The Olive Branch, 11/7/11

Accent on Worship

What Volunteering at Mount Olive Means to Me

First, a brief background: I was baptized and confirmed Roman Catholic and went to both my father’s Catholic church (St. Stephen’s or St. Olaf) and my mother’s Lutheran church (Messiah Lutheran). For me, growing up, church was the hour that I needed to be doing something, somewhere else. Sitting in the back while my father was an usher, I chewed my bubble gum and waited and waited. At my mother’s church when we sat in the balcony, my mind wandered and I pondered whether I could swing from one hanging light fixture to another, just like the pirate movies I’d seen, and whether I’d still have enough momentum to make it back to the pew.

As I grew older I got excited about all the bells and smells and pageantry offered at the Catholic church, and that made it much more stimulating to be there. The Lutheran church was less animated, but still had some cool spots in the service … but not all those smells and bells!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find a church like Mount Olive and never, ever, did I dream I would be helping to create some of that excitement. Ringing the bell tree ir serving as Eucharistic Minister or Crucifer, or being whisked into a new role as bowl bearer at the last minute at Easter, when Pastor Crippen grabbed a large branch and proceeded to drench both the congregation and us with blessed holy water. This was another glorious, ethereal moment for me that words could never express.

The icing on the cake was that my partner Dennis had joined me on my second visit to Mount Olive at Easter; we were both so moved by our Lord and the Holy Spirit that day that we knew we have been guided home.

Volunteering is working with my friends preparing Community Meals, being able to help my friends by participating in weddings and funerals, helping with special events and fundraisers, and serving God and the church by being a worship assistant. I never thought I could experience such boundless joy and love and fulfillment in my lifetime.

All of these things are what volunteering at Mount Olive means to me.

- Eric G. Zander


Stewardship Reminders

Remember to complete your orange “Estimate of Giving” cards for 2012 and return to the church by this Sunday, Nov. 13, either in the box by the Chapel Lounge or sent to the office. Also, the Stewardship Committee would like all the “Opportunities for Service” forms, the place where you can indicate how you will serve in our shared mission at Mount Olive next year, by Sunday, Nov. 20. Finally, a reminder that there will be a wonderful lunch focusing on our opportunities for service on Sunday, Nov. 20, after the second liturgy. Committees and other groups will be present with information about their mission and ministry to aid those who aren’t sure just where God’s call to them might lie, or just would like to know more about different opportunities. This luncheon would be a good time to complete your “Opportunities” form, as well as enjoy a warm, hearty meal, and good fellowship. The committee hopes to have a preliminary report on the pledging for 2012 at this meal as well.


This Week’s Adult Education: Sunday, November 13

“Vocation For All the Saints,” part 2 of a 2-part series, presented by Vicar Erik Doughty.


Book Discussion

For their meeting on November 12, The Book Discussion Group is reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot, and for the December 15 meeting they will read German Boy: A Child in War, by Wolfgang W. E. Samuel.

This group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at church. All readers welcome!


National Lutheran Choir Open Rehearsal at Mount Olive

On Tuesday, November 8 (tomorrow!), members of the church are invited to attend a special open rehearsal to witness the "NLC experience:" participate in devotions, share some coffee and snacks with choir members and attend a short information session with NLC Board and Mount Olive member, Brenda Bartz. The 90-minute experience starts at 7:30pm.

For more information contact the National Lutheran Choir's office: 612-722-2301.


Is Our Nation Broke?

This Sunday, November 13, following the late Eucharist, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee will sponsor a light lunch and a conversation about the Federal Budget. This discussion will be led Ed Payne, a speaker with Bread for the World.

A balanced budget is important, but should it be balanced on the backs of the poor? Or are there smarter, less painful ways for this to happen? Join us for this conversation this Sunday!


Youth Fundraiser

Mount Olive’s youth are selling Christmas plants again this year. A variety of poinsettias, wreaths, and arrangements will be available to order through Sunday, November 20. Order your Christmas plants at Mount Olive and support our youth. If you have any questions about this project, call Irene Campbell, 651-230-3927.


Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Holy Eucharist at 10:00 a.m.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for all the blessings God has bestowed upon us. It is also a time to remember those who are less fortunate than we are. Remember those in need by bringing your offering of food or funds to the 10:00 a.m. liturgy on Thanksgiving Day.

All Thanksgiving offerings will be given to Sabathani and Community Emergency Services food shelves. Consider giving an offering of funds instead of food. A five-dollar donation can purchase more than ten dollars worth of food by the food shelves through the Emergency Food Shelf Network.


Save the Date!
Advent Luncheon for Seniors
Wednesday, December 7
(Details coming soon!)


Liturgy to be videotaped on November 20

During both liturgies on November 20, you may notice Ann Sorenson and Dan West shooting footage of our worship experience. This footage is needed to replace the out-of-date portions of the video on our website. Keeping in mind Mount Olive's guidelines on photography during worship, Ann and Dan will be as discreet as possible. They and the Evangelism Committee appreciate the congregation's understanding.


Foster Parents Needed!

Volunteers of America-Minnesota is looking for skilled parents to provide care for troubled youth in one of our three foster care programs. We have kids of all ages in need of a stable home with dedicated parents who appreciate the difficulties of childhood!

Volunteers of America provides quality foster parents with lots of friendly training, 24-hour support and a monthly stipend. Come and learn more about making a difference in the life of a child!

Information Meetings are held on Mondays from 10:00-11:30 at the Volunteers of America- Minnesota office, 7625 Metro Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55439. (RSVP to reserve your spot and ensure that we have gathered and prepared adequate materials. If no RSVPs have been received for a specific week, meetings are subject to cancellation.)

For more information, feel free to contact Heather Thornton at 952-945-4064 or hthornton@voamn.org , or visit us online at www.voafostercare.org.


Tutoring Snacks Still Needed

Would you be willing to provide snacks Way to Goals Tutoring on an upcoming Tuesday night? If so, sign up on the chart located on the Neighborhood Ministries bulletin board downstairs by Donna Neste’s office, and bring a snack and beverage for 20 people on or before the day for which you have signed up. You may leave it in either the upstairs or undercroft kitchen, clearly labeled, and let Donna know where it is being stored.

Questions? Call Donna at church for further information, 612-827.5919.


The Floral Trunk Holiday Open House

The Floral Trunk is the shop who designs and delivers our beautiful altar flowers each week. They are holding their Holiday Open House this Thurs evening through Saturday at their shop, 4770 Banning Ave. in White Bear Lake, and all Mount Olive members are cordially invited.

If you go, tell them you are from Mount Olive, and thank them for the beauty that their work adds to our worship.


Diabetes Prayer Day

Diabetes Prayer Day is Sunday, November 13. Sponsored by the Diabetes Prayer Day organization, all are invited to keep those suffering with diabetes in prayer, and to pray for its cure.