Accent on Worship
Just in the last week, every-where I turn, brilliant color is pouring out of the trees, greens giving way to reds, oranges, yellows. The world has a newness about it, life emerging brightly and boldly from what is in comparison monochromatic summer. Paradoxically, the vibrancy of fall’s colors is actually a harbinger of death, a sign of the coming winter that will banish all visible plant life, for a time, necessary preparation for spring buds and flowers.
In Jeremiah, the LORD proclaims a new covenant, one that, unlike the old covenant, will not be broken. The LORD promises to put the covenant within us, to “write it on our hearts,” making it core to who we are as God’s people. God promises that we will know God, because God will forgive all our sins. Because God forgives our iniquities, we know God. God will be our God, and we will be God’s people, the living cove-nant within us. As with the changing leaves, there is a letting go, a kind of death, inherent in welcoming the new covenant. We surrender the old covenant—slavery, sin, broken-ness, unfaithfulness—and embrace who we are as children of God, with the covenant written on our hearts. We are all, as Paul proclaims, sinners who have fallen short of God’s glory. And, our sins have been forgiven, and we are claimed as God’s children, not through any efforts or virtue of our own, but through the grace of God.
Fall brings death and change as the leaves drop, leaving a landscape of barren trees and brown grass that will soon be frozen and covered with snow. Hidden deep in that dying process is the life that will emerge in the spring as green buds, grass, and flowers. God promises us that the new covenant is laid on our hearts, so that as sin and brokenness die, faithfulness and love are born within us and we live as children of God.
- Vicar Meagan McLaughlin
Sunday Readings
October 26, 2014: Reformation Sunday
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 46
Romans 3:19-28
John 8:31-36
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November 2, 2014: All Saints Sunday
Revelation 7:9-17
Psalm 34:1-10, 22
I John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12
Names of the Departed Saints Invited
As a part of our All Saints liturgy on Sunday, Nov. 2, members are invited to submit the names of loved ones close to them who have died in the past year, since last All Saints Sunday, who weren’t members of Mount Olive. (Members of the parish who have died are always named.) These other names submitted will be included in the prayers of intercession. There will be one more opportunity to write these names this Sunday, or you may simply contact the church office with the names. Please keep this to just those who have died this past year, so we can have a more manageable list.
Meals for the Roegges
While the birth of a child is always a time of joy and celebration, it is also a time of adjusting to new routines - and sometimes getting a meal on the table can be challenging. If you are so inclined to offer a welcome, dinner might be just the ticket.
Meals are most definitely welcomed by the Roegge family; thanks to those who have inquired about scheduling a delivery. There is no pre-determined schedule so it is suggested that contact be made directly with Brooke and Matt at 612-332-2856, to see what works best for them. When you agree on a date, please call Marilyn Gebauer at 612-306-8872 or contact her via email to gebauevm@bitstream.net so a calendar entry can be made for purposes of future planning.
The Roegge's are vegetarians but eat fish, eggs, cheese etc. (word has it that they aren't picky at all!) Matt and Brooke live in St Paul at 1604 Beechwood Ave.
Transitions Support Group
All are welcome to drop in and visit the Transitions Support Group to see if this is a place where you might find some solace and reassurance for 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.
Please note the following change in time and location for our next meeting. The next session meets on Saturday, November 22, 9:00 am at 3120 E. Minnehaha Parkway, Minneapolis and will be facilitated by Amy Cotter and Cathy Bosworth. If you have questions, please contact Cathy at 612-708-1144 or marcat8447@yahoo.com.
Meals for the Manuels Schedule Update
The calendar to date is filled through to December 5. If you can bring dinner on December 12 or on any Friday from that date on, please let Marilyn Gebauer know at gebauevm@bitstream.net or 612-306-8872.
Julie’s treatment will continue for at least the next several months. The family is very grateful for the support of prayers and meals during this difficult time.
Reformation Commemoration
On Thursday, October 30 (Reformation Day), one hundred singers from St. Olaf College will join the Cathedral Choir of the Basilica of St. Mary to lead a service based on the Lutheran Liturgy of Vespers. The combined choir will present a number of anthems which will be interspersed with hymns and psalms and meditations read by author and poet, Susan Palo Cherwien.
This service will take place at 7:30 pm at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, and it is free and open to the public.
Plan to join in this celebration of common faith in an amazing space.
Wedding Invitation
In gratitude for the community that is Mount Olive, we invite you to join us in celebrating the marriage of our daughter, Siri Rebecca Hellerman, and John Michael Guari, and for light refreshments in the Chapel Lounge, following the liturgy.
This Saturday, 25 October 2014, 2:00 pm.
- David and Diana Hellerman
Crafting Project with a Purpose
Strands of Hope is a beading project, done in community education. Each participant follows easy directions to create a necklace from a kit. Each contains everything you need to make a finished necklace to keep for yourself or give away as a heart to heart connection. The beauty of the project is that the necklace you make is meant to be given away. During the beading hour, your hands are working while your heart is connecting to the person to whom you will give the necklace. Some beaders have given it to a person in need of support while going through hard times of illness or grief. Sometimes a necklace is given in celebration! The person and the way you wish to give it away is up to you.
Mount Olive member Connie Marty, along with 2 friends, created this small business from an idea over breakfast seven years ago. The mission is to connect hearts and build hope, hence the name, Strands of Hope. Our faith gives us hope.
The time spent together beading with friends is social and community building. Connie will be available to assist as needed. Please visit her website at www.strandsofhope.com for more information or a look at the necklaces and colors.
You are invited to bring a friend, a neighbor, or relative. Each kit is on sale for only $14, cash or check, to be paid as you arrive. No credit cards. There will also be a basket
for donations should you wish to contribute to the fund for
extra necklaces to be presented to Mount Olive members who might need one in the future. You will then choose a kit. There are many color combinations to choose from. Connie will give instructions and be there to help us.
We will meet Friday, Nov. 21, 6:30 -8:30 pm in the East Assembly Room at church. Wine, soft drinks and a light snack will be provided. Bring a snack or treat to share.
Since Connie and her colleagues will close down this business at the end of the year, this might be the last chance to participate in a Strands of Hope event. Please RSVP or send questions to Julie Manuel at julie.a.manuel@gmail.com so that we can have enough kits and refreshments. We hope to see you there!
National Lutheran Choir All Saints Concerts: “The Souls of the Righteous”
This All Saints weekend, the National Lutheran Choir invites you to honor the saints in your life by gathering to reflect through song and prayer. Prior to our two concerts, guests are encouraged to add the name of a friend or family member that has passed away to the Book of Names (also available online at www.nlca.com). Candles will be lit in remembrance, and the Book of Names will be read aloud throughout the concerts. Artistic Director, David Cherwien, conducts.
Musical highlights include: Funeral Ikos by John Tavener, When David Heard by Thomas Weelkes, O Tod, wie bitter bist du (O Death, how bitter are you) by Max Reger, This is My Father’s World and Stars by Eriks Esenvalds, Angels Hovering Round by Kevin Siegfried, and The Souls of the Righteous by David Cherwien.
When & Where:
• Saturday, November 1, 2014 – 7pm
Normandale Lutheran Church (6100 Normandale Rd, Edina, MN 55436)
• Sunday, November 2, 2014 – 4pm
St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (900 Stillwater Rd, Mahtomedi, MN 55115)
Tickets: $25 Adult | $23 Senior | $10 Student | 17 & under – FREE. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit www.nlca.com or call 612-722-2301.
Gloves and Such
IT'S COMING!
Cold weather is on its way to Minnesota, and you can help keep precious hands and ears warm. Please bring new or gently used (and clean) hats, gloves, and scarves to the collection box outside the upstairs kitchen. There is also a great need for winter coats before it gets unbearably cold. The nearest Coats for Kids drop-off is at:
Salvation Army
1604 East Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-721-1513
If you like, you may bring coats to church and drop them off in the corner near the grocery cart for food donations. Thank you!
Neighborhood Participation Opportunity: Empty Bowls
Friday, November 7, 2014, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Powderhorn Park Building (3400 15th Avenue S)
Empty Bowls is a local project that gathers neighbors and community members to help end hunger. Come and choose a hand-made artisan bowl, fill it with homemade soup and bread, and share in a meal in recognition of those whose bowls are empty.
Proceeds from Empty Bowls go to support local food shelves. The suggested donation for regular bowl is $20, but any donation is accepted and appreciated.
For more information, visit the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association’s website at http://ppna.org/peb/
The Book of Esther: Bible Study on Thursday Evenings Starting November 6
The second Thursday Bible study series of this year begins on Thursday, October 6, and runs for six weeks in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00-7:30 pm. (Note that we will skip Thanksgiving.)
Vicar McLaughlin will lead a study on the Book of Esther. We will explore the historical context and many issues raised in this book, including justice, violence, power and privilege, the role of women, the presence of God, and what it means to be called “for such a time as this.”
As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin. If anyone wishes to provide the first meal, please let Vicar McLaughlin know. All are welcome to this study opportunity!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
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