Blog – Page 334

The Olive Branch, 12/17/14

December 18, 2014 By Mount Olive Church

Accent on Worship

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

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

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

– Vicar Meagan McLaughlin

Sunday Readings

December 21, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Advent

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

December 28, 2014: The Holy Innocents

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

This Sunday’s Adult Forum: December 21:

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

Fair Trade Craft Sale – One More Sunday

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

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

Transitions Support Group

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

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

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

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

The Book of Esther: Thursday Evening Bible Study Concludes

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

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

This Bible study runs through this Thursday, December 18.

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

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

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

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

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

Christmas Wish Tree

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

Thank you!

– Anna Kingman

La Natividad

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

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

Flyers with additional information are available at church.

Thanks to the Mount Olive Foundation!

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

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

The Mount Olive Foundation provided funds to purchase the appliances.

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

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

Alternative Gift Giving

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

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

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

Lutheran World Relief
http://lwrgifts.org/

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

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

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

Christmas Worship Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

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

They’re Here!

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

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

Planning a Reception?

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

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

Mount Olive History Books

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

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

Movin’ On Up!

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

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

Staff Christmas Gifts

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

– Lora Dundek, Vestry President

End of Life Planning

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

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

Mount Olive Christmas Cards

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

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast

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

Help with the Greens – Up and Down!

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

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

House Sitter / Pet Sitter

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

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

Reflected Light

December 14, 2014 By moadmin

The Spirit of the LORD is upon us, because God has anointed us to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. This is our job now.

Pr. Joseph G. Crippen
The Third Sunday of Advent, year B
texts: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28 (with references to Luke 4)

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

“The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me.

God has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners.”

That’s it. That’s the job description. When Jesus began his ministry, Luke says he read these verses and proclaimed they were fulfilled in him. Since the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church at Pentecost, Luke declares the Church itself is now anointed into this calling.

Isaiah’s beautiful words become real when God’s people take them to heart as our calling, our life. We can’t hear this good news and live as if it wasn’t truly meant to happen.

Because the world is full of oppressed people. Full of brokenhearted people. Full of people who are bound up and captive. Full of prisoners, especially in our country. In the midst of the beauty of this prophetic word is real ugliness. Just as the proclamation of the Good News of God in Jesus comes into a world of real ugliness that we read and hear and see around us all the time.

The thing is, Isaiah believed God was doing something about it. The thing is, John the baptizer believed God was doing something about it. The thing is, in Christ Jesus our Lord we live and breathe declaring God is doing something about it. What that is, we need to understand.

Isaiah speaks of devastation because he speaks into devastation.

The exiles of Judah joyfully returned to their homeland to find it a wasteland: Jerusalem destroyed, homes and villages burned, the Temple a ruin, the holy things taken away. They came home to find their home a wreck.

To them, Isaiah declares: God brings you comfort in your mourning, gladness instead of grief. God is restoring the covenant with Israel, and will help you rebuild your ruins, repair your devastations. Joy will come, like to a bride and groom dressing for their wedding day.

This happened. Israel was rebuilt, the people were able to live and flourish.

Jesus appropriates this promise onto his own ministry. The healing of devastation, pain, suffering, the promise of the LORD’s favor, that, Jesus says, is what he is about.

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me, he said, because God has anointed me to this.

John’s Gospel introduces Jesus as the Light who comes into the darkness of this world revealing the heart of God.

Like the promise to the exiles, standing in the bricks and dust and garbage of a ruined homeland, the coming of the Son of God is light in utter darkness.

This is Good News, we say. Because the world is full of oppressed people. Full of brokenhearted people. Full of people who are bound up and captive. Full of prisoners, especially in our country. We live in darkness and fear, much of which we have created. We long for the Light of God to shine hope.

John the baptizer today tells us the Light is here, the one sent from God has come into this world. Everything is going to change.

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon Christ Jesus, because God has anointed him, and we rejoice.

But the Evangelist points out an important question of the Baptizer: if Christ is the light, who is John?

Is he the Messiah? No. The prophet who was promised to come, one like Moses? No. Elijah himself? No. Then who? I’m the one preparing the way for this coming of God, he says.

John the baptizer wasn’t the light of God himself. He was the witness to the light. Like the moon to the sun, John reflected the Light of Christ into the world so others could see it.

We’re different from John, though. We are in fact anointed just like our Lord Christ. We are anointed to carry Christ’s mission into the world. Our baptism proclaims this, our calling from our Lord declares this, our new life in his death and resurrection reveals this. Like John, we are not “the” Messiah, “the” prophet, but we are messiahs (anointed ones), prophets of God with small letters, reflecting God’s light. Isaiah’s call is our work now, if we take our Lord seriously.

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon us, because God has anointed us. Really.

We begin our calling as anointed ones by our laughter into the darkness.

Knowing the Lord has come to make all things new, our mouths are filled with laughter and shouts of joy, as we sang. This is God’s will for us, Paul says: that our life be one of rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, giving thanks in all circumstances.

This is our reflected light: we can hold the joy of God’s healing and grace in a world of pain and grief, holding people, helping people, walking with people, always filled with inner joy because we know God is working in us and in many for life.

This is our reflected light: we can pray without ceasing, living our lives constantly aware of the presence of God in our midst so our very thoughts are prayer, our actions and grace offerings of praise, and we both see God’s presence in this world where others cannot, and live as signs of God’s presence ourselves.

This is our reflected light: we give thanks in all circumstances, thanks that God has sent us to make a difference, thanks that God has not abandoned this world to our destruction but come into it to bring healing, thanks that there is still time for us to do something, thanks that we do not do this alone but with the power and strength of the crucified and risen God.

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon us, because God has anointed us. This is God’s will for us.

This life of joy, prayer, and thanks becomes the grounding for our entering Isaiah’s vision fully.

Jesus took seriously that he would bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to those captive and freedom to those in prison. He was anointed for that. He did this.

What would happen if we also took our baptismal anointing seriously and did just those things?

What good news could we bring to the oppressed? Could we be a part of the healing of this nation, this world, finding our own places in the task to make this a society of justice for all, of equality and fairness? Could we begin to heal the ancient and open wounds that our own sin has created, that subjugate people even in this country based on their skin color, or their economic status, or their education? How might we, anointed ones of God, feel such wounds ourselves, like our Lord, and begin to repair such ruins?

What binding of the brokenhearted could we do? Could we find roles for each of us to participate in the healing of a world of pain, where so many have caused or received so much pain that cycles of violence and killing and hatred lead to endless war, endless crime, endless abuse? Could we be grace to the brokenhearted that stops the revenge and retaliation broken hearts so want? Could we work to make this a culture of peace and wholeness instead of selfishness and violence? How might we, anointed ones of God, take this pain on ourselves, like our Lord, and begin to build up such foundations from the ashes?

What freedom can we proclaim to those who are captive to systems beyond their control, what liberty can we proclaim to those imprisoned and thrown away? Our society raises whole groups of people who never see the possibility of a way out of their situation, trapped in a system that crushes, who despair to find hope and real life. Our society imprisons more people by far than any other so-called civilized society on earth. Could we begin to work on these? Support leaders who seek to dismantle unjust systems, who seek to find ways to heal society rather than build bigger walls and stronger prisons? Could we be a part of God’s healing here? How might we, anointed ones of God, enter such captivity ourselves, like our Lord, and begin to raise up hope out of these devastations?

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon us, because God has anointed us. This is what God has called us to do.

“Stir up the wills of your faithful people, Lord God,” we pray, “that anointed by your Spirit we may testify to your light.” [1]

The Spirit of the LORD God is upon us, because God has anointed us. God has sent us to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners. That’s it. That’s the job description. We most certainly need God to stir up our wills to do this, to reflect the Light of God that has come into the world.

But the Spirit of the LORD God is upon us, that is our hope. We do not do this alone. We do this with each other and all others so anointed. We do this with the Spirit of the risen Christ who has anointed us to this. So we are not afraid. For the light has come, and we are sent to shine that light into this world so all can see.

In the name of Jesus. Amen

[1] From Prayer of the Day for 3 Advent B