Olive Branch: July 12

Accent on Worship
Now as [Jesus and his disciples] went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42
We all experience distractions in our life. Some of us are easily distracted, others are not. Sometimes we might even look for distractions so that we can delay facing what is currently going on in our lives. Sometimes distractions are ever before us so that it is difficult to attend to that which we need to attend.

At Mount Olive right now we have many things going on which may distract us. We are in the midst of the process of calling a new pastor and we are in the midst of a building project to remodel the parish house and kitchen. Through the call process some of us may be distracted with questions like, “when will we know who will be our pastor?” or “when will the new pastor be able to start?” Through the remodeling process some of us may be distracted with questions like, “when are we going to move into the offices?” or “when will the kitchen be finished?” Distractions are a part of life, there is nothing wrong with being distracted, but when it gets in the way of focusing on what God is saying to us through Jesus then it is not helpful.

Worship at Mount Olive is a time where we seek to limit distractions so that we focus our attention on God who comes and inhabits our worship. As you enter our sanctuary for worship may your distractions melt away as we gather in song, praise, and prayer and may the word of God strengthen and empower you.

- Interim Pastor Hollie Holt-Woehl

Call Committee Update
The committee has reached an important phase of the call process. We will be meeting this week to consider one candidate to present to the Vestry and the congregation for consideration as Mount Olive’s next pastor. The call committee has concluded its second interviews with the three pastors who emerged from the first round of interviews. The second interview format included a 45 minute session in which the candidate led the committee in a educational “class” on the topic of “Why do we worship?” Also included in the second interview were two hours of questions and a meal at one of the committee member’s homes with the pastor’s spouse. The committee has been given the gift of three very talented and experienced pastors, each of whom has particular strengths. The committee has also visited the three congregations served by these pastors, with at least three members attending a Sunday morning service.

We are optimistic that we will be able to decide on a candidate in the near future, but we are also open to the Spirit’s guidance that we may need more time, more information, or another process. Thank you for your prayers and for your trust.

New Members to Be Received
New members will be received at the morning liturgy on Sunday, August 1. If you are not a member of Mount Olive and would like to join, please talk with Pastor Hollie as soon as possible.


Rest in Peace
It has pleased almighty God to call his servant, +Harold Diersen,+ into eternal rest. Harold died on Wednesday, July 7.

A funeral liturgy will be held at Mount Olive on Monday, July 19, at 10:00 a.m. (please note change of day!)

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him. May +Harold+ and all the blessed dead, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Men’s Ensemble
Cantor Cherwien is forming a choir of men to sing in the liturgy on Sunday, August 1. This group will come together on Sat., July 31, at 10 a.m. to rehearse. If you would like to sing in this group, please contact Cantor Cherwien – or just come to the rehearsal.

Foundation's Annual Gift
Earlier this year, Mount Olive Lutheran Church Foundation’s Board of Directors gave its annual gift to the Church--$17,375.00--the second largest in its history. The Foundation's Board recommended that these funds be apportioned as follows:

Capital Campaign $ 5,000.00
Coffee Machine $ 1,500.00
Bach Tage $ 3,500.00
Neighborhood Ministries $ 4,000.00
New Dishwasher $ 1,000.00
Music Scholarships $ 1,875.00
Our Savior’s Meal Provisions $ 500.00
TOTAL $17,375.00

This is the third year in a row that the Foundation has increased its gift to Neighborhood Ministries based on the continued significant need and Donna Neste’s exceptional work.
During its history, the Foundation has given nearly $220,000 to the church. As our endowment continues to grow in the coming years, we look forward to furthering Mount Olive’s work and mission in even more creative and significant ways.
-Keith Bartz, President

A Note of Thanks
Anne and Warren Bartz wish to thank all of those from Mount Olive who prayed for them, who sent cards and well wishes, and who brought meals and food to them during their recovery, and are grateful for your continued prayers for them and their recovery.

School Supplies Giveaway
It’s time for our annual collection of school supplies! Each year at the August Community Meal, we distribute 100 bags of basic school supplies to our neighborhood children. Your donations toward this effort will be greatly appreciated! MONAC members will be available at coffee hour on Sundays, July 18 and 25, to receive your donations. Monetary gifts for this projects are preferred, but ALL contributions will be gratefully received!

A Centennial Celebration – Last Chance to Order!
Paul Nixdorf, Mount Olive member and professional photographer, has produced a photographic documentary book of scenes from Mount Olive’s Centennial celebration, observed just a little over one year ago. You can preview the book online at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulnixdorf/sets/72157623779387145/show/ (you may have to copy and paste the entire web address into your browser.) This is your last opportunity to purchase your copy! Please call the church office as soon as possible if you wish to order one.

This Sunday’s Adult Education
1. July 18: Diana Hellerman, Director of Education, will share information about the new Sunday School curriculum, Godly Play. Godly Play is not a new curriculum, but it does approach children’s learning styles in ways that are fresh and new to the church. The foundation of Godly Play is the belief that children don’t just want to know about God, they want to know God. Join us at Adult Forum this Sunday to learn more about Godly Play and how you can help in our Sunday School transition.

2. Loss & Grief Discussion and Support (see information in this issue of The Olive Branch)

Bargain Box
Bargain Box is a very affordable way to help families provide good, useable school clothes for their children at a very affordable cost. If you have donations of gently used children’s clothes, please bring them to church and place them in the receptacle provided. Cash donations are also welcome.
Bargain Box will be held at Mount Olive on Saturday, August 7, from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Midsummer Hymn Festival
"Baptized Children of God," a Hymn Evensong will be held at Mount Olive on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. This hymn festival and service of Evening Prayer concludes the "Youthful Voices Choir Camp" being held July 26-30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Paul.
Children from local congregations will lead the service, which features Cantor David Cherwien at the organ. All are encouraged to attend.