Accent on Worship

     Monday morning the 21st, some very good friends of mine were scheduled for an induction to have their 7-day overdue baby. Upon arriving at the hospital at 7:00 am, they were told that there is a “flurry of babies” already that morning and their schedule was pushed back a few hours. All of the anticipation and anxiety that they are already holding is now postponed, if only hours, while many other families participate in the same miracle and cycle of life all around them. As of this moment that I’m writing they are still waiting at the hospital, and we do not know how this will all turn out for them. It makes me ponder many things, especially how some of these stories may not turn out so well, or that by tomorrow the lives of my dear friends will be incredibly different than today.

     They do not know the gender yet, but of course everyone has their guesses. They have a few names picked out, but are waiting to see their baby to find one that fits. How different it was for Mary, who, being told she would have a son, and his name would be Emmanuel, was then left to wait and to wonder. What would he be like? What does the son of God look like? Will he have his father’s nose, or his heavenly father’s eyes? What will the day after he comes be like? It reminds me of “Mary, did you know?,” my sister’s favorite Christmas time song.  It asks the questions that may have fluttered in Mary’s mind, though she could not have known the answers. “Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb? This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.”

     The time will come for my friends today, and soon enough all the waiting will seem like a distant dream and hopefully, Lord willing, they will hold their new baby with a new sense of hope and anticipation, just like Mary did. Tomorrow will come and they will get to wonder about their baby, its future, and the world that will surround all of them. But those are all thoughts for tomorrow.

     May we all find peace amidst our anticipation, whatever it may be, trusting that God is working in us, through us, and all around us. Amen.

– Anna Scott

Christmas at Mount Olive

Christmas Eve: Thursday, December 24
Choral Prelude at 9:30 p.m.
Holy Eucharist at 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25 
Festival Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

First Sunday of Christmas: Sunday, December 27 
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.

The Name of Jesus: Friday, January 1, 2016
Festival Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Second Sunday of Christmas, January 3, 2016
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.

The Epiphany of Our Lord: Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Festival Eucharist at 7:00 p.m.

The Baptism of Our Lord: Sunday, January 10, 2016
Festival Eucharist at 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday’s Adult Forum

December 27: A Christmas Carol and hymn sing, led by Cantor Cherwien.

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast 

     Celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, December 25, with a carry-in breakfast preceding the liturgy.

     Bring a favorite Christmas food and enjoy a time of conversation with fellow Mount Olive worshipers from 9:00 to 9:45.

New Opportunity for Ministry

     The Congregational Life Committee is looking for people who would be willing to assist members who have difficulty or are more cautious walking from the south parking lot to church.

     For more information, contact Sandra Pranschke at spranschke@gmail.com, or 612-859-5448.

Winter Gear Drive Continues

     Neighborhood Ministries is receiving donations of winter gear for children and adults.

     New or gently used items can be donated in the box near the coat room. There is designated space for coats in the coat rack. Items will be given away at the Community Meal throughout the winter or brought to the Central Lutheran Free Store. Thank you!

Give Stock or Mutual Fund Shares

     Instead of using cash, make your year-end gift to the church or Mount Olive Foundation with appreciated stock or mutual fund shares.  In addition to receiving an income tax deduction for 2015, transferring these assets to the church or the Foundation enables you to avoid capital gains taxes on their appreciation.  Giving stock or mutual fund shares also allows many people to make a larger gift than might have been possible with cash.

     To learn more about stock or mutual fund gifts, please contact Andrew Held, Thrivent Financial, at (952) 475-9700 or andrew.held@thrivent.com.  With all gifts of appreciated assets, you are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor prior to making any gift.

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 a.m. in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the January 9 meeting, they will read Grand Opening, by Jon Hassler, and for February 13, they will read God’s Hotel, by Victoria Sweet.

Help Wanted for Our Saviour’s Meals

     It’s sign-up time for serving at Our Saviour’s Shelter!

     Mount Olive serves on the second Sunday of every month.  If you have served before you know how rewarding it is to meet the residents and to have dinner with them.  There is a 2016 calendar where you can put your name down for the month that is best for you.      

     More hands are always welcome!

Advent Centering Prayer

     Centering prayer is offered on Wednesdays during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services.

     Dec. 23 will be the last session until Lent. Centering Prayer will resume in Lent, on Wednesday, February 25 and continue throughout Lent.    

     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

Olive Branch Publication Schedule

     There will no Olive Branch published during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Regular weekly publication will resume on Wednesday, January 6.

Thanks!

     Many thanks to Steve Manuel, Gary Pagel, Dan Adams and Peggy Hoeft, for procuring the greens and organizing their hanging this past Sunday as we prepare the nave for Christmas.

     Thanks also to the many volunteers who gathered to decorate the trees, and to Paul Nixdorf who organized the display of Nativity scenes in our public spaces.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

     The Mount Olive Youth and a few neighbors spent a Sunday afternoon making lefse and Christmas cookies together. The cookies were served at the last Community Meal where they received high praises from our guests, along with the place mats the kids had decorated. Thank you!

Nextdoor is a website built to connect neighbors with one another to share news, information, and help. Mount Olive is participating in Nextdoor for the Powderhorn Park neighborhood and it has given us a unique insight in to what are the needs and concerns of our neighbors. To be involved in your own neighborhood, go to Nextdoor.com to see if there is already a network going and register to get connected!

Thank you for continuing to pray for our neighborhood throughout Advent. If you have any thoughts or insights please share them with me over the phone, an email, or I would love to get tea or coffee to discuss what you’ve discovered! Contact me at neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org

Nativity Set Display

     During the Christmas Season and for a short time after Epiphany there will be a display of Nativity sets in the display case, the West Assembly area and in the Chapel Lounge.  All of the sets have been graciously loaned to us from Mount Olive members and friends. Also, please check out the Christmas tree in the West Assembly area which is filled with Nativity ornaments and the hanging German Christmas Pyramid. There is a card with each Nativity set with a description and origin.

     Because these sets are on loan to Mount Olive and are fragile we are please asking that no one touches or moves any of the pieces.  They are there for viewing only.

     Leanna Kloempken has assembled a set of books from the church library about the Nativity and they will be part of the display, too.

     If you own or know of other Nativity sets that could be displayed next Christmas please let me know.

     A Blessed Christmas to all.

– Paul Nixdorf, Aesthetics Committee

Hennig Endowment Fund

     Near the end of Gene Hennig’s life, he and Kristie created the “Gene H. and Kristin C. Hennig Endowed Fund for Mount Olive Lutheran Church.”  Annual income from the Fund is unrestricted and may be used to address any ministry and/or need of the Church.  In their fund agreement, Gene reflected that Mount Olive “has allowed us to worship God throughout our marriage in a way that has been a great blessing to us.”  Creation of this fund remained a high priority through Gene’s final days.

     Gene and Kristie made it clear that the announcement of the Hennig Fund was not an opportunity for self-promotion but instead a chance to highlight the Mount Olive Foundation and to encourage others to establish a similar fund.  This is now the fifth such fund created for the Foundation’s benefit, joining those established by Eleanor Krumerich, Harold and Marie Sulzbach, anonymous donors, and Warren and Anne Bartz.  With a gift of $25,000 or more, donors can establish a fund which provides perpetual unrestricted support or benefits a specific Mount Olive ministry.  All fund assets, like the Foundation’s overall endowment, are managed by the ELCA Foundation.

     If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact Keith Bartz at albsinmpls@yahoo.com or (612) 823-3572.

Give Stock or Mutual Fund Shares

     Instead of using cash, make your year-end gift to the church or Mount Olive Foundation with appreciated stock or mutual fund shares.  In addition to receiving an income tax deduction for 2015, transferring these assets to the church or the Foundation enables you to avoid capital gains taxes on their appreciation.  Giving stock or mutual fund shares also allows many people to make a larger gift than might have been possible with cash.

     To learn more about stock or mutual fund gifts, please contact Andrew Held, Thrivent Financial, at (952) 475-9700 or andrew.held@thrivent.com.  With all gifts of appreciated assets, you are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor prior to making any gift.

Study of Daniel Begins Jan. 7

     Pr. Crippen will begin a six-week series on the book of Daniel Thursday, Jan. 7. “Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land” will be the theme, considering the richness and strangeness of these stories and of this prophet’s ministry and reflect on faith in an alien culture.

     The Thursday Bible studies begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome!

Transitions Support Group

     All are welcome at the Transitions Support Group. If you’re looking for new ideas or encouragement to meet the challenges or uncertainties that are before you, please consider joining us on January 13, 2016.

     This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.

Transitions Support Group meets on Wednesday, January 13 from 6- 7 pm at Mount Olive in the lower level Youth Room, and will be facilitated by Cathy Bosworth and Amy Cotter.

     For more information, please contact Cathy 612-708-1144, marcat8447@yahoo.com or Amy 612-710-1811, agate651@gmail.com.

Accent on Worship

Advent People

     “Advent may be one of the most counter-cultural things we do. Waiting, anticipating, patiently watching for God’s blessing to blossom in the world – this is not the way of the world. We live in an instant gratification culture, where people loudly declare what they want and then expect someone to provide it. Our culture lacks the patience to work through the ills of society in a wise and careful and fruitful way, preferring short term answers which may or may not be good for the long term. Our culture teaches us to embrace our entitlement instead of our responsibility.”

     I wrote that in this space in my first Advent with you, and came across it recently. It seems even more true today. Given the frantic and frightening times in which we live, I find myself wondering what might happen if we truly embraced being counter-cultural? That is, if we prayed that the Holy Spirit might make us so like Christ we looked like Christ and not like the world that surrounds us? If we weren’t afraid to be different?

     Might we begin to be people whose Advent reality seeps into the culture? A friend at a time, a co-worker at a time, a family member at a time, could others perhaps see our lives and learn to watch for and work with God for this world’s healing?

     We follow the God who came among us as a vulnerable child in poverty, to a family like millions around the world with very little to live on. What if we welcomed such families today, even if loud voices around us shout, “they don’t matter!” We follow the God who became a refugee among us, dependent upon the kindness of strangers to welcome a family running away from violence. What if we were such kind strangers, even if loud voices around us shout, “keep away!” We follow the God who suffered death unjustly to bear love into a world of hate. What if we became such sufferers in love in this world, even if loud voices around us spew hate daily?

     We can only know what would happen when we actually do this. When we become bearers of Advent in this world in our bodies and voices and hands and hearts and lives. When we pray, “Amen, come, Lord Jesus,” and by that mean we seek the spirit of Christ to make us Christ.

     But we have this promise: as Christ continues to be born among us and shape us, all flesh will see God’s salvation. Surely that’s worth praying for. Surely that’s worth being different for.

     Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

– Joseph

Sunday Readings

December 20, 2015: Fourth Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a
Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

December 27, 2015: First Sunday of Christmas
I Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Psalm 148
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52

Sunday’s Adult Forum

December 20: “Elizabeth and Mary: Bearers of Hope,” presented by Vicar Anna Helgen.

Hanging the Greens to be Held This Sunday

     Many hands make light work, so all are invited to come and help decorate the nave and chancel for our Christmas celebrations at Mount Olive.  This Sunday, Dec. 20, after second liturgy, is the hanging of the greens, where all wreaths and roping are placed.  Any who wish to help, just come to the nave after coffee time – BYOB (bring your own broom!).

Fair Trade Sale – Last Week

     The Missions Committee will continue to host the fair trade sale for one more week.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after both services on December 20 (cash and check only).  See the attachment to view some of the items that will be for sale.  Fair trade coffee, chocolate and cashews from Equal Exchange through Lutheran World Relief’s Coffee Project will also be available.  This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.  

Give Stock or Mutual Fund Shares

     Instead of using cash, make your year-end gift to the church or Mount Olive Foundation with appreciated stock or mutual fund shares.  In addition to receiving an income tax deduction for 2015, transferring these assets to the church or the Foundation enables you to avoid capital gains taxes on their appreciation.  Giving stock or mutual fund shares also allows many people to make a larger gift than might have been possible with cash.

     To learn more about stock or mutual fund gifts, please contact Andrew Held, Thrivent Financial, at (952) 475-9700 or andrew.held@thrivent.com.  With all gifts of appreciated assets, you are encouraged to consult with your tax advisor prior to making any gift.

New Opportunity for Ministry

     The Congregational Life Committee is looking for people who would be willing to assist members who have difficulty or are more cautious walking from the south parking lot to church.
     For more information, contact Sandra Pranschke at spranschke@gmail.com, or 612-859-5448.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     As is our tradition, this is the time of year that we gather monetary gifts for our terrific church staff. If you would like to contribute, please note “staff gifts” on your check and deposit it in the offering plate on Sunday morning or send it to the church office. Please have the gifts in by Sunday, December 20.

     Thanks for your generosity.

Christmas Carry-In Breakfast

     Celebrate the Feast of the Nativity, December 25, with a carry-in breakfast preceding the liturgy.
     Bring a favorite Christmas food and enjoy a time of conversation with fellow Mount Olive worshipers from 9:00 to 9:45.

To the Wearers of Albs

     ‘Tis the season! Joy, peace, hymns, and wax.

     All of the server’s albs have been laundered. Some of them have reached their final resting place. Please inform me if you have a wax accident, and I will clean the alb as quickly as possible.

     Thank you for your service.

– Carol Austermann
   

Deadline!

     The deadline for information for the weekly Olive Branch is on Monday of the week it is to be published.  Please have all information to be included in the newsletter in to the office by Monday of that week.

     Thanks for your help!

Vestry Update

     Tim Lindholm has stepped aside as Mount Olive Treasurer. Kat Campbell-Johnson has agreed to handle the Treasurer’s duties and the Vestry is develop-ing a plan for accomplishing this work until a new Treasurer is elected at the semi-annual congregation meeting in April.

     We will update the congregation as these plans develop.

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 a.m. in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the January 9 meeting, they will read Grand Opening, by Jon Hassler, and for February 13, they will read God’s Hotel, by Victoria Sweet.

Advent Centering Prayer

     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contemplation during the season of Advent.

     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer.

     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

Olive Branch Publication Schedule

     There will no Olive Branch published during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Regular weekly publication will resume on Wednesday, January 6.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

     Another big THANK YOU to all who have helped fill our donation corner to the brim!    

     Deliveries will be made to our partner organizations this week, and some used for ministries here at Mount Olive. Here’s a snapshot of who we work with and support with these gifts!

• Food goes to: Sabathani Community Center on 38th St and 4th Ave and CES on 11th and Franklin;
• Coats go to: Central Lutheran Church downtown. Central runs a Restoration Center with resource assistance and a Free Store – a great place to send household donations throughout the year!
• Home Care baskets go to: Our Saviour’s Housing for their transitional housing residents. Hygiene supplies (like hotel shampoo and soap) are collected year round for use in their emergency shelter;
• Hats, Gloves, Scarves go to: Neighborhood Ministries to be distributed at the Community Meal throughout the winter.

All collected supplies are also used in our daily “direct care” ministry here. Any day that someone comes in I can speak with them about what needs they may have. It may be help paying a bill or rent, but often includes basic needs like a warm meal, a pair of gloves, or a supply of soap. It is a blessing to offer these things as people need them because they are readily supplied by you. If ever anyone comes to this church, please feel free to use these items to serve their needs. There are cans of soup stored on the top of the coat rack or please reach right in to the grocery cart and ask what they can use. Warm it up for them in the kitchen. Offer a kit of shampoo and soap and toothpaste. If they don’t have gloves, feel free to offer some. It is there to be given away. If they have more pressing needs, please give them the office phone number and have them contact me. Please keep in mind that these services and offerings are not only for neighbors, but for the Mount Olive community as well. If you or your family are experiencing hardship in any season, please feel encouraged to contact me or Pastor Crippen in confidence about ways we can offer support and community.

    Thank you for your help in serving our friends and neighbors!

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, you can buy playground toys for refugee children in Kenya through Lutheran World Relief.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.

Some of these organizations are:
• Lutheran World Relief:    http://lwrgifts.org
• Heifer Project International:   http://www.heifer.org
• Common Hope : http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com
• Bethania Kids:   http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.elca.org/goodgifts

(We will have ornaments during the fair trade sale that you can use to make a donation).

Youthlink Donations –

     I am still taking donations of clothing items and toiletries for homeless teens.  The following items are most needed currently by homeless teens who are on the street: travel- sized toiletries, adult sized winter clothing, jackets, coats,  men’s jeans, hand and foot warmers, thinner gloves.  Please leave any donations in the coat room in a bag labelled “Youthlink” by this Sunday Dec. 20.  If you have any questions, please contact Julie Manuel via email to julie.a.manuel@gmail.com or by phone at 612-695-6198.

– Julie Manuel

Hats, Scarves, Mittens Oh my!

     Neighborhood Ministries is receiving donations of winter gear for children and adults.

     New or gently used items can be donated in the box near the coat room. There is designated space for coats in the coat rack. Items will be given away at the Community Meal throughout the winter or brought to the Central Lutheran Free Store. Thank you!

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study     

     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through  tomorrow evening, December 17.  The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and explores how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them. The sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m.

       Pr. Crippen will begin a 6-week study of Daniel on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016.

A Recipe for you!

Some people have requested the recipe for the chocolate drink served at the Fair Trade sale on Sunday, Dec. 6. Here it is.

Barcelona Hot Chocolate

2/3 cup boiling water
2 ounces good-quality dark or bittersweet (60 to 70 percent cocoa) chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/3 cups 1% low-fat milk
1 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee (regular or decaffeinated)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 2-inch piece orange rind strip
1/4 cup frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
Cocoa powder (optional)

Preparation

Combine 2/3 cup boiling water and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan, stirring until chocolate melts. Add milk and next 4 ingredients (through rind); cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil). Discard rind. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of 4 mugs. Spoon 1 tablespoon whipped topping over each serving. Dust with cocoa powder, if desired.

Makes 4 servings.

Accent on Worship

Now the natural world
is dormant
now is the time of darkness
sunlight is waning
life is in seeming stasis
and in this dark time
this time of dormancy
and twilight
the church
moves into Advent.

Longing is at
the heart of the
darkness
in Advent.
longing
for possibility
longing
for fulfillment
as children
it is a longing
for Christmas
and the birth of the baby Jesus
and that is enough
But as we age
the longing
broadens
deepens
includes
more than ourselves
and family
it is a longing
for
completion
justice
for peace
in the dark time of the year
woven in the darkness of time
fulfillment is growing a body
in the dark time of the year
in the dark.
all earth is hopeful.
                   
Excerpted from “Longing,” a text by Susan Palo Cherwien from her book, “From Glory Into Glory: Reflections for Worship.”

Sunday Readings

December 13, 2015: Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalmody: Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

December 20, 2015: Fourth Sunday of Advent
 Micah 5:2-5a
Psalmody: Luke 1:46b-55
Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Midweek Advent Vespers
Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9, 16, and 23
7:00 p.m. 

Sunday’s Adult Forum

December 13: No teaching forum this day. All are invited to the St. Lucia Scandinavian Brunch.

Hanging the Greens

     Many hands make light work, so all are invited to come and help decorate the nave and chancel for our Christmas celebrations at Mount Olive.  On Sunday, Dec. 20, after second liturgy, is the hanging of the greens, where all wreaths and roping are placed.  Any who wish to help, just come to the nave after coffee time – BYOB (bring your own broom!).

Fair Trade Sale

     The Missions Committee fair trade sale continues.  New items have been ordered for the next two weeks.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a nonprofit fair trade organiza-tion whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportun-ity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after both services on December 13 and 20 (cash and check only).  See the attachment to view some of the items that will be for sale and to read an artisan’s story.  Fair trade coffee, chocolate and other food products from Equal Exchange through Lutheran World Relief’s Coffee Project will also be available.
     This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause.

Welcome, New Members!

     This past Sunday, December 6, Mount Olive was pleased to welcome the following folks into membership:

Dan & Janelle Wade, Harry & Jeanette Eklund, Col Erlandson, Janet Meeks, Emily Hellerich, and Chandler & Tricia Van Ee Molbert and their daughter, Elena. Jerry Ostlund (previously received as an Associate Member) moved into full membership.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     As is our tradition, this is the time of year that we gather monetary gifts for our terrific church staff. If you would like to contribute, please note “staff gifts” on your check and deposit it in the offering plate on Sunday morning or send it to the church office. Please have the gifts in by Sunday, December 20.

     Thanks for your generosity.

TRUST Youth: Aliveness Project Holiday Baskets

     This past Sunday, Eric Manuel participated with TRUST Youth in the annual Aliveness Project Holiday Baskets activity.  Over $1000 was raised for the kids to purchase gifts for families living with AIDS.  The kids had lunch at Lutheran Church of Christ the Redeemer, headed to Target to make their purchases for 11 individuals, and then headed back to wrap the gifts.  Our group had a mother we purchased for, and we were able to get her a vacuum, a coffee pot, some kitchen knives, and pans.  All in all, it was an awesome time – thank you to those who donated to this event!

Tending the Family of God

     Duty and delight.

     We Christians tend to use those two words together. For example, it is our duty and delight to give God praise and thanks. Similarly, it is our duty and delight to care for one another.
     If someone you have seen at worship has started to be missing, care for them. Make a phone call, write a note, send an email.

     Duty and delight.

To the Wearers of Albs

     ‘Tis the season! Joy, peace, hymns, and wax.

All of the server’s albs have been laundered. Some of them have reached their final resting place. Please inform me if you have a wax accident, and I will clean the alb as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your service.

– Carol Austermann
   

Deadline!

     The deadline for information for the weekly Olive Branch is on the Monday of the week it is to be published.  Please have all information to be included in the newsletter in to the office by Monday of that week.

     Thanks for your help!
   

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival Concerts: “The Spotless Rose”

Fri., December 11, 2014  (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and
Sat., December 12, 2014 (8pm)
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica
of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature
Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of
parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect
upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song,
poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17
and under FREE. For tickets or more information
call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com.

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the December 12 meeting they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. For the January 16 meeting they will read, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.

Advent Centering Prayer

     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contemplation during the season of Advent.

     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer.
     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

News From the Neighborhood

Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

Advent Perspectives

     The last two weeks has been both relieving and frustrating at the same time. The calls are flooding in for direct care as funding from the federal government has dried up and any organization that helps with emergency assistance needed to use it by November 30. That means there’s not much wiggle room for people if they get behind, which is tough always, but especially in December. As my brain starts reeling in efforts to meet people’s needs and see in to the future and plan and prepare and work, my eyes glance to the now hanging neighborhood map with its tiny colored dots. Or they rest on my devotional book on my desk or I may smell the fragrance of the often burning candle I light at home for my evening tea. I am reminded to Advent. I am reminded to not just wait, but anticipate – to know that something is coming and is ahead for us, and hopeful amidst the chaos and frustration and heartache. That’s what we (me, neighborhood ministries, you, this church) are doing. We are praying and resting in the wait for how we are to work and move in our neighborhood and world. It’s been a gift and relief to let go of that consistent pressure to move ahead, and this process has created a place to lay down those winding plans and know that God is working and moving in us, through us, and for us. Please continue to pray with us for this neighborhood and the lives that it holds. Thank you.

Home Baskets for Our Saviour’s Housing

     Give a home basket to a resident in Our Saviour’s Transitional Housing. Their 100 permanent supportive housing residents (73 men, 27 women) have all gained their own apartments after years of homelessness and health problems. The residents’ limited budgets make it tough for them to afford many essential items to really make their house a home. Brighten their holidays and ease their budgets by providing a festive gift basket! Please note that we serve primarily men and no children. You may choose what to include, but we suggest items such as:

• Kitchenware (including cooking & eating)    • Shower curtains and liners    • Mini desk fans
• Basic tools    • Throw blankets and pillows    • Towel and full bed sheet sets    • Headphones  • Household décor items such as picture frames   • Calendars or day planners   • Clock radio  
• Socks, gloves, hats, scarves, or slippers    

*For an extra special gift basket, you might also include: • Gift Cards for Target or Cub Foods/Rainbow   • Personal hygiene items     • Candy, cookies, snack mixes, cocoa, coffee, tea, or other treats     • Costume jewelry, make-up, or wallets

Gifts can be packaged in any way: a laundry basket, reusable shopping bag, gift bag, plastic tub, etc. Consider a foldable personal shopping cart for an extra special gift! Feel free to decorate the gift or include a card.  ***Can be dropped off in hallway by the coats/kitchen

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, you can buy playground toys for refugee children in Kenya through Lutheran World Relief.  We have catalogs from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.

Some of these organizations are:

• Lutheran World Relief:    http://lwrgifts.org

• Heifer Project International:   http://www.heifer.org

• Common Hope : http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com

• Bethania Kids:   http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.elca.org/goodgifts

(We will have ornaments during the fair trade sale that you can use to make a donation).

Youthlink Donations 

     I am again collecting donations of clothing items and toiletries for homeless teens.  The following items are most needed currently by homeless teens who are living on the street; Travel size toiletries, adult sized winter clothing, jackets, coats, men’s jeans, hand and foot warmers, and thinner gloves.

     Please leave any donations in the coat room in a bag labeled “Youthlink” by this Sunday Dec. 13.  If you have any questions, please contact Julie Manuel either by email to julie.a.manuel@gmail.com or by calling her at 612-695-6198.

– Julie Manuel

Hats, Scarves, Mittens Oh my!

     Neighborhood Ministries is collecting winter gear for children and adults.

     New or gently used items can be donated in the box near the West assembly area. There is designated space for coats in the coat rack. Items will be given away at the Community Meal through-out winter or brought to the Central Lutheran Free Store. Thank you!

Care within the community: a pastoral word  (part 3)

Sisters and brothers,

     “I know you’re busy, but . . .” I sometimes hear that from people at Mount Olive, usually by way of apologizing for “taking my time” with something of concern. I understand why people say it. People want to be supportive of me, and they recognize that a pastor’s life is often full. I’m also a person who moves quickly and can seem preoccupied because my mind is thinking of one thing while my person is doing something else. That’s something I’m working on. But we’re also conditioned not to “bother” other people with our problems. So I understand why people say it. But I really wish you wouldn’t.

     This third pastoral word regarding our care for each other as a community is about how we work together as pastor and people. And I need this to be said above all else: I am never “too busy” to have a conversation with you, or listen to your concerns or cares. It’s my job. It’s part of why you called me here. Having someone call and ask for time to talk doesn’t take time away from my work. It is my work. Or at least part of it.

     Within this congregation there is a great amount of care that happens apart from my direct involvement. Often if I or the vicar visit someone in the hospital we are not the first Mount Olive visit, and we won’t be the last. This is good, that we care for each other. The more people here reach out to each other in need, offering help, receiving help, being gracious listeners and fellow journeyers, the more this community is shaped to be Christ in this world.

     But you have called me to be your pastor, and that means you’ve also asked me to be someone who is “pastor,” someone who offers the care of Christ in a pastoral way. I share that ministry with all of you. In a more formal way, I share that pastoral care role with our vicars who serve here. But if you need to talk with me, I want you to know that is one of the graces of this ministry among you people that I love. (And remember, as I said last week, our conversations are confidential.)

     The best way to meet is to set an appointment, by phone or e-mail. Random drop-ins work, but are subject to whether I happen to have time free at that moment. I respond to e-mails within a day, and phone messages as soon as I can after I get them. I keep my own calendar, so Cha Posz isn’t able to schedule these, but I’m pretty easy to reach at the church number (612-827-5919), my e-mail (pastor@mountolivechurch.org), or my cell phone (612-280-4593). Mostly folks meet with me in my study at church, but I can go wherever it makes the most sense.

     When should we talk? Whenever you have need of spiritual conversation with your pastor. It might be a major crisis, but it doesn’t have to be one. Perhaps you’re in a time of transition spiritually or otherwise. Maybe there are things you need to sort out and a pastoral ear could help. Perhaps you just are wondering about your place in the world and what God is doing with you. Maybe you seek forgiveness from God and want to make confession. There are endless reasons you might wish to talk, so don’t discount it if you’re drawn to want a conversation.

     It is a privilege to serve you as pastor, and I thank you for your trust. Let me know if I can help walk alongside you in your journey as we all seek to be faithful to Christ and bear Christ in the world.

In the love of Christ,

– Joseph

 

Corrections Department

     The December 2, 2015, edition of The Olive Branch, in an article entitled “Yes, You Can Make a Difference!,” preliminarily reported that “around $36,000 in `over and above’ giving had been contributed to Restoration 2015,” the fund which is being used to help pay for the restoring the brickwork, roof and stained glass of our beautiful church building.

     The “about $36,000” figure was considerably off the mark! It was actually more than $42,000!  The discrepancy is the result of A.D.D. on my part (“Arithmetic Deficiency Disorder”). My apologies for misrepresenting the generosity of the wonderful people of Mount Olive.

     A principal payment of $22,985 was made in November. The balance, plus whatever gifts are received in December, will go to reduce the amount that is borrowed as well. The current loan balance is $182,012.

– Art Halbardier, Director of Property

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study  
 
     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through December 17.  The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and explores how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     The sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m.

Accent on Worship
Vicar Anna Helgen 

Einstein, Spacetime, and God***
 
     Two weeks ago, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s theory of relativity. Without going into the nitty gritty details (because I don’t know them!), Einstein proved in this theory that space and time are not two separate entities. Instead, they’re connected and constitute one unified whole called spacetime. David Tenant, of Doctor Who, explains, “Mass causes spacetime to curve. The natural motion of things is to follow the simplest path through spacetime, but since objects with mass curve spacetime, stuff moves towards the most massive object. That’s what you feel as gravity –  it is warped space and time that’s keeping your feet on the ground.” Cool, huh? Here ends this brief physics lesson.

     During Advent, we wait in joyful expectation that God comes to us as Emmanuel. It is a
season of waiting and wonder. Einstein’s theory of relativity provided a new way of looking at the universe. In the same way, Advent is a good time to slow down and consider new ways of looking at God. What if God is like spacetime?     

     Walter Isaacson, author of Einstein: His Life and Universe, calls the theory of relativity the “most beautiful theory in the history of science.” He explains, “It is a mathematical, as well as conceptual masterpiece. It’s something that can be visua-lized as bodies telling space and time how to curve and the curving of space and time telling bodies how to move, and then the math goes with it.”        

     This is a theory of interconnectedness. Spacetime and mass depend on one another, just like we rely on God and God relies on us. It’s fun to imagine that God, like spacetime, warps, bends, and stretches to enter our lives.And thus God is with us, always, filling our bodies with God’s own space and time, and meeting us where we are.

     May this season of Advent fill you with wonder at God’s constant presence in our lives.

***I apologize for any errors regarding Einstein’s theory of relativity. I am no physicist!

Sunday Readings

December 6, 2015: Second Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalmody: Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
______________

December 13, 2015: Third Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Psalmody: Isaiah 12:2-6
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

TRUST Youth: Aliveness Project
 
     Again this year, TRUST Youth will participate in the annual Holiday Baskets activity for The Aliveness Project on Sunday, December 6. 

     The youth will purchase and wrap gifts to give to families living with AIDS.  If you would like to make a cash donation to help purchase Christmas gifts for these families, please contact Julie Manuel at 612-695-6198 or via email to julie.a.manuel@gmail.com.

Get Involved in Climate Change
     Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is one of the newly adopted mission projects for Mount Olive in 2016 as we strive to become involved in climate change advocacy and to be better stewards of our earth and its resources. MNIPL works together with people of faith to educate ourselves, change our practices to be earth friendly, and advocate in the public arena for responsible policy.
     If this is a passion of yours, the Missions Committee needs your help and ideas! Contact Judy Hinck via email to judyhinck@gmail.com.

New Members to be Welcomed This Sunday  
    
     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members this Sunday, December 6, during the late liturgy.

     A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy for new members and for all who would like to be part of the welcome festivities.

Sunday’s Adult Forum
December 6:  “Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Vocation,” presented by Lori Brandt Hale, Associate Professor of Religion at Augsburg College, Minneapolis.

     Dr. Hale has served as Secretary of the International Bonhoeffer Society. Her book, Bonhoeffer For Armchair Theologians, is published by Westminster John Knox Press.

Staff Christmas Gifts
     As is our tradition, this is the time of year that we gather monetary gifts for our terrific church staff. If you would like to contribute, please note “staff gifts” on your check and deposit it in the offering plate on Sunday morning or send it to the church office. Please have the gifts in by Sunday, December 20.

     Thanks for your generosity.

National Lutheran Choir Christmas
Festival Concerts: “The Spotless Rose”
Fri., December 11, 2014  (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and
Sat., December 12, 2014 (8pm)
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of
parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song, poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17 and under FREE. For tickets or more information call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com.

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study    

     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through December 17.  The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and explores how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and
participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     The sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m.

Fair Trade Sale
     The Missions Committee will host a fair trade sale again this year.  Purchase beautiful and unique fair trade items made by artisans in developing regions around the world.  These items are available from SERRV, a non-profit fair trade organization whose mission is to eradicate poverty wherever it resides by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

     The handcrafted fair trade items will be available for purchase after each liturgy on December 6, 13, and 20 (cash and check only).  See the attachment /insert to view some of the items that will be for sale and to read an artisan’s story.  Fair trade coffee, chocolate and other food products from Equal Exchange through Lutheran World Relief’s Coffee Project will also be available. 

     This is not a fund-raiser, just an opportunity to buy good products for a good cause. 

Book Discussion Group Update
     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the December 12 meeting they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. For the January 16 meeting they will read, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.

Advent Centering Prayer
     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contemplation during the season of Advent.
     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer. 

     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

Our Neighborhood
Mount Olive sits on the border between two Minneapolis neighborhoods: Central and Powderhorn. The borders of Central are Lake St. to the North, 35W to the West, 38th St. to the South, and Chicago Ave. on the East. Powderhorn is also Lake St. to the North, Chicago Ave. to the West, 38th St. to the South, and suns over to Cedar Ave. to the East. This puts us in a wonderful spot to positively impact two vibrant communities. Here are a few statistics to help better understand who the people are living here.

                                Powderhorn Park               Central
Population:               8,529 people                     8,307 people
Ethnic makeup:        4% American Indian         2.2%
                                 1% Asian                           3.6%
                                 13% African American     25.1%
                                 26% Latino                       44.4%
                                52% White                         21.1%
            ** 51.2% speak another language other than English at home

Median Income:        $44,979 (42% below $35,000/y)    $47,505 (37% below $35,000 year)
Housing:                 1,686 Owners                   1,021 Owners
                                1,560 Renters                   1,201 Renters

     We are diverse, multi-generational, and urban.
     What stresses us out: Struggling urban diversity (racial tensions and competition), struggling urban life (more expensive, less safe), struggling black households (avg. income for black family went down last year)
     This is information that gives us better understanding of our neighbors and ourselves. Please pray for our neighborhood (Central and Powderhorn Park) throughout Advent as we continue to seek God’s will in the opportunities we have to be the presence of God and in the presence of God.

 
Thank you for the continuing donations of food, coats, hats, mittens and scarves. The coats will be distributed here at Mount Olive and also sent over to the Central Lutheran Church Free Store – a great place to send household items, good clothes (large men’s sizes and belts!), etc. The food and offering received at the Thanksgiving Eucharist will go to Sabathani Community Center on 38th and 4th Ave. and to Community Emergency Services (CES) on Franklin and 11th Ave.

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, you can buy playground toys for refugee children in Kenya through Lutheran World Relief.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites. 

Some of these organizations are:
•    Lutheran World Relief:    http://lwrgifts.org
•    Heifer Project International:   http://www.heifer.org
•    Common Hope : http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com
•    Bethania Kids:   http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog
•    Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.elca.org/goodgifts

(We will have ornaments during the fair trade sale that you can use to make a donation).

Youthlink Donations
     I am again collecting donations of clothing items and toiletries for homeless teens.  The following items are most needed currently by homeless teens who are living on the street; Travel size toiletries, adult sized winter clothing, jackets, coats, men’s jeans, hand and foot warmers, and thinner gloves. 
     Please leave any donations in the coat room in a bag labeled “Youthlink”  by Sunday Dec. 13.  If you have any questions, please contact Julie Manuel at julie.a.manuel@gmail.com or 612-695-6198.

 Yes, You Can Make a Difference!
 
     Restoration 2015 is mostly going into hibernation, with the approach of winter. Most of the masonry and roof repair is complete. About one-third of the stained glass windows will have new protective glass.  Our beautiful church will be safe and sound for the winter. The remaining work will be completed as soon as the arrival of spring allows.

     Here’s something you need to know: In the past few months, around $36,000.00 in
“over and above” giving has been contributed toward Restoration 2015. These special gifts make a huge difference. We have budget-ed funds to cover the interest on our building loan, so special gifts like these directly reduce the amount that is borrowed.

     If year-end donations are something you are considering, think of making one toward Restoration 2015 also. Be sure to mark your envelope or check with the words “Restoration 2015.”      
     Thank you!!

Minneapolis Area Interfaith Initiative December Program
     MAII  holds monthly educational programs at the Southdale Library.  All who are interested in inter-faith dialogue and relations are welcome to attend.

     Their next program is this Sunday, December 6, at 2 pm. It will be held in the Ethel Berry Room of the Southdale Library, 7001 York Ave. S. in Edina. The program is free of charge.
This month’s program, “Interfaith Landscape in the Twin Cities,” will be presented by The Rev. Dr. Tom Duke.

     Rev. Duke is the founder of Saint Paul Interfaith Network (SPIN), former Executive Director of the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches (now Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul), and former pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in the Midway in St. Paul.  Rev. Duke will discuss the history of interfaith relations in the Twin Cities, ways that faiths have worked together, the current situation and thoughts for the future.

     Presented by MAII (Minneapolis Area Interfaith Initiative).

Accent on Worship

     Growing up, the holidays were a chaos of packing away food, making sure everything was brought along, each kid had a coat and two matching shoes, and, usually late, we would arrive into the warmth of the rest of our families’ jumbling hospitality. At grandma and grandpa’s house, a big, long, mix-match of tables was streamed together and set to serve a most wonderful meal.  The kids, as I was, were always at our appropriate table way on the end- the kid table. It was fine, but I felt kind of separate, as if being at the adult table was a rite of passage or a privilege that I couldn’t fathom making it to. Even as a young adult I was resigned to hang out with my cool cousins at our kid table because there was still no room.

     Little did I know what making it to that table would cost.  It would cost others their ability to be there and fill those seats. Maybe my brother couldn’t make it home, so we missed him, and that seat was a bit less cozy in his absence.  Or, unfortunately as life goes, you lose those whose places are permanently established in memory, and the space they leave behind is unfillable. My grandparents have passed away now, and Thanksgiving is no longer at their home.  I would fit at the adult table, but it no longer means what it used to. There was always a cost to being at the table. Only a few could fit, and the rest had to wait until there was space.
      
     This is not so with God’s table! It goes on and on forever. There is always room and everyone is served, and loved, and cared for. Can you even imagine? For you and I, stuck in a world of finite space and confined by limited resources, we can hardly even comprehend what that table means. God wants us all at the table. Every last one of us can share in this eternal meal of peace and fraternity and thanksgiving.  There are no worries of the day, and no fears of tomorrow, and the cranberries never run out.

There is no kids table way on the end or special circles that separate us. God’s table is set, prepared, and bountiful for each one of us.

     Now that’s a dinner I won’t show up late for!
     Praise be to God.

– Anna Scott

Thanksgiving Day Eucharist: Thursday, Nov. 26, 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!)

     As has been our custom for a number of years, the entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be divided between Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services food shelves.

Advent Procession
Sunday, November 29
4:00 pm

TRUST Youth: Aliveness Project

     Again this year, TRUST Youth will participate in the annual Holiday Baskets activity for The Aliveness Project on Sunday, December 6.

     The youth will purchase and wrap gifts to give to families living with AIDS.  If you would like to make a cash donation to help purchase Christmas gifts for these families, please contact Julie Manuel at 612-695-6198 or via email to julie.a.manuel@gmail.com

New Member Welcome – Note Date Change!

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, December 6, during the second liturgy (please note change of date!).   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office via e-mail to welcome@mountolivechurch.org  or by phone, 612-827-5919. You may also contact Pastor Crippen at church, or Andrew Andersen (763-607-1689).

     A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy for new members and for all who would like to be part of the welcome festivities.

Sunday’s Adult Forum

November 29: “Who We Are, Where We Are,” presented by                                  
Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry, Anna Scott.

Tending the Family of God

     This week in this city and throughout this country, family and friends will gather at table for a Thanksgiving meal. If someone expected at that table isn’t there, people will notice and people will act.
     Every week we in this congregation gather at table for a thanksgiving meal. We call it Eucharist. If someone expected at this table isn’t here, will we notice? Will we act?

National Lutheran Choir Christmas Festival Concerts: “The Spotless Rose”
Fri., December 11, 2014  (4:30 pm & 8 pm) and 
Sat., December 12, 2014 (8 pm)
Basilica of Saint Mary, 88 N. 17th St., Minneapolis

     Immerse yourself in the beauty and majesty of the Basilica of Saint Mary for the National Lutheran Choir’s signature Christmas Festival Concert. During this busy season of
parties, shopping and rushing around, take time to reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas through sacred song, poetry and readings.

     Tickets: $28 Adult, $25 Senior, $10 Student, age 17
and under FREE. For tickets or more information
call (888) 747-4589, or visit www.nlca.com.

Images of God: Thursday Bible Study     

     The second session of Thursday Bible Study is underway and runs through December 17 (excluding Thanksgiving Day). The study, “Images of God,” is led by Vicar Anna Helgen and
explores how we talk about God through the language of image and metaphor. The sessions will reflect on common images of God and participants will have the opportunity to share a creative presentation of an image of God that speaks to them.

     The sessions begin with a light supper at 6:00 p.m.  All are welcome.

Mark your calendars!

     The Missions Committee will host its annual Fair Trade Craft Sale on Sundays, December 6, 13 and 20.  Items from SERRV, a nonprofit Fair Trade organization will be available for purchase after both services.  Fair trade coffee, chocolate and other food products from Equal Exchange through Lutheran World Relief’s Coffee Project will also be available. Plan now to stop and do a little Christmas shopping!

Get Involved in Climate Change

     Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light is one of the newly adopted mission projects for Mount Olive in 2016 as we strive to become involved in climate change advocacy and to be better stewards of our earth and its resources. MNIPL works together with people of faith to educate ourselves, change our practices to be earth friendly, and advocate in the public arena for responsible policy.

     If this is a passion of yours, the Missions Committee needs your help and ideas. Contact Judy Hinck via email to judyhinck@gmail.com, leave a note in the church office, or come to the Missions Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m.

Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the December 12 meeting they will read The Turn of the Screw, by Henry James. For the January 16 meeting they will read, All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr.

Advent Centering Prayer

     All are welcome to participate in an opportunity for contempla-tion during the season of Advent.

     Centering prayer will be offered on Wednesday during Advent, from 6-6:30 pm, in the north transept (near the columbarium) prior to Advent Vespers services, beginning December 2.

     New to Centering Prayer? Each session begins with a short instruction. A brief reading from the Psalms and the sound of a bell will signal the beginning of a 20-minute period of silent contemplation. The bell will then signal the end of the session which will end with the Lord’s Prayer.
     Questions? Call Sue Ellen Zagrabelny at 612-875-7865.

Staff Christmas Gifts

     As is our tradition, this is the time of year that we gather monetary gifts for our terrific church staff. If you would like to contribute, please note “staff gifts” on your check and deposit it in the offering plate on Sunday morning or send it to the church office. Please have the gifts in by Sunday, December 20.

     Thanks for your generosity.

News From the Neighborhood
Anna Scott, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach & Ministry

Tis the season!
     As we approach Advent and prepare for Christmas, please consider ways to give beyond gifts, showing love around the community. There are many ways that Mount Olive partners with its surrounding organizations and churches to support good work being done. Here are a few ways to show Christ’s love in our neighborhood!

1) Bring a gift of food (or cash) on Thanksgiving Day or any day to be delivered to CES or Sabathani. Much needed items include: 5 lb. bag of sugar, 5 lb. bag of flour, cooking oil, canned chicken or tuna, soups, baked beans, pasta, white rice, jam, pancake mix, or hygiene items.

2) Coats, hats, mittens, scarves oh my! There is a coat donation area by the little kitchen,            
and a box for any hats, mittens or scarves to keep bodies warm through the winter.

3)  Give a home basket to a resident in Our Saviour’s Transitional Housing. Their 100 Permanent Supportive Housing residents (73 men, 27 women) have all gained their own apartments after years of homelessness and health problems. The residents’ limited budgets make it tough for them to afford many essential items to really make their house a home. Brighten their holidays and ease their budgets by providing a festive gift basket! Please note that we serve primarily men and no children. You may choose what to include, but we suggest items such as:
• Kitchenware (including cooking & eating)    • Shower curtains and liners    • Mini desk fans
• Basic tools    • Throw blankets and pillows    • Towel and full bed sheet sets    • Headphones                             • Household décor items such as picture frames   • Calendars or day planners   • Clock radio   • Socks, gloves, hats, scarves, or slippers    

*For an extra special gift basket, you might also include: • Gift Cards for Target or Cub Foods/Rainbow   • Personal hygiene items     • Candy, cookies, snack mixes, cocoa, coffee, tea, or other treats     • Costume jewelry, make-up, or wallets

Gifts can be packaged in any way: a laundry basket, reusable shopping bag, gift bag, plastic tub, etc. Consider a foldable personal shopping cart for an extra special gift! Feel free to decorate the gift or include a card.  ***Can be dropped off in hallway by the coats/kitchen

3) Your TIME. Deliver for Meals on Wheels, help sort and distribute holiday meals for
Community Emergency Services or find a local neighborhood group that needs extra hands and love. If you’re interested and want more specifics, please contact Anna Scott at the office or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org.

Thank you for the many ways which you’ve shown love and care for one another and your neighbors this year. Whether a smile, a bag of diapers, a check, some towels, an extra coat. It is all a blessing.

Conference on Liturgy Update

     Each January since 2003, Mount Olive has hosted an annual conference on liturgy. We are currently in the process of re-tooling, perhaps re-shaping, and most certainly, re-energizing this conference.  We’ve initiated an evaluation process that will look at many things including what kinds of topics will serve as themes, and what time of year might best enable participation for this valuable conference.  We’ll consider many facets in that process, and will send a survey to past participants to gather input from them.

     As a result, this coming year we are temporarily putting the conference on hold, meaning that this coming January (of 2016), we will not be hosting the event.

     While this may be disappointing to some of us, it in no way demonstrates a diminished value – in fact, quite the opposite.  We’re confident that when we resume, it will be even better!

Let us pray for one another: a pastoral word (part 1)

Sisters and brothers,

     In this community of faith we take seriously and joyfully the privilege and burden of carrying one another and the world in prayer before Almighty God. From time to time questions arise about this: Can we do this better, more faithfully? What information should we share? In the next three issues of the Olive Branch I’ll talk about these issues and perhaps inspire further dialogue.

     To help us, we keep a printed prayer list in Sunday’s service folder and the weekly Olive Branch. Many use this list in their daily prayer. However, often names are placed here and left for years, or whose circumstances even I or the vicar don’t know, and the length of the list might in fact inhibit some from praying it. Please note, though: the length of the list is not an issue. It should be as long as it needs to be. The question is whether it can be improved as a tool to help us as we seek to hold others in prayer.

     The Congregational Care group and I have a plan. In the next few weeks, Sue Ellen Zagrabelny, of the care group, will call the members on this list who have submitted names of non-members, and ask for information to be shared with the vicar and me. The questions are: 1. Is this person still in need of the congregation’s daily prayer? 2. What in particular are we praying for (so that as your pastor I at least can know what is going on with them)? 3. Can their situation be shared beyond the pastor and vicar? 4. May we give their name to the prayer chain? These questions will also be asked of any new prayer requests, to keep up to date. The vicar and I will take care of the Mount Olive members on the list and make sure that list is still current.

     We’ll also make a couple changes in how we list names. First, we’ll keep prayer requests on the list for three weeks and then remove them, unless we’re told otherwise. This will help keep the list as timely and current as possible. Second, we’ll split the list into two sections, those shorter term requests, and more chronic, long-term requests.

     Next week, I’ll talk about the question of confidentiality and the needs of our sisters and brothers. In all this, I invite your participation in this dialogue in conversation, thought, and prayer.

In the love of Christ,

– Joseph

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, you can buy playground toys for refugee children in Kenya through Lutheran World Relief.  We have catalogues from different charitable organizations that you can use or you can order from the organizations’ websites.

Some of these organizations are:

• Lutheran World Relief:    http://lwrgifts.org

• Heifer Project International:   http://www.heifer.org

• Common Hope : http://commonhopecatalog.myshopify.com

• Bethania Kids:   http://bethaniakids.org/creative-giving-catalog

• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.elca.org/goodgifts
(We will have ornaments during the fair trade sale that you can use to make a donation).