Accent on Worship

     “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come buy and eat!” writes Isaiah, showing us the gracious God that we all love.   Paul writes of a harsh judgmental God who felled twenty-three thousand in a single day for sexual immorality and destroyed others by serpents for putting God to the test . God is like the good cop in the Isaiah reading for the first lesson and the bad cop in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians for the second lesson.

     Lutheran theology tends to lean toward the God of grace and love, whereas a number of other Christian denominations hold on to the harsh side of God.  Which is correct?  Which denomination has the truth?

     To me, God is within everything created and within all that created matter is a built in system of morality, because the eternally just and good Creator is a part of it.  It is therefore against the nature of all that is created to do wrong.  We were created to do the right thing.  When we turn away from God and morality, there are built in consequences for us, because sin is unnatural.

     Another way in which I think of God  and in which God is often portrayed is like a parent.  That kind of thinking was just a concept to me until I had my own child.  Never in my life had I experienced such selfless love toward another human being.  If we are parents, our children have certainly seen both sides of us!  Although very few parents would kill their children and that is why many theologians disassociate the brutal actions of the Old Testament from God, parents may deal harshly with their children in order to protect them from future bad judgment and actions that just may kill them.  Sometimes something really harsh has to happen to us in order for God to get our attention.  And like a good parent, Our Lord will give us every chance in the book to turn our lives around, which is the God that Jesus desires to portray in Sunday’s Gospel in the Parable of the Fig Tree.

– Donna Pususta Neste

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

Upcoming Adult Forums

     Sunday, March 3 – “The Exodus,” part 1 of a 2-part series, led by Dr. Earl Schwartz.

     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 on 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

     Christian faith practices are widely accepted, but not broadly understood outside of a moral/ethical understanding.  But what is the Biblical root of these practices?  Why are these things so important that they are mentioned over, and over, and over again in the Bible? What have Christians done in the past and what can we do now to keep these practices alive in our lives?

     Come to this six-week Bible study led by Vicar Neal Cannon on Thursday nights from 6-7 pm, starting February 14. It meets in the Chapel Lounge and a light supper is served.

February 14 – Hospitality and Welcome
February 21 – Tithing and Generosity
February 28 – Prayer
March 7 – Celebration and Sabbath
March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

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.

Book Discussion Group

     For the March 9 meeting, 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.

In Search of Missing Tablecloths

     Mount Olive is missing 4 long, cream-colored tablecloths (regularly used for funeral luncheons). If you have borrowed them, or if you brought them home to launder after an event, please return them as soon as possible, as they are needed here. They may be returned to the upstairs kitchenette. Thanks!

Theology on Tap

     Have you ever wanted to get to know the people sitting next to you in the pews a little better?  Do you enjoy a good beer while sharing stories with friends?  Then come to Theology on Tap!

     Theology on Tap is a new group at Mount Olive that meets once a month at local bars/restaurants to enjoy a good beverage (beer/wine/soda?  It’s up to you!), good food, and good conversation.  Each month we’ll also dive into a dialogue about faith and life (no preparation or book reading required, only your personal knowledge and insight) as we explore Christianity in the 21st century.  Contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12) if you would like to join us for Theology on Tap!

March Event Details

Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Chatterbox Pub, 2800 Cleveland Ave S., St. Paul, MN
When: Tuesday March 5, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic: Violence and Christianity in the 21st Century
         #gundebate #justwar #turntheothercheek
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)

Vespers at Holy Trinity

     On Saturday, March 9, 2013, 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. After the service, there is a small, once-monthly potluck supper, to which we are invited as guests. 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 will be posted in the chapel lounge until Sunday, March 3, in order to get a general idea of how many people will attend, but signing up is not required for attendance.

     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.

Greetings from Mount Olive Neighborhood Ministries

     This Sunday, March 2, after both Eucharists, the greeters will distribute the winter issue of the Mount Olive Neighborhood Ministries newsletter. If you are not at church this weekend, copies are available in the church office.

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!

The Prodigal Son: An Art Exhibit from the Collection of Jerry Evenrud

     Jerry Evenrud began his collection of Prodigal Son works in 1983. A visual narrative depicting scenes and themes from the biblical parable about God’s love and forgiveness, it now includes hundreds of items from artists around the world, representing six centuries: paintings, etchings, sculptures, woodcuts, tapestries, and more.

     From Feb. 13-April 28, the exhibit is at The Basilica of St. Mary (Hennepin Ave. at N. 16th St in Minneapolis), and is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and other times by appointment.  For specific times and other information, visit www.mary.org.

Accent on Worship

Your Choice

     When greeting someone upon seeing them, how do you do it?  Do you smile and with a full-voice say, “Hi! Great to see you” or do you mumble? The degree of how much you mean it is perceived through body language and the tone of voice offered.  With mere tone of voice you can communicate something more credibly than the words actually spoken.  “Hello” mumbled with a low voice could evoke a “Really?”  Most of the time we’re honest with our greetings and our “And also with you” or our corporate declaration “I renounce them!” is very heart-felt.

     Roman Catholics have a phrase:  “Full and conscious participation” when it comes to liturgy.  Spoken responses and corporate song may involve a deliberate choice to “enter in” – using full voice:  body, mind and soul!

     I’ve heard congregations sing as though they’re embarrassed to sing.  Indeed it’s possible: the voice is one of those things – a deep part of us we can’t really change (although we can learn to use it better) – and to sing in public can be very frightening, exposing a deep part of who we are.  But this is precisely its value!  We don’t offer to God just surface things!  If we sing out of this fear, a kind of half singing becomes the norm.  Yet when many sing out, this fear is removed, and it’s easier to join in.

     To sing out does take a choice for those who can.  We decide to breathe in,  and push a good amount of sound out!  When we all do that and sing out, no one sticks out, and we don’t really run the embarrassing risk of an unintentional solo because we’re all there for each other.

     That being said, this can be difficult for some, for reasons that we can’t know.  Maybe their vocal chords just don’t work right, or perhaps even emotionally they come to this liturgy unable to sing.  In that case, the rest of us need to step in and sing for them too.

     When sung notes approach the higher side, it’s especially important to sing them out more (rather than pulling back) – it helps the neighbor feel confident to do the same, and everyone feels empowered by each other.  When we all do it, young voices, older voices, middle-age voices, trained voices,  un-trained voices – all of our voices combine to create the best and unique blend possible.   One of my favorite moments here is when we sing the Bach setting of “Lord Thee I Love” – everyone sings their part full voice – even those who think they don’t have a very good voice can sing out without fear!

     So in our liturgy (no matter how many people are there) when we greet God and each other in spoken responses and especially song, how will you choose to do it?

     May God grant us courage, and if anything is to be silent in worship,  let it be our judgments.

– Cantor Cherwien

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

2013 Lenten Devotional Booklets Now Available

     Return to God: A Lenten Journey Into Wilderness, To Jerusalem, written for the Mount Olive community by Susan Cherwien, is now available at church. Pick one up for use in your Lenten journey this year. They are in the narthex and Chapel Lounge at church.

     The devotional is also available online in a daily blog at www.journeyintolent.blogspot.com. If you are an online reader, bookmark the page!

Upcoming Adult Forums

     Sunday, February 24 – “The Art of Lectio Divinia,” presented by Sister Carol Rennie OSB and Sam Rahberg from the Benedictine Center.

     Sunday, March 3 – “The Exodus,” part 1 of a 2-part series, led by Dr. Earl Schwartz.

Church Clean Up – Mark Your Calendars!

     The next church clean-up day will be held on Saturday, February 23, (tomorrow!) from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Plan to come and pitch in – many hands make light work!

This Sunday’s Adult Forum: The Art of Lectio Divina

     Lectio Divina is one of the great treasures in the tradition of Christian of prayer.  Translated “Divine Reading”, it is a prayerful reading of the Scriptures we believe to be divinely inspired and a way of letting the Spirit form us to the likeness of Christ.  Join Sister Carol Rennie OSB and Sam Rahberg to explore and practice how to sustain a relationship with God, through the text, over time. Materials will be provided.

     Sam Rahberg is the Director of the Benedictine Center and a spiritual director. Sam has experience in parish education and administration and holds a master’s degree in theology from Saint John’s University, Collegeville.

     S. Carol Rennie OSB is former prioress of St. Paul’s Monastery and a member of the Benedictine Center’s spiritual direction team. She is a teacher of teachers, an experienced retreat leader, and has a special interest in group spiritual direction.

Lenten Bible Study: Practice Faith

     Christian faith practices are widely accepted, but not broadly understood outside of a moral/ethical understanding.  But what is the Biblical root of these practices?  Why are these things so important that they are mentioned over, and over, and over again in the Bible? What have Christians done in the past and what can we do now to keep these practices alive in our lives?

     Come to this six-week Bible study led by Vicar Neal Cannon on Thursday nights from 6-7 pm, starting February 14. It meets in the Chapel Lounge and a light supper is served.

February 14 – Hospitality and Welcome
February 21 – Tithing and Generosity
February 28 – Prayer
March 7 – Celebration and Sabbath
March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

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.

Book Discussion Group

     For the March 9 meeting, 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.

Visioning

     For the past month a Vision Task Force comprised of Andrew Andersen, David Cherwien, Pastor Crippen, Judy Hinck, Adam Krueger, Connie Marty, Peter Tressel, and Donna Neste have begun to develop a process that will allow the congregation to discern God’s vision for Mount Olive Lutheran Church and our shared ministry to our neighborhood and the world.  A number of events have converged that make this an ideal time to undertake such a process: We have just completed a (quite successful) 5-year campaign and building renovation, Pastor Crippen is well into his third year as our pastor and has a stronger sense of who and where we are, and Donna Neste’s retirement as our Neighborhood Ministry Coordinator will occur in the spring of 2014.

     Through a study of God’s word, prayer, visits around the neighborhood, interviews with community leaders, together we will work to match information gained with congregational interests and assets.  A series of three congregational meetings will occur this spring and summer to build community around our history, our values, and God’s vision for our future as his people in this place.  The task force will compile the information provided and present the findings and proposal for next steps to the October Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation.

     How can you be involved in this important work?  Following are some of the needs already identified.

• Pray for this important effort and faithful discernment of God’s will; specific requests will be posted from time to time, but you can begin now to lift up the process that Christ’s church and God’s people are served by it.

• Commit to study God’s word; specific “vision passages” of scripture and others will be provided as a guide.

• Get involved; volunteers will be needed for the following; contact any member of the Task Force or the church office:

 Augment the Task Force (especially those who are gifted in strategic thinking)—needed now through October;
 Triads of people to visit, observe, and pray about what they see in our neighborhood—commit to 2-3 visits as a group over a 2 week period;

 People to interview identified community leaders about what they see in and hope for the neighborhoods around Mount Olive—commit 2 to 3 visits over a 2-3 week period; sample interview questions will be provided;

 People to help provide childcare at the three congregational meetings;

 People to provide refreshments at the three congregational meetings;

 People to provide transportation to/from the three congregational meetings

 Engage with and encourage other members to join you in these activities to help discern God’s vision for us and shape the direction of our journey in the coming years.

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 is and how it could look for our life together?

Taste of Ethiopia Thanks

     A big thank you to all who cooked, decorated, worked in the kitchen, cleaned up, and were joyful participants in “Taste of Ethiopia.”  It was an educational, meaningful, and enjoyable event.  We have sent our thanks to Dinku Bato and his family.  We wish him the best in his studies and research, and we will keep the Ethiopian / Oromo churches, both near and far, in our prayers.

     Some people asked for more information on the spice berbere that was used in many of the dishes.  This spice can be found in bulk at the Wedge Co-op, the Seward Co-op, and at many of the local Ethiopian grocery stores in the Phillips and Seward neighborhoods or near the Snelling /University Avenue intersection in St. Paul.  A description of berbere can be found at:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berbere.

In Search of Missing Tablecloths

     Mount Olive is missing 4 long, cream-colored tablecloths (regularly used for funeral luncheons). If you have borrowed them, or if you brought them home to launder after an event, please return them as soon as possible. They may be returned to the upstairs kitchenette. Thanks!

Theology on Tap    

Have you ever wanted to get to know the people sitting next to you in the pews a little better?  Do you enjoy a good beer while sharing stories with friends?  Then come to Theology on Tap!

     Theology on Tap is a new group at Mount Olive that meets once a month at local bars/restaurants to enjoy a good beverage (beer/wine/soda?  It’s up to you!), good food, and good conversation.  Each month we’ll also dive into a dialogue about faith and life (no preparation or book reading required, only your personal knowledge and insight) as we explore Christianity in the 21st century.  Contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12) if you would like to join us for Theology on Tap!

March Event Details
Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Chatterbox Pub
              2800 Cleveland Ave S., St. Paul, MN
When: Tuesday March 5, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic: Violence and Christianity in the 21st Century
         #gundebate #justwar #turntheothercheek
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)

Accent on Worship

Joyful Turning

     I’ve started reading Soul Mending: the Art of Spiritual Direction, by Deacon John Chryssavgis, who was also our wonderful speaker at the Liturgical Conference last month.  At the very start of this book he wrote something that has been sticking with me in the week since:  “We have become so accustomed to thinking of repentance as an unpleasant, though necessary and obligatory rejection of the sin we “enjoy,” that we have tended to lose sight of repentance as a fundamentally joyous, restorative return to life in its fullness.”
(p. 1)

     Repentance as a joyful return to life, that’s what’s been working its way through my mind as we approach Lent.  Because Lent does have a rather dour reputation as a season of giving up things, a season of minor keys in music, a season of focusing on the terrible death of Jesus, a season of thinking about how awful and sinful we are.  That it ends in Easter is considered a grace, but we often hear people speaking of Lent as something to be endured.

But Fr. Chryssavgis is right, that’s not what repentance looks like in the Scriptures, or even in the lives of believers.  We are called to “return to the Lord” by the prophet Joel, “who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love.”  (Joel 2:13)  Repentance, turning to God, isn’t actually a gloomy proposition at all because in it we are turning to life from death, to health from sickness, to goodness from evil, to loving action from sinful deed.  It is a recognition that our lives are only of abundant value when they are lived in the life of the Triune God who loves us from before all time and into eternity, who is gracious, forgiving, merciful, and abounding in steadfast love.

     I wonder what Lent would feel like if we lived it more joyously, as a time of renewal which brings us life from God’s grace, not grumpily as a time of sacrifice of things that normally we enjoy.  Perhaps our New Year’s resolutions, which typically are intended to restore us to a better way of living and being, are better placed here, as pathways not to a six-week deprivation of things we long for but to the beginning of a life-long set of habits and ways that actually bring us life and joy.  “Lenten discipline” need not have the connotations of a harsh school teacher for us.  Rather, the disciplines of Lent could be for us the pathway of life and grace in the love of God we’ve been hoping to find all our lives.

     I invite us all to consider this joy as we begin our discipline, as we intentionally begin to think on our being disciples once again.  Jesus’ disciples didn’t follow him because of his threats or his stringent requirements.  They followed him, and yes, learned the discipline of a life in Christ, because of his loving grace that drew them in, because of the life he brought them, even after dying himself, when he rose from the dead.  Let us therefore joyfully repent of our sins, and turn to our God, in whom we find life and grace, a thing to celebrate even in this season of Lent.

In the name of Jesus,

– Joseph

2013 Lenten Devotional Booklets Now Available

     Return to God: A Lenten Journey Into Wilderness, To Jerusalem, written for the Mount Olive community by Susan Cherwien, is now available at church. Pick one up for use in your Lenten journey this year. They are in the narthex and Chapel Lounge at church.

The devotional is also available online in a daily blog at www.journeyintolent.blogspot.com.

Upcoming Adult Forums

     Sunday, February 17 – “The Work of Common Hope,” led by the Ruff family and Louise LeGrand.

     Sunday, February 24– “The Art of Lectio Divinia,” presented by Sister Carol Rennie OSB and Sam Rahberg from the Benedictine Center.

Lent Procession to be Held This Sunday, February 17, 4 p.m.

     Join us for another contemplative service of lessons and carols – for Lent!  This service is offered on the First Sunday in Lent as an opportunity to withdraw from the busyness of life to pray, sing, listen, smell – to fully enter into the season of Lent,  a time to renew our life as baptized children of God.

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

Church Clean Up – Mark Your Calendars!

     The next church clean-up day will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Plan to come and pitch in – many hands make light work!

Book Discussion Group

     For the March 9 meeting, 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.

Lenten Bible Study: Practice Faith

     Christian faith practices are widely accepted, but not broadly understood outside of a moral/ethical understanding.  Of course we should be hospitable, of course we should give to the poor, and of course we should be in service to our neighbor.  Other faith practices take on the sense of duty and obligation.  We’re called to pray, observe Sabbath, share the gospel, etc.

     But what is the Biblical root of these practices?  Why are these things so important that they are mentioned over, and over, and over again in the Bible? What have Christians done in the past and what can we do now to keep these practices alive in our lives?

     Come to the six week Lenten Bible study starting February 14th from 6-7:30pm in the Chapel Lounge to explore these topics in scripture and community.

February 14 – Hospitality and Welcome
February 21 – Tithing and Generosity
February 28 – Prayer
March 7 – Celebration and Sabbath
March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

Meals on Wheels

     Thanks to the following members of Mount Olive who delivered Meals on Wheels for TRUST, Inc. during the last quarter of 2012: Nancy & Gary Flatgard, Elaine & Art Halbardier; Bob Lee, and Connie & Rod Olson.

Thursday Musical Concert to Be Held at Mount Olive

     For more than 120 years, Thursday Musical has been dedicated to presenting fine classical music programs featuring outstanding local musicians and offering educational opportunities to artists and audiences alike.

     On Thursday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m., as part of their Thursday Morning Artist Series, their concert will be held at Mount Olive, and feature David Cherwien and Kathryn Moen, organists, and the Semada Trio (oboe, bassoon, and piano). The concert is free and open to the public. All are welcome!

Visioning

     For the past month a Vision Task Force comprised of Andrew Andersen, David Cherwien, Pastor Crippen, Judy Hinck, Adam Krueger, Connie Marty, Peter Tressel, and Donna Neste have begun to develop a process that will allow the congregation to discern God’s vision for Mount Olive Lutheran Church and our shared ministry to our neighborhood and the world.  A number of events have converged that make this an ideal time to undertake such a process: We have just completed a (quite successful) 5-year campaign and building renovation, Pastor Crippen is well into his third year as our pastor and has a stronger sense of who and where we are, and Donna Neste’s retirement as our Neighborhood Ministry Coordinator will occur in the spring of 2014.

     Through a study of God’s word, prayer, visits around the neighborhood, interviews with community leaders, together we will work to match information gained with congregational interests and assets.  A series of three congregational meetings will occur this spring and summer to build community around our history, our values, and God’s vision for our future as his people in this place.  The task force will compile the information provided and present the findings and proposal for next steps to the October Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation.

     How can you be involved in this important work?  Following are some of the needs already identified.

• Pray for this important effort and correct discernment of God’s will; specific requests will be posted from time to time, but you can begin now to lift up the process that Christ’s church and God’s people are served by it.

• Commit to study God’s word; specific “vision passages” of scripture and others will be provided as a guide

• Get involved; volunteers will be needed for the following; contact any member of the Task Force or the church office.

 Augment the Task Force (especially those who are gifted in strategic thinking)—needed now through October
 Triads of people to visit, observe, and pray about what they see in our neighborhood—commit to 2-3 visits as a group over a 2 week period

 People to interview identified community leaders about what they see in and hope for the neighborhoods around Mount Olive—commit 2 to 3 visits over a 2-3 week period; sample interview questions will be provided

 People to help provide childcare at the three congregational meetings

 People to provide refreshments at the three congregational meetings

 People to provide transportation to/from the three congregational meetings

 Engage with and encourage other members to join you in these activities to help discern God’s vision for us and shape the direction of our journey in the coming years.

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 join us in the discovery of what that is and how it could look for our life together?

Accent on Worship

Shine On

     Working at a Bible Camp in northern Minnesota during my summers in college, we had a term for the experience of our campers.  We called it “The Mountain Top.”  The Mountain Top experience is that ‘high’ that kids often felt in being at camp.  It’s that feeling of never having been closer to God; never having been loved more in your life.  Usually, by mid-week Tuesday or Wednesday, kids would start feeling as though they were on the mountain top, but by Thursday and certainly Friday, they started to dread going back down into the valley.  They dreaded going home, going to school, and going back to “normal life” as they often called it.

     I often wondered what it was that separated this place, the mountain; from our normal lives, the valley.

     Our text this week answers that question beautifully.  It tells us that there is a veil that separates us from God.  The veil is that space between God and us.  In scripture, whenever God appears to the people, it’s always at a distance or at an angle.  God appears to Moses in a burning bush, and when he leaves, Moses only sees God’s back.  Jacob wrestles with God in the dark, but God leaves before daybreak.

     In this world, there are places where the veil is heavy.  There are places in our lives where God seems far away, places of hatred, death, despair, loneliness, etc.

     But there are also spaces in this world where we glimpse God.  Sometimes we glimpse God when a friend comes to us in our sadness and loneliness.  Sometimes we glimpse God in worship or in feeding the hungry.  As someone once told me, there are places where the veil is thin.

     But we also learn that in one person, the veil is removed.  There’s one space where we see fully what God is like, and that’s in Jesus Christ as he comes down from the mountain, and into the valley to be with us.

     So when kids at camp described their “mountain top” experience, what they are really saying is that they’ve encountered Jesus Christ who has come down from the mountain into the valley of their lives.  They’ve encountered the Word of God, Jesus, in Bible study.  They’ve encountered the Holy Spirit when friends and adults alike surround them with love and affirmation.  They’ve encountered God in a song sung around the campfire.  So, like Jesus and Moses on their mountain tops, they shine for the world to see when they encounter the Triune God.

     The same is true for us.  When we encounter God in worship, we shine. When we learn to love our neighbor as Jesus taught us, we shine because that is the image of God.  When we bear this good news for others, we shine because we reflect God’s word to us.

     So as Jesus and Moses did once, come to the mountain top where the veil is thin so you too may shine for the world.

– Vicar Neal Cannon 

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 12, 6–6:45 p.m.

All are invited! Please take a moment to sign up on the chart in the west assembly area so that we can get an approximate count for food preparation– or call your RSVP in to the church office.

We are in need of two volunteers to help with games at this event. If you are willing to help, call Beth Sawyer at 651-434-0666, or drop her an email at mikebethsawyer78@gmail.com.

Lent Begins 
Ash Wednesday
February 13, 2013
Holy Eucharist 
with the Imposition of Ashes  
Noon and 7:00 pm

Bring Your Palms

     It’s time to bring in any palm branches you have from last year’s Palm Sunday liturgy. These branches may be placed in the designated basket in the narthex. They will be burned in a brief rite on Shrove Tuesday after the Pancake Supper, and their ashes used for the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Sunday Readings

February 10, 2013 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29-35 + Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2 + Luke 9:28-36[37-43]

February 17, 2013 – First Sunday in Lent
Deuteronomy 26:1-11 + Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13 + Luke 4:1-13

Taste of Ethiopia – This Sunday

     “Taste of Ethiopia,” is this Sunday, February 10. The preacher and education hour leader will be The Reverend Dinku Bato, a Ph.D. student at Luther Seminary in Congregational Mission and Leadership, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  At the education hour, he will talk about the history and current context of Christianity in Ethiopia and Lutherans in particular. After the second liturgy, please join us for a lunch of Ethiopian food, prepared by members of Mount Olive. The annual “Taste of” event, which highlights the culture, foods, and history of various areas of our global community, is a long tradition at Mount Olive.

     Proceeds from this year’s “Taste of Ethiopia” will benefit two initiatives of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus, the Lutheran church partner in Ethiopia.  (1) The Oromo Functional Literacy project teaches Oromo communities to read and write with the goal of empowerment and development.  We were invited to support this program by representatives of the Lutheran World Federation.  (2) The other initiative is a program that supports communities to care for children who have been orphaned due to AIDS.  We have been invited to contribute to this program by the Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod of the ELCA, which supports this project through its sister synod relationship with Ethiopia.

Upcoming Adult Forums

     Sunday, February 10 – As part of our Taste of Ethiopia observance, The Reverend Dinku Bato, a Ph.D. student at Luther Seminary in Congregational Mission and Leadership, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will talk about the history and current context of Christianity in Ethiopia and Lutherans in particular.

     Sunday, February 17 – Common Hope Project, led by the Ruff family (and others).

Lent Procession to be Held Sunday, February 17, 4 p.m.

     Join us for another contemplative service of lessons and carols – for Lent!  This service is offered on the First Sunday in Lent as an opportunity to withdraw from the busyness of life to pray, sing, listen, smell – to fully enter into the season of Lent,  a time to renew our life as baptized children of God.

Book Discussion Group

     The Book Discussion Group will NOT meet in February because several members will be traveling at the usual meeting time.  For the March 9 meeting we will discuss Midnight’s Children, by Salman Rushdie. For the April 13 meeting we 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.

Servant Schedule Deadline

     February 15, 2013 is the deadline for requests for the 2nd quarter Servant Schedule.  The schedule for April, May and June of 2013 will be posted at the beginning of March. Please email requests to Peggy Hoeft @ peggyrf70@gmail.com   by 2/15/13.

Art Shoppe Update

     In 2011, A Minnesota Without Poverty approached Mount Olive and JCRC seeking help in providing a space in which local artists could sell their work. We agreed! And after several months of planning and remodeling an area at Midtown Global Market, The Art Shoppe opened in October of 2011. One year later, they celebrated their first birthday with food, music, and demonstrations. At Christmas, not only did the store do well, but a “sister” store in Gaviidae Common downtown asked us to participate. December sales topped $10,000.

     The artists, Kim, Terry, Raelena, Tara, Kip, and Keegan, have learned skills of bookkeeping, sales, management, and publicity in this micro enterprise. Mount Olive volunteers Kathy Thurston and JoAnn Sorenson, and Carol Austermann have contributed their energy and ideas. Over 60 consigners bring a variety of glassware, pottery, clothing, and jewelry to sell.

     The income generated at the store has enabled the artists to pay rent and to begin paying off the loan which enabled them to start this adventure. A contract for the same space for 2013 has been signed and they are looking at a bright future and toward teaching others how to succeed at business. Congratulations to The Art Shoppe!

     All are encouraged to visit The Art Shoppe – and to shop!

Hymnal Companion

     Have you ever sung a hymn in church and wanted to know more about it? Were you curious to know a little about the person who composed the tune or who wrote the text, or other background on the hymn?  Thanks to a generous donor, a copy of Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, by Paul Westermeyer is now available in the west reception area. This book is meant to remain in this area to be a resource for the whole congregation. Take some time to peruse it and learn a little more about the church’s rich heritage of hymns.

Church Clean Up – Mark Your Calendars!

     The next church clean-up day will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Plan to come and pitch in – many hands make light work!

Lenten Bible Study: Practice Faith

     Christian faith practices are widely accepted, but not broadly understood outside of a moral/ethical understanding.  Of course we should be hospitable, of course we should give to the poor, and of course we should be in service to our neighbor.  Other faith practices take on the sense of duty and obligation.  We’re called to pray, observe Sabbath, share the gospel, etc.

     But what is the Biblical root of these practices?  Why are these things so important that they are mentioned over, and over, and over again in the Bible? What have Christians done in the past and what can we do now to keep these practices alive in our lives?

     Come to the six week Lenten Bible study starting February 14th from 6-7:30pm in the Chapel Lounge to explore these topics in scripture and community.

February 14 – Hospitality and Welcome
February 21 – Tithing and Generosity
February 28 – Prayer
March 7 – Celebration and Sabbath
March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

A New Opportunity to Serve 

     The Neighborhood Ministries Committee recently took a survey of guests to see whether there was interest in staying for a social hour after the meal.  There was enough favorable response so that we are considering offering a social time.  However, the volunteers serving the Community Meal are obviously otherwise occupied. This is where you come in.  We hope that a Mount Olive group or individual would like to take on this service. There is interest among the guests particularly in playing board games, and doing craft activities. The social hour could be kicked off, for instance, with a game of Bingo. A social time such as this could help fill a need for people who are often isolated and seeking to form relationships.

     This service would require only a couple of hours on the Saturday that the community meal is served. If you or your committee or other group might be interested in carrying out this activity, please contact Carol Austermann (612-722-5123) or Eunice Hafemeister (612-721-6790) or speak to any member of the Neighborhood Ministries Committee.

Church Library News

     One of the newest displays in our church library contains some timely or topical reading, as well as some pre-Lenten reading, such as:

• The Real Score, by golf champion Gene Littler
• All the Master’s Men: Patterns for Modern Discipleship, by Kendrick Strong
• Trevor’s Place: The Story of the Boy Who Brings Hope to the Homeless, by Frank and Janet Farrell
• Catch the New Wind: The Church is Alive and Dancing, by Marilee Zdenek and Marge Champion
• To the Kid in the Pew (60 Chapel Talks), by Eldon Weisheit
• Time for Questions: Messages for Lent and Easter, by Harris W. Lee
• Come, Lord Jesus, Come Quickly (Lenten Meditations), by Constance F. Parvey
• Parables from the Cross (Sermons for Lent and Easter), by Kenneth Rogahl and Walter Schoedel
• Voices of the Crossroads (First Person Dramatic Portrayals of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus),
         edited by Paul K. Peterson (yes, this is our late Paul Peterson)
• Meeting Christ in Handel’s Messiah (Messages for Lent and Easter), by Roger T. Quillan

    A recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune featured a great quote from the Reading is Fundamental organization and it goes like this:  “BOOK PEOPLE UNITE — Read to a child today and spark a lifetime of ambition!”

– Leanna Kloempken

Sign Up, Sign Up for Coffee!

     If you are willing to host an upcoming coffee hour during the months of March or April, please take a moment to sign up on the chart, located in the church office. The chart is also available to sign at coffee hour on Sunday mornings.

Accent on Worship

     The word of God is always pleasing in the abstract.  “God is love,” God loves the whole world,” or even the words that Jesus read in his hometown synagogue from the book of Isaiah about all that God is going to do for them; make the blind to see, heal the lame, free the oppressed and all those other good things. When Jesus put down the scroll and challenged them to go beyond the edifying words of God, to truly love and be a comfort themselves to all who suffer, they were enraged.  They did not accept that the words read were fulfilled in him, a human being.  

     To pray to God for all that is good and believe that God will do this without us is not biblical. To pray to God and to believe that all our efforts to comfort, heal, do justice and bring peace to this world are driven by God, is truth. God will not do it without us.  The first reading for Epiphany 4 is a good example of this and a familiar story.  God is calling the prophet Jeremiah and Jeremiah is resisting.  Like many prophets before him, he listed his faults and weaknesses and I’m sure that he was questioning whether God had made some kind of mistake.  God did not leave Jeremiah on his own, though.  He put his very words in the mouth of the prophet.

     God sent out a formal invitation to Jeremiah to do a hard and special thing, and God calls us too. “Who me?” we may ask.  “I don’t know how to write a letter to my representatives in Washington about changing policy to help those who are poor and hungry in this nation and the world,” we may say to a God of justice who is calling us.  However, like Jeremiah and all the prophets before him, God will not leave us on our own.  God has called others to help you do just that through Bread for the World, a faith based national organization. A representative from Bread for the World will be at Mount Olive this Sunday during the Adult Education hour with everything you need to be a voice for justice.

     When Paul wrote to the Corinthians (in Sunday’s second reading) that if we believers do not have love, we have nothing.  Love is not an abstract concept.  It is divinely driven action that brings all that is good, and all that promotes peace and well-being to all of God’s creation.  We are called to love.

– Donna Pususta Neste

Sunday Readings

February 3, 2013 – 4th Sunday after Epiphany
Jeremiah 1:4-10 + Psalm 71:1-6
I Corinthians 13:1-13 + Luke 4:21-30

February 10, 2013 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
Exodus 34:29-35 + Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12—4:2 + Luke 9:28-36[37-43]

The Presentation of Our Lord
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Holy Eucharist at 7:00 pm

Upcoming Adult Forums

     Sunday, February 3 – Bread for the World Offering of Letters, facilitated by Donna Neste.

     Sunday, February 10 – As part of our Taste of Ethiopia observance, The Reverend Dinku Bato, a Ph.D. student at Luther Seminary in Congregational Mission and Leadership, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will talk about the history and current context of Christianity in Ethiopia and Lutherans in particular.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 12, 6–7 p.m.

All are invited! Please take a moment to sign up on the chart in the west assembly area so that we can get an approximate count for food preparation– or call your RSVP in to the church office.

We are in need of two volunteers to help with games at this event. If you are willing to help, call Beth Sawyer at 651-434-0666, or drop her an email at mikebethsawyer78@gmail.com.

From the Mount Olive Foundation

The Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation is excited to be able to fund an annual gift to the Church from the earnings of its endowment in the amount of approximately $26,000.   The value of the endowment is now approximately $800,000, thanks to generous donors and those who have included the Foundation in their estate plans.   The use of the endowment gift is restricted to activities that directly benefit Mount Olive, therefore no outside programs are eligible for the annual gift.  The Foundation in the past has preferred gifts that are capital items or special programs not able to be funded out of the budget or through other Church funds.  Please submit any ideas that you have to a Vestry member under whom the program or gift would fall.  The Foundation has asked that the following questions be addressed:  1. Amount of funds requested. 2. How will the funds be used? 3. How will this request benefit the mission of Mount Olive? 4. If there is not enough money to fully finance this request, would less money be useful?

Please submit your ideas and answers to the four questions above to the appropriate Vestry member by February 8.  Vestry Members are: Adam Krueger (President); Lisa Nordeen (Vice President); Elizabeth Beissel (Secretary); Kat Campbell-Johnson (Treasurer); Carl Manuel (Congregational Life); Brooke Roegge (Education); Andrew Andersen (Evangelism); Eunice Hafemeister and Carol Austermann (Neighborhood Ministries); Paul Schadewald (Missions); Brenda Bartz(Property); Dennis Bidwell (Stewardship); Al Bipes (Worship); and Beth Sawyer (Youth).

Taste of Ethiopia February 10

     Mark your calendars for “Taste of Ethiopia,” on Sunday, February 10. The preacher and education hour leader will be The Reverend Dinku Bato, a Ph.D. student at Luther Seminary in Congregational Mission and Leadership, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  At the education hour, he will talk about the history and current context of Christianity in Ethiopia and Lutherans in particular.

After the second liturgy, please join us for a lunch of Ethiopian food, prepared by members of Mount Olive. The annual “Taste of” event, which highlights the culture, foods, and history of various areas of our global community, is a long tradition at Mount Olive.

     Proceeds from this year’s “Taste of Ethiopia” will benefit two initiatives of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus–the Lutheran church partner in Ethiopia.  (1) The Oromo Functional Literacy project teaches Oromo communities to read and write with the goal of empowerment and development.  We were invited to support this program by representatives of the Lutheran World Federation.  (2) The other initiative is a program that supports communities to care for children who have been orphaned due to AIDS.  We have been invited to contribute to this program by the Bishop of the La Cross Synod of the ELCA, which supports this project through its sister synod relationship with Ethiopia.

Book Discussion Group

     The Book Discussion Group will NOT meet in February because several members will be traveling at the usual meeting time.  For the March 9 meeting we will discuss Midnight’s Children, by Salman Rushdie. For the April 13 meeting we 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.

Mark Your Calendars!

     The next church clean-up day will be held on Saturday, February 23, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. Plan to come and pitch in – many hands make light work!

A New Opportunity to Serve
     Noticing that many of the guests linger after the Community Meal, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee took a survey to determine whether there was interest in staying for a social hour after the meal.  There was enough favorable response so that we are considering providing a social time.

 However, the volunteers serving the Community Meal are obviously otherwise occupied. This is where you come in.  It is our hope that a Mount Olive group or individual would like to take on this service. There is interest among the guests particularly in playing board games, and doing craft activities. The social hour could be kicked off, for instance, with a game of Bingo. A social time such as this could help fill a need for people who are often isolated and seeking to form relationships.

     This service would require only a couple of hours on the Saturday that the community meal is served. If you or your committee or other group might be interested in carrying out this activity, please contact Carol Austermann (612-722-5123) or Eunice Hafemeister (612-721-6790) or speak to any member of the Neighborhood Ministries Committee.

Nave Seating

     You will notice some ‘rearranged’ seating in the nave this Sunday.  One of the pews near the front (pulpit side) has been exchanged for a shorter one from one of the upper galleries to provide additional wheelchair accessibility.  This mirrors the open space already available on the lectern side.  Please leave these spaces available for those who need them, including the section of pew directly next to them for companions.  Thanks to the Vestry, the Property Committee and the Thursday C.P.R. team (Art and George) for making this possible, that Mount Olive might continue to be a place of welcome for all.

Servant Schedule Deadline

     February 15, 2013 is the deadline for requests for the 2nd quarter Servant Schedule.  The schedule for April, May and June of 2013  will be posted at the beginning of March. Please email requests to Peggy Hoeft @ peggyrf70@gmail.com   by 2/15/13.

Theology on Tap

     Have you ever wanted to get to know the people sitting next to you in the pews a little better?  Do you enjoy a good beer while sharing stories with friends?  Then come to Theology on Tap! Theology on Tap is a new group at Mount Olive that meets once a month at local bars/restaurants to enjoy a good beverage (beer/wine/soda? It’s up to you!), good food, and good conversation.  Each week we’ll also dive into a dialogue about faith and life (no preparation or book reading required, only your personal knowledge and insight) as we explore Christianity in the 21st century.  Contact Vicar Neal Cannon (vicar@mountolivechurch.org, 612-827-5919 x12) if you would like to join us for our first Theology on Tap!

February Event Details

Who: Anyone 21+ is welcome to join
Where: Herkimer Pub and Brewery – 2922 Lyndale Ave S., Mpls.
When: Thursday February 7, 7:30-9:00pm
Discussion Topic:  Young Adults and the Church
Facebook Page: Mount Olive Theology on Tap
(“Like” the Page to get updates on Theology on Tap
Contact: Vicar Neal Cannon
                (vicar@mountolivechurch.org)

A Note of Thanks

To all of our friends at Mount Olive:
     Where do I begin to express my gratitude for all of the extraordinary talent, love, compassion, and caring shared during one of the saddest times of my life with my Mama Z passing away?
     There are many angels on this earth and our church is filled with them.
     I will say to all of you what I said to so many at Westwood Health Care Center: if I thanked each one of you several times each day  until my last day on earth, it still wouldn’t be enough thanks for all of the magnificent things you have done for me and for us.
God bless you all,
Eric Zander & Dennis Bidwell

Lenten Bible Study: Practice Faith

     Christian faith practices are widely accepted, but not broadly understood outside of a moral/ethical understanding.  Of course we should be hospitable, of course we should give to the poor, and of course we should be in service to our neighbor.  Other faith practices take on the sense of duty and obligation.  We’re called to pray, observe Sabbath, share the gospel, etc.

     But what is the Biblical root of these practices?  Why are these things so important that they are mentioned over, and over, and over again in the Bible? What have Christians done in the past and what can we do now to keep these practices alive in our lives?
     Come to a six-week Lenten Bible study starting February 14, from 6-7:30 pm in the Chapel Lounge to explore these topics in scripture and community.

February 14 – Hospitality and Welcome
February 21 – Tithing and Generosity
February 28 – Prayer
March 7 – Celebration and Sabbath
March 14 – Sharing the Gospel
March 21 – Serving our Neighbor

https://www.mountolivechurch.org/2013/02/01/1370/