Accent on Stewardship

Thinking about Stewardship

     I’ve been thinking a lot about stewardship since the congregation elected me director of stewardship. The first thing I need to do, I told myself, is reflect more deeply and regularly about my own stewardship and that of our household. But I’m also eager to have members of Mount Olive tell me or other members of our Stewardship Committee how they think about steward-ship, because we can learn a lot from one another (other committee members—and we’re still growing—are Dan Burow, Mike Edwins, Beth Gaede, Gene Janssen, and Leif Johnson).

     Ask a hundred self-identified U.S. Christians to say the first word that comes to mind when they hear the word stewardship and you can be certain that “money” and “church” will come up often. Both are part of stewardship but, especially together, they can imply a much-too-narrow definition of stewardship.

     Writing in the September issue of The Lutheran (“Stewardship: Biblical Perspectives,” pp. 14-15), Prof. Marty E. Stevens of the ELCA’s Gettysburg Seminary offers a brief but excellent overview of Christian stewardship. If we start with oikonomia (“household management”), the Greek word for stewardship, we can, she says, identify “three categories” of stewardship. We are called to be (1) stewards as faithful managers of an owner’s property; (2) stewards of God’s grace and the gospel; and (3) stewards of “the fullness of time” (Eph. 1:9-10) and “the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things” (Eph. 3:9). Stevens discusses tithing and key biblical teachings about stewardship. She tells us that “in the Gospels, Jesus talks about money more than any other topic except the kingdom of God—more than sin, more than love, more than heaven and hell.”

     As disciples of Christ we’re called to be wise, faithful stewards 24/7. We’re all stewards in Mount Olive’s ministry, in various ways, and most of us could name them. But stewardship opportunities and challenges daily present themselves to us in our lives at home, in the neighborhood, at work, at school. They include care of the earth, welcoming the stranger, and little acts of charity and kindness. I suspect that many among us are far more effect-ive daily stewards than they themselves imagine. I’m trying to be more mindful about my daily stewardship. On the other hand, when I observe Mount Olive people welcoming us, feed-ing us, teaching us, leading us, and comforting us—all aspects of stewardship—it occurs to me that they’re probably not so much thinking explicitly of stewardship as they’re just doing it.

     In a few weeks our congregation will adopt its budget for 2015. It’s a decision we make together. The budget represents the resources we need to do our work together—at 3045 Chicago Avenue South, in our neighborhood, and nationally and globally. Some of us will make a “pledge” or “estimate of giving,” while others of us, from a different tradition, will give with equal generosity without pledging. We should all be thinking prayerfully about these resources and our mission, now and throughout the coming year.

– Donn McLellan, Director of Stewardship

Sunday Readings

September 14, 2014: Holy Cross Day
Numbers 21:4b-9
Psalm 98
I Corinthians 1:18-24
John 3:13-17
 ___________________

September 21, 2014: St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Ezekiel 2:8—3:11
Psalm 119:33-40
Ephesians 2:4-10
Matthew 9:9-13

Sunday’s Adult Forum: Sept. 14

“Empowering Learners: A Philanthropic Education Project in Namibia,” presented by Ann Sponberg Peterson.

     Ann Sponberg Peterson serves Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, as the director of development for principal gifts. She is the founder of Empowering Learners and enjoys sharing the promise of this project, as well as the hopes of the young nation of Namibia, with churches and individuals.

Chosen: Bible Study on Thursday Evenings Starting Sept. 18

     The first Thursday Bible study series of this year begins on Thursday, Sept. 18, and runs for six weeks.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen will lead a study titled “Chosen.”  This is an exploration of the biblical witness to Abraham and Sarah and their family, with a focus on what the Bible means by “chosen people,” and how that continues in the present both as our calling and also a challenge in a pluralistic, often violent world.

     As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  If anyone wishes to provide the first meal, please let Pr. Crippen know.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

Mount Olive Welcomes a New Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry

     The Vestry would like to introduce our new Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry:  Anna Kingman has been offered the position and she has accepted!   She will start her work with us during the week of September 21.   She’ll have an opportunity to spend a week with Connie Toavs to orient to the ministries we already have, and then will be getting down to work meeting the congregation and our neighbors!

     Anna comes to us as a life-long ELCA Lutheran, having been raised in Blaine.  She speaks of how her extended family’s value of service to and the intrinsic worth of every human has influenced her love of service to God’s family.   She stated that there were no “ins and outs” as far as her family was concerned – no one was less important, less valued, less worthy of dignity.  In college, she was active in student government, where she learned project management skills, the value of relationship building to accomplish work, and a deepening faith.  Two years in the Peace Corp in Peru enhanced her Spanish language skills (she is a certified Spanish interpreter), as well as challenged her to negotiate her way through difficult situations, draw boundaries around challenging relationships and appreciate and navigate cultural differences.

     The search committee was impressed with Anna’s insight, ability to articulate nuances of human relationships and work, and her obviously strong Christian faith.  She has a deep sense of the collaborative nature of service and ministry, that we are called to walk with each other and our neighbors as Christ to each other, a sense that connects strongly to where our visioning process has been leading.  Her articulation of the justice God seeks in this world and our participation in that is inspiring, as is her sense of how the people of God work together for such justice.  She possesses maturity and instincts for ministry seemingly beyond her years, and we are looking forward to getting to know her and partnering with her on our mission to the neighborhood.

Welcome, Anna!

Interested in the Business and Finance Committee?

     Are you interested in serving Mount Olive with your business, legal, technical or accounting skills?  The Business and Finance Committee is entering its second year and has some interesting projects underway:

• We are in need of an insurance coordinator to review policies and providers, make sure our coverages and premiums are appropriate, and act as the liaison with the insurance agency representatives.
• The Mount Olive Foundation granted the committee funds to implement a new accounting system – that project has yet to begin and help is needed to plan and implement this updated system.
• Overall help with budget process and providing input into policies and procedures that govern our financial routines.

     If you are interested speak to any current member:  Paul Sundquist, Ty Inglis, Tim Lindholm, or Kat Campbell, Treasurer.  The committee meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, starting September 17, from 5:30 to 7 pm, in the Library.

New Member Welcome

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, October 5, during the second liturgy.   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office as soon as possible via e-mail to welcome@mountolivechurch.org,  or by phone, 612-827-5919. You may also contact Pastor Crippen at church, or Andrew Andersen (763-607-1689).
 
     A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy for new members and for all who would like to be part of the welcome festivities.

  Wear Your Nametags!

     In order to help Vicar Meagan get to know our church community a bit faster, we are asking everyone to wear their nametags at church for the next several Sundays.

     If you don’t have a nametag and need one, or if you have a nametag which has been lost or damaged and you need a new one, please contact the church office. We will be happy to provide a new one for you!

Every Church a Peace Church September Potluck
Eyewitness to War, Witness for Peace

Monday, September 15 – potluck begins at 6:30 pm
St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave, Minneapolis

     Speaker: Kathy Kelly, peacemaker and founder of Voices for Creative Nonviolence

     About the Speaker: During each of 15 trips to Afghanistan, Kathy Kelly, as an invited guest of the Afghan Peace Volunteers, has lived alongside ordinary Afghan people in a working class neighborhood in Kabul. She and her companions in Voices for Creative Nonviolence believe that “where you stand determines what you see.” They are resolved not to let war sever the bonds of friendship between them and Afghan people whom they’ve grown to know through successive delegations. Kathy Kelly will also be speaking at St. Frances Cabrini on Sunday, September 14, after the 9:00 am Mass (about 10:30 am), 1500 Franklin Ave SE, Minneapolis.

Tutors Are Still Needed! 

     Tutoring is a great opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with one or two community youth and their parents.  You do not need to have education training – just a desire to help a child succeed in school.  Tutoring sessions are weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30 PM beginning September 30th.   Materials and support will be provided.

     To be a part of this important outreach, please call Connie Toavs at the church or e mail Interim Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator at connietoavs@comcast.net.  Our new Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry will be on board for the first session of tutoring. Let’s get her off to a good start with a full slate of tutors.

     If you would like to provide a snack for the youth on tutoring night, there is a sign-up sheet on the Neighborhood Ministries bulletin board in the lower level.

Attention, Mount Olive Youth!

     Along with the new school year and a new year of Godly Play, it’s time to kick off another fun year of Mount Olive Youth activities – and we’re kicking it off with a bang!

     There is a great opportunity for serving our community coming up this Sunday, September 14. We will prepare and serve a meal for Our Saviour’s Shelter and prepare 45 sandwich lunches for a meal the following day.

     If any adults or kids are interested in helping the Youth, please contact Amy Thompson by Friday, September 12th for details. (amy.b.thompson@wellsfargo.com or 612-729-7932) Watch for more details coming soon on an upcoming Youth Committee meeting and additional activities. Thanks!

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting this Saturday, September 13, the Book Discussion group will read The Woman Behind the New Deal, by Kirstin Downey. For the October 11 meeting they will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid.

     The Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the West Assembly area at church. All readers are welcome!

Help Needed for Family in Crisis

     There is an opportunity for members of Mount Olive to make a very real difference in the life of a servant of God and his family, known to us, who are facing dire straits.

Pastor Dinku Bato, formerly of the Mekane Yesus Lutheran Church of Ethiopia, is writing his Ph.D. dissertation at Luther Seminary.  His wife, Mergitu, and his three sons live with him near the seminary.  He intends to finalize and defend his thesis by the end of December 2014.  Some might remember that Pr. Bato preached at Mount Olive in January 2013 as part of the Mission Committee’s Taste of Ethiopia celebration.

     Pr. Bato’s current situation is exceedingly difficult.  His financial funding ran out as of September 2014, due in part to cuts at Luther Seminary.  His church, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, severed their long-standing relationship with the ELCA in January 2013 over our church’s decisions regarding the marriage and ordination of our LGBT sisters and brothers.  The Mekane Yesus Church has not communicated with Pr. Bato since they cut ties with the ELCA.  Because he remained in fellowship with the ELCA, his home church also severed relationship with him, and he no longer has a position with them. Pr. Bato is also from the Oromo tribe, a minority which is exceedingly discriminated against and marginalized in Ethiopia.  Remaining in fellowship with the ELCA has exacerbated an already difficult situation were he to return to Ethiopia.

     He and his family are praying for God to find him work beginning in 2015.  Ed Schroeder, a former professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and later at Seminex, has given his name to several ELCA bishops in hopes that he might be offered a position in the U.S. or anywhere he is needed.

Pr. Bato and his family worship with both an Oromo and an Amharic congregation in St. Paul.  Jehovah Lutheran Church on Snelling Ave. is the location for one of these congregations.  They are a very devout family and have great faith that God has a plan for them.

     The family’s expenses for which they need help are rent of $910/month, plus living expenses, from September through December 2014.  Some members of Mount Olive have already been helping them, and now are inviting others to give enough to take care of the family’s physical needs through December.  The goal is to raise $6,000, and there are also members of Mount Olive who have agreed to match any gifts donated, up to a total of $3,000, in order to meet that goal.  If you are able to help, checks may be written to Mount Olive, with “Pr. Dinku Bato” in the memo line, and we will take care of it.

     Thank you for your graciousness and kindness!

A Note of Thanks

     The Iverson Family would like to thank their friends at Mount Olive for the kind words and beautiful cards that were shared with Wally & Lydia Iverson at their anniversary party. It meant so much to them and to our family.

     Wally and Lydia have now moved (again!) to a facility which will provide even better care for their specific needs. Their new address is: 8454 Kell Avenue South, Bloomington, MN  55437.

Diaper Depot 

     Did you know?  The Diaper Depot served 319 individual households in the first 8 months of 2014, making Diaper Depot Mount Olive’s largest consistent outreach in the community!

     The Diaper Depot is now open year round, two afternoons a week.  Nearly every day, families, advocates, and agencies call to ask about the Diaper Depot. New households register at each open session.

     You can help to keep this important mission operating in two ways – by contributing dollars, and by volunteering in the Diaper Depot.  Stop in during any session and observe or assist. Call Connie Toavs at church with any questions you might have!  

Accent on Worship 

    The readings for this Sunday spoke very powerfully to me about love and forgiveness. In my first few weeks as your Vicar, I have been blessed to witness love at work in many ways in the Mount Olive community. I have experienced that love in the warm welcome I have received from everyone I have met, in the commitment to teach me what I need to know, and in the flowers that magically appeared on my desk overnight. I saw love at work in the careful attention given to polishing brass, replacing candles, and cleaning the sanctuary. Love was evident in the offer to give up a seat in the common room for a fellow parishioner who needed it. Love presented itself each time a communion minister shared about visiting and bringing the Eucharist to a member who is not able to join us in worship. I see love in the time committed to the Diaper Depot and other Neighborhood Ministries, as all who come through our doors are treated with respect and dignity. Love was present in the celebration of a baptismal anniversary and the sharing and receiving of stories in the time of fellowship after worship. The love of this community is truly a gift!

     Along with love comes the grace of forgiveness. In this week’s Gospel from Matthew, Jesus outlines a process for responding to conflict directly, and with respect for all involved, and in the verses following this passage, Jesus tells us that we are to forgive those that harm us “seventy times seven times.” In other words, forgive often, without limit. For that I am grateful, as I am sure that there will be many times over the next year when I will have need of your forgiveness! What a blessing to know that we have a God who forgives, and encourages us to forgive each other . . . a God whose law is fulfilled by love.

– Vicar Meagan McLaughlin

Sunday Readings

September 7, 2014: 13th Sunday after Pentecost  (Lect. 23A)
Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20
___________________

September 14, 2014: Holy Cross Day
Numbers 21:4b-9
Psalm 98:1-4
I Corinthians 1:18-24
John 3:13-17
 

Regular worship schedule resumes this Sunday, September 7!
Holy Eucharist, 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.
Church School and Adult Forum, 9:30 a.m.

Children’s Choir

Parents and guardians of our young!

     If you are hoping that your young one will be able to participate in the children’s choir, please contact Cantor David Cherwien this week.  We need to know that we have critical mass for this to work, and also for the food necessary.

     The first rehearsal is set for next Wednesday, September 10, 6:00-6:45 pm, with a light dinner just before rehearsal, beginning at 5:30.

     RSVP via email (cantor@mountolivechurch.org) for both participation in the choir itself, and also for how many are planning to join us for supper.
     Again, it’s for children grades 2 to 8 (roughly).

     Please feel free to contact Cantor Cherwien with any questions you may have.

Interested in the Business and Finance Committee?

     Are you interested in serving Mount Olive with your business, legal, technical or accounting skills?  The Business and Finance Committee is entering its second year and has some interesting projects underway:

• We are in need of an insurance coordinator to review policies and providers, make sure our coverages and premiums are appropriate, and act as the liaison with the insurance agency representatives.
• The Mount Olive Foundation granted the committee funds to implement a new accounting system – that project has yet to begin and help is needed to plan and implement this updated system.
• Overall all help with budget process and providing input into policies and procedures that govern our financial routines.
     If you are interested speak to any current member:  Paul Sundquist, Ty Inglis, Tim Lindholm, or Kat Campbell, Treasurer.  The committee meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, starting September 17, from 5:30 to 7 pm, in the Library.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads
For their meeting on September 13, the Book Discussion group will read The Woman Behind the New Deal, by Kirstin Downey. For the October 11 meeting they will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid.

Thanks!

     Thanks is extended to Altar Guild members Bonnie McLellan, Beth Gaede, Sandra Pranschke, Cynthia Prosek, Peggy Hoeft, and Steve Pranschke, as well as congregational volunteer, R.T. Pranschke, for their hard work in cleaning the altar/chancel area as well as removing wax from and polishing the altar brassware on Saturday, August 23.

     The Altar Guild sponsors three special chancel cleanings a year – at the start of Advent, at the start of the Easter celebration and sometime during the summer. We enjoy having congregational volunteers join us in preserving and beautifying Mt. Olive’s  wonderful worship space. The next opportunity to participate in one of these activities will be Saturday, November 22, 2014, from 9 am to noon. Please contact Steve Pranschke if you are interested.

New Member Welcome

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, October 5, during the second liturgy.   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office as soon as possible via e-mail to welcome@mountolivechurch.org,  or by phone, 612-827-5919. You may also contact Pastor Crippen at church, or Andrew Andersen (763-607-1689).

     A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy for new members and for all who would like to be part of the welcome festivities.

Wear Your Nametags!

     In order to help our new vicar get to know our church community a bit faster, we are asking everyone to wear their nametags at church for the next several Sundays.

     If you don’t have a nametag and need one, or if you have a nametag which has been lost or damaged and you need a new one, please contact the church office. We will be happy to provide a new one for you!

Anniversary Open House

     Walter & Lydia Iverson are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary, and they cordially invite Mount Olive members and friends to celebrate with them!

     An Open House will be held this Saturday, September 6, from 2-4pm at their new home, Minnehaha Senior Living: 3733 – 23rd Ave S.(they live in Apartment #336, for those who wish to send a card), Minneapolis, MN  55407.

     Plan to stop by to greet the Iversons, enjoy some light refreshments and celebrate with them!

Diaper Depot 

     Did you know?  The Diaper Depot served 319 individual households in the first 8 months of 2014, making Diaper Depot Mount Olive’s largest consistent outreach in the community!

     The Diaper Depot is now open year round, two afternoons a week.  Nearly every day, families, advocates, and agencies call to ask about the Diaper Depot. New households register at each open session.

     The diapers are not free to families.  Participants pay a little less than half of the cost of each pack of diapers and often talk about how much it helps them stretch their funds through the month.

     You can help to keep this important mission operating in two ways – by contributing dollars, and by volunteering in the Diaper Depot.  Stop in during any session and observe or assist. Call Connie Toavs at church with any questions you might have!

Join in Prayer for the Middle East 

     As people of Mount Olive, your mission dollars have supported the work of the Lutheran Federation in Jerusalem. We share with you a request from Rev. Mark Brown, regional representative for the LWF there. “I invite you to join the ACT Palestine Forum’s international prayer vigil for peace.  Prayer vigils devoted to peace in the Middle East are held on the 24th of every month.”

     From the Forum’s website:  “This global ecumenical prayer vigil began on 24 December 2012 and will continue across the globe, on the 24th of every month, until the Israeli occupation is dismantled, violence in the Middle East ends, and all can celebrate a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

     We urge people to see this prayer vigil as an outpouring of concern for Palestinians and Israelis – Christians, Muslims, and Jews – whose lives are overtaken by broken relationships and the conflict that flows from these divisions.”

     We will join the vigil on Sunday, August 24, and our prayer chain ministry will continue on the 24th of each month.  You are invited to add your prayers.

-Missions Committee

Tutoring to Begin Soon!

     Many tutors are still needed for the weekly tutoring program beginning September 30!  This year, we would like to expand the program to as many as 12 tutors because there are many families hoping to enroll their children.
  
     Tutoring sessions are held weekly on Tuesday evenings, except during school breaks.  Materials and support will be provided.

     To volunteer, simply drop an email to Interim Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator Connie Toavs at connietoavs@comcast.net, or call her at the church .

     Also, if you can’t tutor but would like to help with this worthy project, consider signing up to provide a snack for the youth on tutoring night! There is a sign-up sheet on the Neighborhood Ministries bulletin board on the lower level.

Search Process Nears Conclusion

     The search for our new staff person, the Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry, is nearly completed.    

     Our overall visioning process began over a year ago (and will continue this fall).  While that process is asking larger questions of the direction of this congregation, part of it also was listening and discerning what we would do with our ministry in the neighborhood upon Donna Neste’s retirement in March, 2014.  

     A group comprised of some members of the Vestry, the visioning team, and the Neighborhood Ministries Committee, planned the interim period, ultimately hiring Connie Toavs to bridge this time for us, and she’s been a tremendous gift.

     Another group, again with people from each of the three, plus two additional members from the congregation at large, simultaneously worked on the new position description and designed the search process.  The new job will incorporate the three elements reported to the congregation at the October, 2013, semi-annual meeting: working with the congregation to help us know our gifts and find places for us to work in mission and ministry with our neighbors; coordinating and administering our programming (with increased emphasis on involving congregation members to work the programs); and serving as Mount Olive’s main liaison to the neighborhood and to community organizations.

     The search team received 24 resumes and applications, from a wide variety of sources, including non-profit networks, the Minneapolis Area Synod, and various church websites.  During the process, Diana Hellerman organized a team of 13 Mount Olive members to pray for a good outcome to our search, an important gift to the process.  The search team interviewed 5 of those 24, and has made a decision to recommend a name to the Vestry.  This week background and reference checks are being made, and then the Vestry will be asked to vote on offering the job next Monday, Sept. 8, at the regular monthly meeting.  

     Assuming all goes well, in next week’s Olive Branch the new person will be announced, as well as a timeline for when this person will begin, farewells for Connie, and other details.

     Members of the search team are Lora Dundek and Pr. Crippen, from the Vestry; Kathy Thurston and Sue Ellen Zagrabelny, from Neighborhood Ministries; Neil Hering and Cynthia Prosek, from the Visioning Team; and Gretchen Campbell-Johnson and George Ferguson, from the congregation at large.  Vicar Beckering also participated in the process throughout, and was a part of the first round of interviews before completing her time with us.

Five Ways We Are Fighting Ebola 

     Through our support of these international programs, we join Lutherans around the world in fighting this dread disease.

   #1   Treat ebola patients. Through partnership with the Lutheran World Federation, two Lutheran hospitals in Liberia were treating infected patients.

   #2   Sending protective gear. The ELCA,  the Lutheran Church in Liberia, and Global Health Ministries are partnering to deliver five pallets of protection equipment to the hospitals.

  #3   Health care training. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with others to conduct prevention training for health care workers in Liberia, training them to also train others.

   #4   Raising Awareness. Through LWR and its partners, community volunteers are trained and materials (posters/flyers) prepared to spread accurate information.

   #5   Strengthening ties between religious and community leaders. This partnership is also training these leaders to reach out and disseminate timely, accurate information to their members.  Lutheran
World Relief “works with local partners to provide lasting solutions.”

     You may add additional support by using the blue mission envelopes and marking them “Lutheran World Relief.”

 -Missions Committee

Capital Campaign

Remember to make your pledge or donation to the Capital Campaign to fully fund our designated accounts and provide a financial “rainy day” fund. Pledge cards are available in the church office for your use. If you prefer, simply write your pledge amount on a piece of paper which includes your name, and leave it in the church office, or send the information via email to the church office at welcome@mountolivechurch.org.

Accent on Worship

Come with me

     I missed you all.  It’s as simple as that.  The two weeks’ vacation I took at the end of July was restful, good, helpful.  I did almost nothing during the days but read and do crosswords.  We took a couple days out of town.  It was a successful vacation as well, in that I was able to forget about work, forget about duties, trusting that all was being done well in my absence.

     But then Sundays came.  We worshipped in two different places, an Episcopal church in Wisconsin one week, one of our neighbor Lutheran congregations the next week.  Both times we were blessed, not only by the worship we were welcomed to join, but because we did feel we worshipped, and we certainly were fed by God’s grace.  But.  It wasn’t the same as it is with you, my sisters and brothers.

     There is something about a worshipping community that is irreplaceable, wherever one worships.  We come to need each other alongside as we approach God, and while it can be done elsewhere, something about who we are together makes it different, good, blessed.  I missed you all.

     Is this the generative impulse behind all evangelism, that once we’ve experienced something important, been blessed by the grace of God in a community, we want to invite others to come with us?  It’s not enough that we know; we want to welcome others to know and see what we do.

     On Sunday we celebrate the feast day of St. Bartholomew, who most likely was also the disciple who bore the first name “Nathanael.”  In John’s account of Nathanael’s calling, Philip is what draws my eye this morning.  Philip has met Jesus, believes him to be the one
Moses and the prophets foretold.  But he can’t stop there.  He has to run and find his friend, Nathanael, and tell him to come and see.  Philip doesn’t want to keep this to himself, it’s just too important, too wondrous.  It wouldn’t have been the same for Philip if his friend did not come and see himself.

     That’s the deal.  That’s why we invite others here (and so many of us do this so often!)  For no other reason than this Good News of God’s abundant grace for us and for the world is too good to keep to ourselves.  We want all the people we know (and even those we don’t) to come and see for themselves.  So that they, too, become part of this community.  So that they, too, become the ones we miss when we are away.

– Joseph

Sunday Readings

August 24, 2014: St. Bartholomew, Apostle
Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20
___________________

August 31, 2014: 12th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 22A)
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

Olive Branch Summer Publication Schedule

     The Olive Branch resumes weekly publication with the next issue which will be published on September 3. Information for that issue is due in to the church office by Tuesday, September 2.

 Andrew Siess to Speak at Mount Olive This Sunday

     Andrew Siess, a young member of this congregation, has set himself the goal of walking, alone, around the entire globe. He has almost completed his journey, and has stopped off in his hometown to visit friends and family and to assure them that he is doing well.

     Andrew will address the Adult Forum this Sunday, August 24, following the coffee fellowship time after Eucharist. He will tell of his journey – including tales of some of his adventures and challenges, music he has learned along the way, and lessons he is drawing. He will also be willing to answer questions. Please join Andrew and the fellowship of Mount Olive on Sunday.

Childrens Choir

     Dear parents and helpers of our young!

     The results of the poll are in – we’re going to give it a go!

     WEDNESDAYS, 6:00-6:45 pm, with Cantor Cherwien as director.  Children grades 2 to 8.  (roughly – these lines can be blurred – first graders can participate if you feel they can)
     Starting:  Wednesday, September 10, 2014.  6:00 pm.
     This will be preceded at 5:30 with an optional simple meal.  RSVP will be necessary until we have a handle on how many might be eating.  It’s offered as a help to you who will be spending more time than we wish transporting!  Least we can do is offer the meal. When we did this in the past, it became a really fun time for some social interaction between the children, me, and parents.  We’ll need volunteer help preparing and cleaning up, but it will be very simple.

     As to choir, the children will sing in the 10:45 Eucharist,  on October 12,  November 16,  and December 14.  They’ll vest just after Godly Play and stay the entire service in the choir loft (except for the procession or Eucharist, of course).  They will likely sing several short things each time; perhaps a Psalm antiphon, a hymn stanza, maybe even an anthem.

     More information and RSVP instructions will come the first week of September. But if you can let me know your intentions – either way – at this point, it would be very helpful.

     I’m very hopeful, as I find this an extremely important thing to be doing.  We always hope for all ages – including our youngest – to be engaged in what we do in worship, and to have every opportunity we can to get to know them.  And the gift of music, which is such a tremendous value to us at Mount Olive is something we wish to ignite in the young as well,  and the best way to do this is through this ministry.  It’s tremendously worth going out of our way to accommodate, isn’t it?!      Send me a note.

– Cantor David Cherwien

TRUST News

     Summer is almost over. As autumn approaches, many of us are planning our future activities. TRUST has many programs to brighten our days and enhance our lives! Here’s a list!

• Thursday, October 9:  CoAM’s Fall Colors Tour
• Thursdays, Sept. 25-Dec. 4: Grief Support group
• Sundays, Sept, 14,  and 21: Flu Shot Clinics
• First Thursday of each month:  Memory Loss Caregivers Group
• Thursday, December 11: CoAM’s Christmas Tour

    Posters with more information on these events are posted on the bulletin board downstairs near the Neighborhood Ministries Office. Additional information on any of them is available by calling TRUST at 612-827-6159.

Transitions Support Group Continues

     Any who would like an opportunity to discuss concerns and receive support are welcome to attend the Transitions Support group. Their next meeting is on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:30 in the Youth Room. Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth are the facilitators.

     Since our last 4-week session concluded in May, the group members decided they wanted to continue meeting, as needed.  Since May, we will have met on an every six-week basis.

     All are welcome and encouraged, especially by those who have been meeting for support regularly, to participate whenever we meet.

     If you have questions, please call Cathy at 612-708-1144 or email her at marcat8447@yahoo.com.

Welcome Vicar McLaughlin!

     Meagan McLaughlin is our new vicar for this year, serving her seminary internship with us.  She will be at Eucharist this Sunday, and her Internship Committee will be commissioned to work with her this year.

     Meagan grew up in the Twin Cities and is a St. Olaf graduate.  She is currently a student at Luther Seminary and United Theological Seminary. She and her wife Karen have been together for 14 years, have lived in the Longfellow neighborhood for about 8 years, and have been worshiping at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

     Serving on her Internship Committee are Elizabeth Beissel, John Crippen, Ro Griesse, Peggy Hoeft, Joe Kane, and Warren Peterson.  Please take time to greet her Sunday, and welcome her to Mount Olive!

     At the first Adult Forum on Sept. 7 the congregation will have an extended opportunity to hear from her and ask her questions.

Anniversary Open House

     Walter & Lydia Iverson are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary and cordially invite Mount Olive members and friends to celebrate with them!

     An Open House will be held on Saturday, September 6, from 2-4pm at their new home, Minnehaha Senior Living: 3733 – 23rd Ave S., Minneapolis, MN  55407.

     Plan to stop by to greet the Iversons and enjoy some light refreshments.

Join in Prayer for the Middle East 

     As people of Mount Olive, your mission dollars have supported the work of the Lutheran Federation in Jerusalem. We share with you a request from Rev. Mark Brown, regional representative for the LWF there. “I invite you to join the ACT Palestine Forum’s international prayer vigil for peace.  Prayer vigils devoted to peace in the Middle East are held on the 24th of every month.”

     From the Forum’s website:  “This global ecumenical prayer vigil began on 24 December 2012 and will continue across the globe, on the 24th of every month, until the Israeli occupation is dismantled, violence in the Middle East ends, and all can celebrate a just and lasting negotiated resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
     We urge people to see this prayer vigil as an outpouring of concern for Palestinians and Israelis – Christians, Muslims, and Jews – whose lives are overtaken by broken relationships and the conflict that flows from these divisions.”

     We will join the vigil on Sunday, August 24, and our prayer chain ministry will continue on the 24th of each month.  You are invited to add your prayers.

-Mission Committee

Neighborhood Ministries Tutoring Program Is Gearing Up for Fall 

     Would you like to help a grade school child excel in school this year?  Would you like to have a part in closing the Achievement Gap in Minneapolis?  Do you have 1.5 hours available on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 -8:00 PM September 30th through May 26th?  

     The Mount Olive Tutoring program is recruiting tutors for the 2014-15 school year.   This summer several members had a chance to experience short term relationships with community youth. Tutoring provides the opportunity to build a longer term mentoring relationship with one or two youth and a chance to get to know their parents while building academic skills   We hope to increase the number of tutors this year and are looking forward to these enhancements:

• Frequent contact with parents and teachers
• Internet access for homework/ education sites for skill building
• New Resources by grade level
• School curriculum information
• New (used) books

     Several families have already asked to enroll their children.  If you can tutor or have questions, please call Connie Toavs, Interim Coordinator, Neighborhood Ministries or email to connietoavs@comcast.net.

Good News From The Art Shoppe

     The Art Shoppe has now fully paid off their loan from A Minnesota Without Poverty to develop The Art Shoppe in the Midtown Global Market!

     As you recall Mount Olive and Jewish Community Relations Council each contributed $2000 toward the start-up of The Art Shoppe at the Mid-Town Global Market, just a block away from Mount Olive. A Minnesota Without Poverty (AMWP) contributed $8000, for a total of $12,000 to support the build-out and rent for the first 6 months. AMWP decided to designate $6000 (of the $12,000) as their loan. That is the amount they have now repaid, plus more. This is a very significant milestone for The Art Shoppe and the entrepreneurs who have developed it, along with us who are the sponsors who helped in this venture!

     The Art Shoppe’s loan repayment includes more than the actual loan and thus will support further micro-enterprise partnerships as we continue to assist entrepreneurs in develop-ing businesses and fighting poverty’s growth.
     The Micro-Enterprise Partnership Work Group and A Minnesota Without Poverty invite you to celebrate this accomplishment with a reception at Mount Olive at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 2, in observance of this special milestone of the Art Shoppe.

     Please mark your calendars and RSVP by Friday, August 29, by calling the church office if you plan to attend.  Contact Elizabeth Beissel with any questions.

Capital Campaign Update

     Now that summer is drawing to a close, it’s time to take another look at the effort to put Mount Olive on a more secure financial footing by fully funding our designated accounts and creating a reserve fund for challenging financial times.  Please pledge or donate to our capital campaign goal of $182,000.   We are almost half way to our goal, and need everyone’s participation – small amount to large amount – to complete this campaign.  If you can’t find your green pledge card – that’s okay.   You can pick one up in the office or simply mail/email your pledge to the church office at welcome@mountolivechurch.org.   Help us get this important work done!

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on September 13, the Book Discussion group will read The Woman Behind the New Deal, by Kirstin Downey. For the October 11 meeting they will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid.

 Summer Worship Schedule Comes to an End

     Labor Day weekend is the last weekend of Summer Worship Schedule.

     Beginning Sunday, September 7, we resume our regular worship schedule of two liturgies every Sunday morning at 8:00 and 10:45 am.

     Sunday Church School and Adult Education resume that day, also.

Diaper Depot in Need of Year-Round Funding

     The funds to provide this much-needed Neighborhood Ministries service are part of our church budget, but until now, the Diaper Depot has never been open in the summer. Additional funds are needed to provide this service to our neighborhood families year-round.

     The blue Missions envelope from the offering envelope mailing has a blank line under “local missions.” Please consider making a gift to the Diaper Depot (by writing “Diaper Depot” on that line), or by using an envelope designated for this. You may also want to consider becoming a sustaining member by providing regular weekly, monthly, or yearly gifts to this important ministry (thanks to those who are already doing this!). We would also welcome volunteers to work in the Diaper Depot. It is open on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30, and on Thursdays from 1:30-3:30.  Please contact Connie Toavs at church if you would like to volunteer!

     This neighborhood need does not take a break for the summer – and neither should we!  Please be generous, as the need continues throughout the year. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

TCAGO Organ and Choral Vespers

     The Twin Cities chapter of the American Guild of Organists is pleased to host an Organ and Choral Vespers service, led by the St. Olaf Cantorei under the direction of James E. Bobb.

     The service will be held on Sunday, September 21, 4:00 pm, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (700 S. Snelling Ave. in St. Paul).

     The event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received.
     Bring your friends!

Five Ways We are Fighting Ebola 

Through our support of these international programs, we join Lutherans around the world in fighting this dread disease.

#1 Treat ebola patients. Through partnership with the Lutheran World Federation, two Lutheran hospitals in Liberia were treating infected patients.

#2 Sending protective gear. The ELCA,  the Lutheran Church in Liberia, and Global Health Ministries are partnering to deliver five pallets of protection equipment to the hospitals.

#3 Health care training. Lutheran World Relief is partnering with others to conduct prevention training for health care workers in Liberia, training them to also train others.

#4 Raising Awareness. Through LWR and its partners, community volunteers are trained and materials (posters/flyers) prepared to spread accurate information.

#5 Strengthening ties between religious and community leaders. This partnership is also training these leaders to reach out and disseminate timely, accurate information to their members.  Lutheran World Relief “works with local partners to provide lasting solutions.”

You may add additional support by using the blue mission envelopes and marking them “Lutheran World Relief.”

 -Mission Committee

Accent on Worship

Farewell

     It is with a full and grateful heart that I prepare to leave Mount Olive.

     I thank you for myself, and on behalf of all the vicars before me and yet to come who have been or will be blessed by your ministry. You have forever shaped me and how I will serve congregations.
     Saint Paul’s words to the Philippians immediately come to mind as I think of this year together: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Christ.” (Phil. 1:3-6).

Of this I am certain: God is at work in you, not only for your vicars, but for this city, your neighborhoods, and you as well so that everyone might see, and hear, and know the love of God. You proclaim the gospel as you relentlessly care for one another, risk speaking the truth in love, attend to the presence of the Holy in worship, patiently journey with vicars, and live out your compassion and commitment to this neighbor-hood. Through you, by your love and your patient under-standing, Christ has revealed to me even more of his love and grace. In you, I have seen the face of God.

     For all that you have taught me, for sharing your lives and welcome, for your generosity, and for your faithfulness to the gospel, I thank you.

     The peace of Christ will be with you always, just as he has promised.

– Vicar Emily Beckering

Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Friday, August 15, 2014
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.
All are welcome.

Sunday Readings

August 10, 2014: 9th Sunday after Pentecost  (Lect. 19A)
I Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33
___________________
August 17, 2014: 10th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 20A)
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Psalm 67
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:10-28

Olive Branch Summer Publication Schedule

     During the summer months, The Olive Branch is published every other week.

     The next Olive Branch will be published on Wednesday, August 20.  Information for that issue is due in to the church office by Tuesday, August 19.

     Weekly publication resumes September 3.

Neighborhood Ministry Coordinator Search Update

     The deadline for applications for the new Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator position has passed, and the search committee has narrowed the list of candidates to six people.    

     Interviews will take place during the weeks of August 11 and 17, and we hope to have a candidate to recommend to the Vestry soon after.   We are on track to have someone in place by the second half of September.  In the meantime, Connie Toavs is busy getting our fall programs off the ground.

     Thanks to the committee for such good work  (George Ferguson, Gretchen Campbell-Johnson, Sue Ellen Zagrabelny, Cynthia Prosek, Neil Herring, Kathy Thurston, Pastor Crippen, Vicar Beckering, and Lora Dundek)!

Summer A.C.T.S. Recap

     The Summer ACTS five-week program ended July 18. 23 volunteers, including 20 Mount Olive participants had the opportunity to interact with 18 community youth over the course of the program.

     Volunteers participated with youth in 6 different types of service to the community and to the church, enjoyed lunch together and shared experiences. Volunteers helped introduce youth to this church as a place of peace and acceptance and a place where community counts. A very diverse group of 10–14 year olds experienced helping to meet community needs, a new experience for many. Each youth had the opportunity to earn up to $150 during the program and most never missed a day. Youth learned to relate to adults and to each other and hopefully learned some work “soft skills.” Each left with a reference letter to present to a future potential employer.

     The program ended with a celebration meal prepared and served by volunteers. Youth, their family members, volunteers, church staff and organizations that benefitted from the youths’ work came together to share a meal, watch a power point presentation showing each of the activities, and view the art work that now brightens the undercroft. Stop down and take a look at “Seasons of the Heart.”

Transitions Support Group Continues

     Any who would like an opportunity to discuss concerns and receive support are welcome to attend the Transitions Support group. Their next meeting is on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:30 in the Youth Room. Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth will act as facilitators.

     Since our last 4-week session concluded in May, the group members decided they wanted to continue meeting, as needed.  Since May, we will have met on an every six-week basis.
     All are welcome and encouraged, especially by those who have been meeting for support regularly, to participate whenever we meet.

     If you have questions, please call Cathy at 612-708-1144 or email her at marcat8447@yahoo.com.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on August 9, the Book Discussion group will read, All the King’s Men (restored edition), by Robert Penn Warren.  For the September 13 meeting, they will discuss, The Woman Behind the New Deal, by Kirstin Downey.

Food and Personal Items Needed!

     Remember your contributions to the food shelf during these summer months.  You may use your blue envelopes and designate “food shelf” as the recipient.  Non-perishable food items may be placed in the shopping cart in the coat room.

      We are also receiving donations of small toiletries (like the complimentary items provided by hotels and motels) for distribution to homeless persons, who have little space for such items. Bring your unused/unopened toiletries to the designated basket in the coat room.

2014-2015 Vestry

     New Vestry members were installed at the morning liturgy on Sunday, July 20.  The current Vestry is now as follows:

President – Lora Dundek
Vice President – Robert Gotwalt
Secretary – Peggy Hoeft
Treasurer – Kat Campbell-Johnson
Congregational Life – Sandra Pranschke
Education – John Holtmeier
Evangelism – Andrew Andersen
Neighborhood Ministries – Carol Austermann
Missions – Judy Hinck
Property – Brenda Bartz
Stewardship – Donn McLellan
Worship – Al Bipes
Youth – Amy Thompson

Diaper Depot in Need of Year-Round Funding

     Several years ago, as the Neighborhood Ministries Committee considered ideas for a program which would directly help families in our neighborhood, they decided that a service to provide low cost diapers to area families would be a practical and much-needed service.  They held a fundraiser with a “name that program” contest, and so the Diaper Depot was born. This has been a very popular program with neighborhood families for a number of years. Two elderly grandparents who are raising their three young grandchildren recently said, with tears in their eyes, “You don’t know how much this helps!”

     The funds to provide this much-needed service are part of our church budget, but until now, the Diaper Depot has never been open in the summer. Additional funds are needed to provide this service to our neighborhood families year-round.

     The blue Missions envelope from the offering envelope mailing has a blank line under “local missions.” Please consider making a gift to the Diaper Depot (by writing “Diaper Depot” on that line), or by using an envelope designated for this. You may also want to consider becoming a sustaining member by providing regular weekly, monthly, or yearly gifts to this important ministry (thanks to those who are already doing this!). We would also welcome volunteers to work in the Diaper Depot. It is open on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30, and on Thursdays from 1:30-3:30.  Please contact Connie Toavs at church if you would like to volunteer!

     This neighborhood need does not take a break for the summer – and neither should we!  Please be generous, as the need continues throughout the year. Thanks in advance for your generosity.

Calling All Worship Assistants!

     The Servant Schedule for the 4th quarter of 2014 (October-December) will be published at the beginning of September 2014.

     The deadline for submitting requests to me is August 15, 2014. Please email your requests to me at
peggyrf70@gmail.com.

Thanks,
– Peggy Hoeft

Our Going Out and Our Coming In: Staff Summer Schedules

• Cantor Cherwien is on vacation August 1-6, and August 21-27.
• Administrative Assistant Cha Posz will be on vacation August 11-15.

Summer Ensembles Forming Now!

     Cantor Cherwien is assembling two ensembles to sing for summer worship.

     A men’s ensemble will meet, rehearse and sing for the liturgy on August 10, and a women’s ensemble will meet, rehearse, and sing for the liturgy on August 17.

     In each case, the plan is to meet at 8:00 that morning and rehearse until 9:15, singing for the morning liturgies at 9:30.

     Come and lend your voice to the choir(s)!

Help Us Keep in Contact!

     Please remember to contact the church office with your updated address, phone number, cell phone number, or email address!

     Help us stay in touch and keep you in touch with each other.

A Note from Former Vicar Neal

Dear Friends at Mount Olive,
     I am writing to let you know that after graduating from Luther Seminary in St. Paul in May of 2014, I have received a call as Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Ministry at Christ Lutheran Church in Belvidere, Illinois.  I am extremely excited to join in this ministry that God has called me to.  Mount Olive played a major role in bringing me to this point.

     Serving as your vicar was one of the most rewarding times in my life.  I truly loved preaching, teaching, and working with the community at Mount Olive. Even more, I was blessed by your presence in my life.  Not only did you all go out of your way to welcome me to your church, but you also shaped me as a future pastor.  You encouraged my preaching by giving careful feedback.  You taught me what it means to truly love all people.  You became my friends and family during my time there.  I am especially grateful for the hard-working staff and internship committee at Mount Olive who mentored me and taught me what it means to work in a church as the Body of Christ.  Thank you for your love and care!

     I am extremely appreciative for the gifts of love you have shared with me.  You have shaped my faith and affirmed my call to pastoral ministry.  I can never pay you back, but know that I am eternally grateful for the gift Christ has given me in you.

In Christ,
Neal Cannon

Neal’s ordination will be on October 26, at 4:00 p.m., in Illinois. The place is yet to be determined. Installation will be at Christ Lutheran Church, Belvidere, Illinois, on November 16.

And Another Note …

To the people of Mount Olive:
Thank you for the faithful prayers for healing for my cousin Janet Prokosh.  She has been on our list of concerns for many months following a serious brain bleed that left her with many significant challenges.  Due to the diligent care of many wonderful people she has recovered significantly and life is returning to normalcy.  Thanks be to God.

– Kathy Thurston

Share a Meal with the Manuels

     While Julie is undergoing chemotherapy, Mount Olive members and friends are helping make life a little easier for their family by delivering meals on Fridays.

     Since the TWIG notice fir went out, response has been great; meals are now scheduled for delivery through October 10.   If you would like to schedule meal delivery after that date, please contact Marilyn Gebauer at: gebauevm@bitstream.net or by phone:  612-306-8872.

     It is suggested meals be dropped off between 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. for this family of three.  Their home is in St. Louis Park – directions and other information will be shared when a delivery date is scheduled.
     If you cannot reach Marilyn, a second contact is Cathy Bosworth.  She can be reached at 612-708-1144 or by email to marcat8447@yahoo.com.

Bread for the World Summer Newsletter

     Those who are interested in reading Bread For the World’s summer newsletter, Legacy of Hope, are encouraged to find it on the bulletin board outside the Neighborhood Ministries office and take a look. (This issue features a nice photo of former Neighborhood Ministries Coordinator, Donna Neste, who serves on their national board.)

Capital Campaign News

     We have raised nearly half of our goal for the capital campaign to be used toward fully funding our designated funds and establishing a “rainy day” cash reserve.  

     We would like to wrap up this campaign by the end of the year – or at least have all pledges in by then.   If you haven’t yet indicated that you’ll give, please do so as soon as you are able.  

     Just send a note to the office, or use the green pledge card (extra pledge cards are available in the office).    This campaign is important to the secure financial footing of Mount Olive.   Thanks for your generosity.

Church Library News

     The current display in the church library includes a few books that come from the Inspirational section and you are invited to stop in soon to view these (or other areas which may interest you) as follows:

• LET THE EARTH BRING FORTH — a moving story of faith regenerated and a marriage restored, by Mary Warren
• SMALL BLESSINGS — by Celestine Sibley
• THE TOUCH OF THE EARTH by Jean Hersey
• WHY DOESN’T SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING — what 20 women are doing about such areas as government, education, leadership, decency and morality – by Daisy Hepburn
• THE DIVINE YES by E. Stanley Jones
• THE JESUS STYLE by Gayle D. Erwin
• TRAVELING LIGHT – releasing the burden you were never intended to bear, the Promise of Psalm 23, by Max Lucado
• OLDER LOVE by local author, artist and illustrator Warren Hanson

     I have mentioned before the special non-profit project called Little Free Libraries, a movement begun in 2009 by Todd Bol and Rick Brooks of Wisconsin, when Bol built a model of a one-room schoolhouse as a tribute to his mother, a former teacher who loved reading.  He filled it with books and put it in his front yard, with the great idea of “take a book, return a book.” The marvelous growth of this special inspiration includes at least 1,000 Little Free Libraries in Minnesota and the idea has spread as far as Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, and Brazil. (That is why an article in the Star Tribune and also featured on TV – last July 11, detailing a Little Free Library located in the South Minneapolis area that was torched, infuriated so many of us that love good books and the whole idea of sharing that idea on a free, “come as you can and share as you will” kind of basis).

     Make it a point to look for one of these special places in or near your own neighbor-hood and stop by often to visit before the snow flies.  If you get a chance, thank the person or family who provided that Little Free Library in front of or very nearby their own home.

     I will close this article by repeating a great quote from the Reading is Fundamental organization: “Book People Unite — Read to a child today and spark a lifetime of ambition!”

– Leanna Kloempken

Thank you!

     One of the joys of serving as pastor of this congregation is that there are several members of the parish who are able and willing to preside (and even preach) in my absence, making it so much easier to take vacation and really rest.  Thank you to the Revs. Beth Gaede, Art Halbardier, and Rob Ruff for presiding on several Sundays this summer in my stead, and special thanks to Art, who also preached.  I always hear good reports, and know that things are being well handled while I’m gone.  Thanks are also due to Vicar Beckering for taking care of pastoral care in my absence and all the other things she does.  It’s good to be back, but even better not to have worried about anything while I was on vacation.

– Pr. Crippen