welcome!

This event is free and seating will be on a first come first served basis.

Common Hope and Taste of Guatemala at Mount Olive – February 8

What is Mount Olive’s support of Common Hope in Guatemala all about?

We learned about this organization through Lisa and Mark Ruff and their family, and we were impressed with the focus on education and community development. We could see that we could learn much and could contribute much. Here’s an introduction for you.

Common Hope promotes hope and opportunity in Guatemala, partnering with children, families, and communities who want to participate in a process of development to improve their lives through education, health care, and housing. Serving Guatemala since 1986.

The Ghosts of Jehu: A Documentary Film

St. Joan of Arc/WAMM Peacemakers will sponsor the viewing of The Ghosts of Jehu on Thursday, January 29, 7:00 pm, at Hospitality Hall, St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis. All are invited.

This documentary film describes the non-violent resistance by residents of a small village on Jeju Island, South Korea, to their government’s construction of a gigantic naval base on the island. The film also describes the effect the base would have on the environment and the traditional culture and livelihood of the villagers who live there. It links the resistance today to the resistance of the peasants to U.S. and South Korean military domination following World War II.

The resistance effort has the support of many Korean and global peace and justice organizations and Christian groups, particularly the Catholic Church.

The base also represents a major expansion of American militarism in that region, the so-called “Pivot to Asia.”

End of Life Planning: Join the Conversation

• Sunday, February 1: 9:30 am – Adult Forum on End-of-Life planning with Pr. Crippen
• Saturday, February 7: 9-Noon at Mount Olive – Kathy Thurston and Rob Ruff will present perspectives and direction on end- of -life planning including the POLST and Honoring Choices Advance Directive.

Start the conversation and gather resources so that you can prepare or review your own Advance Directive.

What should I know about health care directives?

• All individuals ages 18 and older should have a health care directive to appoint an agent and address basic quality of life and medical questions.
• The directive is a “living document”. It should be updated as life circumstances change and when any of the “Five Ds” occur: Decade; Death of a loved one; Divorce; Diagnosis; Decline.
• A health care directive is a legal document which serves as the basis for medical decision making.
• A copy of your health care directive should be shared with your agent (surrogate), family, loved ones, and health care and long term care providers.
• A health care directive can be changed as you grow older or as your life circumstances change. Always share any changes with your health care agent, family and health care providers. Destroy old copies that are no longer valid.

Registration – Not necessary, BUT if you plan to attend, a call to the church office or Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872) will help in planning for enough handouts and refreshments.

Bach Vespers at Mount Olive
Sunday, February 15, 4:00 pm
Bach Vespers, with Cantata 23, Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn
Mount Olive Cantorei and Bach Ensemble; David Cherwien, Conductor

On the Sunday before Lent, February 7, 1723, J.S. Bach was invited to perform a cantata of his own composition as part of his audition for the post of Cantor at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. Bach actually prepared two cantatas for that day, one of which will be heard in this Service of Evening Prayer, Du wahrer Gott und Davids Sohn.

This event is sponsored by Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts.

Keep Us in the Loop!

Have you moved? Are you moving? Dump your land line or get a new phone number or email address?

Please be sure to let us know so that we can update your information and keep YOU in the loop!

News from the Neighborhood
Anna Kingman

In effort to share in the relationships being built through our interaction in the neighborhood, we will hear from the people who find support, relief, and help through Mount Olive.

Profiles: Rodney
Some of you had the opportunity to meet Rodney last Sunday as he visited church. He’s a writer, poet, philosopher, neighbor, ex-convict, orphan, and entrepreneur. Rodney was recently released from prison and is trying to piece together his life again to reflect his positive perspective on life in its entirety. He has created a 124 page collection of writings he hopes to publish as well as encouraging greeting cards. Daily living is complicated as he battles with multiple health issues and the trials of a criminal background. He does not have access to a job, transportation, quality healthcare, or the ability to buy himself clothes.

Rodney taught me a new word: “indefatigable,” which means persisting tirelessly. I’m impressed, challenged, and encouraged by this new friend. If you connect with his story, let me know. If you happen to have any of these items to help him make his room into a home, also let me know: a walking cane, sheets, underwear, a suit coat, home items such as garbage bags, toilet paper, towels, cookware, etc.

It’s STILL Cold!

As long as the weather stays cold, warm clothes are still needed!

Please continue to donate coats, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to the box near the coat room. They will be given away at the Community Meals as the cold weather demands.

Thank you!

Get Involved!
Opportunities to BE involved highlight: Selma

Go and see the movie, Selma!

Getting to Know our Neighbors

Part of sharing in community is understanding one another through language, culture, or experience. As we explore our community and get to know our neighbors, let’s start with some helpful language lessons.

English: ‘Welcome’
Spanish: ‘Bienvenidos’ (bee-en-ven-ee-dos)

Review: ‘How are you?’
Spanish: “Como esta” (como es-tah)

Go out and be fearlessly friendly folks!