Olive Branch – Page 118

The Olive Branch, 12/21/12

December 21, 2012 By moadmin

Accent on Worship

Always Advent

I think the assignment for this week’s “Accent on Worship” is to reflect on Christmas, as this issue of the Olive Branch is the last to go out before our celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus. But it is still only the Monday of the third week of Advent, and given what happened in Connecticut last week, I’m reluctant to leave Advent just yet. This Sunday we will have a foretaste of Christmas, as we hear of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth during their pregnancies, John the infant’s leaping in recognition of his holy cousin, and we will continue with Mary’s song of praise and hope, the Magnificat. It will still be Advent, but it will feel as if we’re already leaning toward Monday and Tuesday’s celebration.

But I am, as I said, reluctant to go there yet. Because Advent is a season which speaks to the realities of this world in which we live and helps us navigate through the darkness. It points to the light, to the coming of Jesus into the world then, now, and in times to come, and that is a good thing. But Advent speaks to our hearts in a time when that coming seems far too distant in either direction to have an impact, times when the darkness seems to be able to overcome the light. As we despair over the senseless deaths, are frustrated by our nation’s continuing unwillingness to join every single one of our fellow Western, developed nations in having real control of guns in this country and thereby enjoy their much-reduced rates of gun-related deaths, and are deeply saddened and grieving once more to face the mass death of children and teachers, Advent speaks to our hearts.

We had planned last Sunday’s worship well before the shootings at the elementary school, and didn’t change the service. We had planned to come and worship God last Sunday, using the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent, and singing hymns which reflected those readings, Advent hymns which we sing every year, and so that is what we did. And yet, this is the gift of the Church, the gift of Advent to me, and I suspect to many who gathered Sunday, that what we sang and heard powerfully spoke to where we were. We sang a plea that we see the coming of Jesus bring light to a world seemingly steeped in impenetrable darkness: “Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear; arise, O Sun so longed for, o’er this benighted sphere” (ELW 244). We sang hope that our Lord indeed comes “the broken heart to bind, the bleeding soul to cure” (ELW 239). And we sang this promise: “In darkest night, his coming shall be, when all the world is despairing, the morning light so quiet and free, so warm and gentle and caring. Then shall the mute break forth in song, the lame shall leap in wonder, the weak be raised above the strong, and weapons be broken asunder” (ELW 242).

This is the gift of Advent, that we can name our fears alongside our hopes, name our longing and desire for God’s grace and life in spite of the way the world looks, name our desperate need for God’s coming in light and healing. When we celebrate our Lord’s birth next week, we will begin to celebrate how God has come and is coming, how that light makes a difference even in a world where children are killed. Because we do believe that the coming of the Son of God into the world is the beginning of the restoration of all things.

For now, I’m not ready to go there, not just yet. For now, I’m grateful for you all gathered in this place with me in Advent waiting, watching, hoping. Grateful for honesty about the brokenness of the world and our need for healing from God which our worship helps us find. And most of all, grateful that we belong to a God whose promised coming then, now, and in the future is already bringing about the healing that this world needs, if only we watch for it, and are a part of it. Advent helps us do just that.
Amen, come, Lord Jesus, we pray. For now, that’s enough.

In Jesus’ name,
– Joseph

Sunday Readings

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

December 30, 2012 – First Sunday of Christmas
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 + Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17 + Luke 2:41-52

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

Name of Jesus, January 1, 2013
10:00 am – Holy Eucharist

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.

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.

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast
Christmas morning, December 25, 9:00 a.m.
Bring a favorite breakfast or brunch dish to pass.

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.

Many Thanks!

Thanks to the following people who pitched in – sometimes weekly – to help with all of the custodial duties while our Sexton, William, was recuperating from surgery. They ably covered all sorts of tasks from event set-up/tear-down, snow removal, restroom cleaning, dust mopping, vacuuming, dusting, changing light bulbs, yard clean up, boiler maintenance, recycling and trash removal, and sanctuary cleaning.

Andrew Andersen, Don McLellan, Joe Beissel, Victor & Marilyn Gebauer, Art & Elaine Halbardier, Judy Graves, Dan Adams, Adam Krueger, JoAnn Sorenson, Gretchen Campbell-Johnson, Jerry Jones, Al Bostelmann, Steve Manuel, Carla Manuel, John Meyer, Stan Sorenson, Eric Manuel, Vicar Neil Cannon, David Molvik, and George Oelfke.

Every Church a Peace Church

Mount Olive will host the next monthly potluck meeting of Every Church a Peace Church on January 14, 2013, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The speaker for this meeting will be Dr. Charles Amjad-Ali, Martin Luther King, Jr., Prof. of Justice and Christian Community at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul. He will address the topic, “Peace from Below: Martin Luther King’s Legacy and our Vocation.”

Plan to come and give a warm Mount Olive welcome to visitors from various faith traditions and congregations and hear a highly informative presentation.

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. For the February 9 session they will read In the Company of the Courtesan, by Sarah Dunant. All readers welcome!

Thursday Evening Bible Study Returns January 3, 2013

Starting January 3 and running for six weeks, there will be a Thursday evening Bible study meeting in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pr. Crippen will lead a six-week series titled “Captive Conscience” which focuses on reading the Bible, how we are shaped by God’s Word, and what lenses we use as we read the Scriptures.

As with last year, there will be a light supper when we begin. If anyone wishes to provide the first week’s meal, please let Pr. Crippen know. Looking ahead, in Lent Vicar Cannon will lead another six week study.

Reconciling in Christ Festival Worship

The Reconciling in Christ Program of ReconcilingWorks Twin Cities welcomes all people to join in their eighth annual Metro Area Festival Worship on Saturday, January 26, 2013, 4:30 p.m., at First Lutheran Church (463 Maria Avenue, Saint Paul). The service of Word and Sacrament celebrates the welcoming ministries of Metro area Lutheran churches. Rev. Anita Hill will preach.

The RIC program rosters Lutheran congregations that welcome and affirm LGBT persons in their full sacred worth. Both the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods are RIC Synods and together include dozens of RIC worship communities. A light supper will follow the service. All are welcome!

The Olive Branch, 12/14/12

December 14, 2012 By moadmin

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

The Olive Branch, 12/7/12

December 7, 2012 By moadmin

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.

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.

The Olive Branch, 11/30/12

November 30, 2012 By moadmin

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.

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!

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.

November 16, 2012 By moadmin

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/