Accent on Worship

Not Of This World

     “President Francois Hollande vowed that France would wage ‘merciless’ war on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant. . . . He called the carnage [that ISIL inflicted in Paris] ‘an act of war.’” So read the front page article in the StarTribune on Sunday morning.

     I despair that France’s president declared “merciless war” (but is there any other kind?). I despair over the deaths in Paris. I despair at all the attention we gave to the French deaths while remaining unaffected by similar tragedies in Beirut, or any number of other places. I despair that well-meaning people fight about that perception that we care for France and not for others.

     ISIL is merciless in attacking innocent people in Paris, so France will be merciless in attacking ISIL. That’s the deal. Violence happens, and the only answer is violence. This is how humanity always operates. Last year, addressing graduates of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, our president said of the U.S. military, “Just because we have the best hammer does not mean that every problem is a nail.” With respect, the problem is deeper than a question of when our military is appro-priately used. We can only see nails, so we always want hammers. Somehow, we need to imagine a different world, where there are no nails, and no need for hammers.

     I have no idea what the nations of the world should do about ISIL and the destruction they are sowing. (As of this writing, it seems that apart from President Hollande, most western leaders have no idea what to do either.)  I only know that vowing to be merciless in response makes my heart sick.

     Next Sunday Pontius Pilate will interrogate Jesus as to what kind of king he is, and where his kingdom is. “My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus will say.

    But we live in this world. So we need to learn how Christ rules. We follow the Christ, ruler of all that is, whose Spirit fills our hearts, making us anointed ones, Christs. If Christ rules over all things, then Christ rules over this world, too. But not as we would rule.

     God’s response to the world’s murderous violence is to take it on, and be killed. Not to be merciless. I don’t know what that means for governments who have to protect citizens. I do know that I cannot, as one who follows the Christ, condone humanity’s continuing obsession with violence and violent response. At the least, I know I am called by the crucified and risen King whom we serve to follow the path of God, where nails may harm me, but where I cannot pick up a hammer.

     The Triune God’s hands and feet are marked by our violent nails. I expect that is our destiny, too.

– Joseph

Sunday Readings

November 22, 2015: Christ the King
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
______________

November 29, 2015: First Sunday of Advent
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
I Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist
Thursday, Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m. 

    Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)

     As has been our custom for a number of years, the entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be divided between Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services food shelves.

New Member Welcome – Note Date Change!

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, December 6, during the second liturgy (please note change of date!).   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office 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.

Sunday’s Adult Forum

November 22: “Looking at Luther Through Finnish Eyes: Toward A New Understanding,” part 2, presented by Dwight Penas.

Advent Procession
Sunday, November 29
4:00 pm

Many Thanks!

     Fair weather on Sat., November 14, allowed for the rebuilding of the retaining wall on the
front corner of the church yard.
     Many thanks to Steve Manuel for several hours of work he spent freshening up our presence on the corner. And, we had fun working together!

– Art Halbardier, Director of Properties

Tending the Family of God

     If a member of our family were to go missing, we would be making phone calls, we would be talking to people who might know where our missing family member was, we would be sending people out to search for the one who was missing –  and nothing would be quite right again until the one who was missing had been found.

     In this congregation, we are a family of faith. So why is it that so often when one of the members of this family does go missing, we carry on a through nothing has happened? Shouldn’t there be
phone calls made, people talked to, search parties sent out?

     Because, really, nothing can be quite right again until
the one who is missing has been found.

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study     

     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through December 17 (the study will not meet Thanksgiving Day). The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and explores how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions
will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     The sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Conference on Liturgy Update

     Each January since 2003, Mount Olive has hosted an annual conference on liturgy.
We are currently in the process of re-tooling, perhaps re-shaping, and most certainly, re-energizing this conference.  We’ve initiated an evaluation process that will look at many things including what kinds of topics will serve as themes, and what time of year might best enable participation for this valuable conference.  We’ll consider many facets in that process, and will send a survey to past participants to gather input from them.

     As a result, this coming year we are temporarily putting the conference on hold, meaning that this coming January (of 2016), we will not be hosting the event.

While this may be disappointing to some of us, it in no way demonstrates a diminished value – in fact, quite the opposite.  We’re confident that when we
resume,  it will be even better!

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the December 12 meeting they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. For the January 16 meeting they will read, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.

Advent Centering Prayer

     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contempla-tion during the season of Advent.

     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer.
     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

Tis the season! 

     As we approach Advent and prepare for Christmas, please consider ways to give beyond gifts, showing love around the community. There are many ways that Mount Olive partners with its surrounding organizations and churches to support good work being done. Here are a few ways to show Christ’s love in our neighborhood!

1) Bring a gift of food (or cash) on Thanksgiving Day or any day to be delivered to CES or Sabathani. Much needed items include: 5 lb. bag of sugar, 5 lb. bag of flour, cooking oil, canned chicken or tuna, soups, baked beans, pasta, white rice, jam, pancake mix, or hygiene items.

2) Coats, hats, mittens, scarves oh my! There is a coat donation area by the little kitchen,            
and a box for any hats, mittens or scarves to keep bodies warm through the winter.
      3)  Give a home basket to a resident in Our Saviour’s Transitional Housing. Their 100 Permanent
Supportive Housing residents (73 men, 27 women) have all gained their own apartments after years of homelessness and health problems. The residents’ limited budgets make it tough for them to afford many essential items to really make their house a home. Brighten their holidays and ease their budgets by providing a festive gift basket! Please note that we serve primarily men and no children. You may choose what to include, but we suggest items such as:
• Kitchenware (including cooking & eating)    • Shower curtains and liners    • Mini desk fans
• Basic tools    • Throw blankets and pillows    • Towel and full bed sheet sets    • Headphones              • Household décor items such as picture frames   • Calendars or day planners   • Clock radio
• Socks, gloves, hats, scarves, or slippers    

*For an extra special gift basket, you might also include: • Gift Cards for Target or Cub Foods/Rainbow   • Personal hygiene items     • Candy, cookies, snack mixes, cocoa, coffee, tea, or other treats     • Costume jewelry, make-up, or wallets

Gifts can be packaged in any way: a laundry basket, reusable shopping bag, gift bag, plastic tub, etc. Consider a foldable personal shopping cart for an extra special gift! Feel free to decorate the gift or include a card.  ***Can be dropped off in hallway by the coats/kitchen

3) Your TIME. Deliver for Meals on Wheels, help sort and distribute holiday meals for
Community Emergency Services or find a local neighborhood group that needs extra hands and love. If you’re interested and want more specifics, please contact Anna Scott at the office or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org.

Mark your calendars!

     The Missions Committee will host its annual Fair Trade Craft Sale on Sundays, December 6, 13 and 20.  Items from SERRV, a nonprofit Fair Trade organization will be available for purchase after both services.  Fair trade coffee, chocolate and other food products from Equal Exchange through Lutheran World Relief’s Coffee Project will also be available. Plan now to stop and do a little Christmas shopping!

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 play-ground toys for refugee children in Kenya through Lutheran World Relief.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.

Some of these organizations are:

• 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

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.elca.org/goodgifts
(We will have ornaments during the fair trade sale that you can use to make a donation).

Minneapolis Area Interfaith Initiative

     MAII is a group of lay and clergy volunteers from the Greater Minneapolis area who are committed to increasing interfaith understanding, organizing interfaith programming and encouraging personal relationships across faiths in Greater Minneapolis. We involve a diversity of faith communities as well as various parts of Greater Minneapolis. MAII is a member of Twin Cities Interfaith Network (TCIN) and North American Interfaith Network (NAIN).

     Religion is a core identity for many people. The religions of the world have many common values that could be built on to solve local and international issues. Too often the differences between religions and within religions are used to polarize and foster discrimination, fear, and hate.

    The objectives of this organization are to increase interfaith understanding and personal relationships across faiths in Greater Minneapolis in order to build a stronger, more peaceful and more respectful community, to educate the public in greater Minneapolis about local religious traditions, focusing on common values as a way to unite to solve problems locally and throughout the world; and to strive to understand and respect religious differences, without needing to come to agreement or seeking to convert.

     This group holds various meetups on a variety of topics. These gatherings are open to the public. Visit them on Facebook for information about these meetings if you are interested in the important work of this group (https://www.facebook.com/maiimpls) or call 763-639-5298 for more information.

End of Frenzy, Free to Plan

     It’s been a hectic several months of urgent masonry repair and roofing repair to prepare our historic church building for winter. Repairs to stained glass windows continue. Weather has been wonderfully favorable. Maybe it will continue?

Other activities in my arena have had to take a back seat. But, now it is possible to begin looking forward.

     I would like to gather two committees to meet over the next few months to begin planning for several potential projects:

1. A group to look at options and formulate a plan to air condition the sanctuary, to look at the  potential of  solar energy to offset the cost of electricity as well as reduce our carbon footprint, and to consider lighting alternatives.

2. A second group to develop plans for improved and more easily maintained landscaping around the property, improvements to the Parish House entry, and a plan for upgrading the South parking lot.
     If you have an interest in participating in one of these groups, please be in touch with me no later than November 30, so work can begin soon after. Either contact me via email (pastorarth2@comcast.net) or a phone call (763-639-7701.

     Joining one of the committees is NOT intended to become a lifetime commitment. The goal for these groups will be to prepare a plan for consideration before summer of 2016.

     Architect Todd Grover, who worked with us on the 2010 Parish House remodel, will participate with these groups in a planning process.

     Do you think these projects are important? Interesting? Timely? Please be in touch soon so we can begin.

-Art Halbardier, Property Director

TRUST Youth: Aliveness Project

     Again this year, TRUST Youth will participate in the annual Holiday Baskets activity for The Aliveness Project on Sunday, December 6.

     The youth will purchase and wrap gifts to give families living with AIDS.  If you would like to make a cash donation to help purchase Christmas gifts for  these families, please contact Julie Manuel at 612-695-6198 or via email to julie.a.manuel@gmail.com

 A Note of Thanks

     The pre-Thanksgiving/Advent /Christmas altar cleaning was handily completed by a great crew consisting of Matt Crosby, Jan Crosby, Cynthia Prosek, Bob Lee, Beth and Neil Hering, Beth Gaede, Mary Dorow, Mary Dodgson. Margaret Bostlemann, Elisabeth Hunt, Katherine Hanson, Eunice Hafemeister, Timm Schnabel, and Steve Pranschke.

     Thank you to all those who helped move this project along.

– Steve Pranschke, Altar Guild Chair

Accent on Worship

Alice Parker is coming to town!

     I hope I’m not violating something by beginning on a very personal note.  (Alas, I’ve already typed the word “I” three times, and the next word marks another!!!). I have two people at the very top of my mentor list.  There are many mentors on the list, but these two have had the most profound effect on me.  These mentors are Paul Manz and Alice Parker.

     What they both did (and Alice still does) is the same thing.  They spark an interest in congregational song.  In fact, they both also had/have amazing abilities in drawing any gathering into singing,  and singing in creative and meaningful ways most would think not possible for any gathering without a big rehearsal.

     In Paul Manz’s case, he invited meaningful and full-voiced singing through the organ.  I’ve spent a career working on understanding how he did that,  and specifically what it was he did which produced such eager response.  Some of it is very practical:  clear communication about when to breathe,  and a reliable pulse.  But it was his creativity that became the icing on the cake.  We all noticed the words intensely as he inter-preted them though his use of the instrument (the organ and the congregation’s voice), and he would take us on a journey every time a hymn was launched.  In the end, however, what we remembered was the hymn’s meaning – more than the particular notes he played and/or how he played them.

     In Alice Parker’s case, she leads her “SINGs” with her own lone voice (as she calls it, feeble elderly lady’s voice). Again,  it begins somewhat practically:  one doesn’t need anything to sing – just our voices. We don’t need accompaniment, and there are no quality police grading us in comparison to Luciano Pavarotti, or Leontyne Price.  Like children, we wind up singing freely, free of judgment.  For me, what she added to that, and to an already rich set of experiences with Paul Manz, is an awareness of where and when the song comes to us from. Through that we uncover the vast variety of musical style the church has always had in its songs. The absence of instruments actually points that out intensely – as that’s usually where our assumptions go to find variety. Chant is very different from a Victor-ian British hymn!  Latino music has its dance, as does a chorale from the Renaissance era . All of that comes to life.  But also, like Paul Manz, she regards the congrega-tion as the instrument, inviting all kinds of unusual, surprisingly delightful sounds that bring out the hymn and its meaning.

     This Sunday afternoon, Alice Parker, still full of energy,  will lead one of her signature sings right here at Mount Olive.  She became best known with her collaborative work with Robert Shaw – especially in connection with the Shaw Chorale recordings of Christmas carols.  She researched each candidate carol, and, if selected, would help arrange them for choir for the recordings and publications. Since then she firmly has established herself in her own right as composer, musician, recording artist, and lover of melody and hymnody.

     Her energy, enthusiasm, and ability to entice is very infectious.
     Sunday at 4:00, here at Mount Olive.  Don’t miss it!!!

– Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

November 15, 2015: 25th Sunday after Pentecost 32 B
Daniel 12:1-3
Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25
Mark 13:1-8
______________

November 22, 2015: Christ the King
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

Church Clean Up

     The Altar Guild will sponsor a Thanksgiving/Advent /Christmas clean-up of the worship areas of Mount Olive from 9 am to noon on Saturday, November 14.

     We anticipate that the renovation process will be substantially completed by then. Any help from congregational volunteers would be greatly appreciated.    

     Please contact Steve Pranschke if you are willing and able to volunteer for this effort.

Thank you,

– The Altar Guild

New Member Welcome – Note Date Change!

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, December 6, during the second liturgy (please note change of date!).   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office 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.

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist
Thursday, Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m.
     Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)

     As has been our custom for a number of years, the entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be divided between Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services food shelves.

Advent Luncheon for Seniors to be Held Wed., December 2

     Attention Seniors (65 and over)! Be on the lookout for your invitation to the annual Advent Luncheon for Seniors. The invitations are in the mail!

     If you are age 65 or over and have not received your invitation, it’s likely because we do not have your birthdate on file. If that’s the case, please let us know (and update your membership information)! All members of the Mount Olive Community age 65 and over are cordially invited!

“Welcoming” is Also Parking

     The smaller north lot received new stripes and signs last week. By next Sunday, this new sign will be placed at the entrance. The intent is that for worship and other events and activities, those who
need to park nearer the door will have a better chance of finding a spot in this lot.

     Five spaces are reserved for those with a state permit for disabled parking access; the remaining five are unmarked. These are available for additional disabled parking, as well as for individuals who may be experiencing mobility difficulty, but do not have the state permit.

     Providing easy accessible parking is one more aspect of being “welcoming” to all who come to Mount Olive. On weekdays, this lot is used for staff parking and other visitors. But the above aspect of “welcoming” is still some-thing to consider. From time to time, the five reserved spaces have been used by many of us for convenient short or longer-term parking. Rationale: “Nobody uses these spaces during the week.” How can we be sure of that? What does it say to someone with walking difficulty who arrives to visit the pastor, come to a meeting, visit Diaper Depot – whatever – to find the reserved spaces occupied?

     We can let these individuals know they are welcome by parking in the other lot or on the street. Some of our staff members have taken the lead in this. The rest of us can also show those with a special need that they are welcome at all times!

Sing! On Sunday
This Sunday, November 15, 4 pm:  SING! With Alice Parker     

     The SINGs led by Alice Parker have delighted groups all over the United States and Canada since she started leading this kind of program forty years ago. The unique feature of these SINGs is
their high musical accomplish-ment – the sheer beauty and communicative power of the singing. The atmosphere is one of delight in joining in music-making, and of ease in creating varied sounds. A reception will follow the event in the Chapel Lounge. This event is free and open to the public – bring a friend!

Sunday’s Adult Forum

November 15: “Looking at Luther Through Finnish Eyes: Toward A New Understanding,” presented by Dwight Penas.

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study     

     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through December 17 (the study will not meet Thanks-giving Day). The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and will explore how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     As always, the sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome.

Tending the Family of God

     If a member of our family were to go missing, we would be making phone calls, we would be talking to people who might know where our missing family member was, we would be sending people out to search for the one who was missing – and nothing would be quite right again until the one who was missing had been found.

     In this congregation, we are a family of faith. So why is it that so often when one of the members of this family does missing, we carry on a through nothing has happened? Shouldn’t there be phone calls made, people talked to, search parties sent out?

     Because, really, nothing can be quite right again until the one who is missing has been found.

Transitions Support Group 
   
     All are welcome at Transitions Support Group. If you’re looking for new ideas or encouragement to meet the challenges or uncertainties that are before you, join us on Wednesday, November 11, at 6:00 pm (that’s tonight!).

      This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.

     Transitions Support Group meets on Wednesday, November 11, from 6- 7 pm at Mount Olive in the lower level Youth Room, and will be facilitated by Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter.  For more information, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144, marcat8447@yahoo.com, or Amy at 612-710-1811, agate651@gmail.com.

All Saints Sunday

     Many thanks to the Cantorei for the hard work preparing for Faure’s Requiem in our All Saints Eucharist on November 1.  Also, we extend sincere appreciation to two people inadvertently left out of the bulletin list of participants:  Steve Nelson, Harp,  and Joyce Brown organ.   Our apologies for the omission, and our gratitude for the gifts!

A Very Big THANK YOU from the Scotts!

     We are very blessed to be among such lovely people who have supported us in our journey to marriage, and we hope and trust you will con-tinue to do so in all our adventures ahead.

     Thank you to Andrew Andersen, Lora Dundek, Mary Crippen and the many others who helped us celebrate again on November 1st. Thanks also to so many for your kind words and cards. It is a joy and a treasure to us. Thank you also to Pastor Crippen for his encouragement to us along the way, to Paul Nixdorf for taking photos, and to Randy Fritz who made us a beautiful, delicious cake for our wedding day. It has all been very appreciated. Thank you!

– Anna & Josh

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the November 14 meeting they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery, and for December 12 they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James.

Advent Centering Prayer

     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contempla-tion during the season of Advent.

     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer.
     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

Profiles: the unexpected guest
     Last Thursday the day started normally. Plunking along in the morning, the doorbell rang and in walked a young man straight for my office. He was friendly and polite and asked to come in. Then everything went haywire. I soon realized that I was dealing with a very unstable, mentally ill man who was desperately searching for some semblance of reality or guidance. Anything, really. He was lost and scrambling around for answers and somehow thought that Mount Olive may be a place he could find some. It was uncomfortable in a way, because I felt so incapable of giving him what he needed. He asked “what do you do here?” “Church,” I replied. That’s not what he wanted to hear, but it was actually what I needed. I needed to remember that this suffering struggling man was not someone to quickly pass along to the next place or hurriedly get out the door because he was not easy. This was not someone to disregard because I couldn’t possibly cure his illness or fulfill his requests, so ‘off you go sir, I’ve got other things to do.’ No, this man may have come in looking for treatment or a remedy that I couldn’t give him, but I could give him my time and some grace. He stayed for close to an hour and a half. We called two mental health hotlines and a treatment center. We made a plan. Eventually he left and my heart returned to a normal rate. But I was shaken. Not necessarily because he scared me, but because I was afraid for him – walking around in the world with such pain and fear. Please, friends, remember and pray for those whose reality is crumbling and for whom fear reigns in their lives. Let’s have the church be the refuge and the sanctuary. I don’t know if I made a difference for my friend on Thursday, but he made a change in me.

In Our Neighborhood
     Powderhorn Park Neighbor-hood Association will hold its Community Meal and Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12. Dinner will be at 5:30 pm and elections and meeting at 6 pm. Celebrate the gift of community with the neighbors of Mount Olive!

A Wish List
     Parents in Community Action, Inc. Head Start serves the community of children and families experiencing hunger, homelessness, poor access to resources, and the devastating effects of poverty. They will host the annual Head Start Health Fair for neighborhood children and families and are requesting any donations of new or gently used prenatal or early childhood supplies: things like diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, bottles, toys, formula, etc. Any donation will help and goes directly into the hands of the most needy children and families in the neighborhood. Donations can be dropped off in the coat room near the upstairs kitchen and are needed before Friday November 13. Thank you! Please call Anna Scott at church with any questions.

Time to think about commitment.

     In a few days you’ll receive a letter from Mount Olive’s Stewardship Committee, inviting you to give serious thought to your financial commitment to support our mission and ministry in 2016. In October, the congregation voted to accept the budget recommended by the Vestry. Now it’s time for us as individuals and households to make our respective commitments to the work we will help make happen—within the walls of our building, in the neighborhood, in our nation, and in places around the world.

     Two thousand sixteen will be another challenging budget year. The improvements that were necessary to preserve our building resulted in the need for a $270,000 mortgage. Combined with the usual salary and benefit increases, this resulted in a significant budget increase. Included is our usual 12% tithe to support our mission in the neighborhood and around the world.

     On Sunday, November 22, again on Thanksgiving Day, and yet again (in a more low-key way) on Sunday, November 29, we’re giving members three opportunities to present a pledge card or some other token of their commitment to our work in 2016. We’ll process with our offerings on the first two of those days, and on November 29 you’ll see a box or basket, perhaps near the font.

     In recent years we’ve been on-again, off-again about whether we do or don’t process to present our pledge cards. Now we think we have a better idea. Processing is a gesture that can become a meaningful part of our liturgy. But it shouldn’t, we think, be an exclusive “parade of the pledgers,” if by pledge we mean a card the bears our name(s) and a dollar figure. Commitment is a better and more inclusive term.

Here’s why. Of all members who made general-fund gifts of $1 or more in 2014 (our last completed year), only 49% turned in a pledge card. Yes, those pledgers contributed 69% of our general-fund dollars. But without the one-third of our revenue given by non-pledgers we would have been, well, in big trouble. Indeed, some of our largest gifts to the general fund come from non-pledgers, including, in 2014, three of the twenty largest gifts and seven of the next twenty.

     So for us commitment means, first and foremost, that as individuals or households we make a commitment or promise to ourselves and to God that we’re going to do our best to give a certain amount of money to Mount Olive’s general fund in the year ahead. That’s what most of us do annually, isn’t it?

Should those among us who are traditional pledgers give it up? No! We’d like to see the numbers of those filled-in cards increase. Among other things, they give us an early indication of whether or not we’re likely to get the revenue we need. And if some members have been non-pledgers chiefly for privacy reasons, they should know that at Mount Olive Administrative Assistant Cha Posz, a member of another congregation, is the only person who sees what each of us gives annually.

     Some of us are likely non-pledgers for reasons of tradition, theology, or philosophy. That’s fine. What pledgers and non-pledgers have in common is that we commit ourselves to providing our share—however each of us defines that—of the resources needed for our mission and ministry in 2016.
So whatever you present on one of those two Sundays or on Thanksgiving—a filled-out pledge card, a blank one, or some other token (maybe one of the green cards in the pew racks)—think commitment as you do so. And please consider praying that you and all of us may be strengthened in commitment and mission.

– Donn McLellan, director of Stewardship

Church Library News

     Mount Olive’s library recently received a large and unique collection of CD recordings, originally owned and developed by Mr. Ed Mikkola, an elderly member of Mount Olive, who in younger years was a church organist. The original collection of CDs, were given in 2003, some from Cantor Cherwien, and the larger group of about 60 were on loan to us from Dan Burow.  That last grouping has now been removed from our display and a new selection of a similar amount from Mr. Mikkola’s collection have been chosen, processed, and are now available for check out in our current CD rack.  (Did you know that in 2003, Dan Burow hand-made the CD rack that has displayed our older collection all these years, and now contains our new selection just debuted this month?)   Be among the first to come in and check out one of these special new additions to our library resources!

     Speaking of Dan Burow, be sure to look for his brand new book entitled, “I Remember When — Rev. & Enlarged,” which was a recent gift to our library.  If you have been a regular reader of his columns in the TRUST and CoAM newsletters, you will delight in settling back for a wonderful afternoon or evening of reading from this new book to reminisce along with this talented author.  Look for his book on display in our church library right now!

     Thanks to Elizabeth Beissel who recently brought us another item of interest on display.  This is TIME’s Special Edition entitled “Francis: The Pope’s Bold Message Comes to America,” by John L. Allen, Jr., a journalist who covers the Vatican for The Boston Globe and who is the Senior Vatican Analyst for CNN.  This is a beautifully done and accurately portrayed record of the Pope’s recent visit to America and you will want to stop in some time to sit down and relish the tapestry of sights and photos in this great edition. This item is for display only and not for check-out.

     Those of us who are seniors are often concerned with our lack of energy and flexibility.  I will conclude this article with a couple of examples that might help spur us into further health efforts: 78 year-old metal sculptor Rochelle Ford, writes, “Every morning when I wake up I say, ‘I’ll never be as young as I am today.  Today is the youngest day of the rest of my life.  Therefore, get up and do something fun.’” —– 88 year-old Yvonne Dowlen, a figure skater, writes, “As you grow older, if you don’t move, you won’t move!” —–79 year-old Harriet Anderson, the oldest female to ever finish the IRONMAN World Championship, writes, “I used to think 50 was old.  I was wrong.  It is not even close!” — Lastly,  88 year-old award-winning choreographer Dame Gillian Lynne writes, “The secret to staying young and being happy is loving what you do and loving the person you are with. It’s as simple as that!”

    What special things to ponder indeed!

– Leanna Kloempken

Road Trip!

     Christine Skogen invites all to join her for her junior organ recital, to be held in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa.

     The event will take place on Thursday, November 19, at 6:30pm, in the Main Hall. The recital will include works by Bach, Widor, and Fletcher.

     A short reception will follow the program. All are welcome!

Accent on Worship

For thus says the Lord the God of Israel: The jar of meal will not be emptied and the jug of oil will not fail until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.” She went and did as Elijah said, so that she as well as he and her household ate for many days. The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah. 
 -1 Kings 17:14-16      

     The widow of Zarephath is one of my favorite Bible characters. Unnamed, starved, and poverty-stricken, she gathers sticks near the outskirts of town so that she can build a fire to cook her last meal. She assumes death is right around the corner. But then she runs into a man of God. Elijah invites her to first share what little flour and oil she has with him and then go feed her son. He promises that she will have enough food. The widow does as she is told and Elijah’s promise comes true. She and her family eat for many days.

          The widow of Zarephath inspires me. In her desperation, she finds it within herself to trust Elijah, a person whom she identifies as a man of God. She takes a risk! And that risk moves her from despair to hope, from little to enough, and from death to life. Being in relationship with God involves both trust and risk. We trust that God will provide, but we don’t always know how it will happen. It is easier for us to trust God in times of joy and happiness, but this story reminds us that God calls us to have courage even in times of fear. And that is what feels risky! It requires an openness to oneself and to God. This widow is a woman of faith. Her faith enables her to trust Elijah and to be open to how God might show up in surprising and unexpected ways.

     Her story is not over, however. If you read on, you’ll learn that she soon faces another crisis: the illness and death of her son. The widow’s story reminds me of the importance of those people who come into our lives in times of chaos and uncertainty and bring us hope. Like Elijah, they help bring us from death to life. For these people, I rejoice!

– Vicar Anna Helgen

Sunday’s Adult Forum

     November 8: “Begin With Wonder: Music, Cosmic Awareness, and Care for the Earth,” presented by Susan Cherwien.  

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study    
     This Thursday, Nov. 6, a new six- week study will begin, led by Vicar Helgen, which will run through December 19. (The study will not meet Thanksgiving Day.) The study, called “Images of God,” will explore how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     As always, the sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. Please let Vicar Helgen know if you are able to provide a meal.

November Music & Fine Arts Events
  
     +Sunday, November 15, 4 pm:  SING! With Alice Parker    
     The SINGs led by Alice Parker have delighted groups all over the United States and Canada since she started leading this kind of program forty years ago. The unique feature of these SINGs is their high musical accomplish-ment – the sheer beauty and communicative power of the singing. The atmosphere is one of delight in joining in music-making, and of ease in creating varied sounds.     A reception will follow the event in the Chapel Lounge. This event is free and open to the public – bring a friend!

     + Sunday, November 29, 4 pm:  Advent Procession
Mark the season with a solemn procession and a series of lessons and carols for Advent. Enter this season of hope in the darkest time of the year. Candles, incense, and beautiful music all invite the listener to engage in this very profound liturgical season.

Church Clean Up

     The Altar Guild will sponsor a Thanksgiving/Advent /Christmas clean-up of the worship areas of Mount Olive from 9 am to noon on Saturday, November 14.

     We anticipate that the renovation process will be substantially completed by then. Any help from congregational volunteers would be greatly appreciated.    

     Please contact Steve Pranschke if you are willing and able to volunteer for this effort.
Thank you,

– The Altar Guild

New Member Welcome – Note Date Change!

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, December 6, during the second liturgy (please note change of date!).   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office 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.

Transitions Support Group     

     All are welcome at Transitions Support Group. If you’re looking for new ideas or encouragement to meet the challenges or uncertainties that are before you, join us on Wednesday, November 11 at 6:00 pm.

      This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.

     Transitions Support Group meets on Wednesday, November 11, from 6- 7 pm at Mount Olive in the lower level Youth Room, and will be facilitated by Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter.

     For more information, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144, marcat8447@yahoo.com, or Amy at 612-710-1811, agate651@gmail.com.

National Lutheran Choir to Present All Saints Concert, “Blessed Are They”  

     Join the National Lutheran Choir for their annual All Saints Concert: “Blessed Are They,” a concert of music and texts reflecting on the lives of those who have been loved and lost.

     One concert remains: 7:30 pm, Friday, November 6, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Faith Community in Wayzata.

      For more information or to purchase tickets, call Brown Paper Tickets (800) 838-3006, or order online at www.nlca.com.  Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the concert.

A Gentle Reminder

     Information for the weekly Olive Branch is due on Monday of the week it is to be published. If you have information to share, please be sure it’s in to the church office on Mondays. Thanks!

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist: Thursday, Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m.

     Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)

     As has been our custom for a number of years, the entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be divided between Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services food shelves.

Advent Luncheon for Seniors to be Held Wed., December 2

     Attention Seniors (65 and over)! Be on the lookout for your invitation to the annual Advent Luncheon for Seniors. They will be in the mail soon!

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the November 14 meeting they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery, and for December 12 they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James.

South Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support

     The South Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support provides education & support for those who are grieving. Support groups are designed for adults experiencing grief as a result of the death of a loved one.

Small discussion groups follow the speaker each week, led by trained facilitators. Groups are open-ended; come as you feel the need. Individuals may join the group at any time.

     The current session is held on Thursdays through Dec. 3, 6:15-8 pm, at Our Lady of Peace Church, 5426 12th Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

     All are welcome.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

     Powderhorn Park Neighbor-hood Association will hold its Community Meal and Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12. Dinner will be at 5:30 pm and elections and meeting at 6 pm. Celebrate the gift of community with the neighbors of Mount Olive!

A Wish List
     Parents in Community Action, Inc. Head Start serves the community of children and families experiencing hunger, homelessness, poor access to resources, and the devastating effects of poverty. They will host the annual Head Start Health Fair for neighborhood children and families and are requesting any donations of new or gently used prenatal or early childhood supplies: things like diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, bottles, toys, formula, etc. Any donation will help and goes directly into the hands of the most needy children and families in the neighborhood. Donations can be dropped off in the coat room near the upstairs kitchen and are needed before Friday November 13. Thank you! Please call Anna Scott at church with any questions.

Powderhorn Empty Bowls
Friday, November 6, 11am – 7pm

     Powderhorn Empty Bowls was started in 2007 by five neighbors and potters who met at the Powderhorn Park Pottery Program. Their mission, to promote art, provide sustenance and promote the common good has been carried out every year since, with the help of donations and hundreds of volunteers. Every year hundreds of neighbors and community members gather together to help end hunger. These people choose a hand-made bowl that has been donated, which is filled with soup made by volunteers and local businesses and accompanied by bread made on site by volunteers.
     For this, each adult is asked to make a $20 donation, or a $5 donation for kids. Any and all donations, of any amount, are gladly accepted.
     When finished, wash your bowl and bring it home. Enjoy it and have it as a reminder of all the empty bowls in your community, across Minnesota and around the world. Also leave with that bowl feeling good, knowing that on this day, you did something to feed people in your community.
     Many volunteers are needed to make this day happen. If you’re able, please visit them on the web to see if there’s anything you can help with.  
     THANK YOU! More information on facebook or http://powderhornemptybowls.org/

In With the New!

     The new sidewalk to the 31st Street door will soon be ready for use, thanks to our two top-quality in-house concrete masons, Mark and Tim Pipkorn. Here they are, hard at work last Friday.
     Thanks, Mark and Tim, for an outstanding job. You’ve got talent -…and probably VERY SORE knees!!!  We’re all grateful.

 Also new is several restored stained glass windows.  The large window over the altar is now cleaned, and new protective glass is installed. Another window on the South side of the nave will be complete this week.

     The goal is to continue the repairs as long as weather stays on our side. The crew will try to select the units in most urgent need of attention. Wisely, they are working on only as many windows as they can finish within a reasonable period of time. One is never sure in Minnesota when winter will settle in for good!
     Thank you to all the people of Mount Olive for your patience with inconvenience and gracious support during these past few months.

Road Trip!

     Christine Skogen invites you to join her for her junior organ recital, to be held in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College, 700 College Drive, Decorah, Iowa.

     The event will take place on Thursday, November 19, at 6:30pm, in the Main Hall. The recital will include works by Bach, Widor, and Fletcher.

     A short reception will follow the program. All are welcome!