Accent on Worship

Life in a Bubble

     We all live in a bubble – a small cozy little world that makes sense to us.  In this bubble, we make definitions of people and things in order to make sense of the world as we see it.  Poor people are poor because… Gay people are… Republicans believe… The truth is that most often we make presumptions from a distance, not able to see the truth until we actually experience it in person.

     And I think that is what it is like for the disciples when they see Jesus for the first time.  The disciples (and we, ourselves) have a preconceived notion of death, namely that it is permanent.  So when Jesus shows up there is a lot of fear, shock, and puzzlement that is palpable in the room.  “Peace be with you,” Jesus says.

     Wait a second. Didn’t Jesus tell the disciples that he was going to die and be resurrected?  How is this shocking to the group of people who were closest to Jesus?

     Simply put, its one thing to hear about the resurrection, but it’s another thing to experience it in your own life.  Think of it this way.  By the time I was in college, I had seen the Taj Mahal on postcards, in textbooks, and in pictures of all kinds from all angles.  To be honest, not having a keen eye for architecture, I never thought much of it.  But when I traveled abroad to India, took the two hour train ride to Agra and saw it in person, it was an entirely different experience.  The detail was astonishing.  The grandeur was supreme.  To be there was awe-inspiring and magnificent.  Bubble popped.  Similarly, I had heard about the poverty in India, but nothing compared to being overwhelmed by it in person.

     The same thing must have been true for the disciples.  They heard about the resurrection and they had inclinations of what it would be like.  But nothing compared to being in the presence of resurrection.  “Put your finger here and see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it in my side,” says Jesus.  Bubble popped.

     This is a gift that Jesus gives us in our lives.  He destroys our preconceived notions of the world by saying “Peace. Come and see for yourself.”  And in this we have a faith that is not detached from reality, a faith that isn’t distant but close.  So if a rich person complains that people are poor because they “are lazy,” then Jesus responds “Come and see.”  When people say that gay couples don’t have relationships like straight couples, Jesus responds, “Come and see.”  And when people say that a person can never be resurrected from the dead, Jesus responds, “Come and see.”

     Bubble popped.

– Vicar Neal Cannon

Sunday Readings

April 7, 2013 – Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:27-32 + Psalm 118:14-29
Revelation 1:4-8 + John 20:19-31

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

Attention Mount Olive Worship Servants

     On April 15 I will begin working on the schedule for the 3rd quarter of 2013.  Please submit any requests for the months of July, August and September 2013 to me no later than April 15, 2013.      
     You may contact me via e-mail at peggyrf70@gmail.com or by phone at 952-835-7132.
– Peggy Hoeft

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

April 7 & 14: “Exemplary Youth Ministry: How Churches are Shaping the Faith of Young People,” a 2-part series, presented by Vicar Neal Cannon.

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings to Begin April 11

    The third Thursday Bible study series of this year begins on Thursday, April 11, and runs for six weeks.  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.

Paschal Garden

     Thanks to all who helped beautify our Easter worship by donating flowers for the Paschal Garden: Maury Anderson & Tom Olsen; Al & Margaret Bostelmann; Randy Werner & Peter Tressel; Don & Rhoda Nelson; Tim & Amy Reddy; Matt & Consuelo Crosby; David  & Susan Cherwien, to the glory of God; Brad & Linda Holt; Louise Lystig Fritchie; Louis & Kay Krohnfeldt; Linda & Mark Pipkorn; Rob & Lynn Ruff; Rosalie Griesse; Stan & JoAnn Sorenson; Ellie & Ken Siess; Geri & John Bjork; Marcella Daehn; Melba Smrcka; Evelyn Royce; Charles Gjovig; George & Marlys Oelfke;, Beverly Shupe; Bob & Berta Wick; Leila Froehlich; Lynn Dobson; Paul Odlaug, in memory of his father; Walter & Marian Cherwien; Mary Rose Watson; John Meyer; Lillian Olson; Carol Austermann; Walter & Lydia Iverson; Walt & Judy Hinck, in honor of the life of Greta Hinck; Melissa Stone; Reid & Ruth Peterson; Brenda Bartz; Michael Edwins, in memory of his parents, Mildred & Sam; Marty Hamlin & Cathy Bosworth, in honor of their families; Bonnie & Donn McLellan; Helen Bender, in memory of her husband, William; Larry Duncan, in memory of Annetta & Thomas Duncan; Joseph & Mary Crippen; Dan & Julia Adams, in memory of Eleanor Hilpert; Ginny Agresti & Tom Graves, in memory of loved ones, Steve & Dixie Berg, in memory of loved ones; Annette Roth, in memory of John Clawson; Janet Moede, in memory of her parents; Judy Graves, in memory of her mother; Walt & Jacqui Blue, in memory of their parents; Lora & Allen Dundek; The Hennig family; Dennis Bidwell & Eric Zander, in memory of their parents; Joe & Elizabeth Beissel, in memory of Rev. Thomas Weiskotten and Francis Beissel; Timm Schnabel & Tim Lindholm, in celebration of the past 6 years and future years to come. Special thanks is also extended to Gary Pagel, who brought and arranged the palms, and to Naomi Peterson, for arranging the flowers for the Paschal Garden.

Missing an Earring?

     Found over the Easter weekend by the kitchen crew: one 14k gold earring in the shape of a bee, with a pearl. If you lost this earring, please contact the church office.

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

     Join members of TRUST congregations for a morning of family fun and faith on Saturday, 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!

Theology on Tap

     Good news Theology on Tap Enthusiasts – For our April 11 Theology on Tap, Jessinia Ruff has agreed to babysit young kids at Mount Olive!  She’ll watch your kids from 7:15-9:15 p.m. so you can come join our community discussion.  Please contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org) ahead of time if you would like to use Jessinia as a baby-sitter that night so we know how many kids to expect.  Cost for the night is $10 for 1 kid, $15 for two, and $20 for three or more.

     Theology on Tap is a group at Mount Olive 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).  Contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12) if you would like to join us or have questions about Theology on Tap!

April Event Details
Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Old Chicago – 2841 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408
When: Thursday April 11, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic: TBD
Facebook Page & Group: Mount Olive Theology on Tap-  “Like” the Page to get updates on Theology on Tap
Contact: Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org)

Night on the Street

     On 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!

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.

Congregational Vision Event #1-History, This Sunday (4/7) from 12:30-2:00

     I’ve always appreciated the quote attributed to Edmund Burke, a British statesman generally viewed as the philosophical founder of modern political conservatism.  He said, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it.” While often used as a warning, I like to think possible interpretation allows for good as well—some things might be worth doing again, or expanding upon what was once done.

     This Sunday we will have an opportunity to recall together some of Mount Olive’s history as one tool for building a vision and direction for our future.  Following a light luncheon, we will collect remembrances of what was going on at Mount Olive and in our neighborhood around the time you became a part of this faith community.  As stories of each decade are shared, our collective memory of this Church and her ministry will grow and a better understanding of who and why we are will emerge.

     The prayer of the Vision Leadership Team is that this will be an opportunity to capture individual and shared perspectives of what shaped our history and makes us the unique and wonderful community we are today.  Those who joined in the 90s may be surprised and hopefully enlightened by the things people recall from the 50s and so forth.  Undoubtedly we will gain new or renewed insight into some of our traditions and customs along the way.  These conversations and reflections provide the context for what we do today and will guide the choices we make for tomorrow.

     So think about when you became a member of the Mount Olive family (or at least your earliest recollections) and join us this Sunday to share them.  This will be the first of three such congregational vision events designed to gather information, perspective, and wisdom from you, our members, and provide focus and direction for our future.  On May 5 we will host the second Congregational Vision Event to consider our core values.  The last Congregational Vision Event will be on June 2 to consider what we do well, what we could do better, and maybe some things we haven’t even considered yet.  Mark your calendar now to be a part of each of these ‘first Sunday of the month’ conversations.

Adam Krueger
Vision Leadership Team

PS: Have you volunteered yet to be a Community Observer or Community Leader Interviewer?  These important and fun additional vision activities are designed to provide useful information about our neighborhood that will also be helpful in determining future direction and ministry.  Signup sheets and additional information on these two opportunities and what each involves are available on the shelf outside the Church Office window.  Training for both activities will be provided on April 14.

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.

Accent on Worship

2013 Easter Message from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

     Easter. It is about more than an open tomb. It is the good news of the risen Christ who opens lives.

     Think about Jesus’ friends after his death. Their lives were closed down by fear, disappointment and confusion. The risen Christ appeared saying “peace be with you” and opened their lives with a liberating word of reconciliation. In the same way Christ opens your life with a baptismal promise that joins your life to his death and resurrection. “You are my child. Nothing in all creation will separate you from my love.”

     Even now Christ is opening your life, your daily work, your passions and imagination. Christ is opening your daily life into a holy calling that fills the world with love. At the Lord’s Table, Christ is opening you into a community that can bear even suffering with confidence, and sorrow with hope.

     The risen Christ opens the Scriptures — the full depth of God’s promise made to Sarah and Abraham now coming to life in the new creation. Even when everything else is being stripped away, the risen Christ opens you to God’s promised future.

     Christ opens you to God’s work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, is opening this way of life for you.

In God’s grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sunday Readings

March 31, 2013 – Resurrection of Our Lord
Isaiah 65:17-25 + Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
I Corinthians 15:19-26 + Luke 24:1-12

April 7, 2013 – Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 5:27-32 + Psalm 118:14-29
Revelation 1:4-8 + John 20:19-31

Worship for the Remainder of Holy Week

Thursday, March 28: Maundy Thursday
 Holy Eucharist, with Washing of Feet at 7:00 pm

Friday, March 29: Good Friday
 Stations of the Cross at 12:00 noon
 Adoration of the Cross at 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 30: Holy Saturday
 Lumen Christi: The Easter Vigil, at 8:30 pm, followed by a festive reception

Sunday, March 31: Resurrection of Our Lord
 Festival Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45 am

Attention Mount Olive Worship Servants

     On April 15 I will begin working on the schedule for the 3rd quarter of 2013.  Please submit any requests for the months of July, August and September 2013 to me no later than April 15, 2013.      
     You may contact me via e-mail at peggyrf70@gmail.com or by phone at 952-835-7132.

– Peggy Hoeft

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month: Just a Few Days Left!

     It’s not too late to donate cash or groceries to the local food shelf during Minnesota FoodShare month in March. A donation of money more than doubles the amount of food available to food shelves, because food shelves can purchase food at discounted prices.  If you choose to give in this way, make your check payable to Mount Olive and write Food Shelf on the memo line. If you prefer to donation non-perishable groceries, they may be brought to the cart in the coat room.

Music & Fine Arts to Present The Uptown Brass

     The Uptown Brass Quintet will appear in concert at Mount Olive on Sunday, April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as previously published!).

Book Discussion Group

     For the April 13 meeting the Book Discussion group will discuss In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant.  For the May 11 meeting we will discuss Children of God by Mary Doria Russell.  This is the sequel to her novel The Sparrow which we read earlier.

Mount Olive Friendly Phone Call Ministry

     A new congregational ministry at Mount Olive is about to begin. The ministry is intended to help the congregation keep in closer contact with members who have difficulty getting to church or who are living alone.

     We are in process of identifying people who might like to receive a call on occasion and those who would act as callers. If you are a person who would enjoy receiving a regular phone call and would enjoy staying in touch with a member of the congregation, or if you would like to be a caller, I’d like to hear from you.

     To participate, please call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 763-420-8377 or you may contact her by email at skatzny@yahoo.com.

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, available in the narthex at church.  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

     On 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 30 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!

Thanks to the Cleaning Crew!

     Many thanks to Peggy Hoeft, Steve Pranschke, Katherine Hanson, and Beth Gaede, who cleaned our chancel, transepts, and narthex, and polished the brass candelabra and fittings in preparation for our Holy Week and Easter liturgies. Special thanks to Timm Lindholm and T.J. Schnabel for the many hours they spent treating the chancel paneling and furnishings, pulpit, and lectern with Liquid Gold. This was a huge undertaking, and the results are impressive.

Visioning

     At Mount Olive we have just completed a successful multi-year Capital Campaign, Pastor Crippen is well into his third year as our pastor and has a strong sense of who and where we are, and our Neighborhood Ministry Coordinator, Donna Neste, has announced her retirement in 2014.  This is the time to discern God’s vision for our shared ministry in this neighborhood and the world.  Listed here are opportunities for you to gather as community so the heart and soul of Mount Olive can discern what God would have us do in this place at this time.

     To Pray and Gather for three congregational meetings this spring:  We ask each member to pray for this process over the next few months and participate in three congregational meetings to build community around our vision process.  Come together after the second liturgy on April 7 and May 5 and the only liturgy on June 2.  A light lunch will be served.

• On April 7 we will create a time-line of our history in this place with the neighborhood.  We need the memory of those who have been here many years as well as the questions and insights of those who have become members more recently.
• On May 5 we will identify our core values that will help us determine how to move forward in the process.
• On June 2 we will hear a report from our community observers and community interviewers and then actively brainstorm ideas about God’s vision for our future as God’s people in this place.

     To Listen and Observe:  We need members to go to pre-determined locations around the church’s neighborhood in groups of three to observe what they see and hear and then meet in someone’s home and pray together.  We call these members  Community Observers because they will not speak to others, just observe.  We are asking them to commit to 2-3 visits as a group between April 14 and May 12.  The purpose is to simply observe and pray, to let your eyes and heart be open, not judge or find a solution.  We need 90 volunteers (30 groups of 3)!

     To Listen and Interview:  We need members to interview identified community leaders about what they see in and hope for the neighborhoods around Mount Olive.  We call these members Community
Interviewers and are asking them to commit to 2 visits between April 14 and May 12.  Sample interview questions will be provided.  The purpose is to understand what is being offered and what gifts and challenges they see.  We need 25 volunteers!

     On April 14 there will be training for all Community Interviewers and Community Observers after 2nd service from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.  A light lunch will be served.

     Sign-up sheets for all of these activities are at the church office with a more detailed job description.  Or please talk with any member of the vision team.

     There are also copies of the neighborhood report that we commissioned the Precept Group to do for us around the church and parish house (narthex, reception areas, chapel lounge, office) or ask a team member.  It shows faith preference, diversity, issues they care about, income level and more about the people who live within a two mile radius of the church.

     It is exciting to think about being deliberate in seeking what God has planned for Mount Olive, her people, and our neighborhoods.  Won’t you be a part of discovering what that might be and how it could look for our life together? Plan now to join us!

– Team members: Andrew Andersen, Judy Hinck, Adam Krueger, Connie Marty, Peter Tressel, Carol Austermann;  Staff members: Pastor Crippen, David Cherwien, Donna Neste.

Theology on Tap

     Good news Theology on Tap Enthusiasts – For our April 11 Theology on Tap, Jessinia Ruff has agreed to babysit young kids at Mount Olive!  She’ll watch your kids from 7:15-9:15 p.m. so you can come join our community discussion.  Please contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org) ahead of time if you would like to use Jessinia as a baby-sitter that night so we know how many kids to expect.  Cost for the night is $10 for 1 kid, $15 for two, and $20 for three or more.

     Theology on Tap is a group at Mount Olive 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).  Contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12) if you would like to join us or have questions about Theology on Tap!

April Event Details
Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Old Chicago – 2841 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408
When: Thursday April 11, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic: TBD
Facebook Page & Group: Mount Olive Theology on Tap-  “Like” the Page to get updates on Theology on Tap
Contact: Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org)

Hebrews Study on Thursday Evenings Starting April 11

     The third Thursday Bible study series of this year begins on Thursday, April 11, and runs for six weeks.  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!

Benefit Mount Olive Foundation With Your Thrivent Choice Dollars

     For those who are Thrivent Financial customers, you can benefit the Mount Olive Foundation at no cost to you with your Thrivent Choice Dollars.  But you must act very quickly as the deadline for doing so is March 31, 2013.  Here’s how to do it:

     1.  Put www.Thrivent.com in your browser and search for “Choice Dollars” on the web site.
     2.  Log into your existing account or create a new account.
     3.  Search for “Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation.”
     4.  Click on the “Direct Now” button and you have completed your gift!
     What an easy and painless way to benefit Mount Olive’s endowment.  Again, please act before March 31, 2013.

Accent on Worship

     We’re at the gate.

     It’s a week of high drama.  We’re going to be together a lot, again rehearsing the steps that bring us to the next gate:  the fulfillment of the baptismal promise of new and everlasting life.

     In a normal schedule, our weekly Sunday liturgies are a time to recharge the faith batteries so that we can go back to our lives and contexts carrying out what we’ve learned and live the values we have professed.  Not as easy as it sounds.  We’re here for one morning, then go about our work/play for the remaining 6 ½ days.  Easy to forget.

     Holy Week is our time to almost reverse that pattern.  We should spend a half day out “in the world” and the rest here.  This could be our super battery charge that needs to last us not only 6 ½ days, but forever.  It’s reigniting our trust in the promise that we won’t need to fear the worst of fears: death itself.

     The week’s journey is a reminder that this is no simple endeavor.  It does mean death.  Following Christ means going through things we’d probably rather not do, and we’d consider joining Peter in saying, “Who?”  Death is indeed a reality, as is pain, suffering and sometimes terrifying reality of decision making.  (To follow, or . . . not).

     We have liturgies every day during Holy Week.  Monday through Wednesday at noon, a prayer service is offered.  (Even if you’re not there, we’re praying for you).  At the center of the day – a trek here puts prayer at the core of the day, the core of daily life.

     Thursday is the family meal – and we make an effort to bring as many here who might otherwise have difficulty getting to an evening service.

     Friday noon is a most dramatic and powerful prayer service – Stations of the Cross – with its improvised organ interpretations of each station and hymn stanza.  The room gradually fills with smoke as the story builds to its climax – the death on the cross.  During that service, the organ goes silent until the Easter proclamation.

     Friday evening we return – for the liturgy of the adoration of the cross, and the powerful reproaches from the cross: “Oh my people, what have you done to me?”

     Saturday, of course, is the high drama of the Easter Vigil – the stories told of God’s saving grace  in the starkness of the darkened room – with our re-commitment of our baptismal vows,  and the explosion of praise at the Easter proclamation.  After this, we gather socially to celebrate with champagne and food!  Why not? We have something exciting to celebrate!

     Then … we come back Sunday for more!  All with a feeling of happy tired.  If all that doesn’t re-charge us, what will?

     See you.  Again, and again, and again, and again.  How about eight days in a row?  Maybe your friends and co-workers you’re with all week will do as the Exodus story wonders in Thursdays readings when you say “Gotta go”:  they might ask “why” do you do this?    Ah…..There’s the chance to explain.

– Cantor David Cherwien

Sunday Readings

March 24, 2013 – Sunday of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4-9a + Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11 + Luke 22:14—23:56

March 31, 2013 – Resurrection of Our Lord
Isaiah 65:17-25 + Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
I Corinthians 15:19-26 + Luke 24:1-12

Paschal Garden

     Members of the Worship Committee will be on hand for one more Sunday, March 24 (Palm Sunday) between the liturgies, to receive your donations to purchase Easter flowers for this year’s Paschal Garden.

Holy Week Worship Schedule

Sunday, March 24: Sunday of the Passion
 Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45 am

Monday, March 25: Monday in Holy Week
 Daily Prayer at 12:00 noon, in the side chapel of the nave, near the columbarium

Tuesday, March 26: Tuesday in Holy Week
 Daily Prayer at 12:00 noon, in the side chapel of the nave, near the columbarium

Wednesday, March 27: Wednesday in Holy Week
 Daily Prayer at 12:00 noon, in the side chapel of the nave, near the columbarium

Thursday, March 28: Maundy Thursday
 Holy Eucharist at 7:00 pm

Friday, March 29: Good Friday
 Stations of the Cross at 12:00 noon
 Adoration of the Cross at 7:00 pm

Saturday, March 30: Holy Saturday
 Lumen Christi: The Easter Vigil, at 8:30 pm, followed by a festive reception

Sunday, March 31: Resurrection of Our Lord
 Festival Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45 am

Need A Ride During Holy Week?     

We know that several in our community find it difficult to travel to church for evening liturgies for a variety of reasons. We’d like to help! If you need a ride to Maundy Thursday Eucharist (7:00 p.m.) or any other liturgies of Holy Week, just let us know and we will find a ride for you. Simply call the church office (612-827-5919) or Warren Peterson (952-935-9262). Also, if you are willing to offer a ride to someone who needs one, please call the church office.

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.

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month!

     It’s not too late to donate cash or groceries to the local food shelf during Minnesota FoodShare month in March. A donation of money more than doubles the amount of food available to food shelves, because food shelves can purchase food at discounted prices.  If you choose to give in this way, make your check payable to Mount Olive and write Food Shelf on the memo line. If you prefer to donation non-perishable groceries, they may be brought to the cart in the coat room.

Music & Fine Arts Event Date Revision

     The Uptown Brass Quintet will appear in concert at Mount Olive on April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as previously published!).

     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.

Book Discussion Group

     For the April 13 meeting the Book Discussion group will discuss In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant.  For the May 11 meeting we will discuss Children of God by Mary Doria Russell.  This is the sequel to her novel The Sparrow which we read earlier.

Night on the Street

     On 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 30 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!

Visioning

     At Mount Olive we have just completed a successful multi-year Capital Campaign, Pastor Crippen is well into his third year as our pastor and has a strong sense of who and where we are, and our Neighborhood Ministry Coordinator, Donna Neste, has announced her retirement in 2014.  This is the time to discern God’s vision for our shared ministry in this neighborhood and the world.  Listed here are opportunities for you to gather as community so the heart and soul of Mount Olive can discern what God would have us do in this place at this time.

     To Pray and Gather for 3 congregational meetings this spring:  We ask each member to pray for this process over the next few months and participate in three congregational meetings to build community around our vision process.  Come together after the second liturgy on April 7 and May 5 and the only liturgy on June 2.  A light lunch will be served.

• On April 7 we will create a time-line of our history in this place with the neighborhood.  We need the memory of those who have been here many years as well as the questions and insights of those who have become members more recently.
• On May 5 we will identify our core values that will help us determine how to move forward in the process.
• On June 2 we will hear a report from our community observers and community interviewers and then actively brainstorm ideas about God’s vision for our future as God’s people in this place.

     To Listen and Observe:  We need members to go to pre-determined locations around the church’s neighborhood in groups of three to observe what they see and hear and then meet in someone’s home and pray together.  We call these members  Community Observers because they will not speak to others, just observe.  We are asking them to commit to 2-3 visits as a group between April 14 and May 12.  The purpose is to simply observe and pray, to let your eyes and heart be open, not judge or find a solution.  We need 90 volunteers (30 groups of 3)!

     To Listen and Interview:  We need members to interview identified community leaders about what they see in and hope for the neighborhoods around Mount Olive.  We call these members Community      
Interviewers and are asking them to commit to 2 visits between April 14 and May 12.  Sample interview questions will be provided.  The purpose is to understand what is being offered and what gifts and challenges they see.  We need 25 volunteers!

     On April 14 there will be training for all Community Interviewers and Community Observers after 2nd service from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.  A light lunch will be served.

     Sign-up sheets for all of these activities are at the church office with a more detailed job description.  Or please talk with any member of the vision team.

     There are also copies of the neighborhood report that we commissioned the Precept Group to do for us around the church and parish house (narthex, reception areas, chapel lounge, office) or ask a team member.  It shows faith preference, diversity, issues they care about, income level and more about the people who live within a two mile radius of the church.

     It is exciting to think about being deliberate in seeking what God has planned for Mount Olive, her people, and our neighborhoods.  Won’t you be a part of discovering what that might be and how it could look for our life together? Plan now to join us!

– Team members: Andrew Andersen, Judy Hinck, Adam Krueger, Connie Marty, Peter Tressel, Carol Austermann;  Staff members: Pastor Crippen, David Cherwien, Donna Neste.

Mount Olive Friendly Phone Call Ministry

     A new congregational ministry at Mount Olive is about to begin, developed by the Congregational Life and Neighborhood Ministries Committees. The ministry is intended to help the congregation keep in closer contact with members who have difficulty getting to church or who are living alone.

     We are in process of identifying people who might like to receive a call on occasion and those who would act as callers. If you are a person who would enjoy receiving a regular phone call and would enjoy staying in touch with a member of the congregation, or if you would like to be a caller, I’d like to hear from you.

     To participate, please call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 763-420-8377 or you may contact her by email at skatzny@yahoo.com.

Accent on Worship

A Reason to Worship

     There is a group on Facebook for ELCA clergy, and as much as I’d like to participate, I can’t read a single post and its comments without getting so frustrated I leave the post.  Typically people post questions of theology or practice, and seek responses or conversation with other ELCA clergy, which sounds good in theory.  But in practice, there’s always someone who gets sarcastic or snotty in their comments and dismissive of the one who posted, or commonly, of leadership in the ELCA.  It’s very tiresome.

     In the last week or so, someone posted a question about the liturgy of adoration of the cross, and wondered how people in the readers’ congregations did this, did they kneel, prostrate themselves, touch or kiss the cross, none of the above, or what?  It was a good question, and I almost posted an answer that at Mount Olive all of these things can be seen at our Good Friday liturgy when I saw that someone else posted just about the same thing.  I didn’t need to be redundant.

     Then I looked down the list of comments and saw: “I don’t care for such ‘man-made’ things,” a commenter who went on to mock even the conversation.  And there it was.  A posting dismissing what is valuable to the spiritual life of other Christians, even other Lutherans.  One can almost set one’s clock by such regularity.  In this case it was the dismissal of another congregation’s worship life based on some sense that the commenter had a “pure” worship, untainted by any human choice.  Of course, that can’t exist.  All our worship is human-made, though focused on God.

     But I thought of this as we consider on Sunday Mary of Bethany and her anointing of Jesus with perfume the value of which was the equivalent of nearly ten month’s wages for a daily laborer.  In John’s account Sunday, Judas complains that this could have been sold and the money given to the poor.  (Matthew and Mark both say “the disciples” complained.)  Mary is mocked for her act of devotion to her Lord, when in fact she may be the only one who’s paying attention to what’s about to happen.  This is on the verge of Holy Week, and Jesus has been foreshadowing his suffering and death, and the male disciples seem blithely unaware most times.  Mary, having just received her brother back alive from Jesus, decides to do an utterly extravagant and foolish thing.  She anoints Jesus with precious perfume, worth far too much.  But she does this because she is focused on Jesus, because he is her Lord, because she can sense something awful is about to happen, and because when you have the Lord with you, you worship him.

     We could learn from these disciples’ negative example when we consider other people and their worship.  Certainly our worship priorities and what we do at Mount Olive are easily mocked in some circles.  But how often do we do the same, criticizing others for their way of devotion?  Perhaps all Christians would do well to be silent when a Mary worships the Lord in a way we don’t understand or appreciate, and trust that perhaps she knows what to do when the Lord is near.

     At any rate, that’s where the Spirit seems to be leading me.  To remember that when we have the Lord with us all we can do is worship.  And to remember that others might express that worship in ways different from mine, and have different priorities.  But to rejoice that worship is happening all the same.  And perhaps the Spirit could help me, and us, find a little of Mary’s joyful extravagance as we consider worshipping the God who in Jesus has given us life and grace.

+ In Jesus’ name,
Joseph

Paschal Garden

     Members of the Worship Committee will be on hand this Sunday and next, March 17 and 24, between the liturgies, to receive your donations to purchase Easter flowers for this year’s Paschal Garden.

Sunday Readings

March 17, 2013 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21 + Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14 + John 12:1-8

March 24, 2013 – Sunday of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4-9a + Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11 + Luke 22:14—23:56

Midweek Lenten Worship
Wednesdays in Lent
Noon – Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm – Evening Prayer

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

     Sunday, March 17 – “Symbolism in Bach’s Mass in b minor,” presented by Art Halbardier.

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, which were attached to this issue of The Olive Branch as a separate document in the weekly email.  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.

Dusting and Polishing Day

     The Altar Guild will host a chancel-cleaning event Saturday, March 16 (tomorrow!), from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Bring your favorite duster and polishing rags, and help prepare our worship space for Holy Week and Easter. Questions? Contact Beth Gaede: bethgaede [at] comcast [dot] com.

Words for the Pilgrimage

Wednesdays in Lent: February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20
• Noon – Holy Eucharist, followed by a soup and bread luncheon
• 6:00 p.m. – Soup, Bread, and Table Talk
• 7:00 p.m. – Evening Prayer

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”  Hebrews 12:1b-2a

     Christian believers have long likened our life of faith to a journey, a pilgrimage through this world.  On our Wednesdays this Lent we will explore words from an ancient sermon written to “the Hebrews.” These are words which use the same image, that of pilgrimage, and which provide guidance, direction, hope, and encouragement for this pilgrimage of life, as well as warnings and exhortations.  The book of Hebrews will be our companion on our journey, not a tour guide, but a fellow-traveler with us as we seek to live faithfully in this world as disciples.

     At noon, the preaching will be at the Eucharist; in the evening it will be during the soup supper, with conversation to follow.

Music & Fine Arts Event Date Revision

     Please note that the Uptown Brass will appear in concert at Mount Olive on April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as previously published!).

     These five world-renowned 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.

Book Discussion Group

     For the April 13 meeting the Book Discussion group will discuss In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant.  For the May 11 meeting we will discuss Children of God by Mary Doria Russell.  This is the sequel to her novel, The Sparrow, which we read earlier.

From the Vision Leadership Team

     A member of Mount Olive recently asked about our current “visioning” process after reading about it in The Olive Branch.  He said the very concept got him thinking about visions and wondering if there might be people in the congregation or known by members who see visions today.  It wouldn’t be surprising if there were.  There is a strong and long history in both Christian and Jewish tradition of God giving visions to select individuals in particular ways that edified and strengthened the Church.  Consider the prophet, Isaiah, or Hildegard von Bingen, a twelfth century Benedictine nun.

     “Isaiah, Mighty Seer of Old” is a powerful hymn to Isaiah’s vision of the throne room of God that continues to inspire Christians of all ages with its imagery and majesty.  Likewise the writings of Saint Hildegard have seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent decades as people find themes in her visions that speak to many modern concerns: bringing science, art, and theology together; social justice and the duty of seeing that every person has opportunity to use their God-given talents; nature as God’s creation entrusted to our care to be used for our benefit but not to be mangled or destroyed.

     If there are people with even a hint of such vision in our midst, it is crucial to include what they “see” in Mount Olive’s visioning process.  The challenge, of course, is to engage them and provide opportunities to share their vision.  We may not know who they are or even whether they are.  They could be quite average or they might appear rather strange.  They may be heavily involved in parish life or somewhere on the fringes.  They may not even know themselves that God wants to use them in this way.

     We trust that God has a plan for Mount Olive and has important work for us do.  So we have committed to seek out opportunities for our people to catch and share their vision for what our ministries might look like.  We want each and every member to be involved in the process, allowing God to speak to us through prayer, Word, and Sacrament, observations of life in our neighborhoods, interviews with community leaders, and three focused congregational meetings.  Each of these will offer an opportunity for God-given visions to be shared, heard, and nurtured. Watch The Olive Branch in coming weeks for ways in which God might use you to reveal his vision for Mount Olive.

March is Minnesota FoodShare Month!

     It’s not too late to donate cash or groceries to the local food shelf during Minnesota FoodShare month in March. Minnesota Fooshare is the largest annual statewide food drive, mobilizing over 2,500 congregations, businesses, schools and civic organizations.   The Minnesota Council of Churches is just one of the sponsors of this annual event, which has a rich 31-year tradition celebrating the generosity of Minnesotans.  Hunger, however, is another fact of life in Minnesota.  According to Second Harvest, 100 million meals a year are missed by the citizens of this state.  Minnesota FoodShare serves 300 food shelves that in turn serve individuals and families in need of food.  The goal this year is $1 million in donated gifts.  A donation of money more than doubles the amount of food available to food shelves, because food shelves can purchase food at discounted prices.  If you choose to give in this way, make your check payable to Mount Olive and write Food Shelf on the memo line. If you prefer to donation non-perishable groceries, they may be brought to the cart in the coat room.

Have You Noticed?
Capital Campaign Tithe Display

     The current display in the Display case next to the Coat Room (between the church narthex and parish house) currently features information of an the last chapter of  Mount Olive’s most recent Capital Campaign, begun in 2007.  This effort, in which members and friends of the congregation raised over $1.1 million, made the renovated and welcoming spaces of the parish house, office spaces, and kitchens possible without incurring additional debt.  But in true Mount Olive fashion, the congregation chose to also set aside a tithe of the capital funds for use outside our walls.

     With $111,000 to share, it was decided to fund a few larger projects and multiple smaller projects and people and organizations were invited to submit requests to be reviewed by a team comprised of people from the Neighborhood Ministries and Mission committees as well as members from the congregation at-large.  The goal was to fund capital projects that embodied the ideals of the congregation and might also provide opportunities for future partnership with funded organizations.  Knowing that not all requests could be funded the application and review process was also seen as an opportunity to expand our knowledge of organizations serving God’s people both locally and internationally.

     The display case highlights the organizations that received funding as well as their response to your generosity.  A quick summary of the work these gifts enabled:

• Aliveness Project-a local agency serving persons living with HIV/AIDS is in the process of relocating and our gift was matched 100% to move them closer to the reality of occupying and furnishing these new spaces.

• Alliance Housing develops, owns and operates affordable housing in south Minneapolis.  Our gift will help furnish the apartments slated for East 26th and 17th Ave S.

• Bethania Kids is a long-time favorite mission of the congregation to the children of India.  Your funds to them are enabling them to open a new childcare center in the state of Orissa to provide medical and educational support and benefit to the people of this region.

• Common Hope, a mission to the people of Guatemala, received a grant to launch a new initiative that would assist families of young children provide the literacy skills necessary to succeed in school by providing training and children’s books.

• Division of Indian Work, Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches serves the social needs of urban American Indians while honoring their cultural traditions.  The funds they received enables them to update their computer lab used by young people to increase their technology and job skills.

• Lutheran Summer Music program received funds that allowed them to upgrade their again technology and broaden their reach to the youth of the church and also acquire a complete Bach Cantata collection that will serve not only as a resource to their ongoing work with youth, but also be available for loan to congregations unable to purchase music of this caliber of their own.

• Lutheran Social Services-seed funding to help build the Center for Changing Lives on Park Avenue.  This multi-function facility provides space for worship, meeting, and serving the needs of those who come to LSS for help.

• Minnesota without Poverty was granted funds to improve the Art Shoppe, a venture MOLC has been involved with from the start that enables artists to market their creations and realize an income from their work.  Funds will be used to make their store (in the Global Market near the church) more accessible for the artists and patrons alike.

• Our Saviour’s Community Services is another long-time partner with MOLC.  Their English Learning Center was in need of some new tables and updated materials to continue to be effective in helping adult immigrants and refugees gain fluency and increased independence and your gifts made that possible.

• St Paul Partners is a non-profit based in St Paul that enables the people of Tanzania to have universal access to safe water and health education.  Funds provided from the Capital Campaign Tithe have been dedicated to the construction of a new well in the Iringa Region of Tanzania.

     So on behalf of the countless lives touched by your generosity and compassion, in the moment and in the future, thank you.  Stop by the display case to read more about each of these projects as well as to hear from those who have benefited directly from this extraordinary effort.  To God alone be glory!

Liturgical Servers: Important Notice about Albs

     Acolytes, sacristans, assisting ministers, anyone who wears an alb, please check your alb’s condition.  Easter is coming and these garments need to be clean and wax-free, so let me know if yours is not.  If you are wearing alb #19, please let me know, because it needs to be replaced.

– Carol Austermann

National Lutheran Choir to Present Bach’s Mass in B Minor
Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 7:00pm
Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis

     Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor (BWV 232) stands as one of the landmark creations in music history. The work was among the last composed by Bach before his death in 1750. The Mass was never performed in its totality during Bach’s lifetime and it disappeared for much of the 18th century. Felix Mendelssohn, among others, was responsible for a revived interest in Bach’s work and so there were a number of performances of the entire Mass in the early 19th century.

     Soloists Susan Palo Cherwien (soprano), Susan Druck (alto), Matthew Anderson (tenor), Paul Max Tipton (baritone) and many of the region’s finest orchestra musicians will accompany us for this one-night-only performance.

     For ticket information, call 612-722-2301 or visit their website: www.nlca.com.  Don’t miss it!

Accent on Worship

Ambassadors of Grace

     One of the most important facets of the Christian life is the transformation of how we see the world around us in Christ.  How we see each other, what we literally see when we look at our neighbor, impacts how we react to the world around us.

     This week in II Corinthians Paul writes, “we regard no one from a human point of view.”  The phrase, “human point of view” comes from the Greek phrase kata sarka, which literally means, “with the flesh.”

     Paul explains to his readers in Corinth that we once knew Christ from a human point of view.  We knew Christ in the form of flesh and bone, we knew him as a carpenter and the son of Mary and Joseph. But now we see Jesus in a different way.   We now see Jesus as Messiah and Lord and as three in one God.  We see Jesus through the eyes of faith given to us by the Holy Spirit.  And if this Christian faith that we hold transforms the way we see Jesus, Paul says it equally transforms the way we see the world around us.

     In other words, in Christ we see people from an entirely new perspective that is outside the flesh, outside of our clothing styles, and outside of our jobs and social status and other identifiable markers.  More than just outward appearance, in Christ we begin to see people not as sinful creatures but as a forgiven and loved people whom Christ desperately and urgently seeks to reconcile.

     Paul then poses a question for us.  What if we became ambassadors of this love that we’ve received?  What if we became ambassadors of reconciliation and love instead of judges of the flesh?

     Too often Christianity is known for judgment of the outside world.  But when we realize we’ve lived in the flesh as the prodigal son did, who spent recklessly to our own detriment, and realize we’ve been embraced by the prodigal father, who recklessly gave us grace, then how can we but look on our neighbors with the same compassion that we were once given?

     Therefore, let us not act as judge of sin, but as ambassadors of the grace we have received in Christ Jesus!

– Vicar Neal Cannon

Sunday Readings

March 10, 2013 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
Joshua 5:9-12 + Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 + Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 17, 2013 – Fifth Sunday in Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21 + Psalm 126
Philippians 3:4b-14 + John 12:1-8

Midweek Lenten Worship
Wednesdays in Lent
Noon – Holy Eucharist
7:00 pm – Evening Prayer

This Sunday’s Adult Forum

     Sunday, March 10 – “The Exodus,” part 2 of a 2-part series, led by Dr. Earl Schwartz.

Dusting and Polishing Day

     The Altar Guild will host a chancel-cleaning event next Saturday, March 16, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Bring your favorite duster and polishing rags, and help prepare our worship space for Holy Week and Easter. Questions? Contact Beth Gaede: bethgaede [at] comcast [dot] com.

Lenten Bible Study: Practice Faith

     There are two weeks left of this six-week Bible study led by Vicar Neal Cannon on Thursday nights from 6-7 pm. It meets in the Chapel Lounge and a light supper is served. All are welcome!

March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

Book Discussion Group

     For the March 9 meeting (tomorrow), the Book Discussion group will read Midnight’s Children, by Salman Rushdie. For the April 13 meeting they will discuss In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant.  Looking ahead, in May we will discuss Children of God, by Mary Doria Russell.  This is the sequel to her novel The Sparrow which we read earlier.

Words for the Pilgrimage

Wednesdays in Lent:
February 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20

• Noon – Holy Eucharist, followed by a soup and bread luncheon

• 6:00 p.m. – Soup, Bread, and Table Talk

• 7:00 p.m. – Evening Prayer

“Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”  Hebrews 12:1b-2a

     Christian believers have long likened our life of faith to a journey, a pilgrimage through this world.  On our Wednesdays this Lent we will explore words from an ancient sermon written to “the Hebrews.” These are words which use the same image, that of pilgrimage, and which provide guidance, direction, hope, and encouragement for this pilgrimage of life, as well as warnings and exhortations.  The book of Hebrews will be our companion on our journey, not a tour guide, but a fellow-traveler with us as we seek to live faithfully in this world as disciples.

     At noon, the preaching will be at the Eucharist; in the evening it will be during the soup supper, with conversation to follow.

Vespers at Holy Trinity

     Tomorrow evening, March 9, at 5:00 p.m., members and friends of Mount Olive have a unique opportunity to attend Great Vespers at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 956 Forest Street, St. Paul. Holy Trinity is the home parish of Cha Posz, administrative assistant at Mount Olive, and family.
    
     Father Jonathan Proctor, rector of Holy Trinity, will be available after the liturgy to answer questions we may have and perhaps show us the church’s beautiful icons by Nicholas Papas. We will meet in the back of the sanctuary at 4:45 p.m. If you would like to attend, but would need a ride, please contact Susan Cherwien at scherwien@aol.com or 952-920-9568. A sign-up sheet was posted to get a general idea of how many people will attend, but signing up is not required for attendance. Feel free to come even if you didn’t sign up.

     Directions to Holy Trinity: I94 to 35E North; exit Maryland Ave.; go EAST 1.3 mi. to Forest St.; RIGHT on Forest 1/2 mile; Holy Trinity is on lefthand side at the corner of Forest and Case.

The National Lutheran Choir to Present Bach’s Mass in B Minor

Thursday, March 21, 2013 – 7:00pm
Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN

     Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B minor (BWV 232) stands as one of the landmark creations in music history. The work was among the last composed by Bach before his death in 1750. Bach’s setting of the Mass was unusual for composers at the time. The Mass was never performed in its totality during Bach’s lifetime and it disappeared for much of the 18th century. Felix Mendelssohn, among others, was responsible for a revived interest in Bach’s work and so there were a number of performances of the entire Mass in the early 19th century.

     Soloists Susan Palo Cherwien (soprano), Susan Druck (alto), Matthew Anderson (tenor), Paul Max Tipton (baritone) and many of the region’s finest orchestra musicians will accompany us for this one-night-only performance.

     For ticket information, call 612-722-2301 or visit their website: www.nlca.com.  Don’t miss it!

Church Library News 

    Awaiting your perusal is a new display of Lenten books in our church library, including:

•         Portraits of the Christ (messages for Lent and Easter), by John C. McCollister, editor
•         The Scandal of Lent (themes for Lenten preaching in the Gospel of John), by Robert Kysar
•         Take Up Your Cross (program resources for Lent and Easter), compiled by Mark Sedio 
• The Day Before Easter, by W.A. Poovey
•         Gospel Dramas (12 plays for worship in Lent and other seasons), by Dean Nadasd
•         The Crosses of Lent (sermon books, Lenten studies for Ash Wednesday to Easter), by Dale A.    Meyer and Hubert F. Beck
•         The Second Season (Lent, Easter and the Ascension), by Wayne Seffen
•         The Splendor of Easter (compiled and edited by Floyd Thatcher)
•         A Cross to Glory (Lenten sermons), by Alton F. Wedel
•         A Book of Easter (with daily devotions by Paul M. Lindberg
•         A Time of Hope (family, celebrations and activities for Lent and Easter), compiled by 4 editors and an illustrator.

     You are likely aware of the non-profit organization “Little Free Library” which was organized in 2009 and has grown tremendously since then.  About 6,000 Little Free Libraries are in the U.S. with about 600 being added each month. They have sprung up all over Minnesota and you may even have one in your neighborhood.  The goal is to promote literacy, the love of reading and free book exchanges that help provide communities connection and communication everywhere.  Literacy is a gateway to improve learning and broadening children’s understanding of the world.  If you haven’t seen a Little Free Library, don’t look for something large, however, they do come in various sizes and shapes but a typical one may only be 19″ x 23″ x 16″.  Find locations online at littlefreelibrary.org.

     The Little Free Library movement is also associated with two other worthy non-profit organizations — Hooked on Books ( the 8th annual event was held locally at Chanhassen High School in February) and the Books for Africa, helping to coordinate all efforts to extend literacy and good books overseas.

     I would like to close with a marvelous quote from the Spring 2013 Friends of the Hennepin County Library newsletter, (although the author was not identified) but it goes like this:
“A library is more than a brick and mortar building filled with delicious books.  It is also a community of people who live to invest in our youth, who read for knowledge and fun, and who are ready to include anyone who walks through the door.”

– Leanna Kloempken

Music & Fine Arts Event Date Revision

Please note that the Uptown Brass will appear in concert at Mount Olive on April 21, 4:00 p.m. (not April 14, as previously published!).

     This group of five world renowned 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.

Every Church A Peace Church 

     The March  Bimonthly Potluck Supper meeting will be on Monday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, 3121 Groveland School Road in Minnetonka. The program begins around 7 pm and will feature Tom White on “The Economics of Militarism: Financial and Spiritual Bankruptcy.”

     Tom White is a member of Veterans for Peace and  Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers. He will explore how our “Spirituality”  must be a key component of our vigorous opposition to the obscene disparity between  military spending and all other domestic and humanitarian needs.  Tom is a 1957 graduate of St. John’s University in Economics and served as a management consultant after a successful corporate career.  He was an International Election Observer in El Salvador in 2000 and 2004.