Accent on Worship

Wait for It

     “I thank my God every time I remember you . . . I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 1:3, 6)

     I’m not the best “waiter” in the world.  I don’t mean the person who takes your order in a restaurant; I used to do that and was actually pretty good at it.  I mean I don’t wait well.  I can get impatient at times.  But God has slowly been teaching me patience in my life and now I’ve come to value the perspective a little patience brings.

     Advent is a time of waiting for the Church.  It is a season where the Church has learned to practice patience, where the Church teaches patience to those of us who do not wait well.  Patience as we wait for the Lord’s coming again.  Patience as we wait for God to restore all things.  Patience as we look for signs of the coming of God into a broken and evil world.  Coinciding with the darkest time of the year, Advent also carries that sense of patience as we wait for God’s light to come into our darkness.

     In the words of Paul above (which were actually from last Sunday’s readings), Paul is also waiting for something.  He waits for the completion of God’s salvation among the Philippians, the shaping of these beloved friends of his into people of God, children of God who bear the mind and heart of Christ, who rejoice always, who give themselves for the sake of the world.  People who pray with thanksgiving, and who keep their hearts and minds focused on what is good and excellent, people who welcome the peace of God into their lives, peace which surpasses all understanding.  Paul believes that God is working this transformation on them and is confident it will be accomplished.

     I would like God to finish me, to make me the person I’m meant to be, but I’d rather it happen sooner rather than later.  I’d like to be the kind of people Paul sees in the Philippian congregation, but I’d like it to happen much more quickly than it seems to be happening.  The Advent prayer that our Lord comes and re-makes us as a part of the healing of the world is one I deeply hope for.  I’m just not eager to have it take the rest of my life.

     So my prayer this Advent is for patience.  According to Paul in his letter to the Galatians, patience is a spiritual gift, so the good news is we can pray for it.  And so I do.  This is my prayer for all of us at Mount Olive as well, that we might be given the gift of patience as we seek God’s grace and transformation as a congregation into the people of God we’re meant to be.  Patience, as we wait for God to work through us and others to bring healing to the world.  Patience, as we learn to trust God’s timing, and not ours.

     Come, Lord Jesus, stir up your power and come.  And give us patience as we wait for your coming to bless the world.

– Joseph

Advent Evening Prayer

Wednesdays in Advent at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas Worship Schedule

Christmas Eve, December 24: 
9:30 pm – Choral Prelude
10:00 pm – Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day, December 25
9:00 a.m. – Christmas Carry-In Breakfast
10:00 am – Festival Holy Eucharist

Sunday Readings

December 16, 2012 – Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20 + Psalmody:  Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7 + Luke 3:7-18

December 23, 2012 – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a + Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10 + Luke 1:39-55

Special Congregation Meeting to be Held This Sunday, December 16, Noon

     A milestone meeting of the congregation will be held in the Undercroft following the second liturgy on December 16 to receive and approve the work of the Capital Campaign Tithe Task Force.  A total of 30 invitations were sent to not-for-profit organizations based on the recommendations of members/friends of the congregation, Neighborhood Ministries, and Missions committees.  Twenty of these invitations resulted in requests for funding (26 projects totaling $217,560) from the remaining $91,000 of the tithe ($20,000 was already awarded to Lutheran Social Services for their Center for Changing Lives).

After a thorough review of the requests received using the process and criteria endorsed by the congregation, the Task Force recommended the distribution of remaining funds as outlined in the attachment/insert to the vestry who in turns recommends approval by the congregation.  

Fair Trade Craft Sale – one more Sunday!

     The Missions committee is hosting a Fair Trade Craft Sale during Advent.  Purchase beautiful and unique Fair Trade items handmade by disadvantaged artisans in developing regions around the world.  With each purchase, you help artisans maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families.  Lutheran World Relief partners with SERRV, a nonprofit Fair Trade organization, to bring you the LWR Handcraft Project.

     The crafts will be available for purchase after both services for one more Sunday, December 16 (cash and check only).  See the separate attachment/insert to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For the January 12 session, they will read Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks. All readers welcome!

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.  The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one, for $120 you can “buy” a stove for a family in Guatemala that provides a safer and more efficient way of cooking. We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America     www.elca.org/goodgifts
• Lutheran World Relief    http://lwrgifts.org/
• Heifer Project International     http://www.heifer.org
• Common Hope    http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/
• Bethania Kids    http://bethaniakids.org/gift-catalog/

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast

     All are invited to come to Christmas Day Eucharist an hour early for a Christmas breakfast together, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Bring a favorite breakfast or brunch dish to pass.

Thanks for Hurricane Sandy Donations

     Thank you to those from Mount Olive who responded to the ELCA’s call for donations to support those affected by Hurricane Sandy in the United States and internationally.  Between donations received and the Missions Committee’s allocation of $250 from its discretionary funds, Mount Olive was able to provide $1,935 to the ELCA as it responds to those most in need.  We have expedited this check to the ELCA so that our funds could be utilized immediately. The Missions Committee will continue to monitor the situation and will continue the congregation’s contributions to Lutheran World Relief, which works for long-term support for challenged communities, including those affected by natural disasters.

     Once again, thank you for helping Mount Olive support those in need in our neighborhood, our nation, and beyond.

Can You Help?

     We’ve received a request for assistance from a former friend of Mount Olive, Joyce Davies-Venn.  She and her husband, Emile, and their daughter, Ophelia, were part of the Mount Olive community for a few years; Ophelia was confirmed here in 2002. (Emile’s sister, Caroline Roy-Macauley, was very active at Mount Olive at that time. They have all since moved away, Caroline to England and the Davies-Venns to Georgia.) Some may remember this family, they were immigrants from Sierra Leone, West Africa.

     Emile died unexpectedly last May, as a result of complications from surgery, and Joyce is struggling in Atlanta with the financial burden this has placed on her. Their daughter, Ophelia, recently graduated from college with a degree in social work, but has been unable to find work to help support herself and her mother. Joyce has contacted Mount Olive to ask if we can provide any financial assistance at all.

     If you can help and wish to make a contribution, please make your donation payable to Mount Olive and clearly designate on the envelope or in the memo line that the gift is for “Joyce Davies-Venn.”  Mount Olive will pass along to Joyce whatever is received in the next couple of weeks.

A Note from Our President

Dear fellow redeemed,
     At the December meeting of the Vestry, we received our normal review of the previous month’s financial statements.  Your directors have done an excellent job of managing expenses to the 2012 budget as approved by the congregation.  In fact, spending is well below budgeted amounts for most areas.  At the same time, we find that overall giving for general operating fund expenses has also been under what was projected for the approved budget.  The net result is that, as of November 30, we have spent approximately $40,000 more in carrying on the various missions of Mount Olive than we have received.
     Historically, the final weeks of the year have been a time when we see a surge in giving and some or even all of this shortfall may disappear naturally.  However, rather than simply count on that being the case and in an effort to be forthcoming with the congregation, the Vestry decided to make you aware of where things currently stand financially.  Ending the year in the black without making additional draws on our line of credit is our objective and making members and friends of Mount Olive aware of our current cash position is an important part of realizing this.
     If your charitable giving plan includes additional contributions toward our shared work before year-end, thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness.  Likewise, if you have been blessed in a way that allows you to consider doing more financially than you intended before year-end, again thank you and God bless you for your generous spirit.

Kind regards in Christ,
Adam Krueger, President
Mount Olive Vestry

Staff Gifts

     Reminder: in order to be a part of this year’s Christmas gifts from the Congregation to our Staff, contributions should be received no later than this Sunday, December 16.  Thank you.

Conference on Liturgy: Jan. 18-19, 2013

     By now you should have received the brochure for this year’s Conference on Liturgy, to be held January 18-19, 2013. The theme of this year’s conference is, “The Green Altar: Liturgy as Care for the Earth.”
The keynote speaker this year is the Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, special adviser on environmental issues to His Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch.

     The conference begins with a hymn festival on Friday, January 18, at 7:30 p.m. Leadership for the hymn festival this year will be by the Mount Olive Cantorei, Cantor David Cherwien, and the Rev. Dr. Paul Westermeyer.

     Please note that the cost for Mount Olive members to attend this year’s conference is $35/person.

Out of Darkness

     All are invited to attend the annual candlelight vigil, “Out of Darkness,” for child victims of war, on the Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. This vigil is hosted by the Twin Cities Peace Campaign at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis.  This moving and beautiful service has become part of the Christmas tradition for many local many Christians.

Olive Branch Publication Schedule

     Please note that there will be no Olive Branch published during the week between Christmas and New Year. Weekly publication will resume on January 4, 2013.

Accent on Worship

Free to Worship

     Once you open a package, you can’t put things back in the way they were before.

     These words were spoken at the Tuesday noon Bible study and I’m struck by how true they are.  Have you ever tried to put a newly bought item back in its tightly wrapped packaging?  It never fits quite right, almost like it has groaned and stretched its arms outside of its original compact shape.  You can never get it back in, no matter how hard you try.

     The words of the prophet Malachi remind me of this type of newly opened gift, “For he is like a refiner’s fire and like a fuller’s soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver.” That’s what its like when we encounter the grace, forgiveness, and love offered to us through the Christ Child.  Every time we, like unrefined silver and gold, truly encounter this love we become refined, heated, and changed permanently.  When we truly encounter God things never really go back to the way that they were.

     That doesn’t mean that we don’t sin.  Like silver, we have to be constantly heated and churned over and over by the Refiner.  It’s not a one-time process.  We are called every day to encounter the Great Refiner in worship and prayer so that our lives can be changed, and molded so that sin does not reign over us.  We remember, especially in this Advent season, that we are freed from sin by the child who came to us in a manger.  We sing Zechariah’s song from Luke 1 as our psalm this week, and we sing that because of the coming of this child, “We are free to worship you without fear,” because salvation and forgiveness came to us in the manger, and ever since the world has not been the same.

     During this season of Advent, let us consider what it means that God sent his Son into the world as a child in a manger, and how this helps us to encounter God in new and amazing ways.  Let us come to worship and be refined through word, song, prayer, and meal.  And when we head out into the world, let us remember that we are a like a gift that cannot be put back the way we were before.

     Praise be to God!

– Vicar Neal Cannon

Advent Evening Prayer

Wednesdays, December 5, 12, and 19
at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday Readings

December 9, 2012 – Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4 + Psalmody: Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11 + Luke 3:1-6

December 16, 2012 – Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20 + Psalmody:  Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7 + Luke 3:7-18

Special Congregation Meeting to be Held December 16, Noon

     A milestone meeting of the congregation will be held in the Undercroft following the second liturgy on December 16 to receive and approve the work of the Capital Campaign Tithe Task Force.  A total of 30 invitations were sent to not-for-profit organizations based on the recommendations of members/friends of the congregation, Neighborhood Ministries, and Missions committees.  Twenty of these invitations resulted in requests for funding (26 projects totaling $217,560) from the remaining $91,000 of the tithe ($20,000 was already awarded to Lutheran Social Services for their Center for Changing Lives).  After a thorough review of the requests received using the process and criteria endorsed by the congregation, the Task Force recommended the distribution of remaining funds as outlined in the attachment/insert to the vestry who in turns recommends approval by the congregation.  

Fair Trade Craft Sale

     The Missions committee will be hosting a Fair Trade Craft Sale this Advent.  Purchase beautiful and unique Fair Trade items handmade by disadvantaged artisans in developing regions around the world.  With each purchase, you help artisans maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families.  Lutheran World Relief partners with SERRV, a nonprofit Fair Trade organization, to bring you the LWR Handcraft Project.

     The crafts will be available for purchase after both services on December 2, 9, and 16 (cash and check only).  See the separate attachment/insert to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

     New this year, we will also have items available for sale from The Art Shoppe. The Art Shoppe, located in Midtown Global Market, is a local artist collective and micro business venture that Mount Olive helps to support.

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.  The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one, for $120 you can “buy” a stove for a family in Guatemala that provides a safer and more efficient way of cooking. We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America  www.elca.org/goodgifts
• Lutheran World Relief     http://lwrgifts.org/
• Heifer Project International  http://www.heifer.org
• Common Hope  http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/
• Bethania Kids    http://bethaniakids.org/gift-catalog/

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For the December 8 meeting they will read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, and for the January 12 session, Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks.

Help Needed!

     Our Sexton, William Pratley, has been out for several weeks recovering from surgery. He returns to work next week (thanks be to God!), but with lifting restrictions. Until he is completely recovered, snow removal help may be needed!

     If you are willing to help clear sidewalks and steps at church when needed, please call the church office and let us know. We own a snow blower and several shovels, so we have the tools needed – all we need is a few folks who are willing to use them.

     Volunteers labor with snow removal will save the church $125 per snow event.

You Can Help!

Our Saviour’s Residents

     Sixty five people now have their own apartments after years of homelessness and health problems.  Their limited budgets make it tough for them to afford the necessities to care for their homes.  Brighten their holidays by providing some holiday Cheer (pun intended).
     Some suggestions:
• Dish soap
• Laundry soap
• Trash bags
• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponges or towels
• Glass cleaner
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

     Feel free to add additional cleaning supplies or other items:
• Personal hygiene items
• Candy, cookies, snack mixes, cocoa,
or other treats
• Socks, gloves, hats, scarves or slippers

     Gifts can be packaged in any way: a laundry basket, reusable shopping bag, plastic tub, etc.  Feel free to decorate the gift or include a card.  Dollar Stores are great shopping sources.

     Please bring your gifts to Mount Olive’s coat room no later than December 16.  Your usual generous response is anticipated and will be much appreciated.

Accent on Worship

     I am not one to interpret end-times prophecies whether they come out of the Book of Revelations, Daniel, or from the mouth of Jesus in the Gospel for the First Sunday in Advent.  After the tsunamis of Malaysia and Haiti, and the super-storms and droughts that have plagued this planet over the past number of years, if we are to interpret these as end-times occurrences we should be looking for Jesus any day now.  The unrest in so many parts of the world and the recent super-storm that hit New Jersey could have been prophesied by Jesus, “on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.”  But truth be told, we do not know when Jesus will return and though we were told by Jesus in the Gospel that the kingdom is near when we see these signs, we have also been told by our Lord that no one knows when he is to return, and not to waste too much of our energy speculating about that.  If I have learned anything from the Bible, it is that God’s time-table is not ours.

     The passage from this Sunday’s Gospel reading that I believe we should take to heart is this: “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down by dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life.” The Gospel is the story of God’s love for us, and the followers of God’s Son, Jesus, are called to love.  Love is more than just tolerating that annoying relative.  It is engaging the powers to do the right thing, to rule with justice and challenge each other to bring peace to our world.  It is looking to ourselves and seeking just and loving ways to live, so that all of God’s creation is welcome to the banquet. When Christians are faithful to that call they love and serve God, they love and serve their neighbor, and they respect God’s creation.  Loving is hard work and it may even be dangerous.  Those who give up their lives for love will be the martyrs who will wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb at the end of time.  When we become followers of Jesus by seeking this way of life, trusting in God for all that we need, we may not change a thing, but our hearts will be ready for the Second Coming of our Lord.

– Donna Pususta Neste  

Sunday’s Adult Education: December 2, 9:30 a.m.

     The Rev. Don Luther will share a presentation on iconography.

Advent Procession
Sunday, December 2, 4:30 p.m.

     Join us for this annual contemplative service of lessons and carols for Advent.  Take time to set apart this season as one of preparation.  Experience prayer, Word, incense, choral music, candles, and hymnody.  Join the procession of those who wait in darkness.

Advent Luncheon for Seniors
Wednesday, December 5

     It’s not too late to RSVP for the Advent Luncheon!  If you are age 65 or over, you are invited!  Simply call the church office as soon as possible to RSVP. Rides will be provided for those who need one. If you need a ride, be sure to mention that when you call.

Special Congregation Meeting to be Held December 16, Noon

     A milestone meeting of the congregation will be held in the Undercroft following the second liturgy on December 16 to receive and approve the work of the Capital Campaign Tithe Task Force.  A total of 30 invitations were sent to not-for-profit organizations based on the recommendations of members/friends of the congregation, Neighborhood Ministries, and Missions committees.  Twenty of these invitations resulted in requests for funding (26 projects totaling $217,560) from the remaining $91,000 of the tithe ($20,000 was already awarded to Lutheran Social Services for their Center for Changing Lives).  After a thorough review of the requests received using the process and criteria endorsed by the congregation, the Task Force recommended the distribution of remaining funds to the vestry who in turns recommends approval by the congregation. Copies of these recommendations are available at church. If you would like to have a copy of the recommendations sent to you, please contact the church office.

     This congregational meeting is the culmination of a tremendous demonstration of generosity and faith and all voters are invited to attend this very important meeting.

Fair Trade Craft Sale

     The Missions committee will be hosting a Fair Trade Craft Sale this Advent.  Purchase beautiful and unique Fair Trade items handmade by disadvantaged artisans in developing regions around the world.  With each purchase, you help artisans maintain steady work and a sustainable income so they can provide for their families.  Lutheran World Relief partners with SERRV, a nonprofit Fair Trade organization, to bring you the LWR Handcraft Project.

     The crafts will be available for purchase after both services on December 2, 9, and 16 (cash and check only).  See the separate attachment/insert to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, tea, cocoa, and chocolate from Equal Exchange will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

     New this year, we will also have items available for sale from The Art Shoppe. The Art Shoppe, located in Midtown Global Market, is a local artist collective and micro business venture that Mount Olive helps to support.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For the December 8 meeting they will read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, and for the January session Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks.

Help Needed!

     Our Sexton, William Pratley, is out for the next couple of weeks recovering from surgery. During his absence, snow removal help may be needed!

     If you are willing to help clear sidewalks and steps at church when needed, please call the church office and let us know. We own a snow blower and several shovels, so we have the tools needed – all we need is a few folks who are willing to use them.

Dusting and Polishing Day: December 1

     The Altar Guild will host a chancel-cleaning event tomorrow, Saturday, December 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Bring your favorite duster and polishing rags, and help spiff-up our worship space for the Advent season.  Questions?  Contact Tim Lindholm at   timothyjlindholm@aol.com.

Alternative Gift Giving

     Are you looking for something different to do this year for Christmas gifts?  Take part in a growing tradition by giving gifts that help those in need.  The Missions Committee is promoting the idea of alternative gift giving this Christmas.  For example, in honor of a loved one, for $120 you can “buy” a stove for a family in Guatemala that provides a safer and more efficient way of cooking. We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.  Some of these organizations are:

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America  www.elca.org/goodgifts
• Lutheran World Relief
• http://lwrgifts.org/
• Heifer Project International  http://www.heifer.org
• Common Hope  http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com/
• Bethania Kids   http://bethaniakids.org/gift-catalog/

2013 Estimates of Giving

     If you haven’t yet returned your Estimate of Giving card for 2013, please do so at your earliest convenience. The box will be near the coatroom for one more week – you can also mail it to the church. Thanks for your help with this!

Church Library News

     This reminder paragraph is more difficult to write because it will seem rather contradictory to you.  Obviously, we have heartily invited our congregation and staff to come in often and use our library resources, however, we have recently noticed a few of our reference books and several of the CD’s missing without cards showing they were checked out properly.  The efficiency of our library ministry depends on each person using and then returning our materials doing so in a reliable and responsible manner.  We ask you to check your homes, cars, tote bags and briefcases for items with a Mount Olive Library (or Crossroads Library) stamp on it and return to us as promptly as possible.  Thanks for your help!

     Welcome to Mary Rose Watson who is our newest volunteer helper, and thanks to Donna Wolsted, who is leaving after serving on our rotating library volunteer staff for two years.  Others who currently help us in this way (you might want to thank them yourselves sometime) are:  Brooke Roegge, Mabel Jackson, Melissa Stone, and Dan Olson.

     I close this time with an interesting quotation from none other than Walter Cronkite:  “Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.”

– Leanna Kloempken

You Can Help!
Our Saviour’s Residents

     Sixty five people now have their own apartments after years of homelessness and health problems.  Their limited budgets make it tough for them to afford the necessities to care for their homes.  Brighten their holidays by providing some holiday Cheer (pun intended).

Some suggestions:
• Dish soap
• Laundry soap
• Trash bags
• All-purpose cleaner
• Sponges or towels
• Glass cleaner
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

Feel free to add additional cleaning supplies or other items:

• Personal hygiene items
• Candy, cookies, snack mixes, cocoa,
or other treats
• Socks, gloves, hats, scarves or slippers

     Gifts can be packaged in any way: a laundry basket, reusable shopping bag, plastic tub, etc.  Feel free to decorate the gift or include a card.  Dollar Stores are great shopping sources.

     Please bring your gifts to Mt. Olive’s coat room no later than December 16. Your usual generous response is anticipated and will be much appreciated.

Accent on Worship

Reading the Signs

     As we near the end of the Church Year, the readings from Scripture assigned for our worship get more and more dire.  Every year there are warnings of the end times, urgings to stay awake, be watchful.  Many of these readings give all sorts of signs to watch which will indicate that the end is near.  We see that in our Gospel for this Sunday, Mark 13:1-8.

     All of Mark 13 is Jesus speaking of these end times.  It’s sometimes called the “Little Apocalypse,” since it reflects the same themes and images of the book of Revelation, which in Greek is “The Apocalypse.”  We only hear these first 8 verses of chapter thirteen this month, but if we could remember back to the First Sunday of Advent last winter, we could recall hearing a large part of the end of the chapter.  So we began the year with signs of the end, and now we end the year with the same.

     There are two problems with signs.  The first is that you need to understand them.  If a sign tells you that you can’t make a U-turn, you need to know what that U shape with a red circle and bar across it means, or it’s useless.  The second problem is that once you understand them, you need to try and follow them, do something with them.  That’s relatively easy with road signs.  Believers have had less luck with the signs Jesus gives.

     Much energy and anxiety has been spent by generation after generation trying to understand the times, and many generations since Jesus’ ascension have thought theirs was the one which would see the end.  Ours is no exception.  The wars, earthquakes and famines Jesus speaks of, nations and kingdoms rising up against each other, these things seem persistently and ominously real in our time.

     That’s not what Jesus would have us do with these signs, however.  He seems to be giving them to us more as comfort and help, words to tell us not to be surprised when these things happen.  Our job, however, is not to predict the date of the end of time, or despair that we are living in the last days.  Our job, as he says at the end of Mark 13, is simply to live our lives ready for his coming.  Live our lives as faithful servants, doing our job, trusting in our Lord’s love and life for us.  We cannot know when our days will end, let alone when the world will.  If our forebears in faith teach us anything it is that we will mostly likely be wrong if we think we know.  But we can know what we are called to do: live faithful lives of love and grace in the midst of whatever evil and good might befall us or the world.

     Our Lord is returning.  Until then, with his grace filling and shaping us, we have work to do.  That’s what the signs tell us most clearly.

 – Joseph

Sunday Readings

November 18, 2012 – Time after Pentecost, 33
Daniel 12:1-3 + Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-25 + Mark 13:1-8

November 25, 2012 – Christ the King
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 + Psalm 93
Revelation 1:4b-8 + John 18:33-37

Thanksgiving Eucharist
Thanksgiving Day, 10:00 a.m.

     Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)

     The entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be given to Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services.  Worshipers are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will help to feed the hungry in our community.

Sunday’s Adult Education
November 18, 9:30 a.m.

“An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke,” part 2 of a 3-part series, presented by Pastor Crippen.

A Message From ELCA Disaster Response: Hurricane Sandy

     “From the Caribbean to the northern Atlantic coast of the United States, millions of people have evacuated their homes and communities due to Hurricane Sandy. Strong winds and torrential rains have led to flooding and mass destruction. The storm has claimed the lives of at least 84 throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

     The storm sent trees crashing down and left neighborhood streets looking like rivers. While destruction on the Eastern coast is devastating, please also remember the damage of Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean as millions are feeling the impact of this storm.

     We need your help. The ELCA is a leader in disaster response. Working through our local affiliates and global church partners; we stand ready to respond. Your gifts will help our church meet the immediate needs of those affected by providing food, water and shelter. And we will continue to help for as long as we are needed.”

     Gifts received by Mount Olive will be sent to ELCA Disaster Response. If they are marked “Hurricane Sandy” the ELCA will use 100% of the gift for this disaster. Use the blue missions envelope in your packet (or any envelope) and mark it “Hurricane Sandy.”

     Mount Olive’s Missions Committee has committed $250 of its discretionary funds to hurricane relief.  The committee feels it is important for Mount Olive to support the ELCA’s efforts to stand with those who are suffering because of the hurricane–both nationally and internationally.

Mount Olive in the News

     Mount Olive’s global engagement is featured in the fall edition of Luther Seminary’s Global Vision, the Global Missions Institute’s quarterly newsletter. Mount Olive supports the Global Missions Institute’s work through our mission giving.  The Global Missions Institute adds a crucial international framework to the Lutheran Church. It has also been instrumental in helping Mount Olive connect with international students who are studying at Luther Seminary, particularly around our annual “Taste of…” celebrations.  Read it here.

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For the December 8 meeting they will read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, and for the January session Caleb’s Crossing, by Geraldine Brooks.

Please Note

Church offices will be closed on Friday, November 23 (the day after Thanksgiving).

Help Needed!

     Our Sexton, William Pratley, recently had surgery and is out for several weeks on medical leave. During his absence, snow removal help is needed!

     If you are willing to help clear sidewalks and steps at church when needed, please call the church office and let us know.

     We own a snow blower and several shovels, so we have the tools needed – all we need is a few folks who are willing to use them.

Diabetes Prayer Day

     Diabetes Prayer Day was last Sunday, November 11. Sponsored by the Diabetes Prayer Day organization, all are reminded to keep those suffering with diabetes in prayer, and to pray for its cure.

Advent Procession: Sunday, December 2, 4:30 p.m.
Mount Olive Cantorei, David Cherwien, director and organist

     Join us for this annual contemplative service of lessons and carols for Advent.  Take time to set apart this season as one of preparation.  Experience prayer, Word, incense, choral music, candles, and hymnody.  Join the procession of those who wait in darkness.

A Word of Thanks

     Mount Olive extends a word of thanks to Nicholas Champeau, the guitarist who accompanied the choir on November 11 for their anthem, “When the Poor Ones.” (We received his name too late for inclusion in the bulletin).  Nicholas is a friend of Jon Siess.

https://www.mountolivechurch.org/2012/11/16/1394/

Accent on Worship

Disciplined Love

     Fasting, prayers, almsgiving.  These are among the spiritual disciplines of Lent, mentioned specifically by Jesus (though not in relation to a season of Lent of course) in Matthew 6, and as part of our Ash Wednesday liturgy.  The Church has long seen these activities as not only worthy in and of themselves, but also exercises of the spirit, things which strengthen the faith.

     I’ve been thinking about this with regard to stewardship.  If you haven’t already, you should soon receive a letter from Dennis Bidwell, Stewardship chair, and from me, along with a pledge card for 2013.  In that letter we spoke of the spiritual discipline of pledging.  If you look at the Lenten list, prayer and fasting are easily understandable as spiritual disciplines, even if some of us might not fast on a regular basis ourselves.  But the Church also included almsgiving, the giving of wealth to share with others, to do the ministry of Christ.  In part, it’s because almsgiving is in Matthew 6.  But there may be a deeper understanding behind it.

     The goal of any discipline is to learn a new way, to be shaped or focused or trained or improved to become something more than before.  Whether it’s physical disciplines such as healthy eating and regular exercise, or spiritual disciplines, people commit to do these so that they might be disciplined, discipled, shaped.  Should one decide to fast, for example, it is good to make a commitment to that, if only personally to oneself, so that when the time of fasting is getting long and hunger is pressing, there is that commitment which then supports the original intention.

     So it is or can be with pledging.  We know that we have been richly blessed by God, we know we are called to share our wealth with others to bring the Good News of God’s love to our community and world.  Virtually every member of a congregation will freely give something of what they have to the shared work, whether it’s money or time or abilities.  But when we commit to do this to each other, and perhaps more importantly, to ourselves, we make our giving a discipline, a challenge, a way for us to find deeper spiritual maturity and grow in faith.  As with other disciplines, the act of commitment itself shapes our response and helps us stay with our initial good intentions.

     As we hear of all the volunteer opportunities for people to be involved together here in our mission from God, and as you look at that pledge card sitting on your table or counter, let us all consider what it might mean for us to commit to this discipline.  How might the Spirit work in us faith and life as we practice what we have committed to do?  I pray that we all might be led ever deeper in our willingness to commit and work together to serve God faithfully in this place.

 – Joseph

Sunday Readings

November 11, 2012 – Time after Pentecost, Sunday 32
I Kings 17:8-16 + Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:24-28 + Mark 12:38-44

November 18, 2012 – Time after Pentecost, Sunday 33
Daniel 12:1-3 + Psalm 16
Hebrews 10:11-25 + Mark 13:1-8

Sunday’s Adult Education: 
November 11, 9:30 a.m.

“An Introduction to the Gospel of Luke,” part 1 of a 3-part series, presented by Pastor Crippen.

A Note of Thanks
     A big “Thank you!” goes out to the willing helpers volunteering assistance with the upkeep and cleaning of the Mount Olive building and grounds.  Your gift of time and talent is greatly appreciated during these weeks as we await William’s return.  If more are interested in lending a hand, please see me or Andrew Andersen.

– Brenda Bartz, Properties Director

Volunteer Opportunities Sunday

     Mount Olive would not exist as we know it without its volunteers. Our volunteers bring Christ to the corner of 31st and Chicago in many ways. We serve 3,000 meals a year to those in need. We provide counseling and tutoring to many. We provide thousands of low cost diapers through the Diaper Depot. We contribute time and energy to many neighborhood organizations. We welcome our neighbors to worship with us. All of this is only possible because of our members who volunteer their time and talent to the mission of Mount Olive.

     This Sunday during both coffee hours various representatives of our church’s committees and activities will seek volunteers for our many programs, from acolytes to zealous choir members, the opportunities are many and varied. Come join us, it is a great way to meet your fellow members.

     Some specific jobs looking for volunteers are: acolytes, ushers, servers for Our Savior’s Sunday dinners, sound system monitors for Sunday services, helpers for our twice-monthly community meals and Sunday morning coffee hosts. These are just a few of the opportunities available.

     Also if you have an idea about a new service program you would like to see at Mount Olive, come to talk to me and when can discuss the idea.

– Dennis Bidwell

Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts to Present Alice Parker: 
Sing! Hymns of the Church
This Sunday, November 11, 4:00 p.m.

     The SINGS led by Alice Parker have delighted groups throughout the United States and Canada since she started leading them forty years ago. Started as an introduction to her Writing for Voices classes, the concept grew to include church congregations and choirs, then people of all ages and backgrounds who wish to sing together. Some songs are old favorites, and some are totally unfamiliar. The atmosphere is one of delight in making music together and of ease in creating varied sounds.

     Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of a great mentor of our time! The concert is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow.

A Message From ELCA Disaster Response: Hurricane Sandy

     “From the Caribbean to the northern Atlantic coast of the United States, millions of people have evacuated their homes and communities due to Hurricane Sandy. Strong winds and torrential rains have led to flooding and mass destruction. The storm has claimed the lives of at least 84 throughout the United States and the Caribbean.

     The storm sent trees crashing down and left neighborhood streets looking like rivers. While destruction on the Eastern coast is devastating, please also remember the damage of Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean as millions are feeling the impact of this storm.

     We need your help. The ELCA is a leader in disaster response. Working through our local affiliates and global church partners; we stand ready to respond. Your gifts will help our church meet the immediate needs of those affected by providing food, water and shelter. And we will continue to help for as long as we are needed.”

     Gifts received by Mount Olive will be sent to ELCA Disaster Response. If they are marked “Hurricane Sandy” the ELCA will use 100% of the gift for this disaster. Use the blue missions envelope in your packet (or any envelope) and mark it “Hurricane Sandy.”

     Thank you!

Fair Trade Craft Sale

     The Missions committee will be hosting a Fair Trade Craft Sale in December.  We will have a variety of items available for purchase handmade by disadvantaged artisans in developing regions.  You can preview items online at this web address: http://www.serrv.org/category/consignment and if there is anything in particular you would like us to order for you, we can do that and hold it in your name for you to purchase during the sale.  Please send the item number and quantity you would like to Lisa Ruff at jklmruff@msn.com or call her at 651-636-4762 by Wednesday, November 7.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

Church Library News

    Thank you very much to Marcella Daehn for the special gift book, The Saint John’s Bible (Gospels and Acts), which is currently on display in our library.  Using tools and materials employed by scribes for thousands of years, Donald Jackson and an international team of artists and scholars embarked on a monumental 7 year journey: to create the first handwritten and illuminated Bible commissioned since the invention of the printing press.  Combining the most widely-used English translation of the Bible, with original artwork that reflects cultures from around the world, The Saint John’s Bible is an inspiring interfaith undertaking that speaks to the heart of many religious traditions.  This volume is one of seven, including Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom Literature, Psalms, Prophets, Gospels and Acts and Letters and Revelations.  This is not a book to be checked out in the normal way (it is a rather large and heavy book to handle), but rather to be viewed and enjoyed as you come to our library, even several times, to view and savor its loveliness whenever your time allows.

      We close with this special quotation from Archibald MacLeish: “What is more important in a library than anything else — than everything else — is the fact that it exists!”

 – Leanna Kloempken

Book Discussion Group

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For the November 10 meeting they will read, Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray, and for December 8 they will read Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.

Thanksgiving Eucharist
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25
10:00 a.m.

     Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)
     The entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, will be given to Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services.  Worshipers are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will help to feed the hungry in our community.

Every Church A Peace Church 

     The next regular bi-monthly potluck supper meeting will be on Monday, November 12, 6:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church (5426 12th Ave. S., in Minneapolis; 612-824-3455;   http://www.olpmn.org).

     The topic of discussion at this meeting will be “St. Martin or Constantine? A Veterans for Peace Perspective on Two Conflicting Visions of the Church’s Place in War.”

     Larry Johnson and Steve McKeown, of Veterans for Peace Chapter 27, will discuss the conflicting 4th century visions of Constantine and of St. Martin of Tours, and how this moved the early Christians away from the absolute refusal of warfare due to Jesus’ teachings of nonviolence.  

Please Note

Church offices will be closed on Friday, November 23 (the day after Thanksgiving).