Accent on Worship

You’ll Do Fine

     I don’t recall the exact circumstances, but one of my classmates in seminary arrived on his internship and the supervisor immediately left for a couple weeks’ vacation.  Apparently he’d been pretty over-worked and stressed and was looking for relief.  It wasn’t the best of ideas, nor was it terribly faithful to the idea of an internship.  Still, I do remember the first time my supervising pastor took vacation time and left me alone to cover all pastoral care needs and anything else that might come up in his absence.  I was a little nervous about the whole idea.

On the other hand, it was what I was there to do.  I don’t believe he used these exact words, but in leaving the parish to my pastoral care, my supervisor was essentially saying, “you’re ready for this, you’ve been trained for this.  You’ll do fine.”

     The ascension of Christ and his return to the Father seems very much the same to me.  Neither the first disciples nor we ourselves are fully prepared for the plan of Jesus to entrust us with the ministry of the Gospel.  It seems like an enormous burden, and one for which we are ill-prepared.  But the ascension of our Lord actually is central to the whole plan of his coming.

     From the beginning of creation, God intended humanity to care for this planet, to bear God’s image in this place, and as we are told again and again in Scripture, to love God and each other and live in the grace and joy of the creation.  That humanity did not prove up to the job, instead seeking self-centered and destructive ways of dealing with the creation and for other people, moved God to act in this world to bring us back to the original plan.  The incarnation of the Son of God among us was not intended as the Triune God’s way of taking charge of the whole enterprise.  It was a full plan of salvation, an ending to the way of death by God’s taking on death and breaking it.  But in the fullness of the plan, God has always wanted us, the people of God, to go back to what we were made to do, care for this creation, for each other, and live in love toward God and neighbor.  It is what we are saved to do.

     Now, in ascending to the Father, the Son of God says to us in effect, “you’ll do fine.”  Best of all, we are not left alone to our task.  We are given constant promises that the Holy Spirit will be with us to guide us and shape us, to help us witness to God’s love in Jesus for the whole world, and to begin to find our true calling as God’s caretakers and stewards of this creation and of God’s people.  But the ascension shows us that God in fact does trust us to live our calling and be Christ to the world.

     Come celebrate this feast on Thursday night, and let us rejoice in the trust God has in us that we can do this calling which is now given us, and all the baptized children of God.

– Joseph

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 9, 2013
(tomorrow evening!)
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.
Reception to follow.

Mother’s Day Recital
This Sunday, May 12, 9:30 a.m.
All are invited!

Sunday Readings

May 12, 2013 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:16-34 + Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 + John 17:20-26

May 19, 2013 – Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21 + Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17 + John 14:8-27

New Members to Be Received on Sunday, May 19, Day of Pentecost

If you are interested in becoming a member of Mount Olive this spring, please contact Pastor Crippen (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or Andrew Andersen, Director of Evangelism (andrewstpaul@gmail.com)

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen is currently leading a study of the book of Hebrews, an early Christian sermon preserved in the New Testament.  As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  All are welcome to this study opportunity! Note: There is no class this Thursday, May 9, due to the Ascension liturgy.

Summer Jobs After School

     The Summer Jobs After School Program is in need of one more volunteer.  If you would like to hang out with three or four cool kids to supervise jobs and an art project once a week for up to two hours for six weeks, call Donna at church, 612-827-5919.  Summer Jobs After School will run from the first week in July through mid-August.  It’s a lot of fun!

Summer Worship Schedule Begins Soon!

     Beginning Memorial Day weekend and running through Labor Day weekend, Mount Olive celebrates one Sunday Eucharist, at 9:30 a.m.  This year, the first Sunday of Summer Schedule is Sunday, May 26.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church. For the May 11 meeting, they will discuss Children of God, by Mary Doria Russell, which is the sequel to her book, The Sparrow.  And for the June 8 meeting, they will discuss The Calligrapher’s Daughter, by Eugenia Kim.

Vigil of Pentecost
Saturday, May 18. 2013
7:00 p.m.

A Thousand Voices in the Park

     A Community Sing will be held on Saturday, May 18, 5:30 pm at Powderhorn Park – rain or shine! All songs will be led by Bret Hesla and Mary Preus, with Jose Antonio Machado. A $5 per person donation is requested. Everyone is welcome!

For additional information, visit www.mnsings.com.

A Time For Bach

The Seventh Annual BachTage at Mount Olive

     An original idea put forward in 2006 by Cantor Cherwien and Kathy Romey of the University of Minnesota has become a fixture of each June at Mount Olive.

     A generous grant from The Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation and support from Music and Fine Arts helped move the idea to reality. Their continued support have allowed BachTage to become a vital ministry to musicians and musical leaders near and far.      

     June 8 and 9, 2013, are the dates for this year’s BachTage. Frequent participants from past years mark their calendar as soon as the date is announced. Perhaps this is the year for you to consider being part of this unique event?

     Participants study and rehearse a cantata and other selections by Bach under the leadership of Kathy Romey, whose gifts in teaching and musicianship combined with sense of humor and gracious spirit these sessions a delight rather than work.

     This year, the theme of BachTage is music for Advent. Bach’s Cantata 36 and a chorus from Cantata 123 have been selected. The cantatas are presented during Evening Prayer on Sunday afternoon, with an excellent orchestra and soloists.

     A special feature of this year’s BachTage is a Saturday afternoon, June 8, concert of Bach Masterworks for Harpsichord and Strings, presented by Tami Morse, Marc Levine, and Tulio Rondón.

     A little work is required of participants; they need to learn the music in advance so rehearsal time is not wasted on teaching the notes. Coming prepared makes rehearsal time much more valuable and exciting for all.

     Of course, the Saturday afternoon and Sunday Evening Prayer are for the public; let others know about these two special events.

      BachTage brochures are available in various spots around the church; the brochure includes the registration form. Take one for yourself, or pass it to a friend who may be interested. Registration is going on right now; scores will be mailed in early May to allow time for learning.

Every Church A Peace Church

     The next regular bimonthly potluck supper meeting will be on Monday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. at Macalester Plymouth United Church (1658 Lincoln Ave., in St. Paul, 651-698-8871, www.macalester-plymouth.org).

     The program will begin at about 7 pm and will feature the presentation of “The Ground Truth,” a very moving documentary film followed by an open discussion.

     “The Ground Truth” stunned filmgoers at the 2006 Sundance and Nantucket Film Festivals.      Hailed as “powerful” and “quietly unflinching,” Patricia Foulkrod’s searing documentary feature includes exclusive footage that will stir audiences. The filmmaker’s subjects are patriotic young Americans – ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq – as they experience recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities. The terrible conflict in Iraq, depicted with ferocious honesty in the film, is a prelude for the even more challenging battles fought by the soldiers returning home – with personal demons, an uncomprehending public, and an indifferent government. As these battles take shape, each soldier becomes a new kind of hero, bearing witness and giving support to other veterans, and learning to fearlessly wield the most powerful weapon of all – the truth.

Accent on Worship

Praise

     Praise is not always easy to come by.  Some people are stingy in how and when they give praise.  For these people, you really have to do something special and unique in their eyes to earn that pat on the back or those words of encouragement.  Taking out the garbage or cleaning your room doesn’t get recognized because those are the things you are supposed to do and you don’t get praise for the everyday or the mundane.

     When one’s life lacks praise, one can feel underappreciated and taken for granted.  For example, resentment often builds up in a relationship when one person does all the work and the other sits around watching TV and eating Cheetos.  In essence, when the ordinary doesn’t get noticed or appreciated we take for granted the people who make those things happen.

     And I wonder if that’s not the essence of Psalm 148, that we should remember to praise God for all the little miracles in our lives that take place every day.  Thirteen times the psalmist encourages all things to praise God, the creator of our world, for all that God has done.  “Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created.” In essence, the psalmist says that every created thing in the world owes its existence to God and for that alone God is worthy of our praise.

     But this psalm moves beyond a thank you letter of praise for our existence.  This psalm praises God for being God.  This psalm exhorts us to praise the Name of God itself.  “Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted.”  In this sense, praise is not predicated on an action that that is done for us; rather the psalmist gives praise to God because God simply is great.

     Praising God in this way helps us to value the daily miracle of our lives but it also teaches us to value existence itself.  In the same way that we value God for being God, what if we valued people for being people?  What if we said we inherently value people before they did anything for us, without condition to their actions toward us?

     Learning to praise God for all created things helps us to appreciate the daily miracle of sun, life, and breath; for our very creation.  Going a step further, praising the name of God is praising God’s very existence.  Similarly, perhaps today we can praise and give thanks for all the everyday things people do; for the mail carrier bringing us our mail, for a loved one doing the dishes, for waiter who serves us our meal.  But more than that, perhaps this song of praise can remind us that we should generously love and value all people just for being people.

     Praise the Lord all you Minnesotans! Praise the Lord!

– Vicar Neal Cannon

Sunday Readings

May 5, 2013 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:9-15 + Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5 + John 5:1-9

May 12, 2013 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:16-34 + Psalm 97
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 + John 17:20-26

New Members to Be Received on Sunday, May 19, Day of Pentecost

If you are interested in becoming a member of Mount Olive, please contact Pastor Crippen (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or Andrew Andersen, Director of Evangelism (andrewstpaul@gmail.com)

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

     May 5 – “Luther and the Hungry Poor,” presented by Dr. Samuel Torvend. Dr. Torvend teaches courses in the history of early, medieval and reformation Christianity as well as historical courses on the reform of social welfare, Christian responses to local and global hunger, Christian art and architecture, and Christian rituals at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington.

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings

     Postponed twice due to bad weather, the third Thursday Bible study series of this year began last Thursday, April 25, and will run for five more weeks on Thursday evenings.  Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen will be leading a study of the book of Hebrews, an early Christian sermon preserved in the New Testament.  As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

May Day, May Day!

     The May Day Parade will take place in our neighborhood this Sunday.  We would like to have a large number of folks from Mount Olive come to watch the parade as a group, making our presence in the community known in this way.  The plan is to leave from Mount Olive after the Congregation Visioning Meeting (lunch will be served there) this Sunday, May 5, either walking or by car, to view the parade together from between 31st and 33rd on Bloomington Ave. We will meet in the West Hospitality area after the congregation Visioning meeting. Rides may be arranged for those who need them. If you have a Mount Olive shirt, or other item with the Mount Olive logo, please be sure to wear it.  You may also want to bring a lawn chair. Let’s have a good turnout for a fun time, taking part in a neighborhood activity.

Summer Jobs After School

     The Summer Jobs After School Program is in need of one more volunteer.  If you would like to hang out with three or four cool kids to supervise jobs and an art project once a week for up to two hours for six weeks, call Donna at church, 612-827-5919.  Jobs After School will run from the first week in July through mid-August.  It’s a lot of fun!

Can You Help?

     The Vision Team is in need of a couple people who enjoy data entry and could help compile the results of the Community Observer and Community Interview forms.  The only requirements are a modest typing skill and familiarity with and access to email and Microsoft Word (or compatible) software.  If interested and you could spend a couple of hours doing this, please let the Church office know.  Thank you and God bless!

Summer Worship Schedule Begins Soon!

     Beginning Memorial Day weekend and running through Labor Day weekend, Mount Olive celebrates one Sunday Eucharist, at 9:30 a.m.  This year, the first Sunday of Summer Schedule is Sunday, May 26.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church. For the May 11 meeting, they will discuss Children of God, by Mary Doria Russell, which is the sequel to her book The Sparrow.  And for the June 8 meeting, they will discuss The Calligrapher’s Daughter, by Eugenia Kim.

Visioning Update

     I heard at this week’s Vision Leadership meeting that one of our members asked why we didn’t have an Olive Branch article last week.  It’s exciting that people have visioning on the mind even without prompting.  It’s thrilling to sense an eagerness for “better vision”.  We don’t have plans to write Vision articles every week, but we do hope and pray that you are always open to and looking for ways in which God is leading us forward.  And if you have some ideas  (dare we say vision) for how God is at work among us in this effort, please let us know.

     This Sunday, May 5, the Leadership Team is hosting another Congregational event with the focus on “values”.  Self-aware people are aware of their values, the things that are important to them, the essence of what they believe in.  The same is true of congregations. Values come in all shapes and sizes – love, calmness, personal growth, making a difference, courage, honesty, confidence, friendship, win-win, determination, resourcefulness, adventure, caring – the list goes on and on as we will see Sunday.

     Once our values are recognized and celebrated, they become the code that guides our decisions – our work and choices become aligned with OUR values and not those of pop culture or trends.  By examining our core values we will gain valuable understanding of who we are and what makes us tick – a very important aspect of our growth and development into what God would have us be and do for God.

     Detailing our values is not easy, but it is beneficial.  Our values say what is important to us, what matters. When we know what our values are, decisions become easier and our vision more clear– we just follow the values we identified.  They move us toward opportunities rather than away from challenges.  They move us ever forward without disregarding or forgetting where we are or have been.  They become the signposts, the beacons, marking the way God has chosen for us.

Please join us this Sunday after the second liturgy to explore and identify those values that define Mount Olive and her people and are the hallmarks of what God is doing and will do with and through us.  All are welcome.  A light lunch will be served and we plan to have you on your way before 2:00 for those who are attending the May Day festivities in Powderhorn Park afterwards.

– Adam Krueger

Church Library News

      I am writing this during National Library Week (April 14-20) and it seems like a good time to remind you to make use of your church library often.  One of the current displays in our library features these informational and inspiring books:

    Through Many Windows, by Arthur Gordon
    The Innermost Room, by Eileen Mitson
    The Irrational Season, by Madeleine L’Engle
    By Way of Response (Journeys in Faith) by Martin E. Marty
    Raspberry Kingdom, by Renee Hermann
    Beyond Feminism, (The Woman of Faith in Action) by Marilyn Brown Oden
    The Divine Yes, by E. Stanley Jones
    Ha! Ha! Among the Trumpets (Messages by a Master Literary Craftsman Presenting New Insights into Scripture) by Martin H. Franzmann
     I’m Human, Thank God! (a book to enjoy) by Robert McMillan
    My Body, My Life, by Daniel R. Ellingsen and Darcy D. Jensen
    Love Is An Everyday Thing, by Colleen Townsend Evans
    Stillmeadow Album and My Own Cape Cod, both by Gladys Taber

     There are always new members and visitors to Mount Olive who might not know where the Library is and when it is open on Sunday morning. Our library is located at the end of the north corridor, past the church staff offices, and it can also be reached by the two passageways from the East Assembly (or coffee hour) room, if you might find that more convenient.  Also the library is open and volunteer-staffed on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. or at other specific times by request left with the church office or by calling me.

      I will close this article with a quote from a beloved author: “No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.”      – Elizabeth Barrett Browning

– Leanna Kloempken

A Time For Bach

The Seventh Annual BachTage at Mount Olive

     An original idea put forward in 2006 by Cantor Cherwien and Kathy Romey of the University of Minnesota has become a fixture of each June at Mount Olive.

     A generous grant from The Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation and support from Music and Fine Arts helped move the idea to reality. Their continued support have allowed BachTage to become a vital ministry to musicians and musical leaders near and far. June 8 and 9, 2013, are the dates for this year’s BachTage. Frequent participants from past years mark their calendar as soon as the date is announced. Perhaps this is the year for you to consider being part of this unique event?

     Participants study and rehearse a cantata and other selections by Bach under the leadership of Kathy Romey, whose gifts in teaching and musicianship combined with sense of humor and gracious spirit these sessions a delight rather than work.

     This year, the theme of BachTage is music for Advent. Bach’s Cantata 36 and a chorus from Cantata 123 have been selected. The cantatas are presented during Evening Prayer on Sunday afternoon, with an excellent orchestra and soloists.

     A special feature of this year’s BachTage is a Saturday afternoon, June 8, concert of Bach Masterworks for Harpsichord and Strings, presented by Tami Morse, Marc Levine, and Tulio Rondón.

     A little work is required of participants; they need to learn the music in advance so rehearsal time is not wasted on teaching the notes. Coming prepared makes rehearsal time much more valuable and exciting for all.

     Of course, the Saturday afternoon and Sunday Evening Prayer are for the public; let others know about these two special events.

      BachTage brochures are available in various spots around the church; the brochure includes the registration form. Take one for yourself, or pass it to a friend who may be interested. Registration is going on right now; scores will be mailed in early May to allow time for learning.

Theology on Tap

     Theology on Tap is a Mount Olive group that meets once a month at local bars/restaurants to enjoy a good beverage and dialogue about faith and life (no preparation or book reading required, only your personal knowledge and insight).  If you would like to join us or have questions about Theology on Tap, contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12).

May Event Details
Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Stella’s Fish Cafe – 1400 W Lake St.,  Minneapolis (God willing, we’ll be on their rooftop
   patio… not getting snowed on!)
When: Thursday May 23, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic: “Poverty, Wealth, and Money in the Church”
Facebook Page & Group: Mount Olive Theology on Tap.  (“Like” the Page to get updates on Theology on Tap)

National Lutheran Choir Hymn Festival
“Jesus Christ: Yesterday, Today, Forever”

     This hymn festival is the final concert of the 2012-13 season and will be held this weekend, May 3 and May 5. Concert repertoire will include: “Nada Te Turbe,” by Jake Runestad (Winner of the 2013 Raabe Prize for Excellence in Sacred Composition), “The Spheres (Kyrie),” by Ola Gjeilo and Paul D. Weber’s “With High Delight” WORLD PREMIERE [Commissioned by the National Lutheran Choir and William Raabe].  The program will also include congregational hymn singing and reflections read by  Susan Palo Cherwien.  National Lutheran Choir’s Artistic Director, David Cherwien, will be the organist for this event.

     Tickets available at the door.

Friday, May 3, 2013 – 7:00pm
Normandale Lutheran Church
6100 Normandale Road, Edina

Sunday, May 5, 2013 – 4:00pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
115 North 4th Street, Stillwater, MN

Our Saviour’s Housing Thanks Volunteers

     The following message was received from Colleen O’Connor Toberman, who is the Volunteer Coordinator for Our Savior’s Housing:

         “Our residents have helped us create a new video to say thanks for the wonderful meals you bring to them.  Check it out here: http://bit.ly/Z4ecUE and then please pass it along to others who have volunteered.  I guarantee it will bring a smile to your face.”

     To this word of thanks, we add a special thanks to Rod and Connie Olson for coordinating and carrying out this valued service.
 

Accent on Worship

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

     A new commandment, a whole new direction and a new Jerusalem, all of which came about because of the Resurrection of Our Lord.

     In the book Field of Compassion, author Judy Cannato puts forth her scholarly insight about God’s love.  She writes, “God creates in order to give God’s self away in love.  All that creation has ever been invited to do is accept this gift of love.” She writes that all love comes from God, that we cannot love until we are loved and by this love we love others because, we are nothing more than conduits of divine love.

     The depth of God’s divine love became flesh in Jesus.  In the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Easter, Jesus gives his apostles a new commandment. He says, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” God’s love triumphs in Christ’s resurrection, and his followers are commanded to continue to bring the triumphant love of Jesus into the world.

     In the First Reading for Sunday, the apostle Peter brings a broader understanding of God’s love to the Jews in Jerusalem who criticized him for going to the uncircumcised with the message of the resurrection and the grace of God.  However, Peter’s vision of God’s inclusiveness wins them over and sends the early church in a whole new direction. The followers of Jesus would thereafter preach God’s grace and love through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior to all.

     In the Second Reading, John gives us a vision of what is to come because of the resurrection of Jesus who is “making all things new.”   Jesus will return from heaven to a new earth in a new Jerusalem in all her splendor. “Death will be no more.”  Jesus is the beginning and the end.  He came as the enfleshed expression of God’s eternal love and completes his journey in the New Jerusalem.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

– Donna Neste  

Sunday Readings

April 28, 2013 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18 + Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6 + John 13:31-35

May 5, 2013 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:9-15 + Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5 + John 5:1-9

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings

     Postponed twice due to bad weather, the third Thursday Bible study series of this year will finally begin this Thursday, April 25, and will run for five more weeks on Thursday evenings.  Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen will be leading a study of the book of Hebrews, an early Christian sermon preserved in the New Testament.  As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

Semi-annual Congregation Meeting to be Held This Sunday, April 28

     The Vestry has announced the date of the April semi-annual congregation meeting to be Sunday, Apr. 28, after the second liturgy.  Among the items on the agenda will be election of officers and directors, whose terms will begin on July 1.  Any wishing to suggest names to the nominating committee for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary, and directors of congregational life, evangelism, or neighborhood ministries are encouraged to contact Adam Krueger, congregational president.

     Also on the agenda are several constitutional and bylaw amendments presented to the congregation by the Vestry, attached to this Olive Branch as a separate document.  The first page, the constitutional amendments, is a second hearing of amendments presented and approved at the October semi-annual meeting.  Should these be approved again, with at least a 2/3 majority of those present and voting, they will be formally ratified.  The second pages are bylaw amendments which only need the one hearing and vote at this meeting.  Included in these amendments are bylaws establishing a business and finance committee, directed by the treasurer, and some corrective edits to several directors’ bylaws.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church. For the May 11 meeting, they will discuss Children of God, by Mary Doria Russell, which is the sequel to her book The Sparrow.  And for the June 8 meeting, they will discuss The Calligrapher’s Daughter, by Eugenia Kim.

New Members to Be Received on Day of Pentecost, May 19

If you are interested in becoming a member of Mount Olive this spring, please contact Pastor Crippen (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or Andrew Andersen, Director of Evangelism (andrewstpaul@gmail.com)

May Day, May Day!

     Far from being an emergency, this is a call for you to enjoy watching the May Day Parade.  We would like to have a large number of folks from Mount Olive to watch the parade as a group, making our presence in the community known in this way.  The plan is to leave from Mount Olive after the Congregation Visioning Meeting (lunch will be served there) on Sunday, May 5, either walking or by car, to view the parade together from between 31st and 33rd on Bloomington Ave. Rides may be arranged for those who need them. If you have a Mount Olive shirt, or other item with the Mount Olive logo, please be sure to wear it.  You may also want to bring a lawn chair. Let’s have a good turnout for a fun time, taking part in a neighborhood activity.

Prayer Shawl Retreat to be Held April 27

     This Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Mount Olive’s Prayer Shawl group will join the group from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for a joint Prayer Shawl Retreat at Our Saviour’s (2315 Chicago Ave. S.).

        This retreat is for anyone interested in needle arts, prayer and the neighborhood.  It will be a day of prayerful work, fellowship, and reflecting on the neighborhood community of our churches.  There is no cost for this retreat and participants are welcome to join us for all or part of the day.

     The morning will include an opening prayer, sharing stories, and prayerful work. The afternoon will include a walking meditation and neighborhood experience, prayerful work, and closing prayer.
     For a full agenda and additional information, please contact Cynthia Prosek, 612-860-7228, or by email to cynthprosek@msn.com.

Accent on Worship

Good Shepherd Sunday

     This coming Sunday (April 21) is the Fourth Sunday of Easter,  also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  The imagery of a shepherd caring for the flock is a relatively easy one to grasp – even though most of us have no connection with a herd of sheep or the one who cares for them.  Most parish musicians, instead of hunting for a setting of Psalm 23 get to choose which setting to sing because there are so many options, whether for choir as an anthem or for congregation.

     Psalm 23 is probably the one of the few Psalms most people know from memory.  Indeed, it’s a good one to know – it includes words of comfort for times of trouble, it’s reassurance that we are indeed cared for and loved, and that God will provide and protect.  I’ve heard of many instances where it is recited at the hour of death.  

     Psalm 23 also gives me occasion to think of the power of memory.  Memory is a powerful force, not to be tinkered with willy-nilly.   We don’t know when our mental abilities might falter – but when something is internalized through our memory banks, it will still be there when we need it.  That’s one of the reasons, by the way,  that our practice most of the time is for the entire assembly to sing the verses of the Psalm in our liturgies – putting the words of these prayers on our lips, in our souls,  and not only singing at the refrain,  or antiphon,  which is a more common practice.  As one friend said about that:  “If the only thing the congregation sings is the antiphon, when they get to their death beds, that’s all they are going to know.”

     It’s also why we don’t mess around with a variety of translations.  There are many out there – especially for Psalm 23.   Some of them are even quite good, and some challenging in interesting ways.  But if we keep changing the translation we use, our getting it committed it to memory is hampered.  If a different translation is adopted,  we need to commit to it over time to allow memory to do its work – so we have to be careful about which one is adopted.  The switch from King James to the Book of Common Prayer we use today was a dramatic shift – but probably one that is here to stay.  For that reason it’s important to switch and stick with it.  (“Thou preparest a table…” versus “You prepare a table…”)

     Thinking about the importance of memory also points out the value of memorizing more than Psalm 23 – while we can.  Psalm 121, for example.  “I lift my eyes to the hills…” would be a good one.   The same goes for hymns.  The more we memorize,  the better.  Adding melody to the text puts it deeper into the memory with different levels of connections in the brain – and studies have actually proven that hymns connect with Alzheimer patients – where mere words would not.

     How well do you know Psalm 23?  Try it right now – how far can you get?

– Cantor David Cherwien

The Ascension of Our Lord
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

     April 21: “Trinitarian Spirituality: The Celtic Tradition,” presented by Brad Holt.

Sunday Readings

April 21, 2013 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43 + Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17 + John 10:22-30

April 28, 2013 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18 + Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6 + John 13:31-35

New Members to Be Received on Sunday, May 19, Day of Pentecost

If you are interested in becoming a member of Mount Olive this spring, please contact Pastor Crippen (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or Andrew Andersen, Director of Evangelism (andrewstpaul@gmail.com)

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings  

     The third Thursday Bible study series of this year will begin tomorrow evening, April 18, and will run for five more weeks on Thursday evenings.  Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen will be leading a study of the book of Hebrews, an early Christian sermon preserved in the New Testament.  As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  If anyone wishes to provide the first meal, please let Pr. Crippen know.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

Semi-annual Congregation Meeting to be Held Sunday, April 28

     The Vestry has announced the date of the April semi-annual congregation meeting to be Sunday, Apr. 28, after the second liturgy.  Among the items on the agenda will be election of officers and directors, whose terms will begin on July 1.  Any wishing to suggest names to the nominating committee for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary, and directors of congregational life, evangelism, or neighborhood ministries are encouraged to contact Adam Krueger, congregational president.

     Also on the agenda are several constitutional and bylaw amendments presented to the congregation by the Vestry, attached to this Olive Branch as a separate document.  The first page, the constitutional amendments, is a second hearing of amendments presented and approved at the October semi-annual meeting.  Should these be approved again, with at least a 2/3 majority of those present and voting, they will be formally ratified.  The second pages are bylaw amendments which only need the one hearing and vote at this meeting.  Included in these amendments are bylaws establishing a business and finance committee, directed by the treasurer, and some corrective edits to several directors’ bylaws.

Night on the Street

     This Friday night, April 19, Peter Crippen and Eric Manuel and their mothers, along with members of Trust Youth group and more than 400 other teens from thirty Twin Cities congregations, have committed to spend the night in a church parking lot near downtown Minneapolis to learn about youth homelessness. Together they will learn what life is like for teens on the street.

• How do homeless teens make it from day to day?
• What resources are available to them?
• What can be done to help those who have no place to call home?

     For that evening, they will stand in a soup line for dinner and spend the night sleeping outside in cardboard boxes.

     They are doing this not only to increase awareness of youth homelessness, but also to raise money to help in efforts to end the problem. Participants have been asked to raise enough funds to provide one week’s worth of safe and supportive services for a homeless youth. That’s $140.00 for seven days!

     If you are able to help meet that goal, please see Peter or Eric on Sunday morning, or drop off a check in the church office, payable to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, with “Night on the Street” in the memo line. All donations to A Night on the Street will go to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, a faith-based nonprofit housing organization. The event has corporate sponsors, so every dollar raised will go directly to serving the youth!

Contribution Statements

     Contribution statements for the first quarter of 2013 (January-March) are printed and available for you to pick up at church. They are on a small table next to the coat room.

     Many have not picked up their 2012 year end statements. They are in the office and can be mailed to you upon request.

May Day, May Day!

     Far from being an emergency, this is a call for you to enjoy watching the May Day Parade.  We would like to have a large number of folks from Mount Olive to watch the parade as a group, making our presence in the community known in this way.  The plan is to leave from Mount Olive after the Congregation Visioning Meeting (lunch will be served there) on Sunday, May 5, either walking or by car, to view the parade together from between 31st and 33rd on Bloomington Ave. Rides may be arranged for those who need them. If you have a Mount Olive shirt, or other item with the Mount Olive logo, please be sure to wear it.  You may also want to bring a lawn chair. Let’s have a good turnout for a fun time, taking part in a neighborhood activity.

Uptown Brass and NLC Gala: Why Choose One When You Can Do Both?

     The Uptown Brass Quintet will appear in concert at Mount Olive this Sunday, April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as originally planned!).  These brass virtuosos are all members of the Minnesota Orchestra and will present an exciting concert of gorgeous brass sonorities featuring great music ranging from Bach to Piazolla.

     Please also note that later that same afternoon the National Lutheran Choir is having their annual gala at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, just a little north of downtown Minneapolis.  The National Lutheran Choir is directed by Cantor David Cherwien, and Pr. Crippen sings with the group, while Brenda Bartz serves on the board of directors.  The NLC rehearses at Mount Olive each Tuesday, so they’re in a number of ways deeply rooted with Mount Olive.  The gala begins at 4:00 p.m. with a social time and silent auction, but the dinner doesn’t actually begin until 6:00 p.m., so it’s possible for people to come to the concert at Mount Olive and then get to the gala later, and some Mount Olive people are already planning on doing both.  Information on the event can be found at http://www.nlca.com/season/2012-2013/we-shall-have-song-gala .

Vision for the Future/Understanding Our Past

     On April 7 we gathered for the first of three Congregational Visioning Events, this one focused on sharing and understanding Mount Olive’s history. The results suggest a few themes.  Paramount — we worship, sing, pray and study together. Throughout the decades represented we reported that worship has gotten more liturgical or formal, more God centered. It expanded to involve more people, from weekly communion to more lay participation in worship leading roles—sacristan, lectors, acolytes and assisting ministers.

     We are a congregation of action and involvement. We recognize a need, analyze the components, and seek solutions.  We supported community health clinics, resettled refugees, provided books and tutoring, supported young mothers and families, lobbied, wrote letters or protested if necessary.

     We are committed to seeking the truth, facing tough issues and talking together.  We faced issues in the larger church, within our own faith community, and political issues of justice and equality.  And we did that in respectful ways.

     We are a congregation of celebration and joy.  We love to eat and drink together.  We share that love of with our neighborhood. We looked for and embraced occasions to celebrate, adding Easter Vigil, a second community meal, notable receptions following musical events.

     That’s part of what our history tells us.  What will we become?  What more do we need to learn?  Last Sunday Community Observer and Community Interviewer volunteers gathered for training.  In the next month these folks—and others who many wish to join them—will set out to watch and listen.  What do we need to learn from neighborhood (our 2 mile radius) as we move forward? On May 5 we will gather for our second Visioning Event where we will examine our values as a congregation.  On June 2 our third Event will focus on strengths and action. Save the dates and be a part of the process.

Prayer Shawl Retreat to be Held April 27

     On Saturday, April 27, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Mount Olive’s Prayer Shawl group will join the group from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for a joint Prayer Shawl Retreat at Our Saviour’s (2315 Chicago Ave. S.).

        This retreat is for anyone interested in needle arts, prayer and the neighborhood.  It will be a day of prayerful work, fellowship, and reflecting on the neighborhood community of our churches.  There is no cost for this retreat and participants are welcome to join us for all or part of the day.

     The morning will include an Opening Prayer, sharing stories, and prayerful work. The afternoon will include a walking meditation and neighborhood experience, prayerful work, and Closing Prayer.
     For a full agenda and additional information, please contact Cynthia Prosek, 612-860-7228, or by email to cynthprosek@msn.com

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church. For the May 11 meeting, they will discuss Children of God, by Mary Doria Russell, which is the sequel to her book The Sparrow.  And for the June 8 meeting, they will discuss The Calligrapher’s Daughter, by Eugenia Kim.

Accent on Worship

Looking for Life

     Why do you look for the living among the dead?  We heard Luke on Easter day tell us that the angels at Jesus’ tomb asked the women this question.  The women had come to the tomb, expecting to finish the embalming of Jesus’ body.  They came, not expecting life, but death.  They came, not hoping to see him alive, but looking for a dead man.  They came, filled with sorrow, almost lifeless themselves.  Sometimes we forget that.  We know the story of Easter so well.  We come on Easter Sunday ready for joy and hope.  Not so these women.

     Then they heard the amazing, wonderful news that Jesus, their Master and friend, had defeated the power of death.  And their lives were forever changed.  No longer lifeless and afraid, they were filled with life and joy and courage.  One could almost say that they, too, were raised from the dead that Sunday morning.

     Why do you look for the living among the dead?  This question is addressed to us, too.  While we know that Jesus rose, we often live as if his resurrection only provides the promise of life after death for believers.  That’s not wholly bad; to live without fear of eternal death is a good thing.  But sometimes that means that in this life we can spend our lives looking for life, for the living, among the dead, that is, in this world.  We look for life and hope and meaning in this world, on this side of the grave, in things that are dead.

     Some turn to work, thinking that their work is what gives them true meaning in life.  Others turn to entertainment, recreation, sports, to activities for themselves or their children, as participants or as spectators.  And while these can be enjoyable, or can sometimes be necessary to maintain health, they do not give full life, abundant life.  Still others, tragically, turn to drugs and alcohol to give them life, things that are clearly a place of death, not life.

What we need is life, joy, and purpose on this side of the grave.  Abundant life.  And it can only come from the One who made the grave a doorway into life instead of a wall at the end of life.  The One who came that we might have life and have it abundantly.  Life is often filled with pain, difficulty, grief, along with the joys.  And none of the things of this world are fully capable of helping us handle that, or helping us survive and live.

     But here, then, is the secret of Easter.  We are filled with the life of God now, on this side of the grave.  Filled with the life and love of the One who gave his life for us and rose from the dead.  Gathered in a community of faithful disciples by the Risen One, that we might be life to each other and the world.

     So why look for the living among the dead?  The things of this world that claim to offer life all fail us.  So we look for life in the place of the living: in our Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and the source of life to fill our lives now, to raise us from lifelessness and sorrow, to give us joy and courage.  Ultimately, then, we are called to share this good news with all who still look for the living among the dead.  Christ is risen, indeed!  God help us all find that life and then send us out in joy to share it with each other and the world.

In Jesus’ name,

Joseph

Sunday Readings

April 14, 2013 – Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1-6[7-20] + Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11-14 + John 21:1-19

 April 21, 2013 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36-43 + Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17 + John 10:22-30

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

     April 14: “Exemplary Youth Ministry: How Churches are Shaping the Faith of Young People,” part 2 of a 2-part series, presented by Vicar Neal Cannon.

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings  

     The third Thursday Bible study series of this year will begin on April 18 and will run for five more weeks on Thursday evenings.  Meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Pr. Crippen will be leading a study of the book of Hebrews, an early Christian sermon preserved in the New Testament.  As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  If anyone wishes to provide the first meal, please let Pr. Crippen know.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!

Semi-annual Congregation Meeting to be Held Sunday, April 28

     The Vestry has announced the date of the April semi-annual congregation meeting to be Sunday, Apr. 28, after the second liturgy.  Among the items on the agenda will be election of officers and directors, whose terms will begin on July 1.  Any wishing to suggest names to the nominating committee for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary, and directors of congregational life, evangelism, or neighborhood ministries are encouraged to contact Adam Krueger, congregational president.

     Also on the agenda are several constitutional and bylaw amendments presented to the congregation by the Vestry, attached to this Olive Branch as a separate document.  The first page, the constitutional amendments, is a second hearing of amendments presented and approved at the October semi-annual meeting.  Should these be approved again, with at least a 2/3 majority of those present and voting, they will be formally ratified.  The second pages are bylaw amendments which only need the one hearing and vote at this meeting.  Included in these amendments are bylaws establishing a business and finance committee, directed by the treasurer, and some corrective edits to several directors’ bylaws.

Meals on Wheels Thanks

     Thanks to the following Mount Olive volunteers who delivered Meals on Wheels during the first quarter of 2013: Gary Flatgard, Art & Elaine Halbardier, Bob Lee, and Connie & Rod Olson.

Practicing Faith Together: A Day for All God’s Families

     Join members of TRUST congregations for a morning of family fun and faith tomorrow, April 13, from 9:00 a.m. until noon, at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer (5440 Penn Avenue S., Minneapolis), with an optional lunch and service activity to follow.  TRUST is pleased to welcome Marilyn Sharpe as the speaker for this event. You may recognize Marilyn as the writer of the monthly “Positive Parenting” column in the Metro Lutheran.

     The workshop is open to all members and friends of TRUST congregations, especially families, however you describe yourselves as family, and knowing that all of us are part of God’s family. Members of TRUST churches are also invited to attend!

Night on the Street

     Next Friday night, April 19, Peter Crippen and Eric Manuel and their mothers, along with members of Trust Youth group and more than 400 other teens from thirty Twin Cities congregations, have committed to spend the night in a church parking lot near downtown Minneapolis to learn about youth homelessness. Together they will learn what life is like for teens on the street.

• How do homeless teens make it from day to day?
• What resources are available to them?
• What can be done to help those who have no place to call home?

     For that evening, they will stand in a soup line for dinner and spend the night sleeping outside in cardboard boxes.

     They are doing this not only to increase awareness of youth homelessness, but also to raise money to help in efforts to end the problem. Participants been asked to raise enough funds to provide one week’s worth of safe and supportive services for a homeless youth. That’s $140.00 for seven days!

     If you are able to help us meet that goal, please see Peter or Eric on Sunday morning, or drop off a check in the church office, payable to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, with “Night on the Street” in the memo line. All donations to A Night on the Street will go to Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, a faith-based nonprofit housing organization. The event has corporate sponsors, so every dollar we raise will go directly to serving the youth!

Contribution Statements

     Contribution statements for the first quarter of 2013 (January-March) are printed and available for you to pick up at church. They are on a small table next to the coat room.

     Many have not picked up their 2012 year end statements. They are in the office and can be mailed to you upon request.

New Members to Be Received on Sunday, May 19, Day of Pentecost

If you are interested in becoming a member of Mount Olive this spring, please contact Pastor Crippen (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or Andrew Andersen, Director of Evangelism (andrewstpaul@gmail.com)

TRUST News

     Here are some upcoming events sponsored by TRUST:

• Saturday, April 13, 7 pm, St. John Lutheran Church – The Caritas vocal ensemble will present a concert. Tickets are $15 ($10 for seniors), and a reception follows the concert.
• Saturday, May 11, 8 am-Noon, Bethlehem Lutheran Church – Annual Plant Sale. Order forms will be available so that you can select the perfect plants for your garden.
• Saturday, June 8, Lake Harriet – a walk to support the Parish Nurse Program. All walkers welcome!
• Did you know that TRUST has staff who conduct estate sales? The Trusty Salers conduct sales on weekends.

     For information about these and all TRUST-sponsored activities, pick up a “Communicator” at church.

May Day, May Day!

     Far from being an emergency, this is a call for you to enjoy watching the May Day Parade.  We would like to have a large number of folks from Mount Olive to watch the parade as a group, making our presence in the community known in this way.  The plan is to leave from Mount Olive after the Congregation Visioning Meeting (lunch will be served there) on Sunday, May 5, either walking or by car, to view the parade together from between 31st and 33rd on Bloomington Ave. Rides may be arranged for those who need them. If you have a Mount Olive shirt, or other item with the Mount Olive logo, please be sure to wear it.  You may also want to bring a lawn chair. Let’s have a good turnout for a fun time, taking part in a neighborhood activity.

Uptown Brass and NLC Gala: Why Choose One When You Can Do Both?

     The Uptown Brass Quintet will appear in concert at Mount Olive on April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as originally planned!).  These brass virtuosos are all members of the Minnesota Orchestra and will present an exciting concert of gorgeous brass sonorities featuring great music ranging from Bach to Piazolla.

     Please also note that later that same afternoon the National Lutheran Choir is having their annual gala at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, just a little north of downtown Minneapolis.  The National Lutheran Choir is directed by Cantor David Cherwien, and Pr. Crippen sings with the group, while Brenda Bartz serves on the board of directors.  The NLC rehearses at Mount Olive each Tuesday, so they’re in a number of ways deeply rooted with Mount Olive.  The gala begins at 4:00 p.m. with a social time and silent auction, but the dinner doesn’t actually begin until 6:00 p.m., so it’s possible for people to come to the concert at Mount Olive and then get to the gala later, and some Mount Olive people are already planning on doing both.  Information on the event can be found at http://www.nlca.com/season/2012-2013/we-shall-have-song-gala .

Congregational Vision Team update

     The creative work of re-modeling a home is crafting a new design out of what is there by looking at the whole house differently.

     The Mount Olive Vision Team invites you to look and listen where God has put us in the neighborhood surrounding our church facility.  We need your eyes and ears, your heart and prayers that we may be open to understand what God would have us do and be in our life together in this place.

     During the next four weeks members of Mount Olive are invited to be Community Observers (to go out in groups of three) and Community Interviewers.  Observers will determine a good time to get together to pray and go out onto the streets, into cafes & coffee shops, ride the bus, sit in a hospital lobby or social service center to listen and watch with ears, eyes, and heart.  There will be devotions and questions to use as a guide each time you go out.   Interviewers will meet with community leaders to hear their observations of the community and its hopes and needs. There will be a form to collect your impressions and comments which the vision team can use to inform our future direction.

     This Sunday, April 14, after the second liturgy, there will be a one-hour training for both Community Observers and Community Interviewers.  All are welcome.  A light lunch will be served.  If you cannot attend the training but still want to be involved in this part of the visioning, please let us know and the vision team will work with you.  At the training you will select the locations that you/your group will visit.  For the Community Observers, if you don’t yet have a group of three partners by the training date, you can speak with others to form a group of three.

     We are also looking for members to be part of the prayer team that will support all the vision activities.  Contact Diana Hellerman or the church office to be part of this group.

Thank you,
Mount Olive Vision Team

Dining Out For Life

     Thursday, April 25 is the 19th annual Dining Out for Life Event, a fundraiser for The Aliveness Project, a community center for individuals and their families living with HIV/AIDS. Funds raised through this annual event directly support their services and programs.

     Dining out at participating restaurants is a great way to help with this worthy project, but this year they are also in need of over 500 Volunteer Ambassadors to serve at the participating restaurants.  If you are interested in helping in this way, call the Aliveness Project at 612-822-7946, or visit them on the web at www.aliveness.org.