Mount Olive Lutheran Church

Heirs of the Beloved

By

We are heirs of the Beloved! Jesus invites us to be heirs of God’s kingdom, an abundance we cannot begin to imagine. It is given to us freely, and in response, we are called to receive the gifts of God, tend them, and share them with everyone around us. 

Vicar Meagan McLaughlin
   Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 27 A
   Texts: Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:7-15, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46

Grace and peace to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I don’t know about you, but from the time I was a child, I was taught to secure my future by working hard, dressing well, saving money, getting a degree from a “good” school, earning the right title in the right organization. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with these things, and I knew I was loved, but I always felt somehow that I would be loved a little more, be a little more successful, if I could just master these basic credentials. And as I reflect on this experience, I recognize that I adopted an underlying belief that all good things in the world, even love—perhaps especially love—were a scarce commodity that needed to be earned, and once earned, defended. I suspect that this is a common perspective among those of us who have grown up in middle-class America, who have been taught that you get what you deserve, that there is “no free lunch.”

The readings for today paint a very different picture of God’s kingdom. In the passage from Isaiah, we hear a song to the Beloved who has created a place of abundance for us—a vineyard on a very fertile hill, cleared of stones, planted with choice vines. There is a watchtower, a winepress, all that is needed for a full life. It is a gift freely given by God to God’s people, before they have done anything to earn it. Matthew echoes this image, describing almost identically a lush vineyard in which God’s people live, in which they—we—can bear the fruits of the kingdom, or as Isaiah puts it, produce grapes instead of wild grapes. We are given all we need to live a fruitful life.

Most of us probably haven’t spent a lot of time in a vineyard, but hopefully all of us can imagine a place of great love and abundance. A place where there is always room for us. All needs are met. We are loved without condition, without measure. Close your eyes for a moment. (Come on, close them!) Where is this place for you? What does it look like? What does it feel like? Who is there? What food is served? What happens when new people come, asking to share in the love of this place? How do you feel when you are there? This is what Isaiah, and Matthew, and the psalmist, are talking about—this is what God has promised us. We are heirs of Isaiah’s Beloved, the God who loves each of us abundantly.

Unfortunately, the tenants in Matthew’s vineyard don’t seem to experience this promise. When the landowner sends messengers to ask for a share of the produce, they have forgotten that the land is a gift from a God of extravagant abundance, and that there is enough for all. They react by defending their territory, casting the messengers out of the kingdom, even killing them, because they are afraid. They believe that the only way to be sure they will have what they need is to defend it, by violent means if necessary. And when the vineyard owner sends his son, they kill him too, sure that this will guarantee their future. They have claimed the vineyard as their own property, forgotten that it belongs to God. Rather than receiving the gift, tending it and sharing it, they mistakenly think that they have earned it and must defend it. And in the very process of defending it, they lose the inheritance they sought to keep for themselves.

Before we let ourselves off the hook, though, claiming that we have not killed anyone to defend what we have, it is important that we acknowledge that violence does not always mean physical death. There is a violence inherent in the systems — racism, classism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism—that protect those of us in privileged positions, ensuring that we will have more than we need while others in less privileged positions don’t have enough. 17th century German preacher Franz Hunolt quotes Augustine as saying, “He who refuses to share his superfluous wealth with the poor is evidently guilty of keeping what belongs to another.”   Keeping what belongs to another. What we have is not our own. It belongs not just to us, but to all the heirs of the Beloved. When we ignore these systems, and hold on to what we have while others go without, we are acting as the tenants did. We will inevitably cease producing fruit, and we will lose the kingdom.

We miss out on the abundant blessing of the kingdom when we claim ownership of that abundance by virtue of our own credentials, our degrees, accomplishments, even religious affiliation. Our attempts to earn or prove our place generate only exhaustion, and inevitably fail. Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Philippians, saying that if anyone can claim to belong to God’s kingdom based on their own merit it is he, and then lists an impressive resume . . . circumcision, heritage, religious connection, righteousness under the law, even persecution of the church that some believed to be a threat to Judaism. Paul goes on to say that all of this is counted as loss—he actually uses the word “dung”—in comparison with knowing Jesus, being in relationship with the Beloved.

The abundance of the kingdom of the Beloved extends far beyond monetary wealth. We all have gifts and passions we have been given, for the purpose of sharing them. We take the role of the tenants when we hold ourselves back, believing that the gifts we have are not good enough to be shared with others, fearing that we might be rejected, afraid that somehow we might not get what we need. We bring death to ourselves as well as those around us by not sharing the abundant life and love our Beloved has created within us.

So, then, how shall we live? When we are aware that what we have comes from God, the Beloved, we live in abundance and not in scarcity. Rather than trusting in our own efforts or credentials, living in fear that we will not have enough or that what we have will be taken from us, we will bear the fruits of the spirit—love, joy, peace, patience . . . . We will share ourselves and what we have freely with those around us. And when we see systems or circumstances that keep others locked in oppression, that prevent our neighbors from being able to fully participate in the abundance of this world, we will courageously work to ensure that everyone can take their place as heirs of the Beloved. And we will tend the kingdom by caring for ourselves, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and allowing others to care for us as we care for others.

None of this is easy, because it is not what the world around us teaches, and because it requires us to surrender, a challenging task for those of us who like to feel that we have some measure of control. As with everything in the spiritual life, we are to live into the promise—and the call—knowing we cannot do it without God. Paul says, “Not that I have already attained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Because Jesus has claimed us, we can claim the kingdom, not solely as future promise, but also here, in this moment, as a present reality.

Jesus invites us to be heirs of God’s kingdom, an abundance we cannot begin to imagine. We do not have to earn it; in fact, we can’t. It is given to us freely, as a gift. And in response, we are called to receive the gifts of God, tend them, and share them with everyone around us. We are heirs of the Beloved! With whom will you share your abundance today?

Heirs of the Beloved

By

We are heirs of the Beloved! Jesus invites us to be heirs of God’s kingdom, an abundance we cannot begin to imagine. It is given to us freely, and in response, we are called to receive the gifts of God, tend them, and share them with everyone around us. 

Vicar Meagan McLaughlin
   Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 27 A
   Texts: Isaiah 5:1-7, Psalm 80:7-15, Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46

Grace and peace to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

I don’t know about you, but from the time I was a child, I was taught to secure my future by working hard, dressing well, saving money, getting a degree from a “good” school, earning the right title in the right organization. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing inherently wrong with these things, and I knew I was loved, but I always felt somehow that I would be loved a little more, be a little more successful, if I could just master these basic credentials. And as I reflect on this experience, I recognize that I adopted an underlying belief that all good things in the world, even love—perhaps especially love—were a scarce commodity that needed to be earned, and once earned, defended. I suspect that this is a common perspective among those of us who have grown up in middle-class America, who have been taught that you get what you deserve, that there is “no free lunch.”

The readings for today paint a very different picture of God’s kingdom. In the passage from Isaiah, we hear a song to the Beloved who has created a place of abundance for us—a vineyard on a very fertile hill, cleared of stones, planted with choice vines. There is a watchtower, a winepress, all that is needed for a full life. It is a gift freely given by God to God’s people, before they have done anything to earn it. Matthew echoes this image, describing almost identically a lush vineyard in which God’s people live, in which they—we—can bear the fruits of the kingdom, or as Isaiah puts it, produce grapes instead of wild grapes. We are given all we need to live a fruitful life.

Most of us probably haven’t spent a lot of time in a vineyard, but hopefully all of us can imagine a place of great love and abundance. A place where there is always room for us. All needs are met. We are loved without condition, without measure. Close your eyes for a moment. (Come on, close them!) Where is this place for you? What does it look like? What does it feel like? Who is there? What food is served? What happens when new people come, asking to share in the love of this place? How do you feel when you are there? This is what Isaiah, and Matthew, and the psalmist, are talking about—this is what God has promised us. We are heirs of Isaiah’s Beloved, the God who loves each of us abundantly.

Unfortunately, the tenants in Matthew’s vineyard don’t seem to experience this promise. When the landowner sends messengers to ask for a share of the produce, they have forgotten that the land is a gift from a God of extravagant abundance, and that there is enough for all. They react by defending their territory, casting the messengers out of the kingdom, even killing them, because they are afraid. They believe that the only way to be sure they will have what they need is to defend it, by violent means if necessary. And when the vineyard owner sends his son, they kill him too, sure that this will guarantee their future. They have claimed the vineyard as their own property, forgotten that it belongs to God. Rather than receiving the gift, tending it and sharing it, they mistakenly think that they have earned it and must defend it. And in the very process of defending it, they lose the inheritance they sought to keep for themselves.

Before we let ourselves off the hook, though, claiming that we have not killed anyone to defend what we have, it is important that we acknowledge that violence does not always mean physical death. There is a violence inherent in the systems — racism, classism, ableism, sexism, heterosexism, ageism—that protect those of us in privileged positions, ensuring that we will have more than we need while others in less privileged positions don’t have enough. 17th century German preacher Franz Hunolt quotes Augustine as saying, “He who refuses to share his superfluous wealth with the poor is evidently guilty of keeping what belongs to another.”   Keeping what belongs to another. What we have is not our own. It belongs not just to us, but to all the heirs of the Beloved. When we ignore these systems, and hold on to what we have while others go without, we are acting as the tenants did. We will inevitably cease producing fruit, and we will lose the kingdom.

We miss out on the abundant blessing of the kingdom when we claim ownership of that abundance by virtue of our own credentials, our degrees, accomplishments, even religious affiliation. Our attempts to earn or prove our place generate only exhaustion, and inevitably fail. Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Philippians, saying that if anyone can claim to belong to God’s kingdom based on their own merit it is he, and then lists an impressive resume . . . circumcision, heritage, religious connection, righteousness under the law, even persecution of the church that some believed to be a threat to Judaism. Paul goes on to say that all of this is counted as loss—he actually uses the word “dung”—in comparison with knowing Jesus, being in relationship with the Beloved.

The abundance of the kingdom of the Beloved extends far beyond monetary wealth. We all have gifts and passions we have been given, for the purpose of sharing them. We take the role of the tenants when we hold ourselves back, believing that the gifts we have are not good enough to be shared with others, fearing that we might be rejected, afraid that somehow we might not get what we need. We bring death to ourselves as well as those around us by not sharing the abundant life and love our Beloved has created within us.

So, then, how shall we live? When we are aware that what we have comes from God, the Beloved, we live in abundance and not in scarcity. Rather than trusting in our own efforts or credentials, living in fear that we will not have enough or that what we have will be taken from us, we will bear the fruits of the spirit—love, joy, peace, patience . . . . We will share ourselves and what we have freely with those around us. And when we see systems or circumstances that keep others locked in oppression, that prevent our neighbors from being able to fully participate in the abundance of this world, we will courageously work to ensure that everyone can take their place as heirs of the Beloved. And we will tend the kingdom by caring for ourselves, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and allowing others to care for us as we care for others.

None of this is easy, because it is not what the world around us teaches, and because it requires us to surrender, a challenging task for those of us who like to feel that we have some measure of control. As with everything in the spiritual life, we are to live into the promise—and the call—knowing we cannot do it without God. Paul says, “Not that I have already attained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” Because Jesus has claimed us, we can claim the kingdom, not solely as future promise, but also here, in this moment, as a present reality.

Jesus invites us to be heirs of God’s kingdom, an abundance we cannot begin to imagine. We do not have to earn it; in fact, we can’t. It is given to us freely, as a gift. And in response, we are called to receive the gifts of God, tend them, and share them with everyone around us. We are heirs of the Beloved! With whom will you share your abundance today?

The Olive Branch, 10/1/14

By

Accent on Worship

You might have noticed…

     Sometimes there are unspoken practices or gestures that become a part of the liturgy in a community. They are not a part of the rubrics (rubric- from the word for red, meaning the directions in red in the worship book). They are sometimes individual acts of worship, sometimes done by many, or, sometimes, most, of the worshipers. No actions are mandated; if they were in the rubrics, the rubric would probably say “The congregation may…”.  Nor do these practices have only one meaning or significance: that meaning may vary from person to person. But it just might be helpful from time to time to hear what thoughts are behind some of these acts of worship.  

•   Sign of the cross (on forehead and chest):  this is a gesture which reminds the observer of their baptism – the same sign made on the  forehead at baptism with the words naming the Holy Trinity:  “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.  Some worshipers sign a small cross on their forehead, lips, and heart at the announcement of the Gospel to signify the desire to receive it with an open mind, proclaim it with our lips, and cherish it in our heart.

•   Bowing to the cross in procession:  as a reverent acknowledgement of the presence of the Risen Christ.

•   Standing for the final stanza of a hymn: when the last stanza of a hymn includes naming the Trinity –  “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” – or, is a stanza of doxology (praise) naming the Trinity, many will stand, if the congregation is not already standing, as a posture of  reverence and full praise.  The zimbelstern on the organ may sound to indicate this reverence, as well.  The zimbelstern also  usually sounds at the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might”) of the eucharistic liturgy.

•   Three-stanza hymns without alternation instructions.  Quite often the middle stanza is sung in harmony, as the congregation corporately chooses.  If  I, as the organist, am using a different harmonization and hear harmony being sung,  I try to immediately switch to the harmony being sung by the congregation.
•   Odd-numbered verses in the psalmody, but a double tone.  When a double tone is used (which spans two verses) for singing the verses of the psalm, and there is an odd number of verses, the last lone verse is sung to the last two measures of the tone.

•   At the last line of the opening of the Great Thanksgiving many people sing “It is right to give God thanks and praise” instead of the words in the book “It is right to give our thanks and praise.”  This is a conscious effort on the part of those who sing the first example to keep our language centered on God and not on us.

•   Subtle hospitality.  Some worshipers open their hymnals to the pages of the liturgies even if they know them from memory.  Some people intentionally sit in front of a person who may be unfamiliar with the liturgical practices in this place, in order to alleviate uncertainty as to when to stand or sit or kneel or where the liturgy or hymn is in the worship book.

     This list is just a beginning.  Within the body of Christ’s church that worships in this place, there is a variety of gifts, a variety of understandings.  It has to do with which observances actually bring you more deeply into the presence of God and each other.

– Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

October 5, 2014: 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 27A)
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:7-15
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
______________________

October 12, 2014: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 28A)
Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14

Sunday’s Adult Forum: October 5

 “Restorative Justice: An Alternative to Imprison-ment,” presented by Amy Levad. Amy teaches moral theology at the University of St. Thomas and is the author of Redeeming A Prison Society: A Liturgical and Sacramental Response To Mass Incarceration and Restorative Justice: Theories and Practices of Moral Imagination.

2015 Budget Preview

     On Sunday, October 12, following the second liturgy and a welcome celebration for Anna Kingman, the Vestry will host a brief opportunity to preview the 2015 budget. This is a good time to ask questions, get clarifica-tion, and hear the Vestry’s think-ing about 2015 and our work moving forward. Copies of the budget will be available via email from the church office, and hard copies will also be available in the office.

Congregation Meeting

     The semi-annual meeting of the Mount Olive congregation will be held on Sunday, October 19, after second liturgy.  Items for discussion include:
• the 2015 budget (needs congregational vote and approval)
• updates from the Visioning Committee
• a preview of on-going Stewardship work
• news from the current Capital Campaign to replenish our designated accounts and cash reserves.

Installation of Anna Kingman October 12

Note the schedule change for the day:

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Education Hour
10:45 a.m.  Eucharist and Installation
12:00 p.m., after liturgy: refreshments and fellowship with Anna Kingman
12:30 p.m. or so, 2015 Budget Preview Forum

     On Sunday, October 12, we will install our new Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry, Anna Kingman.

     Anna’s been working with us since Sept. 23.  Her hiring is the beginning of a new time in the life of Mount Olive congregation.  She will continue to do many of the things Donna was doing, but in addition her new job description includes a deep involvement in the life and work of this congregation.  We have asked her to join us as a member, which she will do Sunday, Oct. 5.  She will be working with us to help us better understand our mission and ministry in this neighborhood and in our neighborhoods.  She will be dreaming with us and helping us not only to hear God’s call but also helping us to put hands and feet to what we hear.  We’ve asked her among us to help us get to work!

     When the pastor and cantor of this congregation are installed, a special worship schedule is done, and in light of the importance of this new position and what we hope for Anna to do in leadership among us, we will celebrate her installation the same way.  On Sunday, Oct. 12, we’ll have Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m., regular Education Hour at 9:30 a.m., and then Eucharist and Installation at 10:45 a.m.  This way the whole congregation can gather in God’s grace and presence as we commit to our work together with Anna.

     A couple other notable things related to these days: On Oct. 12, there is a time of fellowship and refreshments with Anna after second liturgy, following that, there will be a forum introducing the 2015 budget.  This is in preparation for the October Semi-Annual Meeting of the Congregation, set for Sunday, Oct. 19, after second liturgy (see page 2 for more information).

Lastly, Anna will lead the Adult Forum on Oct. 19, to introduce herself and the ministry she’s beginning with us.

Brain Power Needs Treat Power!

     Please help us in providing our tutoring program kids with some re-fueling treats through-out the school year!

     We are looking for a snack and beverage for each Tuesday after the tutoring program to send kids home smart and happy.

     There are sign-up sheets downstairs by the Community Events bulletin board, or you may contact Anna Kingman, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry at 612-827-5910, or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. (Email is the best and fastest way to reach me!)

     We are also in need of more substitute tutors to be on-call for the year. We hope to serve many kids and want each one to get the attention they need.

     Let me know if you are interested.

– Anna Kingman

Support Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts!

     Members of the Music & Fine Arts Committee will be on hand between the liturgies this Sunday, October 5 and next Sunday, October 12, to receive your donations to this year’s series!

First Music & Fine Arts Event of the Season to be Held on October 12

     On Sunday, October 12, at 4:00 pm, Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts is pleased to present a recital by organist Aaron David Miller. He will play works of Bach, Sweelinck, Gigout, and improvisation.  

     Aaron is Music Director and Organist at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. He is known as one of the finest organ improvisers in the country, having won several international awards and given concerts across the nation. The improvisation for this concert will be an on-the-spot creation, using themes gathered from the audience! Don’t miss it!

     A reception will follow.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on October 11, the Book Discussion group will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid. For the meeting on November 8 they will read Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver.
     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!

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.  The next session meets on Wednesday, October 1 (tonight!), at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room (lower level), and will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth.  If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.

A Note of Thanks

     I want to thank all of you for your care and support over the last seven months while I worked with you as Interim Coordinator of Neighborhood Ministries. Worshipping with you and working alongside many of you as been a blessing for me in so many ways.

     Thank you for a very meaningful Farewell and Godspeed and a wonderful reception. I look forward to worshipping with you from time to time and know that you will work with the new Coordinator as you move forward with your vision for Mount Olive in this community. I will miss you.

– Connie Toavs

Mount Olive Directory Photos Fall 2014 Schedule

     If you did not get your personal, couple or family photos taken last fall there will be a time to get your photos taken in October and included in the updated directory.

     We invite folks who have been worshiping regularly but are not members at Mount Olive to also have their photo(s) taken to include in the directory so that others can put names and faces together.

     Below are listed the time slots available to have your photos taken. Select the day and approximate time(s) that work best for you and call or email the church office to sign up (612-827-5919/welcome@mountolivechurch.org).

     You will be contacted the week before the sessions with a specific time for your photo session. Photos will be taken in the lower level of the education building.

• Sunday, October 5 – 12:30 to 1:30 PM following the liturgy
• Wednesday, October 8 – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Thursday, October 9 – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 11 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday, October 12 – 12:30 to 1:30 PM following the liturgy

     Once you have signed up for a date and approximate times that work for you, we will combine all of the requests and set up a schedule to take all those requesting that specific day.  If you have further questions please contact Paul Nixdorf (photographer) by phone at 612-296-0055, or by email to pn@paulnixdorf.com.

Pastor’s Sabbatical

     Pastor Crippen is working with the Vestry on initial planning for his upcoming sabbatical.  The sabbatical will be from April through June of 2015, beginning on the Monday after Easter.

     At this point there aren’t many details to share, but as more is known, it will be published in The Olive Branch.  The budget being presented by the Vestry for 2015 will reflect the costs of the sabbatical.

Meals for the Manuels to be Continued

     Thanks to all who have generously signed up to bring Friday dinners to the Manuel family.  The calendar to date is filled through to November 7, with the exception of Friday, October 31.  If you can bring dinner on that date (Halloween) or on any Friday from November 14 on, please let Marilyn Gebauer know at gebauevm@bitstream.net or 612-306-8872.

    Julie’s treatment will continue for at least the next several months.  The family is very grateful for the support of prayers and meals during this difficult time.

MOGAL-NOW sponsors a Mid-Century Modern Parade of Homes tour and Potluck Dinner

     This coming Sunday, October 5, at 4:00 pm, MOGAL-NOW invites members of Mount Olive to visit two mid-century modern homes that are listed on the 2014 national tour of MCM homes.

     Lynn Dobson and Tony Thoe have invited us to their home at 278 Stonebridge Blvd., St Paul. Their home, along with the home of Geri and John Bjork, 316 Stonebridge Blvd, is listed as part of the Docomomo national tour the following weekend. We get a preview tour a week early, plus dinner and great conversation.  (Visit http://www.docomomo-us.org/tour_day_2014_minnesota  to view the website about the Docomomo tour. Their home is pictured on this site).
We will gather there at 4:00 pm on October 5 to check out the interesting architecture and landscaping at their home, and also walk three homes away to Geri and John Bjork’s home. Around 5:15 pm Lynn and Tony will begin grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and we will set out our potluck items and enjoy a meal together. We will also have a short discussion about upcoming MOGAL-NOW events. The evening will end with ice cream sundaes.

     If you can join us for our Parade of Homes event please RSVP by calling the church office at 612-827-5919, or by dropping an email to welcome@mountolivechurch.org. When you email please indicate how many will be coming and also what you plan to bring for the potluck dinner that will go with hamburgers and hotdogs. Also plan to bring beverages (adult and otherwise).

     MOGAL-NOW is the new and up to date version of the MOGAL (Mount Olive Gay and Lesbian) group. MOGAL-NOW is inclusive and of course, “straight friendly”. MOGAL-NOW plans to sponsor a series of social, informative and of course fun events throughout the year bringing together the entire Mount Olive community.

Chosen: Bible Study on Thursday Evenings

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings through October 23 (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), Pr. Crippen is leading 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.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

The Olive Branch, 10/1/14

By

Accent on Worship

You might have noticed…

     Sometimes there are unspoken practices or gestures that become a part of the liturgy in a community. They are not a part of the rubrics (rubric- from the word for red, meaning the directions in red in the worship book). They are sometimes individual acts of worship, sometimes done by many, or, sometimes, most, of the worshipers. No actions are mandated; if they were in the rubrics, the rubric would probably say “The congregation may…”.  Nor do these practices have only one meaning or significance: that meaning may vary from person to person. But it just might be helpful from time to time to hear what thoughts are behind some of these acts of worship.  

•   Sign of the cross (on forehead and chest):  this is a gesture which reminds the observer of their baptism – the same sign made on the  forehead at baptism with the words naming the Holy Trinity:  “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”.  Some worshipers sign a small cross on their forehead, lips, and heart at the announcement of the Gospel to signify the desire to receive it with an open mind, proclaim it with our lips, and cherish it in our heart.

•   Bowing to the cross in procession:  as a reverent acknowledgement of the presence of the Risen Christ.

•   Standing for the final stanza of a hymn: when the last stanza of a hymn includes naming the Trinity –  “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” – or, is a stanza of doxology (praise) naming the Trinity, many will stand, if the congregation is not already standing, as a posture of  reverence and full praise.  The zimbelstern on the organ may sound to indicate this reverence, as well.  The zimbelstern also  usually sounds at the Sanctus (“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might”) of the eucharistic liturgy.

•   Three-stanza hymns without alternation instructions.  Quite often the middle stanza is sung in harmony, as the congregation corporately chooses.  If  I, as the organist, am using a different harmonization and hear harmony being sung,  I try to immediately switch to the harmony being sung by the congregation.
•   Odd-numbered verses in the psalmody, but a double tone.  When a double tone is used (which spans two verses) for singing the verses of the psalm, and there is an odd number of verses, the last lone verse is sung to the last two measures of the tone.

•   At the last line of the opening of the Great Thanksgiving many people sing “It is right to give God thanks and praise” instead of the words in the book “It is right to give our thanks and praise.”  This is a conscious effort on the part of those who sing the first example to keep our language centered on God and not on us.

•   Subtle hospitality.  Some worshipers open their hymnals to the pages of the liturgies even if they know them from memory.  Some people intentionally sit in front of a person who may be unfamiliar with the liturgical practices in this place, in order to alleviate uncertainty as to when to stand or sit or kneel or where the liturgy or hymn is in the worship book.

     This list is just a beginning.  Within the body of Christ’s church that worships in this place, there is a variety of gifts, a variety of understandings.  It has to do with which observances actually bring you more deeply into the presence of God and each other.

– Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

October 5, 2014: 17th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 27A)
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:7-15
Philippians 3:4b-14
Matthew 21:33-46
______________________

October 12, 2014: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 28A)
Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14

Sunday’s Adult Forum: October 5

 “Restorative Justice: An Alternative to Imprison-ment,” presented by Amy Levad. Amy teaches moral theology at the University of St. Thomas and is the author of Redeeming A Prison Society: A Liturgical and Sacramental Response To Mass Incarceration and Restorative Justice: Theories and Practices of Moral Imagination.

2015 Budget Preview

     On Sunday, October 12, following the second liturgy and a welcome celebration for Anna Kingman, the Vestry will host a brief opportunity to preview the 2015 budget. This is a good time to ask questions, get clarifica-tion, and hear the Vestry’s think-ing about 2015 and our work moving forward. Copies of the budget will be available via email from the church office, and hard copies will also be available in the office.

Congregation Meeting

     The semi-annual meeting of the Mount Olive congregation will be held on Sunday, October 19, after second liturgy.  Items for discussion include:
• the 2015 budget (needs congregational vote and approval)
• updates from the Visioning Committee
• a preview of on-going Stewardship work
• news from the current Capital Campaign to replenish our designated accounts and cash reserves.

Installation of Anna Kingman October 12

Note the schedule change for the day:

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Education Hour
10:45 a.m.  Eucharist and Installation
12:00 p.m., after liturgy: refreshments and fellowship with Anna Kingman
12:30 p.m. or so, 2015 Budget Preview Forum

     On Sunday, October 12, we will install our new Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry, Anna Kingman.

     Anna’s been working with us since Sept. 23.  Her hiring is the beginning of a new time in the life of Mount Olive congregation.  She will continue to do many of the things Donna was doing, but in addition her new job description includes a deep involvement in the life and work of this congregation.  We have asked her to join us as a member, which she will do Sunday, Oct. 5.  She will be working with us to help us better understand our mission and ministry in this neighborhood and in our neighborhoods.  She will be dreaming with us and helping us not only to hear God’s call but also helping us to put hands and feet to what we hear.  We’ve asked her among us to help us get to work!

     When the pastor and cantor of this congregation are installed, a special worship schedule is done, and in light of the importance of this new position and what we hope for Anna to do in leadership among us, we will celebrate her installation the same way.  On Sunday, Oct. 12, we’ll have Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m., regular Education Hour at 9:30 a.m., and then Eucharist and Installation at 10:45 a.m.  This way the whole congregation can gather in God’s grace and presence as we commit to our work together with Anna.

     A couple other notable things related to these days: On Oct. 12, there is a time of fellowship and refreshments with Anna after second liturgy, following that, there will be a forum introducing the 2015 budget.  This is in preparation for the October Semi-Annual Meeting of the Congregation, set for Sunday, Oct. 19, after second liturgy (see page 2 for more information).

Lastly, Anna will lead the Adult Forum on Oct. 19, to introduce herself and the ministry she’s beginning with us.

Brain Power Needs Treat Power!

     Please help us in providing our tutoring program kids with some re-fueling treats through-out the school year!

     We are looking for a snack and beverage for each Tuesday after the tutoring program to send kids home smart and happy.

     There are sign-up sheets downstairs by the Community Events bulletin board, or you may contact Anna Kingman, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry at 612-827-5910, or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. (Email is the best and fastest way to reach me!)

     We are also in need of more substitute tutors to be on-call for the year. We hope to serve many kids and want each one to get the attention they need.

     Let me know if you are interested.

– Anna Kingman

Support Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts!

     Members of the Music & Fine Arts Committee will be on hand between the liturgies this Sunday, October 5 and next Sunday, October 12, to receive your donations to this year’s series!

First Music & Fine Arts Event of the Season to be Held on October 12

     On Sunday, October 12, at 4:00 pm, Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts is pleased to present a recital by organist Aaron David Miller. He will play works of Bach, Sweelinck, Gigout, and improvisation.  

     Aaron is Music Director and Organist at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. He is known as one of the finest organ improvisers in the country, having won several international awards and given concerts across the nation. The improvisation for this concert will be an on-the-spot creation, using themes gathered from the audience! Don’t miss it!

     A reception will follow.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on October 11, the Book Discussion group will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid. For the meeting on November 8 they will read Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver.
     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!

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.  The next session meets on Wednesday, October 1 (tonight!), at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room (lower level), and will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth.  If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.

A Note of Thanks

     I want to thank all of you for your care and support over the last seven months while I worked with you as Interim Coordinator of Neighborhood Ministries. Worshipping with you and working alongside many of you as been a blessing for me in so many ways.

     Thank you for a very meaningful Farewell and Godspeed and a wonderful reception. I look forward to worshipping with you from time to time and know that you will work with the new Coordinator as you move forward with your vision for Mount Olive in this community. I will miss you.

– Connie Toavs

Mount Olive Directory Photos Fall 2014 Schedule

     If you did not get your personal, couple or family photos taken last fall there will be a time to get your photos taken in October and included in the updated directory.

     We invite folks who have been worshiping regularly but are not members at Mount Olive to also have their photo(s) taken to include in the directory so that others can put names and faces together.

     Below are listed the time slots available to have your photos taken. Select the day and approximate time(s) that work best for you and call or email the church office to sign up (612-827-5919/welcome@mountolivechurch.org).

     You will be contacted the week before the sessions with a specific time for your photo session. Photos will be taken in the lower level of the education building.

• Sunday, October 5 – 12:30 to 1:30 PM following the liturgy
• Wednesday, October 8 – 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Thursday, October 9 – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 11 – 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday, October 12 – 12:30 to 1:30 PM following the liturgy

     Once you have signed up for a date and approximate times that work for you, we will combine all of the requests and set up a schedule to take all those requesting that specific day.  If you have further questions please contact Paul Nixdorf (photographer) by phone at 612-296-0055, or by email to pn@paulnixdorf.com.

Pastor’s Sabbatical

     Pastor Crippen is working with the Vestry on initial planning for his upcoming sabbatical.  The sabbatical will be from April through June of 2015, beginning on the Monday after Easter.

     At this point there aren’t many details to share, but as more is known, it will be published in The Olive Branch.  The budget being presented by the Vestry for 2015 will reflect the costs of the sabbatical.

Meals for the Manuels to be Continued

     Thanks to all who have generously signed up to bring Friday dinners to the Manuel family.  The calendar to date is filled through to November 7, with the exception of Friday, October 31.  If you can bring dinner on that date (Halloween) or on any Friday from November 14 on, please let Marilyn Gebauer know at gebauevm@bitstream.net or 612-306-8872.

    Julie’s treatment will continue for at least the next several months.  The family is very grateful for the support of prayers and meals during this difficult time.

MOGAL-NOW sponsors a Mid-Century Modern Parade of Homes tour and Potluck Dinner

     This coming Sunday, October 5, at 4:00 pm, MOGAL-NOW invites members of Mount Olive to visit two mid-century modern homes that are listed on the 2014 national tour of MCM homes.

     Lynn Dobson and Tony Thoe have invited us to their home at 278 Stonebridge Blvd., St Paul. Their home, along with the home of Geri and John Bjork, 316 Stonebridge Blvd, is listed as part of the Docomomo national tour the following weekend. We get a preview tour a week early, plus dinner and great conversation.  (Visit http://www.docomomo-us.org/tour_day_2014_minnesota  to view the website about the Docomomo tour. Their home is pictured on this site).
We will gather there at 4:00 pm on October 5 to check out the interesting architecture and landscaping at their home, and also walk three homes away to Geri and John Bjork’s home. Around 5:15 pm Lynn and Tony will begin grilling hamburgers and hot dogs and we will set out our potluck items and enjoy a meal together. We will also have a short discussion about upcoming MOGAL-NOW events. The evening will end with ice cream sundaes.

     If you can join us for our Parade of Homes event please RSVP by calling the church office at 612-827-5919, or by dropping an email to welcome@mountolivechurch.org. When you email please indicate how many will be coming and also what you plan to bring for the potluck dinner that will go with hamburgers and hotdogs. Also plan to bring beverages (adult and otherwise).

     MOGAL-NOW is the new and up to date version of the MOGAL (Mount Olive Gay and Lesbian) group. MOGAL-NOW is inclusive and of course, “straight friendly”. MOGAL-NOW plans to sponsor a series of social, informative and of course fun events throughout the year bringing together the entire Mount Olive community.

Chosen: Bible Study on Thursday Evenings

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings through October 23 (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), Pr. Crippen is leading 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.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

At Work

By

We come to Christ Jesus looking for a way of life in the life of the Triune God, and we find not only the way but both grace to forgive and strength to walk.

Pr. Joseph G. Crippen
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 26 A
texts:  Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32

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

Sometimes things can be clear and obvious, but, expecting something else, we can’t see them.
It’s the “can’t see the forest for the trees” problem.  We’re so used to hearing and thinking that the whole point of faith in Christ is hope for life after death, we read that into everything we see in Scripture, even today.  But if you take the time to look at these readings again, you’ll see that’s not at all what’s being said.

Ezekiel is speaking to people who believe they’re suffering in exile because their parents and grandparents messed up, sinned.  God speaks through the prophet and says “nonsense.”  Everybody suffers their own consequences.  If you want to find real life in me, get a new heart, a new spirit, quit doing the things you’re doing.  I don’t want the death of anyone, so turn to me and live, now.  Nothing about life after death there.

Paul’s talking to the Philippians about learning together a new way of being, of living.  A way like Christ Jesus, who gave up everything to save the world.  Paul invites them to work at this, at having the same mind with each other; the same love, being in full accord.  Work on this with the appropriate fear and trembling because it’s a hard path to lose yourselves for the sake of others.  To look to others’ interests before your own, to live humbly and consider others more important than you.  This is all for this life, this community, this path they’re walking together.  Not life after death.

Jesus is the clearest if we read properly.  Life in the kingdom of God is doing God’s will.  There are folks who say they will serve God and don’t, he says; there are folks who say they won’t and do.

So the religious leaders, the second son of the story, claim to want God’s ways, to know God’s ways, but don’t live them.  When they hear the Son of God they reject him.  Meanwhile, the tax collectors and prostitutes never claimed to be righteous or godly, but when they heard the Son of God talking of a new way of life in God, they followed, started living in God’s ways, living a new life.

That’s why Jesus says the tax collectors and prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders.  Because they’re already there.  They’re living in the kingdom with the Son of God now, in this life, while the leaders are carping on the outside.

Do you see how we’ve tied ourselves up into knots like these leaders?

We know, because of Christ’s death and resurrection, that we have this astonishing promise of life with God after we die, of resurrection of the dead.  But we’ve become so focused on that as our only goal, we don’t recognize plain speech when we hear it.

No one’s denying this new life promised after we die.  But no one in the New Testament saw that as the primary preaching point.  It was about life in Christ here and now, as a sign of the Triune God’s rule and reign.

Now, if you’re down and out, at the bottom, you’ve messed up badly and are pretty sure God’s not pleased with you, and a prophet comes proclaiming God’s grace and love for you, showing you a way to live in love and grace with others, you’re going to follow.  That’s what the “sinners” did with Jesus.

But if you’re on top, pretty sure that while not perfect, you’ve probably led a decent life, and you think God would agree with that, if a prophet came preaching God’s grace and love for sinners, calling you to a new way of life in love and grace with others that might require you to let go of your own self-interest, admit your own sin and need, well, that’s when you ask the prophet for credentials.  That’s what the leaders do here.

So what do you want from Jesus?

A promise of life after death?  Done.  Easy.

Do you want more?  Are you looking for a relationship with Jesus, and so with the Triune God?  Does something about a relationship with a community of faith pull you here, make you feel more connected to God?  That’s where it gets complicated, in relationship.  That’s when Jesus puts a claim on your life, asks you to love God and love neighbor.

Because that’s the way of God, the way of life, the way to life.  Ezekiel knows it, Paul knows it, Jesus knows it, millions of believers have known it.  Those disciples didn’t follow Jesus because they hoped for heaven after they died.  That understanding came much later.

They followed him because he spoke of a way that seemed better than their life.  He showed a new way of living with God and walking with each other that was worth hearing more about, worth learning, worth following.

Because it means sharing the mind and love of Christ, that is, losing for others, letting go of ourselves, we get pretty uncomfortable with this.  We hide our discomfort in theology, worrying about confusing grace with works, whether we’re implying we’re trying to earn God’s love.

That’s just silly.  If we hear what these folks are saying with open minds and hearts, we’ll see how silly it is.  Silly to think that Jesus’ only goal was to save us from death.  He could have done that without ever becoming human.  The Triune God could, by will, forgive us all, ending death forever.  You make the universe, you make the rules, and decide how to enforce the rules.

Instead the Son of God came here among us, and the reason – and people have understood this for 2,000 years – the reason was to call us into a new way of life.  It’s time we stopped dancing theologically around our discomfort that Jesus might actually want to change us, for our own good.

There’s something else important here.

If you read all of these again, you’ll notice it.  Ezekiel, Paul, and Jesus assume there is a vital and real relationship between God and the people.  This path to life is lived in the presence of God.

This journey we make together, reminding each other daily of this new life, helping each other find what it means for each of our lives, being fed and graced at this table for that journey, this journey is lived and walked and breathed, every step of the way, in the presence and grace and strength of God.

Turn to me, and live, God says through Ezekiel.  Follow me, Jesus says.  Work out your way of salvation, Paul says, but know God is at work in you already, working it so that you can will and work for God’s good pleasure.

If you want grace, there it is.  Not only are we forgiven in Christ Jesus through his death and resurrection, we have the Spirit of God working in us to do this path, this way, this life.

The challenge is getting ourselves out of the way so we can honestly seek this path together and walk it.

If these three ask anything of us today it is that we grow into a new maturity together as a community in Christ.  That we learn to admit we really don’t know a way to live our lives that leads to abundance and joy, but really do want to follow this way of Christ that does.

The humility, the losing, the putting others first, we need to stop letting our fear of those control our minds, our choices, our hearts.  Look, the love of the Son of God is so great he was willing to die for the people of this world, for us, for you.  He won’t lead you into a way of life that isn’t rich and abundant; he loves you too much for that.

But he also won’t lie and say he doesn’t hope for this new life in us.  He won’t stop calling us to the way of the cross with each other.  He won’t quit pulling at the depths of our hearts through the Holy Spirit to desire this new way.

Walking our path together as a people of God, learning Christly love and sacrifice as a sign to the world of God’s love, helping each other on this path, we know this is the way to life.  It’s why we keep coming here week after week: in our hearts we know there’s more to this life than we’ve found on our own.

It’s time we just admitted it to each other joyfully and started focusing on what this way, this path, this journey might be if we really trusted God’s power at work in us to make us new.  It’s how we’ll discover life for us and the world like we never before suspected could exist.

In the name of Jesus.  Amen

MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH
3045 Chicago Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Map and Directions >

612-827-5919
welcome@mountolivechurch.org


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