Accent on Worship

Needed Repairs

     Our building is starting to look renewed. Mortar is filled in on the major peaks on the back of the chancel, the worn-out wall along the alley is get-ting filled in. The sign looked like it was hit by a truck for a week, but all the bricks are in, the mortar is set. Once the workers do an acid wash of the brick, we won’t see the difference between old and new mortar. Turning the corner into fall, this is good.

     A brick building is deceiving in its solidity. Brick houses, brick churches look strong, unassailable. What we didn’t see was water gradually wearing down mortar and joints in places only the birds sat. We didn’t see a tiny bit of water eroding away a structure that looks solid and forever. But the drone that flew over our roof lines saw the truth, and helped us understand our need to fix this grand old  structure.

     Is this like us? Outwardly we might also project that we’re fine, doing great, while hiding our struggles, keeping them to ourselves. Our spiritual practices might be eroding, we may be overwhelmed by what life brings to us, yet to others we act as if we’re put together. The psalmist this week even suggests we might not know ourselves well enough to know where the cracks are, the openings for water, the broken bricks. “Who can detect one’s own offenses?” we’ll sing on Sunday.

     Our Christian community in this place gives us a chance to see the truth about our brokenness together and, as with our building, find a way to healing and restoration. It’s sometimes frightening, but when we learn to trust one another to see each other truly and honestly, we’ll learn to find wholeness together in Christ.
     The building needed to be secured before the arrival of winter. Our life together is a way we can all be better prepared to handle the cold and bitterness that life sometimes brings. For my part, I’m grateful for your eyes to see and ears to hear as you help me in my journey. God give us all the grace to be and receive such eyesight and insight.

– Joseph

Sunday Readings

September 27, 2015: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 26B
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
______________

October 4, 2015: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi; 19th Sunday after Pentecost, 27B
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16

Now is the Moment to Respond

     Your Missions Committee had decided at its last meeting to wait until we heard from our Synod how our church would respond to the refugee crisis before we asked for your special gifts. We heard this week–and now it is our turn to respond and meet the challenge.

     “In response to the refugee crisis in Europe, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park, has committed to match all gifts from Minneapolis Area Synod congregations, up to $50,000 for Lutheran Disaster Response.  Senior pastor Chad Brekke said, “our members watched vulnerable families risk lives and livelihoods to leave war zones and they asked ‘what can we do?’ And then they asked, ‘Who can be in this with us?’”

     The answer: You can!  Lutheran Disaster Response states that LDR “is committed to meeting basic humanitarian needs and upholding the rights of those fleeing war and crisis. We are working with our companion churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary, the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia, and The Lutheran World Federation to provide food, diapers, blankets, water, health kits, hygiene kits, and psycho-social services to assist those who have fled their homes.”

     So Mount Olive members and friends–let’s have our gifts doubled! The Missions Committee will contribute from its general fund, not taking away money from another other ministry. Your contributions, clearly marked Refugee Relief, will be added to the Committee’s contribution and sent along to the Synod as soon as possible to join with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.  Please make your checks payable to Mount Olive, and be sure they are clearly designated for “Refugee Relief.”

     Together we can help many.

Updated Photos

     If you need an updated photo for the church’s online pictorial directory, please contact the church office or Paul Nixdorf (pn@paulnixdorf.com or 612-296-0055). We plan to update the online directory in November after new members are received, so it’s a great opportunity to update your photo if needed.

Dust Off Your Name tags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your name tag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your name tag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alternative to the original pin style.

Thursday Bible Study Continues

     Thursday evening Bible Study continues through October 29. The evening starts with a light supper at 6:00 pm, followed by Bible Study. This session, titled “The Last Enemy,” is led by Pr. Crippen.  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

Tending the Family of God
     People who know me know that I am in church every Sunday. A couple of months ago I was sick on a Sunday, so I wasn’t in church. That afternoon a member of our congrega-tion called to let me know that she had missed me in church and to ask if everything was all right. That was kind, gracious, compassionate – and easy! All of us can do that.

– Warren Peterson

New Member Welcome

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, November 15, during the second liturgy.   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.

LSS 150th Anniversary Hymn Festival 

     Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is 150 years old and is celebrating their anniversary with a hymn festival! Everyone is invited to join them for this event with the National Lutheran Choir. The concert will include the premiere of “How Beautiful, O God, How Good,” a hymn commissioned especially for this occasion.

     This celebration will be held this Saturday, September 26, beginning at 3:00 pm at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. This event is open to everyone and admission and parking are both free!

Tutoring Program Update

     Due to quite a few circumstances all at once, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee and I are choosing to postpone the tutoring program for the time being and will make a decision by October 3 at the next Neighborhood Ministries Committee meeting on how and whether to move forward with the program for this school year.  We lost 3/4 our tutors from last year for a variety of reasons, and have an upcoming remodel downstairs.  So we’re going to just take a moment and collect ourselves. There is consideration for the needs of the community and the valuable relationships that we’re building through this ministry, but we must also consider the nearby resources already available to this group and whether it is the right program at this moment for the time and talents of the members of this church. Though we haven’t made any final decisions yet, we are looking into the opportunities to transform or adjust our program to best fit the personality of the neighborhood as well as the character and passions of this congregation.

     A letter is being sent to previous participants and their families to explain the delay in starting as well as to invite them to participate in other Mount Olive activities such as the Children’s Choir and Youth group events. If you are interested in continuing this program and are able to become a tutor please contact me at 612-827-5910 or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. Also, if you have any motivations for helping create and shape this program in what it can become for the future please let me know!

– Anna Kingman

Restoration 2015 Updates

     Follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information on the project:  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com/.

     There is also a link to the blog on the front page of the church website www.mountolivechurch.org.

TRUST’s Annual Auction

     TRUST’s annual fundraising auction will be held on Friday, October 9, beginning at 6:00 pm at St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis.

     All are invited to come and be entertained, eat great food, and bid for great stuff!
     Tickets are $20/each in advance or with reservation; $15 for seniors 65+/youth; and free for kids under age 10. Tickets  will be available at the door for $25 each.

     For reservations call 612-827-6159 or send contact TRUST via e-mail to trustinc@visi.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   October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.

Adult Forum

     Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.

September 27: “Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life,” led by Nancy Koester – Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.

What are your Top Three Favorite Hymns?

     I will be conducting a survey in the coming weeks, to find out what your top three hymns are.  My hunch is that for many of you this may be difficult – to narrow it down to so few, that is!   I did this in past parishes, and learned a lot about who they were in doing so.  I suspect that will again be the case, although I also suspect the lists will look quite different from than those I’ve seen before.

     When you get a chance, begin thinking and thumbing through the hymnal; try to narrow it down.  We will NOT ask you to include Christmas carols and hymns, as that is too easy to guess.  (or..?!?…)

     The results might be helpful in a number of ways, but mostly will be informational for me as your Cantor.

– Cantor Cherwien

Neighborhood Garage Sale Report

     Our parking lot was crowded last Saturday, but not with cars – with people! Mount Olive hosted another Open Space Neighborhood Garage Sale and it was great! Perfect weather! Clothes, toys, whatever a garage sale needed was there for sale. Many thanks to all who made it possible. Thanks to the 18 vendors, the countless volunteers, the helpers of the Community Meal, and to all those who provided physical, mental, and emotional support for this event. About 350 people came to shop! It has been a wonderful season of using our Open Space to be a benefit and blessing to our neighbors.    
     What about next year? The Neighborhood Ministries Committee and Open Space team look forward to hearing your ideas about how our parking lot is a place we can be in the presence of God and be the presence of God.

– Carol Austerman, Director of Neighborhood Ministries

Accent on Worship

Ordinarily, we sing…

     This past Sunday we began our use of ELW’s setting 1.  (pages 94-115).   During “Ordinary Time” that doesn’t mean too much, for now just the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God).   Over the course of the next calendar year, we will add more canticles from it as they become seasonally appro-priate.

     I have four categories for the things we sing in each Sunday Eucharist – in order of how often songs are repeated.  There is a practical nature to this – folks tend to like to sing what they know.  In addition, the percentage of those who can read music (different for each community, to be sure) has an effect on how heavily we lean on this system.        

1. Ordinary.  These are the songs of the liturgy, and the idea is that we sing them every week – to the extent that we know them from memory.  That which gets chosen needs to be a long term decision – for weeks at a time at Mount Olive.  For some communities, perhaps years!  Ideally, they become the best remembered songs, and we can teach them to the children with some confidence and hope that when they grow up, the church will still be singing them.  They are Kyrie, Hymn of Praise (either Glory to God, or This is the Feast), the Alleluia, Great Thanksgiving, Lamb of God, and Now, Lord.    ELW has 10 settings of the ordinary.  It is NOT the intention that every community learn all 10 – but that the most appropriate settings for them are learned and relied upon.

2. Hymns.  These change every week, chosen to reflect and support the Word of God in the lessons appointed to the day.  But here an effort is made to balance known with unknown, another balance that looks different from community to community.  This is a repertoire that is built, nurtured, and also feeds an important memory bank over a long haul.

3.  Psalms.  These represent the oldest of songs sung by the people of God.  While we don’t have the original melodies, we create them each week for these most ancient of prayers.  Be-cause they change every week (as appointed) the choir tends to have a larger involvement.  For now, it seems important for the entire assembly to sing the verses, getting these texts into their souls and mouths.  The choir can also sing a more involved antiphon (which I usually also compose for them.  That’s what Cantors do.)

4.  Propers and anthems, which change week to week and are specific to the lessons.  This sub-set is left for the choir, since they get to rehearse.

     Because Mount Olive has a higher percentage of music readers, the quotient of familiar to new is a bit different.  For you note readers, you are called to be helpers to those who aren’t, through strong singing.  You can trust that what the music says, that is what we will sing (unless I make a mistake – which has been known to happen).

     So until Advent 1 – the songs we ordinarily will sing will be the Great Thanksgiving and Lamb of God from ELW setting 1.  Come Epiphany, we will add the Glory to God.  Come Easter, we will add the Kyrie and This is the Feast.

     Find that which makes these melodies tick, and run with it!  What do the words say?  Where are the high notes?  Which parts are sung energetically and which more inwardly?   Then meaningfully sing them that way!

     For you non-music readers – let us carry you until you feel these, and remember – we will “ordinarily” be singing these songs now.  You’ll have more chances.

– Cantor Cherwien 

Sunday Readings

September 20, 2015: 17th Sunday after Pentecost, 25B
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 54
James 3:1-3—4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
______________

September 27, 2015: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 26B
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20

Dust Off Your Nametags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your nametag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your nametag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alternative to the original pin style.

Thursday Bible Study Begins Tomorrow!

     The Thursday evening Bible Study returns this fall on Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm, for a six-week study titled “The Last Enemy,” led by Pr. Crippen.  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

     As always, we will begin each session with a light supper beginning at 6 pm.      

Restoration 2015 Continues

     If you have been to the church since August 31, you know the work to restore our beautiful church is well underway! Water leaks were beginning to threaten the safety of the structure.

     Workers are busy every day on the masonry, roof, and, soon, the stained glass windows to make the building safe and healthy again before the onset of winter.

     Follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information on the project:  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com/.  There is a link to the blog on the front page of the church website www.mountolivechurch.org.

     On August 30 the congregation in a special meeting authorized the Vestry to borrow up to $275,000 to pay for this restoration.

     We aren’t intending a full-fledged capital appeal in connection with this work. There are numerous other projects for improving our facilities just now in the early stages of planning. As these plans come together, there will certainly be such an appeal. While that planning continues, we will carry a small debt.

     Many have stated they would like to give toward the restoration project going on, so less money has to be borrowed. Several members have already done so. This is the kind of spirit that is typical of Mount Olive.

     These gifts are important. Every dollar given now is a dollar we won’t need to borrow.
A dedicated fund entitled “Restoration 2015” has been established. If you would like to contribute, please make your donation payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and clearly note its purpose as “Restoration 2015.” Send or bring it to the church office or place it in the offering plate any Sunday morning.

MFA First Event of the New Season 
Sunday, September 20, 4 pm

    The Charles Lazarus Quartet will kick off the new season of Music & Fine Arts events with “lovejoy,” feel-good love songs with a groovy twist. Come and invite your friends to hear this sneak peek of Lazarus’ soon-to-be-released CD, lovejoy, a captivating mix of originals and re-imagined classics.  This event is free and open to the public.

     A reception follows the concert in the Chapel Lounge.

Music and Fine Arts Series 2015-2016

Support Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts!

     Members of the Music and Fine Arts Committee will be in the narthex soliciting your support for one more Sunday, this week, September 20.

     These events are offered as a gift to the community free of charge, as a result of your support.

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   October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.

Adult Forum

     Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.

September 20: “Sabbatical Reflections,” led by Pastor Joseph Crippen – From the day after Easter 2015 until July 20, Mount Olive Pastor Joseph Crippen was on a sabbatical leave granted by the Vestry. Pastor Crippen will share some of his adventures during, and impressions from, his time of study and rest.

September 27: “Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life,” led by Nancy Koester – Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.

S. Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support Fall Series

Our Lady of Peace Church
5426 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis 55417
Phone:  612-824-2111

6:15 – 8:00 pm                    
Thursdays, September 24 – December 3                      

For more information, please call Norine Larson at 952-925-2437 or TRUST at 612-827-6159.

Feast of St. Francis
Sunday, October 4
1:30 pm
Blessing of Animals
Bring your pets to this annual service of blessing!

Sign Up, Sign Up for Coffee!

As you may have noticed on the coffee hour sign-up sheet in the East Assembly Room, coffee hour is seriously in need of hosts in the coming weeks! If you haven’t taken a turn recently (or at all?), now is the time to sign up! If you have questions about this opportunity, please call Carla Manuel, 612-521-3952.

News From the Neighborhood                           
Anna Kingman                

Tutoring Program Update

     Due to quite a few circumstances all at once, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee and I are choosing to postpone the tutoring program for the time being and will make a decision by October 3 at the next Neighborhood Ministries Committee meeting on how and whether to move forward with the program for this school year.  We lost 3/4 our tutors from last year for a variety of reasons, and have an upcoming remodel downstairs.  So we’re going to just take a moment and collect ourselves. There is consideration for the needs of the community and the valuable relationships that we’re building through this ministry, but we must also consider the nearby resources already available to this group and whether it is the right program at this moment for the time and talents of the members of this church. Though we haven’t made any final decisions yet, we are looking into the opportunities to transform or adjust our program to best fit the personality of the neighborhood as well as the character and passions of this congregation.

     A letter is being sent to previous participants and their families to explain the delay in starting as well as to invite them to participate in other Mount Olive activities such as the Children’s Choir and Youth group events. If you are interested in continuing this program and are able to become a tutor please contact me at 612-827-5910 or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. Also, if you have any motivations for helping create and shape this program in what it can become for the future please let me know!

– Anna Kingman, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry
– Carol Austermann, Director of Neighborhood Ministries Committee

Another Neighborhood Garage Sale – This Saturday

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
1. All vendor spots are now filled!
2. Be a shopper
3. Be a volunteer—we need help setting up and taking down plus monitors and guides throughout
    the day
4. Be a supporter and help spread the word.

     Questions?  Contact any Open Space team member to join in or for further information:  Tim Pipkorn, Larry Duncan, George Ferguson, Connie Marty, Julie Manuel, Carol Austermann, Paul Nixdorf, Patsy Holtmeier, and Anna Kingman.

     “Open Space”is a part of Neighborhood Ministries.

We need some strong arms to help carry a few things up from the basement for the sale. If you can help, please come on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.!

Mount Olive is a Member of TRUST 

     TRUST (Toward Renewed Unity in Service Together) is a coalition of churches in Minneapolis that provides such services as Meals on Wheels, Chore Services for seniors, parish nurse programs and meals for homeless individuals.  Mount Olive has been a TRUST partner church since 2011, and has benefited from several programs including the youth program in which we participate with our children.  This is a worthwhile organization which extends our reach into our neighborhood in a meaningful and faith-filled way.

     Some of you have expressed concerns about recent fundraising letters received from TRUST which came to your homes enclosed in Mount Olive envelopes.  At the Vestry meeting this week it was explained why this has happened.  As part of our membership in TRUST, we agree to assist them with fundraising.   However, by policy Mount Olive does not give out members’ mailing addresses.  In order to meet both our obligation to TRUST and protect our members’ privacy, we send out the TRUST letter in Mount Olive envelopes.   The Vestry wants to assure you that your mailing address has not been shared, but we also want to encourage you to consider a gift to TRUST to support their very worthy work.

     If you have questions about the policy related to mailing addresses, please speak with Lora Dundek or Pr. Crippen.   If you’d like to know more about TRUST, speak with Anna Kingman or Carol Austermann, or peek at TRUST’s website at www.trustinc.org.

Accent on Worship

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.” -Ezekiel 17:22
   
     The summer after I graduated college I worked as a canoe guide at Wilderness Canoe Base, a camp at the end of the Gunflint Trail. I’d take groups of campers into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 5 nights. Whenever we’d leave a campsite in the morning, the camp had a tradition of leaving a cedar sprig on the fire grate. It was a way for us to show that a Wilderness group had previously camped at the campsite. But it was also a way for us to show welcome to the next group who arrived. A simple act of hospitality, and a reminder of God’s presence with us and with all who travel through the wilderness. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I arrived at a new campsite and found a cedar sprig on the fire grate. I knew who had come before and I immediately felt connected to something bigger.

     I have already encountered many “cedar sprigs” here at Mount Olive. Friendly greetings and conversation on Sunday mornings. An office with my name on the door. Rich liturgical traditions that invite me to take part. And countless signs of God’s abundance and love. These simple gestures of welcome do not go unnoticed. They remind me that this is a place that prepares and provides. A place where God’s protection and care are carried out and displayed by the people. These “cedar sprigs” tell a story of vicars before and vicars to come.

     I’m grateful you have shared these “cedar sprigs” with me and I’m looking forward to their taking root and growing into something new. Thank you for preparing this place for me. I am thrilled to serve as your 47th vicar!

– Vicar Anna Helgen

Regular Worship Schedule Resumes This Sunday!
Two Sunday Eucharists at 8:00 & 10:45 am
Sunday Church School and Adult Forum at 9:30 am

Dust Off Your Nametags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your name tag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your name tag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alterna-tive to the original pin style.

Thursday Bible Study Begins September 17

     The Thursday evening Bible Study returns this fall on Thurs-day, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm, for a six-week study titled “The Last Enemy.”  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

     As always, we will begin each session with a light supper beginning at 6 pm. If you can provide the first meal, please contact Pastor Crippen.      

Upcoming Adult Forums

Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.
• September 13: “Conversation With the Vicar,” led by Vicar Anna Helgen – A chance to hear about the background and call to ministry of the vicar serving at Mount Olive this year, Vicar Anna Helgen.

• September 20: “Sabbatical Reflections,” led by Pastor Joseph Crippen – From the day after Easter 2015 until July 20, Mount Olive Pastor Joseph Crippen was on a sabbatical leave granted by the Vestry. Pastor Crippen will share some of his adventures during, and impressions from, his time of study and rest.
• September 27: “Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life,” led by Nancy Koester – Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.

Restoration 2015 Has Begun! 

     If you have been to the church since August 31, you know the work to restore our beautiful church is well underway!

     On August 30 the congregation in a special meeting authorized the Vestry to borrow up to $275,000 toward a major renovation of the church roof, masonry and stained glass windows of our beautiful church building.

     For some time, we’ve seen growing signs of numerous water leaks in the walls and roof. This summer these issues reached a critical stage. Water began visibly intruding into the structure with every significant rain.

     Repairs started immediately, with the expectation that they will be completed by the end of October. Since the work must be paid for as it is completed, we are also arranging to borrow money immediately.

     We aren’t intending a full-fledged capital appeal in connection with this work. There are numerous projects for improving our facilities just now in the early stages of planning. As these plans come together, there will certainly be such an appeal. While that planning continues, we will carry a small debt.

     However, many have asked whether they can give now so less money has to be borrowed. Several members have already made a contribution toward the restoration, and others have stated that they plan to. This is the kind of spirit that is typical of Mount Olive. And those gifts definitely will help. Every dollar given toward this repair work is a dollar we won’t need to borrow.

     A dedicated fund entitled “Restoration 2015” has been established. If you would like to contribute, please make your donation payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and clearly note its purpose as “Restoration 2015.” Send or bring it to the church office or place it in the offering plate any Sunday morning.

     You may also follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information.  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com

Music and Fine Arts Series 2015-2016

     Attached to this newsletter email you will find the brochure listing this year’s lineup of concerts for the 2015-2016 season.  In addition to the Advent and Lent Procession Services, the season kicks off on September 20 with the Charles Lazarus Jazz Quartet, then on Nov. 15, Alice Parker returns to lead another signature “Sing!” On January 31, 2016, the choral ensemble From Age to Age will offer a concert, on April 10, The Songs of Africa will perform.  Then topping the season off will be a festival Bach Tage (the tenth one!), featuring cantata 76, “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.”

     Members of the Music and Fine Arts committee will be in the narthex collecting support for the series on Sundays, September 13 and 20.

     These events are offered as a gift to the community free of charge, as a result of your support.

Tending the Family of God

     Among the duties assigned to the Director of Congrega-tional Life is caring for those members who were once active in the life of the congregation but are not any longer. You know who they are. They are the people about whom you have said, “I wonder what ever happened to …”

     A task force was created to begin exploring ways in which we might be more faithful in caring for those members. The people on the task force are Carol Austermann, Margaret Bostelmann, Susan Cherwien, Eunice Hafemeister, and Warren Peterson.

     A couple of foundational principles quickly became apparent. First, whatever is done should not be heavy-handed, but should be kind, compassionate, and caring. Second, this is really the responsibility of the whole congregation.

     There will in the coming months be brief snippets in The Olive Branch to help all of us think and act more faithfully in caring for those whom we used to see among us but don’t see any longer. They will appear under the same heading as this piece. Look for them – but don’t wait for them to begin caring for those about whom you are saying, “I wonder what ever happened to …”

– Warren Peterson

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   September 12 meeting, they will read I Heard the Owl Call My Name, by Margaret Craven. For the October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who donated men’s clothing items and toiletries to Youthlink.  The donations were much needed and greatly appreciated!  If you would like to donate in the future, please contact me.  

– Julie Manuel

We Sent a Lot of Letters, But Don’t Worry, You Can Still Write

     If you weren’t able to be at Mount Olive on Sunday or didn’t get the opportunity to join our letter campaign for Bread for the World, never fear, you still have time.

    Attached to/included in this Olive Branch are two attachments that will be helpful to you. First is the explanation position paper of the work that we are doing. Second is a sample letter that you can use or you can compose your own. Don’t forget: personal letters are powerful; questions get you a response; be sure to get the correct bill number included in the enclosed information; you should include your own address; writing NOW adds your voice to the Pope’s when he visits Congress later this month.

– Judy Hinck, Director of Missions



Godly Play Expands to New Room

     The “Godly Play” education program for children has outgrown its former space. This Fall they will move into a new, larger room on the lower level of the Parish House. The original “Godly Play 2” room will continue across the hallway from the Choir Room. The new space for “Godly Play 1” is at the end of the hallway, at the northeast corner of the lower level. It is more than twice the space of their former room, with lots of built in storage.

     The room is clean, fresh, and ready for the children this Sunday. Many thanks to Randy Fritz, Art & Elaine Halbardier, George Oelfke, and Patsy & John Holtmeier, who have been busy painting the walls and ceilings, installing carpet, and cleaning, making it bright and cheerful for the first week of Godly Play this Sunday.

     Stop by and take a look at both the rooms very soon!

31st Street Southeast Entrance Now “Exit Only” 

     The door to the church near the alley will no longer serve as an entrance on Sunday mornings or other times when there are church activities.

     A “panic bar” has been fitted to the door so that exit is always possible. This is important in that the door is marked with a lighted “Exit” sign both upstairs and down-stairs. The door should be operable at all times in case of fire or other emergencies. In the past, this door was kept locked during the week.

     During worship and other events, the door had to be unlocked so it could provide a fire exit. For a few, it occasionally served as an entrance also. Unfortunately, since this door is out of sight of ushers and worshipers, it left the entire building vulnerable to intruders who can access the sacristy, the upper and lower level without ever being noticed. There have been several instances of theft traceable to a thief entering through this door.

     In the past, the single space next to that door was marked for “Handicapped” use – a bit misleading since inside were stairs leading up as well as down. The north lot is available primarily for those with physical limitations on Sundays, and is close to the elevator.
     We hope this change will not be a significant inconvenience, and will make our building safer “24/7.”

MFA First Event of the New Season 
Sunday, September 20 – 4 pm

     The Charles Lazarus Quartet will kick off the new season of Music & Fine Arts events with “lovejoy,” feel-good love songs with a groovy twist. Come and invite your friends to hear this sneak peek of Lazarus’ soon-to-be-released CD, lovejoy, a captivating mix of originals and re-imagined classics.  This event is free and open to the public. A reception follows the concert in the Chapel Lounge.

News From the Neighborhood     
                                   
Profiles: My first ‘thank you’ call

     I picked up a call last week and a recognizable voice immediately said, “I ain’t calling for no money.” I laughed a bit and said hello to Hilda, a lovely older woman who has been going through a rough patch. Last month we were able to help pay the remaining balance on her rent, which freed her up to tackle some outstanding bills. She has been diligent in trying to find resources and searching for a job, but sometimes things just stack too high, and that’s where the church can come in. “I’m just calling to tell you I’m doing better,” she said. “When you helped out it was what I needed to get through this.” What joy! My heart about burst open at those words. Every time I meet with someone I let them know to tell me when they’re also doing well, not just struggling. Here it was! She continued on, “Thank you for being there. Keep doing what you’re doing because you really are a support to us out here.” Hilda’s words filled my spirit to the brim, and they are meant for all of us here at Mount Olive – each one who reaches in to their stores of kindness, generosity, compassion, and service and pours it out in to the world in any way. Whether or not someone calls back, we know that a blessing goes with them. So from Hilda and from me, thank you for being there and for supporting and loving your neighbors.

Another Neighborhood Garage Sale!

     Our first garage sale last June was a great success and our friends and neighbors asked when we will host another.  The answer? SOON!

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
1. Be a vendor.  Rent a parking space for $5.00 and “set up shop”
2. Be a shopper
3. Be a volunteer—we need help setting up and taking down plus monitors and guides throughout
    the day
4. Be a supporter and help spread the word.

     Questions?  Contact any Open Space team member to join in or for further information:  Tim Pipkorn, Larry Duncan, George Ferguson, Connie Marty, Julie Manuel, Carol Austermann, Paul Nixdorf, Patsy Holtmeier, and Anna Kingman.

     “Open Space”is a part of Neighborhood Ministries.

The School Year is coming! We Need Tutors! 

     That means it’s time to prepare for a season of tutoring the fun kids of our neighborhood and church. Tutoring takes place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm, with an activity and game until 8:30 pm. It’s a fun, easy way to connect with kids who desire and deserve some extra help and attention as they journey through school and growing up.
     Materials and support will be provided.
     We will begin again on Tuesday, September 29. If it’s something you’re interested in being involved in, ask Anna Kingman or call 612-827-5910 or email neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. It’s a great use of time and talents!

Peace with Justice Forum

     All are invited to the next Peace with Justice Forum on Sunday, September 20, 2015, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The topic of this forum will be “Global Views on America’s Global Military.”

     In the spirit of the Minneapolis Area Synod resolution to engage in a soul-searching on the consequences of expanded US war efforts, we have asked our visiting international friend and trauma expert to share with us how America’s global military activities have impacted others.

     The speaker for the forum will be Fr. Michael Lapsley, who is internationally renowned for his remarkable experiences assisting in South Africa’s post-apartheid reconciliation, developing a modality for post-trauma transformation, and extending his healing hands of steel across the world.

     Central Lutheran Church is at 3rd Ave and 12th St., Minneapolis, next to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Lunch is available for $7.00, but the speech is gratis. Validated parking is available in the Central parking lot/ramp on the south side of the church.

     This forum is sponsored by the ELCA Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods’ Peace with Justice Committee. For more information on this series visit our Peace with Justice website  at www.pwjc.org, or contact Amy Blumenshine (612) 871-2967 or via e-mail to Buddy@ListenToVets.org.

Accent on Worship

Though I wouldn’t so blatantly disagree with Jesus about his teaching in this week’s reflection on Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, and 21-23, I do won-der what he would have said if he had listened to some of today’s popular music, or watched some current movies.  Jesus was literally referencing food in these verses, and the Pharisees hypocrisy in creating human rules around what is pure and impure, but the message hits me in a different way. As I drive in my car and listen to the lyrics of some songs, or my friends talk about the latest happening in Game of Thrones, I am constantly aware of how precious and sensitive my heart and mind are to what goes in. Jesus said in Mark 7:20, “’what comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come…’” For me, like I believe most human beings, what goes in is often the root of what comes out.

     There is evidence of this struggle everywhere. In the recent flood of scandal and heartache associated with the exposure of Ashley Madison account holders (secret online accounts connecting married persons with opportunities for affairs), to the beating of a homeless Mexican man by two men inspired by Donald Trump’s attitude towards immigrants, there is obviously something powerful about what we choose to allow in to our bodies physically, mentally, and emotionally. This is not just bad pork or skipping a hand washing coming out of the bathroom. This is the world in which we live, and move, and have our being.  It is full of fear, corruption, hyper-sexualization, skepticism, criticism, anger, and deceit.  But that is not all that it is, and we don’t have to just gobble it up! Alleluia! We can offer something else to be consumed by others; service, hope, patience, peace, Christ.

     There are encouraging, if not strictly instructive words found in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” And further in verse 27, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  My car stereo is set more to KTIS than KS95, and I watch documentaries about nature instead of “The Bachelor.” It’s my small way of trying to do both and watch what ‘goes in’ so that my best comes out.

– Anna Kingman

Sunday Readings

August 30, 2015: 14th Sunday after Pentecost, 22 B
 Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 15
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
______________

September 6, 2015: 15th Sunday after Pentecost, 23 B
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146
James 2:1-17
Mark 7:24-37

Special Congregation Meeting

     The Vestry has called a special congregational meeting for this Sunday, August 30, immediately following the morning Eucharist for the following purpose:

• Presentation on urgently-needed repairs to the roof, masonry, and stained glass windows of the church and authorization for the Vestry to obtain a loan to cover the cost of these repairs.

     All voting members are encouraged to attend the meeting this Sunday after the morning Eucharist.

Regular Worship Schedule Resumes on September 13
Two Sunday Eucharists at 8:00 & 10:45 am
Sunday Church School and Adult Forum at 9:30 am

Annual TRUST Sustaining Contribution Drive

     TRUST and its member congregations and supporters have been serving south Minneapolis residents since 1970. Mount Olive has been a part of the TRUST network for the last several years. By now you should have received  TRUST’s annual Sustaining Contribution Drive mailing asking for your support.

     If you are able, please be generous in helping this agency which helps so many people.

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, join us on September 9.

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

      Transitions Support Group meets on Wednesday, September 9, 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.)

Every Church a Peace Church September  Potluck

    The next ECAPC potluck will be held on Monday,  September  21,  beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S.*;  Minneapolis (*access to parking lot),  612-823-8205,  www.stjoan.com

     The purpose of this meeting is for support, networking, delicious food, and an outstanding pro-gram! This month’s program speaker will be The Rev. Nancy E. Maeker. She will address, “A Christian Response to the Wealth Gap.” Through discussion, presentation, and an interactive exercise, we will explore the causes and realities of the wealth gap, and how God calls us to care for each other and work toward enough for all.

Thursday Bible Study: Mark September 17

     The Thursday evening Bible Study returns this fall on Thurs-day, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm, for a six-week study titled “The Last Enemy.”

     The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

     More information to come.

Olive Branch Summer Publication

     During the summer months of June, July, and August, The Olive Branch is published every other week. We return to weekly publication with the next issue to be published on September 9.

     If you have information to be published in the September 9 issue, please have that information to the church office by Tuesday, September 8. The deadline for weekly publication is Mondays, beginning September 14.

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   September 12 meeting, they will read I Heard the Owl Call My Name, by Margaret Craven. For the October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.

Two Invitations

     1.  Instrumentalists!  A special plea from your cantor – please don’t wait for a formal invitation from me to participate by playing some Sunday.  I may not know you are able and/or interested in playing!  As you might have noticed, we do not have an overabundance of instrumentalists – so if you can, and would like to play, please contact me!  We’ll schedule it when it works for you, and can custom fit the music to your abilities.

     2.  Have you considered singing with the Cantorei?  There is no highly involved process in doing so, just come.  If you think you are not “good enough,” I have two words in response:  “Hog. Wash.”

   We’ll fit anyone in, we’ll train.  We rehearse Wednesday evenings at 7 beginning Sept. 9.  Many of the singers tell me it is truly worth it – the rehearsals are energizing, and actually, fun!  We begin regular rehearsals again Wednesday, September 9.

     Questions about either?  Call or e-mail!

– Cantor Cherwien

Writing for Others on September 6

     Let’s start the fall season by getting together after worship on Sunday, September 6, to sit with our coffee and treats and write a short letter or two. We will join with Christians around the world in celebrating progress and calling for continued efforts in the fight against world hunger.  It’s easy with help from our Bread for the World partners.

     Together we can call for sup-port of the Global Food Security Act, “a bipartisan bill aimed at combating global hunger and malnutrition by making permanent the Feed the Future initiative.” That sounds pretty technical, but this is a lovely effort to build on successes, leverage sup-port and go for maximum efficiency and impact. Bread for the World gives us the back-ground and even provides sample letters. This is timely advocacy—connecting with Congress just before Pope Francis calls for such an effort when he visits later in September. Keep tuned for more information.

– Missions Committee,
Judy Hinck, Director
 

What is Congregational Care at Mount Olive?  

     It is Mount Olive members caring for one another in tangible ways.     People at Mount Olive have a strong history of supporting and encouraging each other through a wide variety of caring actions.  Could it be that more could be done? Were some people and families falling between the cracks, unnoticed?  

     About two years ago, Marilyn Gebauer and Cathy Bosworth began a dialogue with long time member Warren Peterson, who had been co-coordinating transportation needs for many years, and Peggy Hoeft, who contributed her experiences and vision for meeting the needs of those within our congregation. Together they wondered, could we be doing more?

     After an initial introduction at a Sunday morning Adult Forum, the Congregational Care Committee evolved.  Since then Amy Cotter began sharing her learning in Spiritual Direction with the Transitions Support Group and, most recently, Heather Halen has been contributing her knowledge of and experience with End-of-Life Planning.  

     At present the following services are supported via the Congregational Care group.  Would you please review this list and let us know if you are aware of other unmet needs and/or concerns in our congregation?

• Meals provided for new parents and members experiencing life-changing events.
• Transportation to worship and medical appointments, for those unable to drive.
• Support via a group, for those experiencing stressful life events (i.e. chronic illness of self, partner/spouse/parent/child), serious illness and/or death of a loved one.
• Workshops on Health Care Directives
• Adult Forum Presentations:
Panel consisting of Mount Olive members sharing their experiences during times of personal crisis – what was helpful and/or needed.
• End of Life Planning Conversations:  End of Life Decisions with Pr. Crippen,
(View at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npRfQf8TTJg&feature=youtu.be)

Contact information for Congregational Care group members:

Amy:  agate651@gmail.com , 612-710-1811
Cathy:  cathybosworth1@gmail.com,   612-708-1144
Heather:  hjoyhalen@hotmail.com. 612-822-0953
Marilyn: gebauevm@bitstream.net,  612-306-8872
Peggy:  peggyrf70@gmail.com, 952-835-7132
Warren:  gary.nack@gmail.com, 952-935-9262

Church Library News

     All are invited to visit our parish library soon where a new display of books awaits your browsing or specific topic use.   This display is comprised of three different components, the first of which are books given in memory of someone from our congregation who is no longer with us but whose memory is dearly beloved to us all; the second group of books are given to our library by specific donors, and the third group of books are chosen to provide topical or inspirational help to our readers.

        Just A Minute: Devotions for the Rushed, by The Rev. Paul Peterson — given in memory of Florence Peterson
        Contemporary Writers on the New Testament, by Alfred Corn, ed. — given in memory of The Rev. Robert Bartels
        International Children’s Bible Handbook, by Lawrence Richards — given in memory of Walter Iverson
        The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats — given in memory of Ellie Siess
        The NIV Complete Concordance, by Edward W. Goodrich and John R. Kohlenberger III — given in memory of The Rev. Paul Engwall
        ‘Tis a Gift to be Simple (Embracing the Freedom of Living With Less), by Barbara DeGrote and David Allen Sorensen — given in memory of Paul Holt
        N-O-A-H: The Real Story — given in memory of Paul Holt
        My Little Flowers, Gifts of the Moment, (daily meditations) — given in memory of Geri Bjork
        I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World, by Malala W. Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick — given in memory of Geri Bjork
                (These memorial books have been given or placed by Leanna Kloempken.)

        Come to the Table (Food, Fellowship and a Celebrating of God’s Bounty), by Benita Long, ed. — donated by Lora and Allen Dundek
        The Myth of a Christian Religion, by Gregory A. Boyd — donated by Dwight Penas
        The Revelation to John, A Commentary, by Martin H. Franzman — donated by Dwight Penas
        The Dead Sea Scrolls and the First Christians, by Robert Eisenmann — donated by Robert Gotwalt
        Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, by Katy Tessman Stamoch — donated by Leanna Kloempken
        The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is, by N.T. Wright
        At Home with Jesus: Devotions for Children, by Joselyn W. Moldstad
        A Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Lives of the Saints, by Paul Williams

        Are you looking for a place to donate some of your gently-used books?  Consider donating them to the Friends of Andersen Horticultural Library’s book sale at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, who will accept books until September 15, with the actual sale of books set for October 2-4. For more information call 612-301-1239.

        Finally, a quote from a Your True Nature, Inc. bookmark — “Advice from a butterfly: Let your true colors show. Get out of your cocoon, take yourself lightly, look for the sweetness in life, take time to smell the flowers, and be sure to catch a breeze!”

-Leanna Kloempken

News From the Neighborhood                                        

Another Neighborhood Garage Sale!

     Our first garage sale last June was a great success and our friends and neighbors asked when we will host another.  The answer? SOON!

Neighborhood Garage Sale II
Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

1. Be a vendor.  Rent a parking space for $5.00 and “set up shop”
2. Be a shopper
3. Be a volunteer—we need help setting up and taking down plus monitors and guides throughout
    the day
4. Be a supporter and help spread the word.

     Questions?  Contact any Open Space team member to join in or for further information:  Tim Pipkorn, Larry Duncan, George Ferguson, Connie Marty, Julie Manuel, Carol Austermann, Paul Nixdorf, Patsy Holtmeier, and Anna Kingman.

     “Open Space”is a part of Neighborhood Ministries.

The School Year is coming! We Need Tutors! 

     That means it’s time to prepare for a season of tutoring the fun kids of our neighborhood and church. Tutoring takes place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm, with an activity and game until 8:30 pm. It’s a fun, easy way to connect with kids who desire and deserve some extra help and attention as they journey through school and growing up. Materials and support will be provided.

     We will begin again on Tuesday, September 29. If it’s something you’re interested in being involved in, ask Anna Kingman or call 612-827-5910 or email neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. It’s a great use of time and talents!

Men’s Clothes Needed!

     Do you have gently-used adult men’s clothing you could to donate to a worthy cause? YouthLink is an agency in downtown Minneapolis that works with homeless youth aged 16-23, and right now they are in serious need of donations of young men’s clothing in good condition. They are especially in need of larger sizes, but will be grateful for any and all.

     If you’ve got some clothes to donate, please bring them to the coat room at church by this Sunday, August 30. Be sure to label your bag or box “YouthLink.” Julie Manuel has volunteered to deliver them for us.

     Thanks for anything you can do to help!

Music and Fine Arts Series 2015-2016

     Attached to this newsletter email you will find the brochure listing this year’s lineup of concerts for the 2015-2016 season.  In addition to the Advent and Lent Procession Services, the season kicks off on September 20 with the Charles Lazarus Jazz Quartet, then on November 15, Alice Parker returns to lead another signature “Sing!” On January 31, 2016, the choral ensemble From Age to Age will offer a concert, on April 10, The Songs of Africa will perform.  Then topping the season off will be a festival Bach Tage (the tenth one!), featuring cantata 76, “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.”

     Members of the Music and Fine Arts committee will be in the narthex collecting support for the series on Sundays, September 6 and 13.  These events are offered as a gift to the community free of charge, as a result of your support.

     Yes, we can “fix the roof” AND offer a concert series!!!

Accent on Worship

Longing

“As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.”  Mark 6:34

     The days of Jesus’ ministry in which we are now moving in our Gospels are scenes of chaos. News of his healings and his teaching is getting around, and everywhere he goes, crowds gather, press, ask, demand. Jesus’ compassion for these crowds, as we heard in Mark’s Gospel a couple weeks ago, is remarkable. They must have drained him daily, which is why he also had a rhythm of withdrawing to quiet places. Yet even there, they find him.

     This brings us to our great sequence of these five weeks, starting last Sunday. Having tried to get away, Jesus once more is confronted by great crowds, and now they’re hungry. He takes a few loaves and a couple of fish from a boy’s lunch, and feeds 5,000 people. At the end of that day, though, they still want more of Jesus. They want to make him king, someone who can give them what they need. These next weeks, John tells of the aftermath of this for Jesus and for the crowds.

     The other week I was reminded how much I don’t like crowds. 30,000 young Christians from the ELCA gathering together in Detroit sounds beautiful unless you really don’t like being jostled and pushed and shoved by more people than you can imagine trying to get to the exact place you are trying to get. Some are cheerful, some are cranky, some are loud and energetic, some are pushy. All are hot and sweaty and overwhelming. I see this story of Jesus and know I would have hated to be shoved around in that crowd. I’d be tempted to go home, even if I was hungry.

     But there’s the problem. We really don’t have an option to go home. We long for God’s care and love and grace and we don’t know how we will live without it. We long to be filled by God, and we long for the world to be filled by God. We don’t know where else we would go for that. The jostling, painful, annoying, frustrating needs of our fellow travelers in this world are overwhelming to us, and there are days we wish we were the only ones coming to Jesus. We don’t know how we can make a difference to the seemingly endless needs of our city, our country, our world, any more than the disciples knew how to feed 5,000 with a sack lunch.

     Thank God for Jesus’ compassion. In our frustration and concern, in our longing and desire for God, Jesus looks at us not as sheep without a shepherd. He looks at us as our Shepherd, the one who loves us enough to die for us, and whose abundance is more than enough for the whole world.
This is the One whom we gather to meet this Sunday, the One whose table is sufficient for all, whose forgiveness is denied to no one, the One who is the Bread that satisfies the longing of the world. Best of all, this is the One who will show us, even as he feeds us, how we will be a part of sharing that abundance and outpouring with the rest of this jostling, frustrating, suffering, and longing world.
 
– Joseph

Sunday Readings

August 2, 2015: 10th Sunday after Pentecost, 18 B
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
Psalm 78:23-29
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:15-35
______________

August 9, 2015: 11th Sunday after Pentecost, 19 B
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34:1-8
Ephesians 4:25—5:2
John 6:35, 41-51

So glad and grateful

     As I settle into work after sabbatical I want to take a moment to say how glad I am to be with you again, my sisters and brothers. I have missed you more than I can say, but I am also glad for this time apart. It was good for me to take a mental, spiritual, and physical break from my time among you, and now I feel energized and eager to take up your call once again. I expect that the time apart was also good for you!

     I’ll be reflecting on my sabbatical in an Adult Forum on September 13, so I won’t go into that here. But I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for your generosity and grace in giving me this sabbatical rest, and for your prayers and love during that time. Thanks to the Rev. Robert Hausman for his care of this congregation in my absence, and all the staff for the extra work a sabbatical brings them, and to all of you for being supportive of this.  

     I am blessed to be your pastor, and very happy to return to that role.

God’s blessings and peace,
Pr. Crippen

Let’s Talk About Racism
Friday, August 7, 6-9 pm

     Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has invited us into conversation about racism. This raises many questions . . . What is racism? Why do we need to talk about it? What can we do? Join us for a meal and facilitated conversation. All questions are encouraged. Articles and resources are available for those wishing to read about this topic. Contact Vicar McLaughlin for details.

Mount Olive to Host National Night Out Gathering 

     Mount Olive will host a National Night Out event in our parking lot on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

     The Open Space Committee (a part of Neighborhood Ministries) is organizing the event.  National Night Out is a program aimed at bringing neighbors and neighborhoods together so they can get to know each other and become closer.

     If you and your family would like to join friends from Mount Olive on August 4, you are more than welcome.  We are a part of this neighborhood and we hope events like this will help us become closer and build bonds with those who live around our church.

     If you can join us that evening please:
1. Let Anna Kingman know you are coming and how many to expect.
2. Bring snacks or desserts to share.
3. Bring your own lawn chairs.

     Water and beverages will be provided.  See you on August 4!!

Come and Sing!

Women’s Ensemble

     We’re forming a Women’s Ensemble to sing for Eucharist on Sunday, August 9.
     Any sopranos and altos who would like to sing together for a day are invited!  There will be one rehearsal on Wednesday,  August 5,  from 7:00-8:00 (or so).   Contact Cantor Cherwien for more information, or simply come.

Men’s Ensemble 

We’re also forming a Men’s Ensemble to sing for Eucharist on Sunday, August 16.
     Any tenors and basses who would like to join for one day, join us on August 16.  There will be one rehearsal, on Saturday morning, August 15 from 10:30 to 11:30.  Contact Cantor Cherwien for more information, or simply come.

Prayer Chain

     In addition to the prayer requests listed in The Olive Branch and the Sunday bulletin, Mount Olive’s Prayer Chain also receives prayer requests. All requests are kept confidential. If you would like to request prayer for yourself or someone else, please call the church office or Naomi Peterson, the Prayer Chain contact leader (612-824-2228).

A Note From Our Presiding Bishop

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

     The hard but undeniable fact of deeply embedded racism in American society has come to the fore in painful ways this past year through high-profile occurrences of racial discrimination, hatred and violence – including racially motivated killings. As Lutheran Christians, what should be our response and witness? As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, how are we called to confront the sin of racism?

     We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act. As one important step in this process, I invite you to join me and William B. Horne II, an ELCA lay leader and member of the ELCA Church Council, for a live webcast conversation on the complexity and implications of racism on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. (CDT).

     Through our church’s social statement – “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture” – the ELCA collectively has expressed its calling to confront racism and advocate for justice and fairness for all people. You can read this social statement at  (http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/race_ethnicity_culture_statement.pdf ). In addition, I have made several public statements on behalf of the church recently on this subject. Those statements are available at http://www.elca.org/Resources/Presiding-Bishop-Messages.

     God’s intention for all humanity is that we see the intrinsic worth, dignity and value of all people. Racism undermines the promise of community and fractures authentic relationships with one another. As Christians, though, we live in the conviction that the church has been gathered together in the joyful freedom of the reign of God announced by and embodied in Jesus. That reign has not come in its fullness, but the message of God’s “yes” to the world breaks down all dividing walls as we live into that promise.

     I urge you to deepen your involvement in and commitment to this important work to which we all are called. I believe our live webcast on this topic on Aug. 6 is one useful way for us to pursue this together, and I hope you will view and take part in it.

     You may read more about this webcast at www.ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the live webcast will be embedded. A live stream also will be available at www.Facebook.com/Lutherans. Twitter hashtag is #ELCAConfrontRacism. If you would like to submit a question to be considered during the live webcast, please send it to livinglutheran@elca.org and provide your name and your congregation’s name, city and state.

     Join me for this important conversation.

Your Sister in Christ,
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

News From the Neighborhood        

Coffee and a Side of Diapers! 

     The August 9 coffee hour will be hosted downstairs in the Diaper Depot area/Youth Room to invite the congregation to learn more about this very valuable program and its benefits for our neighborhood.

     The freewill offering could be a pack of diapers if you feel so inclined.

Profiles: Character

     Character is “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of a person or thing” according to the Webster dictionary. The collection of what we say, how we act, the way we treat people accumulates over time. I imagine it like rings in a tree – we can hardly perceive it growing, but right there inside are rings of evidence in growth, strain, abundance, fire, and sunshine.

     During our Summer ACTS program, we took time to discuss what building a character means, and what kind of character we want for ourselves. In the two different groups, they came up with strikingly identical lists of character traits; traits such as kindness, responsibility, respect, honesty, hard-working. But these are more than words, they are actions. They are rings around each day where we speak kindly, we display our responsibility, and show respect for others. As Henry David Thoreau said, “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.”

     It was wonderful to watch a group of young people on their journey as they slowly forge themselves a character even over the course of 4 weeks. It also caused me to reflect on my own self and evaluate where I had maybe been dreaming myself into something rather than hammering it in to reality. Take a moment in your day and ponder the words of Thoreau, or Romans 5:3-5, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Coming Up

• Open Streets:  Lake Street on Sunday, Aug. 2, 11am – 5pm. Walk, bike, and participate along Lake Street to promote healthy living, local businesses, sustainable transportation, and civic pride in Minneapolis.

• Do-It-Green Clothing Swap, Saturday, Aug. 8, 9am – 3pm, in the Mount Olive Undercroft. Exchange your clothes for free!  Bring in all the items that are no longer right for you and trade them in for new ones.  This is a great opportunity to update your wardrobe without spending a penny!  All styles, sizes, and types of clothes, shoes, and accessories are welcome.  Any leftover items will be donated to charity. We will also have some Do It Green! Minnesota items for sale, including tote bags, utensil sets, and green living books. Open to the public!

Attention Worship Assistants!

     The Servant Schedule for the 4th quarter of 2015 (October- December) will be published at the beginning of September 2015.  

     The deadline for submitting requests to me is August 14, 2015.  Please email your requests to peggyrf70@gmail.com.

Thanks,
– Peggy Hoeft

A Note from Former Vicar Emily Beckering

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

     I am delighted to share with you that St. Paul Lutheran Church in Reading, Ohio, has called me as their pastor. I am thankful and eager to begin serving this congregation!
     As I prepare for this future ministry, I am especially thankful for your ministry, and for the many ways that you nurtured me as a disciple of Christ and as a pastoral leader during my time as vicar at Mount Olive.

     You are a people that take very seriously your baptismal call to witness and to embody Christ for one another and the world; you did this for me time and time again, for God continually met me through you all. You also have a deep commitment to your vicars and to their preparation as a ministry to the whole church. Your feedback cultivated my skills as a teacher and preacher. During liturgies, you invited me to experience the wonder and mystery of God’s faithful presence in worship. You modeled for me what community can truly be when a congregation loves one another. Through all of this, you confirmed my call to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and I shall forever be grateful to God for the gift God has given me in you.

     I will be ordained at Mount Olive on Thursday, August 6, and would be overjoyed to worship with you. Thank you for challenging me, for extending such support and care, and for your partnership in the Gospel.

In Christ,
Emily Beckering

All are invited to the Service of Ordination at Mount Olive on Thursday, August 6, 2015, at 7:00 pm.  Clergy are invited to vest. All are invited to wear red.

Called to Care: A Forum for Those Touched by Memory Loss
Saturday, August 1, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis 

Learn about supportive resources within our community and be inspired by stories of folks who have lived this journey.  Hear presentations by speakers from MN Council of Churches Dementia Friendly Congregations Program, Lyngblomsten’s The Gathering, Mount Olivet Day Services, and Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness.

     This forum is free for caregivers and care receivers; $10 for everyone else.

     Brochures are available on the ledge outside the church office, and can be downloaded from www.trustinc.org.  Questions?  Contact Nancy Biele at 612-827-6159 or trustinc@visi.com.

Transitions Support Group to Meet Wednesday, August 5 

     All are welcome to visit the Transitions Support Group meetings if you’ve been hoping to find new ideas or encouragement to meet the challenges or uncertainties that are before you. This is an opportunity to share in fellowship, prayer, and discussion with others in the Mount Olive community.

     The next session meets on Wednesday, August 5, from 6- 7 pm, at Mount Olive in the lower level Youth Room. It will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth.  

     If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.