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Monday, April 9, 2012

The Olive Branch, 4/9/12

2012 Easter Message from the Presiding Bishop

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Christ is risen! Imagine the power in those words of promise.

When the disciples first heard Jesus speak of his death and resurrection, “they kept the matter to themselves” (Mark 9:10). But the news is too good to keep to ourselves. The life of Jesus Christ has been unleashed into the world.

Because Christ is risen, you can embrace life’s complexities and uncertainties with a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. The risen Christ goes ahead of you, meeting you in the most surprising faces and unexpected places. Christ’s resurrection puts us right where God wants us to be – in the thick of life.

Because Christ is risen, you have a word of hope. To those weary from mourning loss and fearing death, the assurance is given that nothing in all creation will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

The life of Jesus, God’s own life, has burst into the world, restoring community. At the barriers we erect to divide us, the risen Christ meets us, turning those walls into tables of reconciliation. To those who live in fear and feel unworthy, the promise is given. “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19).

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

In God’s grace,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America



Congregation Meeting to Be Held Sunday, April 22, Noon

The purpose of the meeting is to elect officers and Directors for the coming year as well as hear a report of our delegates to the most recent Minneapolis Area Synod assembly.



Sunday Readings

April 15, 2012 – Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32-35 + Psalm 133
I John 1:1—2:2 + John 20:19-31

April 22, 2012 – Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:12-19 + Psalm 4
I John 3:1-7 + Luke 24:36b-48



Bread for the World Campaign of Letters

The Bread for the World presentation and 2012 Offering of Letters which was to be given on Palm Sunday was postponed to the Adult Education hour this Sunday, April 15. All are encouraged to come and make their voices heard for those most vulnerable in our nation. The deficit-reduction bill that Congress has just passed is on its way to the Senate and could result in the most severe cuts to programs for hungry and poor people in Bread for the World's history. Come and learn how the deficit can be reduced without hurting those who already struggle to make ends meet, and write a letter to one or more of your representatives in Washington to create a "circle of protection" around those most vulnerable, by working to protect the programs for hungry and poor people.



Meals on Wheels

TRUST, Inc. calls on members of Mount Olive to deliver Meals on Wheels for its program. The following members of Mount Olive delivered Meals on Wheels for TRUST, Inc. during the first quarter of 2012: Nancy & Gary Flatgard, Elaine & Art Halbardier. Karen Johnson, Mary & Bob Lee, and Connie & Rod Olson. Thanks to all of you!



Book Discussion Group

On April 14 the Book Discussion Group will discuss Birth of Venus, by Sarah Dunant. For the meeting on May 12 they will discuss Paths of Glory, by Jeffrey Archer.

Advance announcement: at the meeting on July 14 we will discuss The Way We Live Now, by Anthony Trollope. This advance notice is shared due to the length of the book.



Knitting Group Schedule Change

The April gathering of the Knitting group was postponed from Easter Day to Sunday, May 13 (Mother’s Day). All who like to knit or crochet are invited to gather to work on charity knitting – or personal work. Bring your suggestions of a charity in need of our work … and bring your mom!


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