Accent on Worship

The Witness of Paul
     In the first reading for this Sunday, Paul speaks to a crowd in Athens who has never heard of the God of Israel or what this God of all creation has done for them through Jesus Christ.

We need not travel to the other side of the world in order to encounter others who have not heard the good news. None of us would be hard-pressed to think of someone in our own lives who struggles to or has no desire to believe: a friend, a neighbor, a co-worker, a family member.

     We, like Paul, may find ourselves distressed that they do not share the same joy of knowing the love, forgiveness, and hope in the promises of the Triune God. We may also find ourselves, however, caught between the command that our Lord gives us to witness, and the fear of alienating others as we ourselves have witnessed happen time and time again in the name of Christ. We may also hesitate since we are keenly aware that we carry with us all of the positive and negative experiences that that person has ever had with another Christian. How then, and when, are we to share our faith? How are we to care for those in our lives who do not believe?

     The Apostle Paul gives us a very helpful model. He takes the time to observe and listen to the Athenians in order to understand their perspectives. Paul could not have referenced the altar with the inscription, “To an Unknown God” had he not taken the time to know his neighbors. He then starts his witness on the basis of common ground: how they understand the sacred. Although he speaks the truth about Jesus Christ, he does so by placing Christ in the Athenians’ own frame of reference.  

     Similarly, we are encouraged by Peter in this Sunday’s epistle: “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence” (1Pet. 3:15-16). The witness of Paul and Peter both is that we are to share the good news of Christ when it is requested of us and we are to do it with gentleness and respect for our neighbor’s own experiences and perspectives. Debate does not win hearts, only the truth spoken in love. All that we can do is share how God’s love has reached our own hearts, and then listen with our families, friends, and neighbors for how God has encountered them.

     What we do not get to hear from the lectionary’s reading of Acts is how the Athenians respond to Paul’s witness: some scoffed, others said, “We will hear you again about this,” but some of them joined him and became believers. The same will be true of our own witness, but the promise of this passage is that God is not far from each one of us. The Triune God was with the Athenians before Paul arrived and after he left. Whether or not they experience the joy of knowing it, those in our families, in our offices, and in our neighborhoods who do not yet believe are held—now and forever—by the One in whom we all live, and move, and have our being.

– Vicar Emily Beckering

Sunday Readings

May 25, 2014: Sixth Sunday of Easter
  Acts 17:22-31
 Psalm 66:8-20
I Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
___________________
June 1, 2014: Seventh Sunday of Easter
  Acts 1:6-14
 Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
I Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
John 17:1-11
 

Summer worship Schedule begins this Sunday, May 25. 
One Eucharist, at 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship

This Week’s Adult Forum 

May 25:   Bread for the World Offering of Letters

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.
A light reception will follow

1 Thessalonians Bible Study

     The final Thursday Bible study series before summer began on Thursday, May 8, and runs for six Thursdays through June 12.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

     There will be a light supper when we begin.  If you are interested in providing the supper for our first study, please notify Vicar Beckering. All are welcome!

Mount Olive Church Picnic June 22

     Mount Olive will have a Church Picnic this year on Sunday, June 22, from 3:00-7:00 p.m.  John and Patsy Holtmeier welcome all to their (spacious!) backyard at 601 Drillane Road in Hopkins.

     Games and hilarity for kids and adults will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m., including a Bean Bag Tournament, Zip Line Run, lawn games, and more.  A potluck picnic will begin around 5:00 p.m., and the day will close with a hymn sing on the lawn.  All are invited!  Sign-up sheets for attendance, food preparation, set up, etc. will be held at church before and after the liturgy on June 1, 8, and 15.

     In the event of rain on the 22nd, a modified picnic will be held that day in the Undercroft from 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Book Discussion Group News
For the June 14 meeting, the book discussion group will read, The Orphan Master’s Son, by Adam Johnson; and for the meeting on July 12, they will read, All Over but the Shoutin’, by Rick Bragg.

Register Now for Bach Tage!
May 31-June 1, 2014

     It’s not too late to register for the 8th annual Bach Tage!

     Visit Mount Olive’s homepage and click on the brochure download, or pick up a brochure at church and register soon!

A Note of Thanks

     Marilyn & Victor Gebauer would like to share this note of thanks, which they recently received regarding their friend, Larry Foster. Larry was recently on our prayer list and is now removed from that list:

“We are very appreciative of all the prayers that have been offered for Larry.  Since he has stabilized in the last little time and appears to be holding his own, perhaps you could extend our thanks to those who prayed for him.  Our heartfelt thanks to all who have had him in their prayers.  It has meant a great deal to both of us to think that people across the country who do not even know him would be willing to talk to God about his situation and pray for mercy and healing. What a blessing this has been.”

Life Transitions Support Group

     Caregiver? Chronic Illness?  Loss of home?  Loss of loved one?

     We each encounter a variety of losses throughout our lives.  Have you wished for a familiar place where you could find some reassurance, share your story, discover a simple skill or two that could help in those moments when you feel overwhelmed?

     Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter will serve as facilitators for a 4-week structured support group on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, in the Youth Room.  Each week a brief educational component will be offered with time for you to share personally in a confidential, supportive setting.  Vicar Emily Beckering will offer guidance on the Lament Psalms, which we will use as a vehicle for prayer and healing.

Coming Soon!    Summer A.C.T.S. (Adults, Children Teaming to Serve)  June 16 – July 17

     Mount Olive Neighborhood Ministries Summer Program this year will be an opportunity for adults and youth from the congregation and community to work together on service projects in and for the community while building relationships, understanding critical social issues and learning from each other.

     There will be 2 Teams of adults and youth.  Team 1 will work Mondays and Wednesdays; Team 2 will work Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Sessions will normally run from 10AM to 1:30 PM and include a light lunch. Adults can volunteer to work on a team with youth for any length of time – whatever fits into your schedule and most peaks your interest. Here is a summary of each week’s activities:

June 16 and 18 or June 17 and 19: Help the Hungry – Globally and Locally

     Adults and youth will work together one day at Feed My Starving Children in Coon Rapids and one day at CES – Community Emergency Services at 19th and Franklin. At Feed My Starving Children, the team will hand pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children around the world while learning about worldwide hunger. At CES,  teams assist in meeting needs in  this community.

June 23 and 24 or June 25 and 26: Help a Neighborhood Build Pride in Community/Learn Neighborhood Activism Skills
     Adults and youth will divide into small teams to walk an assigned area of Ventura Village, identifying and documenting graffiti then completing the process preparing mailings to private owners and reporting graffiti found on public property to the County’s Sentencing to Serve program. Each team will also walk part of Franklin Avenue, picking up trash and recycling.

June 30 and July 2 or July 1 and 3: Help and Learn from Senior Citizens in the Community, Learn about Services to Seniors   (Two options this week )
     Option One – Adults and youth will work on arts and crafts projects together with senior citizens at the Sabathani Senior Center at 310 East 38th Street.
     Option Two –Adults and youth will work as volunteers with NIP (Neighborhood Improvement Program) Seniors Program and will be assigned to help a senior citizen in the community with yard upkeep. This might include weeding, mowing, raking, watering or other outside projects.

July 7 and 9 or July 8 and 10: Learn and Practice Skills to Respond to Medical Emergencies at Home and in the Community 
     Adults and youth will learn and practice skills in responding to medical emergencies that may require CPR, infant CPR or the use of an AED.  A Certified instructor will teach the American Red Cross Friends and Family Course. Minneapolis Fire Department Risk Prevention team will address fire risks, fire prevention and provide other fire-related information.

July 14 and 16 or July 15 and 17: Experience Turning Scrap into Creative Expression, Landfill into Learning, Waste in Art 
     Adults and youth will work together here at the church with an artist from Art Start, Inc. to create art and useful items for our undercroft, particularly for use during the community meals.  This will be a unique opportunity to work with an art professional.

Friday, July 18th – The Grand Finale! 
     All participants are invited to join in a celebration of the summer’s activities, share a noon meal and be present for the unveiling of the art work completed by the teams and the artist.
     Adult volunteers can sign up on poster boards available beginning this Sunday or by calling Connie Toavs, Interim Coordinator of Neighborhood Ministries. There is space for at least 4 adults each day.  We need a daily “kitchen manager” to assist youth workers in serving a cold lunch. Some drivers will be needed to pick up youth in South Mpls. who have no transportation to the church or to drive to work sites. Children, grandchildren or friends of the congregation, ages 10-14, are also welcome to join the youth workers and earn a small weekly stipend.

Questions? Call Connie Toavs at church, 612-827-5919.

Accent on Worship 

    It’s no secret that very recently close to 50 of us from Mount Olive attended the dedicatory events for a new organ built by Lynn Dobson at Merton College in Oxford England.  It’s a wonderful installation and the organ fits the choir and liturgy there like a glove.  We attended several liturgies and the dedicatory recital.

     Refreshed in my experience is the appreciation for the Anglican tradition for Psalm singing.  Four-part chant sung by the choir,  often accompanied by the organ, is extremely expressive of the text.  At Merton College, the dynamic contrast and the musical setting is chosen to reflect the meaning and mood of the words.  One can’t help but notice the words, and it was always clear through listening if what was being expressed were words of comfort, or shaking our fists at God as the Psalms often do.    It was obvious that they always approached the Psalms thoughtfully and thoroughly prepared – fully aware of the meaning of these ancient prayers which are still sung by the people of God today.

     In liturgies here at Mount Olive, the practice is a bit different.  Our vocal participation is important, and so most of the time the entire assembly sings all of the verses in some form or another.  On occasion an antiphon is sung – by all, or perhaps by the choir.  Some times we sing the verses to a unison chant line – either from the ELW (pages 337-378),  a version of a Gregorian psalm tone,  or a tone composed by your Cantor (me).  Sometimes we sing Anglican four-part chant settings as we did last Sunday for Psalm 23.

     One thing can (and should) be the same between what we do here and what one can hear in England and most Anglican liturgies:  thoughtful expression. The British choirs get the luxury of the rehearsal to determine which
words are the important ones, and which syllables will receive more weight for meaningful expression.

     As a congregation we don’t have a rehearsal, but we do have the opportunity to notice what we are singing and we can reflect the meaning in how we are singing these texts.  Are we singing of comfort (“the Lord leads me beside still waters” –Ps. 23 from last week)?  Or are we singing something stronger:  (“Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe, for you are my crag and my stronghold” – Ps. 31 for this Sunday)?  Our voices can reflect each differently, or at the minimum, we can simply be aware of the differences.

     So here is the invitation:  notice the words.  Ask that famous question, “What does this mean?” and do not be afraid to reflect that meaning in your singing.  It renders the invitation contagious.

– Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

May 18, 2014: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
I Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14
___________________

May 25, 2014: Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22-31
Psalm 66:8-20
I Peter 3:13-22
John 14:15-21
 

This Week’s Adult Forum 

May 18:   “The Filioque in the Nicene Creed,” presented by Pastor Crippen

Guest Choir This Sunday

This Sunday, May 18, Mount Olive is pleased to welcome the Youth Choir of All Saints Lutheran Church in  Minnetonka,  and their director Jim Hild, for the 10:45 Eucharist.  They are on a mini-tour, experiencing liturgy in different contexts. Their music will be integrated into the liturgy this Sunday.

1 Thessalonians Bible Study

     The final Thursday Bible study series before summer began on Thursday, May 8, and will continue for six Thursdays through June 12.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

     There will be a light supper when we begin.  If you are interested in providing the supper for our first study, please notify Vicar Beckering. All are welcome!

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m.

New Members to be Received This Sunday!

     New members will be received at Mount Olive on May 18, 2014, at the 10:45 a.m. liturgy.  A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy. All are invited to attend!

Rolling Out a Word of Thanks

     Thank you to everyone who donated money and toilet paper to Community Emergency Services during the Children and Family sponsored coffee hour on Sunday, May 4.  We raised $200.00 and collected 200 rolls of toilet paper.

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

For their meeting on June 14, the book discussion group will read, The Orphan Master’s Son, by Adam Johnson; and for the meeting on July 12, they will read, All Over but the Shoutin’, by Rick Bragg.

Adult Education Offerings Through May

May 18 – The “Filioque in the Nicene Creed, presented by Pastor Crippen
May 25 – Bread for the World Campaign of Letters

Attention Needleworkers!

     Do you have UFOs in your closet? Most needleworkers have at least one unfinished object lurking somewhere in the house.

     Some of the prayer shawl makers have decided to rid themselves of the guilt and clutter of some of their projects. We will meet at Mount Olive on Monday, May 19 from 9 am to 3 pm to complete, or at least get a good start on completing some of those projects. We can work on our own and also help each other.

     Bring a bag lunch and your crocheting, knitting, quilting, cross stitch, needlepoint – whatever project you have – and see if you can get one done!

Sign Up to Bring Tutoring Snacks

     Check out the snack sign-up sheet for Way to Goals Tutoring in the lower level.  Snacks for approximately 25 youth and tutors are needed on Tuesday evenings through May 27.  Your help is very much appreciated!

Life Transitions Support Group to Begin This Evening

     Caregiver? Chronic Illness?  Loss of home?  Loss of loved one?

     We each encounter a variety of losses throughout our lives.  Have you wished for a familiar place where you could find some reassurance, share your story, discover a simple skill or two that could help in those moments when you feel overwhelmed?

       Beginning May 14, join us for a four-week structured support group at Mount Olive.  Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter will serve as facilitators for this group on Wednesday evenings.  Each week a brief educational component will be offered with time for you to share personally in a confidential, supportive setting.  Vicar Emily Beckering will offer guidance on the Lament Psalms, which we will use as a vehicle for prayer and healing.  The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

     If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please contact Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872, email gebauevm@bitstream.net) or call the church office.

Sign Up for Altar Flowers  

     All members and friends of Mount Olive are invited to donate flowers for our Sunday liturgies.
     The cost per week is $50. You may sign up for either the full cost (both bouquets) by writing your name and the occasion on both lines on the chart, or for half the cost, (just one of the two bouquets), by writing the information on just one  of the two lines provided.

     The sign-up chart is on the wall to the left of the door to the church office, near the elevator and restrooms.

     Questions? Contact Naomi Peterson (612-824-2228), or talk to Cha Posz, Mount Olive’s administrative assistant.

Capital Campaign Corner

Pledges or gifts to date:  $58,000.
Percent of $182,000 Goal:  32%
Number of households making pledges/donations to date:  38

     Remember to submit your pledge or gift to the office or place it in the offering plate during Sunday morning worship.   Your gift will support a variety of ministries through designated funds, and help us build a cash reserve for “rainy days.”

Getting to Know You …

     Get better acquainted with our Interim Neighborhood Ministries coordinator, Connie Toavs, after liturgy on Sunday, May 25.  (Remember that we have only one liturgy at 9:30 that day.)

     Connie will share information about her past experiences in social justice and her current work with Mount Olive. Treats will be served.

Coming Soon! Summer A.C.T.S. 
(Adults, Children Teaming to Serve)

     Neighborhood Ministries Summer Program this year is an opportunity for adults and youth from the congregation and community to work together on service projects in the community while building relationships and learning from each other.

     The program will run four half-days a week, June 16 through July 18  (10 am to 1:30 pm, including a light lunch).   Youth ages 10 to 14 can work for five weeks, two half-days a week on either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays and earn $30/week.  Adults can volunteer to work on a team with youth for any length of time – whatever fits into your schedule.  Each week we will focus on a different community project – food needs, neighborhood activism, needs of Seniors in the community, health and fire safety needs at home and in the community, and the use of items that would otherwise end up in landfills to create art for our undercroft. The project will culminate on July 18 with a celebration meal and an unveiling of the art projects for all A.C.T.S. participants.
 
     Do you have a child, grandchild or friend who would like to work this summer, earn a little cash, and learn about service at the same time?  Would you like to take two half-days off work and be a part of the action?  Are you available this summer and looking for a way to serve?

     Check The Olive Branch next week for a brief description of each week’s activity and information on how to sign up to be a part of A.C.T.S.

     Questions? Call Connie at church, 612-827-5919.

Register Now for Bach Tage!
May 31-June 1, 2014

     All are invited to register for the 8th annual Bach Tage! Singers and Bach enthusiasts from around the Midwest gather to learn, hear, sing, and present the music of J.S. Bach. This year, Kathy Romey will lead trumpets, timpani, strings, soloists, and choir for the exhuberant Cantata 172, Erschallet, ihr lieder.

     Visit Mount Olive’s homepage and click on the brochure download, or pick up a brochure at church and register soon!

Foundation’s Gift Sets New Record

     Last month, Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation presented its annual gift to the Church.  As in recent years, the $29,902.54 sum is the largest in the Foundation’s history.  Having studied the Vestry’s nearly $49,000 in funding requests,  the Foundation’s Board of Directors recommended that its gift be apportioned as follows:

Conference on Liturgy $3,500.00
Bach Tage $4,000.00
Scholar in Residence $1,500.00
Accounting Software $2,500.00
Vault Shelving $500.00
Video Equipment $3,425.00
Jobs After School $2,000.00
Diaper Depot $2,500.00
Property Needs $9,977.54

TOTAL $29,904.54

     Over its history, the Foundation now has given over $305,000 to the church.  Your gifts, during and after your lifetime, will enable the Mount Olive Foundation to support our church even more significantly in the future.  To learn more about providing for the Foundation through a will provision, retirement account designation or other gift options, please contact Keith Bartz at (612) 823-3572 or by email to albsinmpls@yahoo.com, or speak with another Foundation board member:  Dixie Berg, Michael Edwins, Elaine Halbardier, Reid Peterson, Mark Ruff or Doug and Pat Spaulding.

Sheep with a Shepherd

     Sunday is the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the Sunday of the Good Shepherd.  Each year the readings for this Sunday focus on the shepherding care of the Triune God for us, and the Gospel readings are three different parts of John 10, the chapter where Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd.  Each year we sing Psalm 23, the beloved psalm of trust in the LORD God our Shepherd.  We love this image of the Good Shepherd.

     But do we really want to be called sheep?  We’ve all heard sermons and Sunday school classes which told us that sheep are dirty, stupid, impulsive, smelly.  They don’t mind, can be easily misled, and aren’t capable of taking care of themselves.  Is this really a description we want to embrace for ourselves?  It’s kind of offensive.

     Isn’t it awfully passive as well?  We don’t need to take responsibility for ourselves because, well, we’re sheep.  We can’t help it.  If we are seeking faithful discipleship, which I think we are, it’s hard to see how the metaphor of a sheep helps us at all.

     Maybe it doesn’t in that part of our lives of faith.  Maybe it has nothing to say about the way of discipleship and growth.  But maybe that’s not the point.  There are lots of places and ways Jesus and the writers of the New Testament call us to faithful discipleship, active growth and responsibility, to lives of love and service.  There is much to which we are called that is beyond a sheep metaphor.  Because no image can fully convey what we want to say.

     What the sheep image does is really simple: it reminds us that ultimately we are not in control, of our lives or of the world, but that we are in the care of a Good Shepherd who is capable of taking care of us, and who loves us enough to die for us. “Sheep” doesn’t have to be our only self-image, and in fact it shouldn’t be.

     Maybe we love the Sunday of the Good Shepherd because sometimes we are lost, afraid, we think we’re not very smart, we worry about a lot of things, and we can’t always find ways to care for ourselves.  Not always, no.  But sometimes.  And in those times it’s very good news to know that we have a Good Shepherd who loves us, guides us in right paths, feeds us, walks with us in dark valleys, and leads us to life eternal.

     A very good thing indeed.

Joseph

Sunday Readings

May 11, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
I Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10
___________________

May 18, 2014: Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
I Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

This Week’s Adult Forum 

May 11:  Mother’s Day Recital, presented by the youth of Mount Olive.

1 Thessalonians Bible Study

     The final Thursday Bible study series before summer begins on Thursday, May 8 (tomorrow!), and runs for six Thursdays through June 12.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.
 
     There will be a light supper when we begin.  If you are interested in providing the supper for our first study, please notify Vicar Beckering. All are welcome!

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m.

Meals on Wheels

     Thanks to the following Mount Olive volunteers who delivered Meals on Wheels for TRUST during the first quarter of 2014: Gary Flatgard, Art & Elaine Halbardier, and Bob Lee.

New Members to be Received May 18

     New members will be received at Mount Olive on May 18, 2014, at the 10:45 a.m. liturgy.  A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy.

     If you are not a member and are interested in becoming more fully involved in the life of the parish, we invite you to let us know of your interest.  You may call the church office to begin the process. If you prefer, you may contact our Evangelism Director, Andrew Andersen, at andrewstpaul@gmail.com, or you may contact Pastor Crippen by calling the church office (612-827-5919) or via e-mail at pastor@mountolivechurch.org

Supper for Study Needed!

     We are still in need of a volunteer to provide the supper for the first session of Bible study together on 1 Thessalonians tomorrow, May 8. A very light meal is all that is needed. If you plan to attend the Bible study tomorrow evening and would be able to bring this first supper, please contact Vicar
Beckering. Thank you!

Action for Health in the Americas (AHA)—EPES—Karen Anderson

  It isn’t often that we at Mount Olive get to be a part of improving health on two continents as once. That’s what we are doing with our mission support for AHA/EPES and ELCA missionary Karen Anderson as they take popular education for health to scale, sharing what was learned in Chile with community health care workers from Kenya. In February EPES hosted the fifth international health training course, training workers from over 15 countries.

  In 2012, we met Karen Anderson and she spoke to us about her work in training community health workers in the heart of Santiago, Chile.  She began her work 30 years ago as an ELCA missionary. She soon realized that health care needed to be locally based, not just internationally supported. She began training women to conduct health visits throughout the community.  The model was so successful that her organization was asked to train others.

  How is Mount Olive involved? We are involved in our regular mission budget in two ways.

  First, beginning this year, we are directly sponsoring Karen Anderson as one of the two ELCA missionaries we support. (The other is Phillip Knutson in South Africa.)

  The work is carried out by EPES (Educacion Popular En Salud, translated to Popular Education for Health).  The funding arm for EPES in the United States is AHA—Action for Health in the Americas.  EPES/AHA has been designated one of the seven budgeted mission projects that we support.

  Mission giving at Mount Olive is wonderfully and beautifully complicated—we give 4% of our total annual budget for global missions. In addition we forward your “blue envelope” contributions directly to the missions you have designated, above and beyond the budgeted amount. It is exciting to be a part of a committee and congregation that so thoughtfully participates in the global Christian community.

Attention Needleworkers!

     Do you have UFOs in your closet? Most needleworkers have at least one unfinished object lurking somewhere in the house.

     Some of the prayer shawl makers have decided to rid themselves of the guilt and clutter of some of their projects. We will meet at Mount Olive on Monday, May 19 from 9 am to 3 pm to complete, or at least get a good start on completing some of those projects. We can work on our own and also help each other.

     Bring a bag lunch and your crocheting, knitting, quilting, cross stitch, needlepoint – whatever project you have – and see if you can get one done!

A Note of Thanks

     I wish to thank all who have helped me during my knee surgery and recovery; those who have prayed for me and also those who have helped me in hands-on sorts of ways. God bless you!
Mount Olive is truly a care-giving congregation!

-Carol Austermann

Sign Up to Bring Tutoring Snacks

     Check out the snack sign-up sheet for Way to Goals Tutoring in the lower level.  Snacks for approximately 25 youth and tutors are needed on Tuesday evenings through May 27.  Your help is very much appreciated!

Life Transitions Support Group to Begin May 14

     Caregiver? Chronic Illness?  Loss of home?  Loss of loved one?
     We each encounter a variety of losses throughout our lives.  Have you wished for a familiar place where you could find some reassurance, share your story, discover a simple skill or two that could help in those moments when you feel overwhelmed?

       Beginning May 14, join us for a four-week structured support group at Mount Olive.  Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter will serve as facilitators for this group on Wednesday evenings.  Each week a brief educational component will be offered with time for you to share personally in a confidential, supportive setting.  Vicar Emily Beckering will offer guidance on the Lament Psalms, which we will use as a vehicle for prayer and healing.  The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

     If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please contact Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872, email gebauevm@bitstream.net) or call the church office.

Register Now for Bach Tage!
May 31-June 1, 2014

     All are invited to register for the 8th annual Bach Tage! Singers and Bach enthusiasts from around the Midwest gather to learn, hear, sing, and present the music of J.S. Bach. This year, Kathy Romey will lead trumpets, timpani, strings, soloists, and choir for the exhuberant Cantata 172, Erschallet, ihr lieder.

     Visit Mount Olive’s homepage and click on the brochure download, or pick up a brochure at church and register soon!

Spring Grounds Clean Up

     Grab your rakes and gardening gloves and join us this Saturday, May 10, for the spring clean-up of the grounds of the church.  We will clean up garden beds and get them ready for new mulch, pick up trash, and get the lawns ready for summer.  Coffee will be available starting at 8:30 am and we will work until around Noon.

     Come when you can and stay as long as your schedule permits.  Please bring your garden hand tools, rakes, shovels, and whatever other gardening tools you might find helpful.

An Update From Jessinia

Hello Mount Olive! I am currently back in Minnesota. Thank you for all of your prayers. I have been serving and learning in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic with SCORE International for the past 8 months. If there is one word that would sum up my time it is ‘growing’. This is also quite fitting for the time of year. Thank you for holding on to winter a bit longer so I am now able to see the trees budding and tulips poking out of the dirt. Like springtime, this past year has been a time of growth in my life.

     I was poured into by the teachers and missionaries in the Dominican Republic. Tuesday through Friday I attended Spanish and Bible classes. I can now say I am bilingual and close to fluent. I can also say that my faith has grown deeper, my roots growing deeper into the Word of God. I had classes such as apologetics, soteriology, Old Testament history, Genesis, 1&2 Peter and many others. I know who I am in Christ and what that means for my life now.

     On Mondays I traveled to the nearby village of San Jose where a missionary family has planted a church, clinic and school. I have seen their ministry grow as they now are planting another church in a different village. While there, I worked with the preschool. The teacher, Evelyn, is the first and only college graduate in the village and came back after school to start this preschool. Two other girls and I worked with Evelyn to help plan activities as well as establish a schedule and a disciplining system. We worked closely with another missionary who has a teaching background, and she helped us guide Evelyn to create an effective place of learning for these children. Evelyn will now help train another woman to start a new preschool in the village where the new church plant will be happening soon. It was (again) a growing experience to work with Evelyn and the preschool students.      This has been a wonderful experience for me. I have fallen in love with the Dominican culture, the Spanish language and missionary work. I will be returning to the Dominican Republic on May 27th to do a 2 month internship with the child sponsorship program. This program takes all of the children in the two orphanages and the feeding/after-school center and allows them to be supported financially by Americans. I will work alongside Adrienne, an American missionary and director of child sponsorship, to help her with whatever she needs. Most likely that will look like translating letters from sponsors, taking pictures of the kids, updating their stories, and working on the website. I will be living in Quisqueya in the living quarters of the feeding/after-school center named Emanuel House.

     I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to live in the DR for a little while longer and work in a different part of the country. Thank you to those who have kept me in their prayers. Here are some specific prayer requests: For the town of Quisqueya and those I may come into contact with there. For the children I am working with, that they may each have sponsors to support them financially and spiritually. For my Spanish to continue to improve through translating and conversations. For the relationships I am building there; that they may encourage and build me up and vice versa. For the continued growth of my faith and reliance on God for my strength. That the light of Christ will shine through me.

Blessings,
Jessinia Ruff 
(daughter of Mark and Lisa)

TRUST News

CoAM Life Enrichment Series
  CoAM (Cooperative Adult Ministry) offers a Life Enrichment Series for Lifelong Learning, providing learning and social opportunities for adults in the South Minneapolis area. The current series is on Mondays (through May 19), from 9:30-11:50 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 17th Ave. and 42nd St.).  Brochures about the series are available on the table in the church office.

TRUST Annual Plant Sale & Swap 
This Saturday, May 10, 8:00 am – Noon, Bethlehem Lutheran Church parking lot (4100 Lyndale Ave. S.)
• Swap your plants for new ones – bring in by 10:00 am & receive a discount on new plants (not available for Pletscher’s plants);
• Buy homegrown perennials, annuals,  and groundcover;
• Get advice from Master Gardeners;
• Raise money for TRUST’s programs.

Questions or want to donate plants? Call TRUST at 612-827-6159.

Accent on Worship

Cut to the Heart

     John Wesley once recorded the following journal entry: “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.”
The Holy Spirit was at work in John Wesley that evening, warming his heart, bringing him to faith.

     Those who gathered to hear Peter’s speech in Acts 2, this Sunday’s first reading, had a similar experience. After hearing from Peter that “God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified,” (2:36), they are “cut to the heart”—an indication of their deep anguish and distress.

     It is striking that in this first reading, as well as in the second reading, and the Gospel for this coming Sunday, God reaches people through their hearts. Their hearts are cut (Acts 2:37) and warmed (Luke 24:32), and they are called to respond through their hearts as well: by repenting (Acts 2:38)—by having a change of heart—and by loving one another deeply from that same heart (1 Peter 1:22).

     The Word of God speaks not only to our ears and minds, but also to our hearts, which signifies not only our emotions, but our most inward parts: our inward nature. This is often how the Holy Spirit works in the world: by cutting hearts—reaching us in our inmost being—in order to open eyes to God’s work and our hearts to one another. In this relationship with the Trinity, our whole selves are sought after and invited in.

     The Holy Spirit’s encounter with us, however, might not always be as vivid as the experiences of John Wesley or the crowd gathered in Acts 2. We will not always feel or initially recognize the Holy Spirit’s work: the disciples on the road to Emmaus only connect the burning of their hearts with Jesus’ presence after their eyes have been opened to recognize him.

     Since we will not always feel the Holy Spirit’s work in us, we trust instead the expansive promise offered in Acts 2:39: “we, together with our children, all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him,” are promised that the Holy Spirit has been given to us in our baptisms. So we trust with our inmost being—with all of our hearts—that the Holy Spirit is at work in us and in the world, opening our eyes to see Christ in our midst and opening our hearts to one another and to those whom the Triune God is still seeking and desires to cut to the heart.  

– Vicar Emily Beckering  

Sunday Readings

May 4, 2014: Third Sunday of Easter
 Acts 2:14a, 36-41
 Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
I Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35
___________________

May 11, 2014: Fourth Sunday of Easter
 Acts 2:42-47
 Psalm 23
I Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10

This Week’s Adult Forum 

May 4:  “Living, Loving, and Listening Together,” the second of a 2-part series led by Vicar Emily Beckering.

Palm Plants Available

If you would like to have one of the large palm plants which were used to decorate the nave for Palm Sunday and Easter, they are free for the taking on a first come, first served basis. Help yourself!

1 Thessalonians Bible Study

     The final Thursday Bible study series before summer begins on Thursday, May 8, and runs for six Thursdays through June 12.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

     There will be a light supper when we begin.  If you are interested in providing the supper for our first study, please notify Vicar Beckering. All are welcome!

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m.

Summer Worship Schedule Begins May 25

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Mount Olive worships on Summer Schedule. During the Summer, we celebrate on Sunday Eucharist at 9:30 a.m., followed by coffee and fellowship

Regular (2 liturgy) Schedule will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2014.

Come One, Come All to the May Day Parade!

     For many years the Mount Olive Neighborhood Ministries Committee and several other Mount Olive members have made a point of participating and marching in this wonderful annual neighborhood event.  If you have never watched the parade, then you have no idea what you are missing.  It is unlike any other parade you have ever seen!

     Mount Olive has made a commitment to keep the first Sunday in May free of other afternoon events so that all of us can join with our neighborhood in this annual celebration the first Sunday in May every year.

 This year we are focusing on getting more people involved.  We are not marching this year, BUT will have a dedicated Mount Olive observation area reserved so that a whole bunch can watch the parade this year.

     Plan to come to the parade on Sunday May 4 after the second liturgy.  We will meet in the undercroft where a simple lunch will be provided that can be taken with you to the parade.  Vans/cars will be available to shuttle to the Mount Olive observation area on the parade route.  We’ll even have extra chairs and blankets so people don’t have to carry anything with them.  We will also provide a simple map with directions with where to park and how to find the observation area if people prefer to drive on their own that day.

     We are making it as easy as possible for all to come! Please set the time aside now for this Sunday, May 4.

Youth Fundraiser for Community Emergency Services

  The Mount Olive Youth are doing a fundraiser and hosting coffee hour this Sunday, May 4.  They are collecting donations of toilet paper and cash for C.E.S. (Community Emergency Services).

  Community Emergency Service (CES) has provided high-quality direct service to people in need. Through direct aid relief, advocacy, referral, guidance and prayer support, if desired, CES seeks to strengthen families and individuals. The goal of CES is to move them beyond crisis to financial stability, as well as emotional health, personal growth and spiritual depth.

  Community Emergency Services is one of the organizations which is supported by Mount Olive’s local missions dollars.

New Members to be Received May 18

     New members will be received at Mount Olive on May 18, 2014, at the 10:45 a.m. liturgy.  A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy.

     If you are not a member and are interested in becoming more fully involved in the life of the parish, we invite you to let us know of your interest.  You may call the church office to begin the process. If you prefer, you may contact our Evangelism Director, Andrew Andersen, at andrewstpaul@gmail.com, or you may contact Pastor Crippen by calling the church office (612-827-5919) or via e-mail at pastor@mountolivechurch.org

Sign Up to Bring Tutoring Snacks

     Check out the snack sign-up sheet for Way to Goals Tutoring in the lower level.  Snacks for approximately 25 youth and tutors are needed on Tuesday evenings through May 27.  Your help is very much appreciated!

Life Transitions Support Group to Begin May 14

     Caregiver? Chronic Illness?  Loss of home?  Loss of loved one?

     We each encounter a variety of losses throughout our lives.  Have you wished for a familiar place where you could find some reassurance, share your story, discover a simple skill or two that could help in those moments when you feel overwhelmed?

       Beginning May 14, join us for a four-week structured support group at Mount Olive.  Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter will serve as facilitators for this group on Wednesday evenings.  Each week a brief educational component will be offered with time for you to share personally in a confidential, supportive setting.  Vicar Emily Beckering will offer guidance on the Lament Psalms, which we will use as a vehicle for prayer and healing.  The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

     If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please contact Marilyn Gebauer (612-306-8872, email gebauevm@bitstream.net) or call the church office.

Spring Grounds Clean Up

     Grab your rakes and gardening gloves and join us on Saturday, May 10, for the spring clean-up of the grounds of the church.  We will clean up garden beds and get them ready for new mulch, pick up trash, and get the lawns ready for summer.  Coffee will be available starting at 8:30 am and we will work until around Noon.

     Come when you can and stay as long as your schedule permits.  Please bring your garden hand tools, rakes, shovels, and whatever other gardening tools you might find helpful.

Register Now for Bach Tage!
May 31-June 1, 2014

     All are invited to register for the 8th annual Bach Tage! Singers and Bach enthusiasts from around the Midwest gather to learn, hear, sing, and present the music of J.S. Bach. This year, Kathy Romey will lead trumpets, timpani, strings, soloists, and choir for the exuberant Cantata 172, Erschallet, ihr lieder.

     Visit Mount Olive’s homepage and click on the brochure download, or pick up a brochure at church and register soon!

TRUST News

CoAM Life Enrichment Series
  CoAM (Cooperative Adult Ministry) offers a Life Enrichment Series for Lifelong Learning, providing learning and social opportunities for adults in the South Minneapolis area. The current series is on Mondays (through May 19), from 9:30-11:50 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, 17th Ave. and 42nd St.).  Brochures about the series are available on the table in the church office.

TRUST Annual Plant Sale & Swap 
Saturday, May 10, 8:00 am – Noon, Bethlehem Lutheran Church parking lot (4100 Lyndale Ave. S.)
• Swap your plants for new ones – bring in by 10:00 am & receive a discount on new plants (not available for Pletscher’s plants);
• Buy homegrown perennials, annuals,  and groundcover;
• Get advice from Master Gardeners;
• Raise money for TRUST’s programs.

Questions or want to donate plants? Call TRUST at 612-827-6159.

National Lutheran Choir to Present “Exalt” This Sunday

     This Spring’s “Exalt” program showcases the artistic excellence of the National Lutheran Choir with works for choir and organ alongside unaccompanied choral pieces.    

     Nationally-renowned organist, Aaron David Miller, joins the NLC for a program that is both affable and energizing. Some of the works on the program include: Benjamin Britten’s Te Deum; a world premiere of a commission by Zachary Wadsworth, Great or Small; and Frank Martin’s Mass for Unaccompanied Double Chorus.

     Organ pipes and choral pipes join together for a unique experience that will leave the listener inspired and revitalized. NLC Artistic Director, David Cherwien, conducts.

When: Sunday, May 4 , 4pm
Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Tickets: $25 Adult, $23 Senior, $20 Student
Contact: visit www.nlca.com or call 612-722-2301.

Accent on Worship

2014 Easter Message from the Presiding Bishop

     Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).     – John 20:16

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     My favorite story in Scripture is the account in John’s Gospel of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb. It was the first Easter but Mary didn’t know that. She expected death. In her profound grief she couldn’t recognize Jesus. It was only when Jesus called her by name that she was able to see the risen Lord.
     Jesus saw Mary. Jesus knew Mary. Jesus spoke “Mary.” It was being completely seen, utterly known and lovingly called that opened Mary Magdalene to the hope of the resurrection and into a deeper relationship with Christ. Because she was seen she could see.
     This is Easter vision. We have been seen, known and called by God through the crucified and risen Savior and, having received the Spirit through baptism, we all can now see. We can see Christ and we can see Christ in our neighbor. No one is invisible to God and no one is invisible to us. What wondrous love is this!
     So beloved, with newly opened eyes let us be bold to say, “Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Hallelujah!”

Blessed Easter,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sunday Readings

April 27, 2014: Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Psalm 16
I Peter 1:3-9
John 20:19-31
____________________

May 4, 2014: Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19
I Peter 1:17-23
Luke 24:13-35

This Week’s Forum 

April 27 and May 4:  “Living, Loving, and Listening Together.”
Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a 2-part series on caring for one another and our-selves through interpersonal communication, empathy, and self-empathy as a follow-up to the Midweek Lenten focus on our life together as a servant  community.

Easter Paschal Garden

     Thanks to those who helped to beautify Mount Olive’s nave by contributing to this year’s Easter Paschal Garden:

Al Bipes, in memory of parents and grandparents; Evelyn Royce; Melba Smrcka; Allen & Lora Dundek; Annette Roth; Eric Zander & Dennis Bidwell, in honor of their parents; Leila Froehlich; Michael Edwins, in memory of parents Sam & Mildred Edwins; Carol Austermann, in honor of her family; Walt & Judy Hinck; Tom Graves & Ginny Agresti; Elaine & Art Halbardier, in memory of Donna Passentino; John Rice; George Ferguson, in memory of Anita Allen; Christina Harrison, Mabel Jackson, Geri & John Bjork; Ro Griesse, in memory of Rev. Robert Griesse; Marty Hamlin & Cathy Bosworth, in memory of their parents; Kathy Thurston & Dwight Penas; Louis & Kay Krohnfeldt; Bruce & Linda Wagner, in memory of Nathan Joseph Wagner; Rob, Lynn & Adam Ruff; Brenda Bartz, in memory of her parents Laura & Bill; Mary Rose Watson; Marian & Walter Cherwien; George & Marlys Oelfke; Janet Moede, in memory of loved ones; Joseph & Mary Crippen and family, in memory of Nancy Crippen; Leanna Kloempken; Dan & Julia Adams; Mark, Lisa, Jessinia & Kaiya Ruff; Linda & Brad Holt; John, Audrey, and Eleanor Crippen; Larry Duncan; David & Susan Cherwien; Judy Graves; Beverly Shupe; Walt & Jacqui Blue; Robert Gotwalt; Don Johnson; Ken & Ellie Siess; Naomi Peterson; Donn & Bonnie McLellan; Stan & JoAnn Sorenson; Bob Diercks; Alex Treitler, in memory of Ruth Dikman; David Bryce, in honor of best friends the Timms and Anders Mattson; Jonathan Siess, whose son, Andrew, was baptized on this day, 1990; Catherine Lange, in memory of Clemens Lange; Sedona Crosby; Austin Crosby; Lillian Olson, Katherine Hanson; and Allan & Margaret Bostelmann.

Capital Campaign Corner

Check out the display case near the Narthex.  You can learn more about the projects that the capital campaign will support.

Goal:  $182,000
Pledges and donations    recorded: 28
Raised/Pledged as of 4/22: $46,790.00 (26% of our goal)

New Members to be Received May 18

     New members will be received at Mount Olive on May 18, 2014, at the 10:45 a.m. liturgy.  A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy.

     If you are not a member and are interested in becoming more fully involved in the life of the parish, we invite you to let us know of your interest.  You may call the church office and Cha will start the process. If you prefer, you may contact our Evangelism Director, Andrew Andersen, at andrewstpaul@gmail.com, or you may contact Pastor Crippen by calling the church office (612-827-5919) or via e-mail at pastor@mountolivechurch.org

Come One, Come All to the May Day Parade!

     For many years the Mount Olive Neighborhood Ministries Committee and several other Mount Olive members have made a point of participating and marching in this wonderful annual neighborhood event.  If you have never watched the parade, then you have no idea what you are missing.  It is unlike any other parade you have ever seen!

     Mount Olive has made a commitment to keep the first Sunday in May free of other afternoon events so that all of us can join with our neighborhood in this annual celebration the first Sunday in May every year.  This year we are focusing on getting more people involved.  We are not marching this year, BUT will have a dedicated Mount Olive observation area reserved so that a whole bunch can watch the parade this year.
     Plan to come to the parade on Sunday May 4 after the second liturgy.  We will meet in the undercroft where a simple lunch will be provided that can be taken with you to the parade.  Vans/cars will be available to shuttle to the Mount Olive observation area on the parade route.  We’ll even have extra chairs and blankets so people don’t have to carry anything with them.  We will also provide a simple map with directions with where to park and how to find the observation area if people prefer to drive on their own that day.

     We are making it as easy as possible for all to come! Please set the time aside now on Sunday, May 4, and watch for more details as the day approaches.

Palm Plants Available

If you would like to have one of the large palm plants which were used to decorate the nave for Palm Sunday and Easter, they are free for the taking!

The plants are currently in the East Assembly room – help yourself!

1 Thessalonians Bible Study

     The final Thursday Bible study series before summer begins on Thursday, May 8, and runs for six Thursdays through June 12.

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Vicar Emily Beckering will lead a study of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians.

     There will be a light supper when we begin.  If you are interested in providing the supper for our first study, please notify Vicar Beckering. All are welcome!

Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

For their meeting on May 10, The book discussion group will read, The Small Hand and Dolly, Susan Hill. For their June 14 meeting they will discuss The Orphan Master’s Son, by Adam Johnson.

TRUST News: Caritas Benefit Concert

  Caritas Vocal Ensemble will present a concert entitled, “Wrap Me in Song,” to benefit the TRUST Parish Nursing program. This concert will include the premier of a new piece written especially for them by local composer J. David Moore.

  The concert will be held on Sunday, April 27, 4:00 pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church (4842 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis). Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for students and seniors, and may be purchased at the door.

Church Library News

Stop in the church library soon to see the books on the display across from the check-out desk.  Now that spring has decided to stay around, there are more possibilities for reading on our decks, during a coffee break, or eventually even out relaxing at the beach.  The books on display include the following:

• Celebrate Joy! (a delightful book to brighten your day), by Velma Seawell Daniels
• Roads to Reality (deeper life experiences from famous Christian women), by Joyce Blackburn
• Life’s Growing Years (a book of inspiration), by D. Verner Swanson
• A Touch of Wonder (a book to help people stay in love with life), by Arthur Gordon
• God’s Work in Our Lives (true stories of God’s touch – a Guideposts Book, Volumes I and II)
• Frederick Buechner: Novelist and Theologian of the Lost and Found, by Marjorie Cassbier McCoy
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer — Makers of the Modern Theological Mind, by Dallas M. Roark, ed. by Bob Patterson
• Time Out! A Man’s Devotional (featuring some of today’s best-selling authors), compiled by Clint & Mary Beckwith
• Uncompromising Faith (one man’s notes from prison), by Pavel Uhorskai

        Someone left at the library door a four volume VHS video set of The Visual Bible (Acts) — the only dramatization using the actual scriptures from the NIV Bible, but with no note to identify the donor.  Please let me know if that was your gift!

        I recently read an article by Meganne Farbrega of the National Book Critic’s Circle, who writes about “The End of Your Life Book Club” (by Will Schwelbe, published by Alfred A. Knopf).  This book is about a mother who is dying with a terminal illness and a son who remembers a childhood spent in his parent’s home where reading was encouraged and good books were always available to enrich their lives.  The book further details the great rewards that both mother and son felt as they decided to re-read and discuss many books together as the end of her life approaches.  Perhaps others in a similar circumstance might find this book and this idea of immeasurable help!  The other resounding message that comes through the text is that “there are so many books and so little time!”  

    – Leanna Kloempken

Sign Up to Bring Tutoring Snacks

     Check out the snack sign-up sheet for Way to Goals Tutoring in the lower level.  Snacks for approximately 25 youth and tutors are needed on Tuesday evenings through May 27.  Your help is very much appreciated!

Life Transitions Support Group to Begin May 14

     Caregiver? Chronic Illness?  Loss of home?  Loss of loved one?

     We each encounter a variety of losses throughout our lives.  Have you wished for a familiar place where you could find some reassurance, share your story, discover a simple skill or two that could help in those moments when you feel overwhelmed?

       Beginning May 14, join us for a four-week structured support group at Mount Olive.  Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter will serve as facilitators for this group on Wednesday evenings.  Each week a brief educational component will be offered with time for you to share personally in a confidential, supportive setting.  Vicar Emily Beckering will offer guidance on the Lament Psalms, which we will use as a vehicle for prayer and healing.  The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

     If you are interested in attending, or have questions, please contact Marilyn Gebauer (651-704-9539, email gebauevm@bitstream.net) or call the church office.

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m.

Restorative Justice Community Action (RJCA)

     At Mount Olive, living a life in Christ means that we worship in all aspects of our life.  I am privileged to be working in a profession of restorative work where adults and youth who have made mistakes are able to resolve their situation with dignity. Restorative justice creates a safe space, a sacred space, where people who have committed wrong doing meet face-to-face with community members and direct victims to talk about what happened, the impact it has, and create a way to make amends.  It is a blessing to see criminal activity resolved in a non-adversarial way which allows for healing by bringing people together to make things right.

     RJCA is honored to receive 9 visitors from south and central Asia hosted by the US Department of State on April 24th .  Their visit is around Human Rights Advocacy and Awareness and they are coming to learn about how RJCA helps empower Minneapolis neighborhoods to enhance offender accountability for certain crimes by empowering local citizens and communities to participate directly in the justice process.

     Mount Olive supports RJCA through funds and volunteers.  I would like to invite you to learn about us at our annual fundraiser, “Is there justice in hell?” at Hell’s Kitchen on Monday, April 28th 6-9PM in downtown Minneapolis.  $20 at the door goes directly to RJCA.  City Attorney Susan Segal will be the guest speaker, cabaret entertainment by Denise Prosek and friends, testimonials, silent auction, and fun are to be had.  Please come, check out our website, www.rjca-inc.org or stop me in church for a conversation.  Let our worship be in all we do!

Cynthia Prosek

Travel to Italy!

     Walt Blue will host a trip to Italy next fall (October 6-20) under the aegis of the OLLI Program (University of Minnesota).

     The group will visit (briefly) Milan, Cremona, Bologna and Ravenna, and will spend over a week in Florence, with multiple day trips to the regional cities of Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano.  The cost of the trip is $4,700, and it includes airfare, accommodations, meals (all breakfasts, five group dinners), ground transport, sightseeing, porterage, local guides, gratuities and taxes.  For more information, contact Walt Blue  at 651-646-3355, or via email to wagane@gmail.com. You may also contact Group Travel Directors (952-881-7811 / groups@gtd.org).
 

National Lutheran Choir to Present “Exalt.” 

     This Spring’s “Exalt” program showcases the artistic excellence of the National Lutheran Choir with works for choir and organ alongside unaccompanied choral pieces.    

     Nationally renowned organist, Aaron David Miller, joins the NLC for a program that is both affable and energizing. Some of the works on the program include: Benjamin Britten’s Te Deum; a world premiere of a commission by Zachary Wadsworth, Great or Small; and Frank Martin’s Mass for Unaccompanied Double Chorus.

     Organ pipes and choral pipes join together for a unique experience that will leave the listener inspired and revitalized. NLC Artistic Director, David Cherwien, conducts.

When: Sunday, May 4 – 4pm
Where: St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
Tickets: $25 Adult, $23 Senior, $20 Student
Contact: visit www.nlca.com or call 612-722-2301.