Accent on Worship

“That they may be one”

     The week of January 18-25 is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, an octave (eight days) set at this time in January for over a century.  This octave dates back to prayers for unity of a divided Church beginning in the Reformation, through Anglican and Roman Catholic emphases starting over 150 years ago.  This week is an opportunity for us to pray for what Jesus prayed in John 17, that the Church be one even as the Triune God is One.  The days that bracket this octave, the Confession of St. Peter on Jan. 18, and the Conversion of St. Paul on Jan. 25, fall on Sundays this year, so the week looms a little more prominently than in other years for us, and provides an opportunity for us to recall this important task.

     I would invite all sisters and brothers at Mount Olive to consider adding Christian unity to their prayers during these eight days.

     Our witness to the grace and love of God for the whole world made known in Jesus’ death and resurrection and lived out in the lives of the faithful is diminished by our hatred and fighting within the Body of Christ.  When we ignore or neglect or despise those with whom we disagree who are yet bound to us in Baptism, we grieve the heart of God.  Offering prayer brings our hearts in line with the heart of the Triune God, and opens our lives to the Spirit’s grace which can move the Body of Christ ever closer together.

     Here is a helpful plan for our prayer that has been suggested and is found online, which I commend to you.

January 18: pray for the Eastern Orthodox, Coptic, and other Eastern Churches
January 19: pray for the Roman Catholic and Uniate Churches
January 20: pray for the Anglican, Old Catholic, and allied churches
January 21: pray for the Lutheran, Moravian, and Methodist Churches
January 22: pray for the Congregational, Presbyterian, and Reformed Churches
January 23: pray for the Baptist, Amish, Mennonite, Hutterite, and Christian (Disciples of Christ) Churches
January 24: pray for the Pentecostal and charismatic churches
January 25: pray for the nonmainstream communities; and for theologians and councils seeking to promote Christian unity while preserving Christian truth.

     “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”  John 17:11b

In Christ,
Joseph

Sunday Readings

January 18, 2015: Confession of St. Peter
Acts 4:8-13
Psalm 18: 1-6, 16-19
I Corinthians 10:1-5
Matthew 16:13-19
 ______________________

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

Sunday’s Adult Forum: January 18, 2015:

 Pastor Crippen will facilitate a discussion on the ELCA Statement, “The Use of the Means of Grace.”

Congregation Visioning Event

     A congregational event to unveil the work of the Visioning Lead team will be held on 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.

     You will receive in the mail this week 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.

     There will be a light lunch 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!

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on January 17 (postponed one week because of the Conference on Liturgy) , they will read The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield. For the meeting on February 14, they will read Wise Blood, by Flannery O’Connor.

Centering Prayer Continues

     Centering Prayer continues in the new year, Wednesdays ,at 6:15 p.m.

     Centering Prayer is an ancient monastic tradition that brings one into the presence of God through silence. The format of the time together includes a short reading from the Psalms or other Scripture, 20 minutes of silence, and then 5 minutes to come together at the end.

     Please join us at 6:15 pm on Wednesday evenings.

     Questions? You can find a brochure describing Centering Prayer in the rack by the display case in the narthex or call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

Pledging Update: Mind the Gap

     In our committee’s November 6 letter to members and friends we outlined the reasons Mount Olive’s 2015 revenue and expenditure budget is some 7% higher than last year’s. By early February we’ll report how actual contributions compare with those a year ago. Meanwhile, we’ve been closely watching pledges, hoping that they will, collectively, total at least 7% higher than last year’s. We have mixed news to report. As of January 11, we’ve received 95 pledges totaling $387,843, averaging $4083 per household, some 11% above last year’s per-household figure. But that total dollar figure—only 98% of last year’s pledged total—is about $35,000 shy of the amount that would represent a 7% increase, in part because we have 13 fewer pledging households. If you’ve been intending to pledge but haven’t gotten to it, you’re not too late. We’ll have pledge cards available outside the church office the next few Sundays; or you can email your pledge to welcome@mountolivechurch.org, indicating a dollar amount and whether it’s weekly, monthly, or whatever. Together, let’s bridge that $35,000 gap!

—Donn McLellan, 
Director of Stewardship

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.

 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.

     Concordia University St. Paul is honored to present An Evening with Donald Jackson.  Mr. Jackson is one of the world’s foremost Western calligraphers. As a scribe to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Mr. Jackson was responsible for the creation of official state documents. In 1985, he received the Medal of The Royal Victorian Order (MVO). Mr. Jackson is an elected Fellow and past Chairman of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators, and in 1997, was named Master of the 600-year-old Guild of Scriveners of the city of London.

     Concordia is pleased to host an exhibition of all seven volumes of the Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program on our campus during the month of February 2015, and two of the volumes (The Pentateuch and The Gospels and Acts) from August 2014 through July 2015.

Every Church a Peace Church Monthly Potluck 

Date: Monday, January 19, Time: 6:30 Potluck
Place: Hospitality Hall, St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis
Topic: Martin Luther King and the Nonviolent Jesus
Speaker: Mel Reeves

     Mel Reeves has been a human rights activist for the last 30 years. He has been involved in struggles against South African Apartheid and struggles for worker’s rights, and has helped lead several efforts to get justice in some well-known cases of police brutality. He has been a long time anti-war and anti-racist activist. Most recently he worked with Occupy Homes and is the adviser to a fledgling young peoples’ alternative political party.

RIC Festival Service to be Held 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!

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.

     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 invite guests to visit.

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 valid.

Saturday, Feb. 7, Presenters
*Rob Ruff – Director of Chaplaincy Services at Regions Hospital, Chaplain for Palliative Care Team; Mount Olive member

*Kathy Thurston RN PHN MA – Manager of Care Coordination and Case Management AXIS Healthcare, part of Allina Health; Mount Olive member

Oh Baby, What a Deal! 

     Target is offering an amazing coupon this week in the paper ads and online (can be sent to your phone or computer).    

     If it is at all within your means, buy $100 worth of diapers and earn a $25 gift card for yourself!
That’s quite a deal for the Diaper Depot and all gifts are tax deductible (with a receipt). We use Target brand diapers and most needed sizes are 3-6. Thank you!

Peace With Justice Forum

     All are invited to a Peace with Justice Forum on Sunday, January 18, 12:30-2:00 p.m., at Central Lutheran Church, 3rd Ave. and 12th St. in Minneapolis (next to the Minneapolis Convention Center).

     This forum will be a conversation on what the ELCA says about
Gun Violence, led by Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes and Jay Thacker.

     Come join the discussion of some biblical references to personal weapons violence, gun violence facts, and a discussion of the policy position of the NRA. Take a look at the Second Amendment, and hear some suggestions on what each person can do to decrease gun violence. There will be ample time for people to share their own thoughts, feelings and personal stories.

     Lunch is available for $7, and  validated parking is also available in the Central parking lot/ramp on the south side of the church.

     This forum series is sponsored by the Twin Cities Lutheran Peace with Justice Committee.

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: Bradford
     Bradford said he was just walking by Mount Olive when he thought “why not ask?”  He, his wife, and 2 kids live not far from here, but he is walking in the cold because both of his cars recently broke down and are unrepairable. This caused him to lose his temp-to-hire job down in Chaska when he didn’t have transportation. Now he is jobless and desperately trying to pay off the back-rent and January rent so that his family won’t get evicted. He admitted that this is frustrating for a 55 year-old man with young kids to be struggling in this way, but he was very hopeful that things would work out. Throughout our conversation he said that he trusts that God will make small miracles happen, as he experienced in that moment. If anyone needs help with odd jobs, painting, or shoveling, I’ve got a contact for you!

It’s STILL Cold!

     As long as the weather stays cold, warm clothes are still needed!
     Please continue to donate hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves to the box by the West Assembly area. They will continually be given away at the Community Meals as the cold weather demands.
     Thank you!

Get Involved!

Opportunities to BE involved highlight:  Diaper Depot

     The Diaper Depot served 438 families last year, adding close to 225 new families to our roster. This is a unique and important ministry in the cities that reaches far and wide. Many service centers send people our way as a resource for struggling families. Because we offer one package per child, per month, we build a continuing relationship and easy, helpful interaction.
The Diaper Depot is open Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 pm, and Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm. If you are able or interested in helping for a shift or learning more about it, please contact Anna at:  neighborhood@mountolivechurch.orgShe will help you to get involved!

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: “How are you?”
Spanish: “Como esta” (como  es-tah)
Review: “Nice to meet you”-“Mucho gusto.”

Go out and be fearlessly friendly folks!

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

Accent on Worship

     Some years ago, I was invited to Charla’s wedding. That day. At the hospital. Entering her room, I was overwhelmed by two powerful realities—Charla was within hours of dying. And God was present in ways I could not begin to explain. After that experience, a friend asked, “Why do you think you were there? What is God up to?”

     Several years later, I still wonder. It was not the first time, or the last, that I have been nudged by those questions. Most of the time, I confess, my response is, “I have no idea. I’m just walking here.” Events like these call us to take notice. And friends ask the questions that draw our focus to where God is at work. We realize that our life, or our perception of our life, is about to change forever. Our vision is cracked open, expanded a bit, and we see that the picture is much larger than we thought. A little at a time, the picture comes into focus.  
]
     Mary had one of those experiences when the angel came. One moment it was life as usual, the next she was trying to absorb the reality of being a mother, to one who would be called “Son of God,” who would inherit the throne of David. Mary’s understand-ing of herself and her life were forever altered. Suddenly, Mary was aware of how deeply connected she was, to God and the history of her people, in a way she hadn’t been before.

     Mary adjusted remarkably quickly, (much more quickly than I do!) telling the angel, simply, to let it be. As I would do years later, Mary sought out a friend to help her begin to see her new reality a little more clearly. And, Mary continued to ponder throughout her life. When we experience those moments when life shifts unexpectedly, we are invited to ponder with her . . .  “God, what are you up to?”

– Vicar Meagan McLaughlin

Sunday Readings

December 21, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Advent

 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
______________________

December 28, 2014: The Holy Innocents

Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Palm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40

This Sunday’s Adult Forum: December 21:

“A Christmas Gift From Our Ancestors: Of the Father’s Love Begotten, A Hymn Study,” presented by Susan Cherwien

Fair Trade Craft Sale – One More Sunday

     The Missions Committee will continue to host the fair trade sale for one more week.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after both services on December 21 (cash and check only).  See the attachment to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.    

Transitions Support Group    

     All are welcome to drop in and visit the Transitions Support Group to see if this is a place where you might find some solace and reassurance for the challenges or uncertainties that are before you.  This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.          

     Please note the time and location for our next meeting.  The next session meets Saturday, January 10, 9:00 am at the home of Richard & Grace Wiechman, 3120 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis. It will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth.  If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on January 17, (postponed one week because of the Conference on Liturgy) they will read, The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield. For the meeting on February 14, they will read,  Wise Blood, by Flannery O’Connor.

The Book of Esther: Thursday Evening Bible Study Concludes

     Vicar McLaughlin is leading a study on the Book of Esther, exploring the historical context and many issues raised in this book, including justice, violence, power and privilege, the role of women, the presence of God, and what it means to be called “for such a time as this.”

       This study meets in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings, beginning with a light supper at 6:00 pm.

     This Bible study runs through this Thursday, December 18.

Annual Conference on Liturgy: “Common Ground: Hearing the Word Through the Lectionary”
Friday–Saturday, January 9-10, 2015

     Each Sunday at Eucharist, Christians of many different traditions gather to be fed by Word and Sacrament and share the same readings from Scripture. In the Revised Common Lectionary there is a visible sign of the unity of the Church for those who know they encounter the same Word of God each week with their sisters and brothers in many places.

     This year at Mount Olive’s annual Conference on Liturgy we will explore the richness of this shared, “common” tradition, consider the ways that the use of a common lectionary can bless the life of the parish, and ask questions of its place in the present and future life of the churches who use it.

     The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Gail Ramshaw; workshop presenters will be Pastor Joseph Crippen, The Rev. John Setterlund, and Dr. Paul Westermeyer.

     Registration fee for Mount Olive members is $35/person.

Christmas Wish Tree

     There are needs and wishes on the tree outside the West assembly room (near the coat room) from two families who hope to have a Merry Christmas this year. If you are able, please take an ornament and bring back the wish it names by this Sunday, December 21.  These gifts can be put in the box outside the upstairs kitchen.

     Thank you!

– Anna Kingman

La Natividad

     This is a wonderful neighborhood participation opportunity – to witness the nativity story come alive in our own neighborhood! In the Heart of the Beast Theater, along with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will present LA NATIVIDAD – a bilingual telling of the Christmas story. Audience members move with the puppet actors and process with Maria and Jose as they seek shelter. The show moves from Lake Street to St. Paul’s for the Nativity and celebration with music and food.

     This event continues on December 18, 19, 20, 21, at 6:30 pm, starting at In the Heart of the Beast Theater (1500 E. Lake St.). Individual and group tickets are available online at hobt.org.

     Flyers with additional information are available at church.

Thanks to the Mount Olive Foundation!

     After over 25 years of regular use, the ovens and range in the Undercroft kitchen have been retired.

     This past week the new South Bend natural gas range and oven as well as the new South Bend double convection gas ovens were delivered to Mount Olive.

     The Mount Olive Foundation provided funds to purchase the appliances.

     Thanks also to Gail Nielsen, Carla Manuel, Mark Pipkorn, Bern Youngblood, Aric Sorenson, Tim Pipkorn, Ted Thompson, Sexton William Pratley, and Andrew Andersen for their work on the installation project.

     Stop and take a look at them next time you are in the Undercroft!

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.

     The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one you can buy a month of food for a child orphaned by AIDS through ELCA Good Gifts.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
www.elca.org/goodgifts

Lutheran World Relief
http://lwrgifts.org/

Heifer Project International
http://www.heifer.org

Common Hope http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/

Bethania Kids
http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog/

Christmas Worship Schedule

Christmas Eve, December 24
     9:30 pm – Choral Prelude
     10:00 pm – Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day, December 25
     9:00 am – Christmas Carry-In Breakfast
     10:00 am – Festival Holy Eucharist

The Holy Innocents, Sunday, December 28
8:00 & 10:45 am – Holy Eucharist
No adult or children’s education

The Name of Jesus, Thursday, January 1, 2015
10:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Second Sunday of Christmas, January 4
8:00 & 10:45 am – Holy Eucharist
9:30 am – Education hour resumes 

The Epiphany of Our Lord, Tuesday, January 6
7:00 pm – Festival Eucharist

They’re Here!

     Many have been looking for the current edition of the Christ In Our Home devotion booklet. A quick call to Augsburg revealed that there were some problems with this issue at the printer, and delivery was delayed.

     They have now arrived and are in the narthex for those who wish to pick one up.

Planning a Reception?

     Thanks to Gail Nielsen and Carla Manuel for recruiting crews to cook and serve for one funeral, one wedding, a new member brunch, and the Advent luncheon for seniors within recent months.

     If you would like assistance in planning a reception at Mount Olive, contact Gail at 612-825-9326 or via email to her at gmninmpls@hotmail.com.

Mount Olive History Books

     Copies of Mount Olive’s 100th anniversary history book, The Faith of Our Forebears, are out and available at church for those who would like one.

     If you don’t have a copy (or even if you do!), please help yourself!

Movin’ On Up!

     With the creation of an additional office on Mount Olive’s main level, the Neighborhood Ministries office has moved upstairs!

     Anna Kingman’s office is now next to Pastor Crippen’s office, and Vicar Meagan’s office is in the newly created office across the hall from Cantor Cherwien’s office.
   

Staff Christmas Gifts

     The six people who work at Mount Olive serve us and God in many and exciting ways.   At a recent congregational meeting I stated that it feels as though Mount Olive is “humming on all cylinders” right now, and that is due in large part to our capable and faithful Pastor Joseph,  Vicar Meagan, Cantor David, Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator Anna, Administra-tive Assistant Cha and Sexton William.  Each year we provide a Christmas gift for them, and we want to remind you of that opportunity again.  Please submit your monetary gifts to the church office or in the offering plate.  Checks should have “Staff Christmas Gift” noted on the memo line.   We have been able to be very generous in the past, and I thank you in advance for your gifts this year.

– Lora Dundek, Vestry President

End of Life Planning

The Congregational Care group will sponsor a conversation at Mount Olive about end-of-life planning on Sunday, Feb. 1 and Saturday, Feb. 7.

     Additional information about this event will be shared in The Olive Branch after Christmas.

Mount Olive Christmas Cards

     There are still some of the Mount Olive Christmas cards available for sale this year. The cards cost $2.50 each if you buy 5 or less.  If you buy 6 or more they are $1.75 each. The cards are available in the church office and will be available Sunday mornings.  Please contact Paul Nixdorf or Andrew Andersen with any questions.

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast

     All are invited to come to Christmas Day Eucharist an hour early for a Christmas breakfast together, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Bring a favorite breakfast or brunch dish to pass.

Help with the Greens – Up and Down!

     Many hands make light work, and there are several opportunities for people to help decorate the nave and chancel for our Christmas celebrations at Mount Olive.  This  Sunday, Dec. 21, after second liturgy, is the hanging of the greens, where all wreaths and roping are placed.  Any who wish to help, just come to the nave after coffee time.

     Also, and probably most important given it’s more easily forgotten, the taking down of the greens and trees will happen on Wednesday, Jan. 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  In particular, this last task requires a lot of hands, so having a good group come will make the work much easier.

House Sitter / Pet Sitter

     Do you need a house sitter or pet sitter while you are on vacation or away on extended business? Are you aware of someone who needs a caretaker for their home while on sabbatical?

     If so, contact Andrew Andersen at 763-607-1689 or by email to andrewstpaul@gmail.com for more info.  The person who is available for this is active in the Mount Olive community. He does not drive so possible engagements must be on or near to a bus or light rail line in Minneapolis or St. Paul.

Accent on Worship

Connections

      These days we often hear “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”  There is much troubling about religious institutions of all kinds.  Many people today long for a spirituality, something of the heart and soul, that connects to a greater reality, and shy away from a religion, a human construct that can seem to work against true spirituality.

     There’s a lot we could say about this, but as we are in the middle of the season of Advent, there is something Advent could teach about “religion.”  The word comes from the Latin, and the Romans used the term as we do, in the same contexts.  Its roots are the interesting thing.  Religion is from “religio.”  “Ligio” gave us “ligament;” it’s a word of connection, linkage.  Ligaments keep muscles and bones joined and working together.  Re-ligio, religion, is in its deepest sense “reconnecting,” “relinking” with God.

     Religion can and has been corrupted by human beings of nearly every culture and faith to become a system which tries to control the divine, or control people, or any number of things which even border on evil.

     But what if we claim that deeper root?  One of Advent’s central hopes is that God has come, is coming, and will continue to come and be with us.  What if we thought of religion as our life of connection to God’s coming?  Our prayer, our liturgy, our song, our proclamation of God’s Word all serve to “re-ligament” us to God’s coming into this world and our lives.

     When we have our ligaments connecting us to God supple and in good repair, when we have “religion,” we find ourselves more deeply open to the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives and the world.  That’s a spirituality worth praying for.  This Advent let us then also pray for “re-ligamenting,” true religion that connects us with the Triune God and each other in the saving life God is bringing to this world.

– Joseph

Sunday Readings

December 14, 2014: Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
I Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28
 ______________________

December 21, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

There will be no Adult Forum this Sunday, Dec. 14.
All are invited to attend the St. Lucia Scandinavian Brunch.

Fair Trade Craft Sale

     The Missions Committee will continue to host the fair trade gift sale.  New items have been ordered for the next two weeks.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after both services on December 14 and 21 (cash and check only).  See the attachment/insert to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

Transitions Support Group    

     All are welcome to drop in and visit the Transitions Support Group to see if this is a place where you might find some solace and reassurance for the challenges or uncertainties that are before you.  This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.          

     Please note the time and location for our next meeting.  The next session meets Saturday, January 10, 9:00 am at the home of Richard & Grace Wiechman, 3120 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis. It will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth.  If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on December 13, the Book Discussion group will read Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. For the meeting on January 17, (postponed one week because of the Conference on Liturgy) they will read, The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield.

The Book of Esther: Thursday Evening Bible Study Continues

     Vicar McLaughlin is leading a study on the Book of Esther, exploring the historical context and many issues raised in this book, including justice, violence, power and privilege, the role of women, the presence of God, and what it means to be called “for such a time as this.”

       This study meets in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings, beginning with a light supper at 6:00 pm.

     This Bible study runs through next Wednesday, December 18.

Annual Conference on Liturgy: “Common Ground: Hearing the Word Through the Lectionary”
Friday–Saturday, January 9-10, 2015

     Each Sunday at Eucharist, Christians of many different traditions gather to be fed by Word and Sacrament and share the same readings from Scripture. In the Revised Common Lectionary there is a visible sign of the unity of the Church for those who know they encounter the same Word of God each week with their sisters and brothers in many places.

     This year at Mount Olive’s annual Conference on Liturgy we will explore the richness of this shared, “common” tradition, consider the ways that the use of a common lectionary can bless the life of the parish, and ask questions of its place in the present and future life of the churches who use it.

     The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Gail Ramshaw; workshop presenters will be Pastor Joseph Crippen, The Rev. John Setterlund, and Dr. Paul Westermeyer.

     Registration fee for Mount Olive members is $35/person.

Christmas Wish Tree

     There are needs and wishes on the tree outside the West assembly room (near the coat room) from two families who hope to have a Merry Christmas this year. If you are able, please take an ornament and bring back the wish it names by Dec. 21.  These gifts can be put in the box outside the upstairs kitchen.

     Thank you  
– Anna Kingman

Evening Prayer
Wednesdays in Advent
7:00 p.m.

La Natividad

     This is a wonderful neighborhood participation opportunity – to witness the nativity story come alive in our own neighborhood! In the Heart of the Beast Theater, along with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will present LA NATIVIDAD – a bilingual telling of the Christmas story. Audience members move with the puppet actors and process with Maria and Jose as they seek shelter. The show moves from Lake Street to St. Paul’s for the Nativity and celebration with music and food.

     This event takes place December 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, at 6:30pm, starting at Heart of the Beast theater (1500 E. Lake St.). Individual and group tickets are available online at hobt.org.

     Flyers with additional information are available at church.

Home Care Holiday Kits for Our Savior’s Housing

     Help brighten the holidays and ease the budget of a resident of the Our Saviour’s Housing program as they gain stability and a permanent place of their own off the streets.  Please create and bring your ‘welcome home’ gift baskets to church this week or by Sunday Dec. 14th. Suggestions for kits include: glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant wipes, micro-fiber  cloths, laundry soap, sponges, fabric softener, dish soap, bleach, bathroom tissue, and paper towels.

     If you can help assemble baskets and get them to Our Saviour’s on Sunday, please meet Anna Kingman by the West Assembly room around 12:15pm. Thank you!

– Anna Kingman
Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.

     The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one you can buy a month of food for a child orphaned by AIDS through ELCA Good Gifts.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
www.elca.org/goodgifts

Lutheran World Relief
http://lwrgifts.org/

Heifer Project International
http://www.heifer.org

Common Hope http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/

Bethania Kids
http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog/

Christmas Worship Schedule
Christmas Eve, December 24
     9:30 pm – Choral Prelude
     10:00 pm – Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day, December 25
     9:00 am – Christmas Carry-In Breakfast
     10:00 am – Festival Holy Eucharist

Weekly Centering Prayer on Advent Wednesdays 

     Centering prayer, a silent acknowledging of the presence of the Divine, is held each Wednesday evening in Advent at 6:15 p.m. in the library. Format will begin with a short reading from the Psalms, followed by 20 minutes of silence. We will end with a few moments to come together for a closing prayer.

     New to the process?  Look for brochures in the rack by the glass display case to get a more detailed description.
     Plan on joining us on Wednesday evenings during Advent for Centering Prayer, December 3, 10, and 17.

Seniors Advent Luncheon  

     Many thanks to all who helped to make this year’s Seniors Advent Luncheon a wonderful event again this year!

     It was a great afternoon of dining, singing, and fellowship for all who attended. Thanks to Anna Kingman for sharing photos of this event, they are attached/enclosed with this issue of The Olive Branch.

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival Concerts This Weekend:
“The Hopes and Fears of All the Years”

Fri., December 12, 2014 – (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and Sat.,  December 13, 2014 – 8pm
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song, poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17 and under FREE. For tickets or more information call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com.

Mount Olive Christmas Cards

     There are still some of the Mount Olive Christmas cards available for sale this year. The cards cost $2.50 each if you buy 5 or less.  If you buy 6 or more they are $1.75 each. The cards are available in the church office and will be available Sunday mornings.  Please contact Paul Nixdorf or Andrew Andersen with any questions.

 Christmas Carry-In Breakfast

     All are invited to come to Christmas Day Eucharist an hour early for a Christmas breakfast together, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Bring a favorite breakfast or brunch dish to pass.

Help with the Greens – Up and Down!

     Many hands make light work, and there are several opportunities for people to help decorate the nave and chancel for our Christmas celebrations at Mount Olive.  On Sunday, Dec. 21, after second liturgy, is the hanging of the greens, where all wreaths and roping are placed.  Any who wish to help, just come to the nave after coffee time.

     Also, and probably most important given it’s more easily forgotten, the taking down of the greens and trees will happen on Wednesday, Jan. 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  In particular, this last task requires a lot of hands, so having a good group come will make the work much easier.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     The six people who work at Mount Olive serve us and God in many and exciting ways.   At a recent congregational meeting I stated that it feels as though Mount Olive is “humming on all cylinders” right now, and that is due in large part to our capable and faithful Pastor Joseph,  Vicar Meagan, Cantor David, Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator Anna, Administra-tive Assistant Cha and Sexton William.  Each year we provide a Christmas gift for them, and we want to remind you of that opportunity again.  Please submit your monetary gifts to the church office or in the offering plate.  Checks should have “Staff Christmas Gift” noted on the memo line.   We have been able to be very generous in the past, and I thank you in advance for your gifts this year.

– Lora Dundek, Vestry President

Messiah Sing
Sunday, Dec. 14 – 6:30 pm

     Join the Minnesota Chorale, under the direction of Kathy Romey, organist Lynn Trapp, and professional soloists in singing G.F. Handel’s much-loved oratorio, Messiah.
     Bring your own score (or borrow one or buy one at the event) and come to sing a long or just to listen and enjoy. The event will be held at St. Olaf Catholic Church (215 S. 8th St. in Minneapolis). Free parking is available in the Energy Ramp at 9th St. & 3rd Ave.

Advent People

     For me and a small group of Advent-observing friends, Advent used to be a time of scorn.  We had much to say about “the world” which didn’t share our Advent observation, jumping straight to Christmas with its commercialism and creating a lust for more “things”.  We often regarded ours as a dark time – and we longed for Christ to stomp down here, coming back to fix things once and for all.
     Now I think of that in a different way:  Christ does come back … on an ongoing basis.  Do I notice and respond to that?

     As I get older, I’ve been re-thinking this world-evaluation thing, too.  Is it really a terrible world?  (no).  Is the world perfect?  (no).  Are we humans really worthy of the gift of hope and/or good?  (yes).  I under-stand Christ to be in a lot more than I used to.  And at the end of the day (so to speak…) is Christ with me?  Has Christ been born in me again?  (yes).  The whole unconditional sense of grace – what does that mean as we regard others – including “the world” and “commercial-ism”?

     Two acquaintances we know are going through pregnancy.  People who have gone through this can develop a new understanding of Advent.  Focus changes.  Not on how horrible everything is, but the excitement and hope of the new life growing inside the woman’s womb.  The possibili-ties!  Parents do what they can to prepare for this life, to do whatever is possible to help that life be its fullest-potential in body and soul.

     For me now, this is Advent: Christ growing inside us, creating a new focus for our outlook.  Sure, there are terrible things in the world.  I wish commercialism didn’t have such a grasp on our hopes and dreams.  But we can adjust our thinking and find peace amidst it all.  In these dark days  (literally here in the Northern Hemisphere),  there is the glow of light and warmth IN us that no one can take away.
     And the commercialism and jumping the gun on Christmas celebrations?  Christ may be in that too.  It doesn’t bother me anymore.  It doesn’t take away my Advent observation.  I still appreciate our lectionary’s trajectory.  I appreciate Wednesday Vespers as a way of removal from the attempts to re-shape our observation.  Yet, I can now allow myself to also enjoy what so many others do:  the lights, the music, the smell of evergreen, the generosity,  the basic sense of good-will and genuine
cheer!

     Nothing can take away that Advent-life growing in all of us — that daily-new-life born in us.  Do we hear its heart-beat?

     Emmanuel.

-Cantor David Cherwien 

Sunday Readings

December 7, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
 ______________________

December 14, 2014: Third Sunday of Advent
 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Psalm 126
I Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8, 19-28

This Sunday’s Adult Forum – December 7:

“Poetic Exclamations in the Hebrew Bible and the Gospel of Luke,” presented by Professor Earl Schwartz of Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Fair Trade Craft Sale

     The Missions Committee is hosting a fair trade sale.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.  See the attachment for one of our own member’s experience with how proceeds from SERRV sales helped people in Haiti.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after both liturgies on December 7, 14, and 21 (cash and check only).  See the attachment/insert to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on December 13, the Book Discussion group will read Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. For the meeting on January 17, (postponed one week because of the Conference on Liturgy) they will read, The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield.

The Book of Esther: Thursday Evening Bible Study Continues

     Vicar McLaughlin is currently leading a study on the Book of Esther, exploring the historical context and many issues raised in this book, including justice, violence, power and privilege, the role of women, the presence of God, and what it means to be called “for such a time as this.”

       This study meets in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings, beginning with a light supper at 6:00 pm.

     This Bible study runs through December 18.

Annual Conference on Liturgy: “Common Ground: Hearing the Word Through the Lectionary”
Friday–Saturday, January 9-10, 2015

     Each Sunday at Eucharist, Christians of many different traditions gather to be fed by Word and Sacrament and share the same readings from Scripture. In the Revised Common Lectionary there is a visible sign of the unity of the Church for those who know they encounter the same Word of God each week with their sisters and brothers in many places.

     This year at Mount Olive’s annual Conference on Liturgy we will explore the richness of this shared, “common” tradition, consider the ways that the use of a common lectionary can bless the life of the parish, and ask questions of its place in the present and future life of the churches who use it.
     The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Gail Ramshaw; workshop presenters will be Pastor Joseph Crippen, The Rev. John Setterlund, and Dr. Paul Westermeyer.

     Registration fee for Mount Olive members is $35/person.

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.

     The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one you can buy a month of food for a child orphaned by AIDS through ELCA Good Gifts.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
www.elca.org/goodgifts

Lutheran World Relief
http://lwrgifts.org/

Heifer Project International
http://www.heifer.org

Common Hope http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/

Bethania Kids
http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog/

Thanksgiving Thanks-Giving

     Thank you to all who donated and to all who helped transport our food donations to their recipients for Thanksgiving.  We received over $2,000 to share between CES and Sabathani – that’s $34,000 worth of food and care for our neighborhood! I hope you see that blessing overflowing in each day and each face on your path.

-Anna Kingman

La Natividad

     Here is a wonderful neighborhood participation opportunity to witness the nativity story come alive in our own neighborhood! In the Heart of the Beast Theater, along with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will present LA NATIVIDAD – a bilingual telling of the Christmas story. Audience members move with the puppet actors and process with Maria and Jose as they seek shelter. The show moves from Lake Street to St. Paul’s for the Nativity and celebration with music and food.
     This event takes place December 11,13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, at 6:30 pm, starting at In the Heart of the Beast theater (1500 E. Lake Street).

     Individual and group tickets are available online at hobt.org.
     Flyers with additional information are available at church.

Evening Prayer
Wednesdays in Advent
December 3, 10, and 17
7:00 p.m.

Pledges, Please

     Thanks to all who have turned in pledges. Especially because we’re facing 2015 expenditures up some 7%, at our Vestry meeting Monday, December 8—last of the calendar year—I want to report where pledges stand now compared with those a year ago. If you’ve been intending to turn in your card but haven’t quite gotten to it you’re, well, not alone. You can e-mail your pledge to Cha Posz at the church office (welcome@mountolivechurch.org). Indicate the dollar amount, whether it’s per year/month/week or whatever, and name or names (address and phone needed only if they’re different from current Mount Olive directory). Or, this Sunday put your completed pledge card in the box near the coatroom or in the Stewardship box in the office.

     Our 2015 “budget” is shorthand for the mission and ministry we do together, and it requires some collective stretching, whether we’re pledgers or nonpledgers. Thanks! —Donn McLellan, Director of Stewardship

Weekly Centering Prayer on Advent Wednesdays 

     Centering prayer, a silent acknowledging of the presence of the Divine, is held each Wednesday evening in Advent at 6:15 p.m. in the library. Led by Mount Olive members, the format will begin with a short reading from the Psalms, followed by 20 minutes of silence. At the end there will be a few moments to come together for a closing prayer.

     New to the process?  Look for brochures in the rack by the glass display case to get a more detailed description.

     Plan on coming on Wednesday evenings during Advent for Centering Prayer, December 3, 10, and 17.

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival Concerts:
“The Hopes and Fears of All the Years”

Fri., December 12, 2014 – (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and Sat.,  December 13, 2014 – 8pm
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song, poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17 and under FREE. For tickets or more information call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com.

Mount Olive Christmas Cards
     There are still some of the Mount Olive Christmas cards available for sale this year. The cards cost $2.50 each if you buy 5 or less.  If you buy 6 or more they are $1.75 each. The cards are available in the church office and will be available Sunday mornings.  Please contact Paul Nixdorf or Andrew Andersen with any questions.

Pray for Nigeria

     Weekly we pray for Naomi and the other kidnapped girls in Nigeria. The ELCA is working closely with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN) in this effort. This week the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria is holding its General Church Assembly in Yola.  Some 200 members and leaders will gather in the Cathedral Church in Yola in the midst of killings and church burnings. We are asked to these support faithful followers of Christ with our prayers.

     In addition to your private prayers and prayers of the church at Mount Olive, you are invited to join in a Nigeria Prayer Vigil this Sunday, December 7th at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, 5011 31st Ave S. in Minneapolis at 5:00 p.m.

– Global Mission Committee

Help with the Greens – Up and Down!

     Many hands make light work, and there are several opportunities for people to help decorate the nave and chancel for our Christmas celebrations at Mount Olive.  On Sunday, Dec. 21, after second liturgy, is the hanging of the greens, where all wreaths and roping are placed.  Any who wish to help, just come to the nave after coffee time.

     Also, and probably most important given it’s more easily forgotten, the taking down of the greens and trees will happen on Wednesday, Jan. 7, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  In particular, this last task requires a lot of hands, so having a good group come will make the work much easier.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     The six people who work at Mount Olive serve us and God in many and exciting ways.   At a recent congregational meeting I stated that it feels as though Mount Olive is “humming on all cylinders” right now, and that is due in large part to our capable and faithful Pastor Joseph,  Vicar Meagan, Cantor David, Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator Anna, Administrative Assistant Cha and Sexton William.  Every year we provide a special Christmas gift for them, and we want to remind you of that opportunity again.  Please submit your monetary gifts to the church office or in the offering plate.  Checks should have “Staff Christmas Gift” noted on the memo line.   The congregation has been very generous in the past, and I thank you in advance for your gifts this year.

– Lora Dundek, Vestry President

 A Note of Thanks

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Thank you for your prayers, cards, calls, and visits. They gave me a great deal of comfort and assurance that the Lord was with me and all would be fine.

     I have asked to have my name removed from the prayer list because I am doing well. However, it will be several months before I have fully recovered, so an occasional prayer for me would be greatly appreciated.

Yours in Christ,
Mary Rose Watson

Accent on Worship

     I have a daily journal. It asks one different question a day. I am now on my second year of this journal, and it is rewarding to see my answers from the previous year. Through the pages of this journal I can see snapshots of where I was, my frame of mind, and how I viewed my life.  I will share with you that a year ago I was not doing incredibly well.  Even through so many things were going well, there was a sense of frustration and impatience wrapped up in the difficulty of job searching and feeling inadequate. Many of my friends were also experiencing this, and what I continued to see is that we were aware of, but not experiencing, the peace that comes with trusting God’s plan for our lives.  We were quite sure that we were just victims of a tough economy and had to simply keep trying.

     Now with many days past and a winding trail of defeats and victories behind me, I smiled when the other night my journal asked the question, “what is your dream job?” What an amazing feeling of gratitude to write down, “I have my dream job!” after such a time of questioning and exasperation. Each day I share in the generosity and goodwill of this congregation towards their neighbors and community. I meet with people in their need, speak with them, and provide some small piece of relief with a blessing that is carried out the door and to God knows where in their life. Finding myself in such a different place this year has allowed me to reflect on the twisting path that brought me to right now, and see God’s presence that was simply molding my life like clay.    
     
     We cannot know what is ahead, but we can see what is behind us and reflect. As we enter into Advent, where much of the purpose is to be prepared for what is to come, let us also acknowledge the path that brings us to this day. Where is there evidence of God’s faithfulness through the impatience, the struggles, the doubting, and also in the joys and triumphs? What will your daily journal say in a year from now when it asks, “what is God working on in your life?”      

– Anna Kingman  

Sunday Readings

November 30, 2014: First Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
I Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
______________________

December 7, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8

This Sunday’s Adult Forum: November 30:

 “An Advent Invitation to Spiritual Practice,” presented by Vicar Meagan McLaughlin.

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist
(Tomorrow!) Thursday, Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m.

    Help support our food shelves!

     Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome!  Each dollar spent by Second Harvest can obtain approximately 7 pounds of food. The average retail cost of a pound of food is $2.41. At retail price, the same 7 pounds of food would cost approximately $17. In other words, $1 spent = $17 in retail value.

     The entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be given to Sabathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services.

Advent Procession Service
This Sunday, November 30, 4:00 pm

     As the year turns toward its darkest point, the Church also gathers in hope for the coming of the Light of the world.

     In this Advent service of prayer and Word, song, and incense, Mount Olive’s Cantorei lead worshippers into this season of preparation and anticipation. Come, and wait, and see.
     Advent Procession is sponsored by Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts.

Seniors’ Advent Luncheon to be Held This Wednesday, December 3

     Attention seniors!

     Have you received your invitation to the annual Advent Luncheon?  If you are age 65 or older and haven’t received an invitation, you’re invited, too! (It just means we don’t have your birth date.) Please call the church office and we will add you to the list of our senior members, and to the list of those who plan to come to this fun annual event.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on December 13, the Book Discussion group will read Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. For the meeting on January 17, (postponed one week because of the Conference on Liturgy) they will read, The Thirteenth Tale, by Diane Setterfield.

The Book of Esther: Thursday Evening Bible Study Continues

     Vicar McLaughlin is currently leading a study on the Book of Esther, exploring the historical context and many issues raised in this book, including justice, violence, power and privilege, the role of women, the presence of God, and what it means to be called “for such a time as this.”

       This study meets in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings, beginning with a light supper at 6:00 pm.

     This Bible study runs through December 18.There will be no study on Thanks-giving.

Annual Conference on Liturgy: “Common Ground: Hearing the Word Through the Lectionary”
Friday–Saturday, January 9-10, 2015

     Each Sunday at Eucharist, Christians of many different traditions gather to be fed by Word and Sacrament and share the same readings from Scripture. In the Revised Common Lectionary there is a visible sign of the unity of the Church for those who know they encounter the same Word of God each week with their sisters and brothers in many places.

     This year at Mount Olive’s annual Conference on Liturgy we will explore the richness of this shared, “common” tradition, consider the ways that the use of a common lectionary can bless the life of the parish, and ask questions of its place in the present and future life of the churches who use it.

     The keynote speaker this year is Dr. Gail Ramshaw; workshop presenters will be Pastor Joseph Crippen, The Rev. John Setterlund, and Dr. Paul Westermeyer.

     Registration fee for Mount Olive members is $35/person.

Capital Campaign Update

     We have surpassed the $90,000 dollar amount raised toward fully funding our designated accounts and creating a cash reserve to assist us during the “ups and downs” of revenue from offerings.  Thanks to those of you who have pledged and/or donated.   If you have not already done so, please consider a gift or a pledge before the end of the year, when we will wrap up this campaign.   Please note – pledges received in 2014 can continue to be paid in 2015.

Weekly Centering Prayer begins December 3

     Centering prayer, a silent acknowledging of the presence of the Divine, begins December 3, at 6:15 p.m. in the library. Format will begin with a short reading from the Psalms, followed by 20 minutes of silence. We will end with a few moments to come together for a closing prayer.

     New to the process?  Look for brochures in the rack by the glass display case to get a more detailed description.

     Plan on joining us on Wednesday evenings during Advent for Centering Prayer, December 3, 10, and 17.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     The six people who work at Mount Olive serve us and God in many and exciting ways.   At a recent congregational meeting I stated that it feels as though Mount Olive is “humming on all cylinders” right now, and that is due in large part to our capable and faithful Pastor Joseph,  Vicar Meagan, Cantor David, Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator Anna, Administrative Assistant Cha and Sexton William.  Every year we provide a special Christmas gift for them, and we want to remind you of that opportunity again.  Please submit your monetary gifts to the church office or in the offering plate.  Checks should have “Staff Christmas Gift” noted on the memo line.   The congregation has been very generous in the past, and I thank you in advance for your gifts this year.

– Lora Dundek, Vestry President

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival Concerts:

“The Hopes and Fears of All the Years”
Fri., December 12, 2014 – (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and Sat.,  December 13, 2014 – 8pm
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song, poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17 and under FREE. For tickets or more information call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com

Getting to Know You

     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: Happy Thanksgiving  Spanish: Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias (Fey-leez Dee-ah day ax-see-ohn day grah-see-ahs)

     Go out and be fearlessly friendly folks!

La Natividad

     Here is a wonderful neighborhood participation opportunity to witness the nativity story come alive in our own neighborhood! In the Heart of the Beast Theater, along with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, will present LA NATIVIDAD – a bilingual telling of the Christmas story. Audience members move with the puppet actors and process with Maria and Jose as they seek shelter. The show moves from Lake Street to St. Paul’s for the Nativity and celebration with music and food.

     This event takes place December 11,13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, at 6:30pm, starting at Heart of the Beast theater (1500 E. Lake St.)

     Individual and group tickets are available online at hobt.org.

     Flyers with additional information are available at church.

A Note of Thanks

     A big thank you to the following people who participated in the altar/chancel cleaning activity this past Saturday: Altar Guild members – Peggy Hoeft, Beth Gaede, Elisabeth Hunt, Bonnie McLellan, Mary Dorow, Lynn Ruff, Timm Lindholm, and Steve Pranschke; and to congregational volunteers – Gene Janssen, Janet and Matt Crosby, Eunice Hafemeister, and Arthur Pranschke.

     Many hands did indeed make light work. Plus, we had an enjoyable conversation during the coffee break. Thank you all.

– Steve Pranschke

Mount Olive Christmas Cards

     There are still some of the Mount Olive Christmas cards available for sale this year. The cards cost $2.50 each if you buy 5 or less.  If you buy 6 or more they are $1.75 each. The cards are available in the church office and will be available Sunday mornings.  Please contact Paul Nixdorf or Andrew Andersen with any questions.