The Olive Branch, 10/8/14

Accent on Worship

 A few Sundays ago I stood along with many of you, hymnal in hand, the organ leading us, as fervent voices lifted up in energetic praise a song of worship. I could sense, feel, and share in that almost touchable offering that was flowing through the pews and up into the sky. It was that Sunday that I decided that yes, indeed, this is a place I could work with and worship with.

The following weeks meant more interviews and a job offer from Mount Olive to begin as the Coordinator of Neighbor-hood Outreach and Ministry. Through the hard work of the Visioning committee and interview team, they had created a vivid and inspiring picture of the possibilities and hopes for what can be done through this position.  I was encouraged along the way to hear that there is a deep-seated history of pursuing social justice issues and service, and that the people that make up this place are ready and willing to continue that work.

     As I step into this role and learn from its past and present, I am both impressed and fortified that there is still much, so much, to be done. Through deep listening, open conversa-tions, and active involvement, my role will be to see and guide the efforts of this congregation to fully participate and BE a part of the neighborhood and its people’s lives so that we may all experience God’s presence and blessing.

     I am reminded of the verses that sustained me through my 2 years in a tiny mountain town in Peru as I served in the Peace Corps: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strength-en you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!”

     Let us dare to hope and dream and love with the know-ledge that it is God who is at work ahead of us, beside us, and within us.

- Anna Kingman



Sunday Readings

October 12, 2014: 18th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 28A)
Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
______________________

October 19, 2014: 19th Sunday after Pentecost (Lect. 29A)
Isaiah 45:1-7
Psalm 96:1-9 [10-13]
I Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 22:15-22



Sunday’s Adult Forum: October 12

 "Music for Occasional Services," presented by Cantor David Cherwien.    

     Marriage and funeral rites take place within the context of a liturgy of communal worship. How does this fact shape the selection of hymns, anthems, solos, and other music for these liturgies?



2015 Budget Preview Meeting

     The Vestry's proposed 2015 budget will ask us to stretch ourselves to invest in and support our rostered staff, improve our building, and increase our commitment to live as Christ's followers in the world.

     A copy of the proposed budget is attached/included with this newsletter.

     Come learn more at the budget preview after second liturgy this coming Sunday, October 12, beginning at approximately 12:30, and then attend the semi-annual congregational meeting on October 19 at Noon.


Congregation Meeting

     The semi-annual meeting of the Mount Olive congregation will be held on Sunday, October 19, after second liturgy.  Items for discussion include:

• the 2015 budget (needs congregational vote and approval)
• updates from the Visioning Committee
• a preview of on-going Stewardship work
• news from the current Capital Campaign to replenish our designated accounts and cash reserves.



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.



Installation of Anna Kingman October 12

Note the schedule change for the day:

8:00 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:30 a.m. Education Hour
10:45 a.m.  Eucharist and Installation
12:00 p.m., after liturgy: refreshments and fellowship with Anna Kingman
12:30 p.m. or so, 2015 Budget Preview Forum

     This Sunday, October 12, we will install our new Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry, Anna Kingman.    

     Anna’s been working with us since Sept. 23.  Her hiring is the beginning of a new time in the life of Mount Olive congregation.  She will continue to do many of the things Donna Neste was doing, but in addition, her new job description includes a deep involvement in the life and work of this congregation.  We asked her to join us as a member, which she did last Sunday, Oct. 5.  She will work with us to help us better understand our mission and ministry in this neighborhood and in our neighborhoods.  She will dream with us and help us not only to hear God’s call but also help us to put hands and feet to what we hear.  We’ve asked her among us to help us get to work!

     When the pastor and cantor of this congregation are installed, a special worship schedule for the day is used, and in light of the importance of this new position and what we hope for Anna to do in leadership among us, we will celebrate her installation the same way.  This Sunday, Oct. 12, we’ll have Morning Prayer at 8:00 a.m., regular Education Hour at 9:30 a.m., and then Eucharist and Installation at 10:45 a.m.  This way the whole congregation can gather at once in God’s grace and presence as we commit to our work together with Anna.

     A couple other notable things related to these days: This Sunday, Oct. 12, there is a time of fellowship and refreshments with Anna after second liturgy. Following that, there will be a forum introducing the 2015 budget.  This is in preparation for the October Semi-Annual Meeting of the Congregation, set for Sunday, Oct. 19, after second liturgy (see page 2 for more information).
Lastly, Anna will lead the Adult Forum on Oct. 19, to introduce herself and the ministry she’s beginning with us.


First Music & Fine Arts Event of the Season to be Held This Sunday

     On Sunday, October 12, at 4:00 pm, Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts is pleased to present a recital by organist Aaron David Miller. He will play works of Bach, Sweelinck, Gigout, and improvisation.    
     Aaron is Music Director and Organist at House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. He is known as one of the finest organ improvisers in the country, having won several international awards and given concerts across the nation. The improvisation for this concert will be an on-the-spot creation, using themes gathered from the audience! Don’t miss it!

     A reception will follow.



Brain Power Needs Treat Power!

     Please help us in providing our tutoring program kids with some re-fueling treats through-out the school year!

     We are looking for a snack and beverage for each Tuesday after the tutoring program to send kids home smart and happy.

     There are sign-up sheets downstairs by the Community Events bulletin board, or you may contact Anna Kingman, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry at 612-827-5910, or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. (Email is the best and fastest way to reach me!)
     We are also in need of more substitute tutors to be on-call for the year. We hope to serve many kids and want each one to get the attention they need.

     Let me know if you are interested.

- Anna Kingman



Support Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts!

     Members of the Music & Fine Arts Committee will be on hand between the liturgies this Sunday, October 12, to receive your donations to support this year’s series!

     2014-2015 brochures were sent electronically with last week’s Olive Branch. If you would like a hard copy of the brochure mailing, you may either pick one up at church or contact the church office and we will be happy to mail one to you.


Names of the Departed Saints Invited

     As a part of our All Saints liturgy on 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 an opportunity to write these names this Sunday and in the remaining weeks of October, or simply contact the church office.  Please keep this to just those who have died this past year, so we can have a more manageable list.



Mount Olive Directory Photos Fall 2014 Schedule

     If you did not get your personal, couple or family photos taken last fall there will be a time to get your photos taken in October and included in the updated directory.

     We invite folks who have been worshiping regularly but are not members at Mount Olive to also have their photo(s) taken to include in the directory so that others can put names and faces together.
     Below are listed the time slots available to have your photos taken. Select the day and approximate time(s) that work best for you and call or email the church office to sign up (612-827-5919/welcome@mountolivechurch.org).

     You will be contacted the week before the sessions with a specific time for your photo session. Photos will be taken in the lower level of the education building.

• Wednesday, October 8 - 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Thursday, October 9 - 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday, October 11 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday, October 12 - 12:30 to 1:30 PM following the liturgy

     Once you have signed up for a date and approximate times that work for you, we will combine all of the requests and set up a schedule to take all those requesting that specific day.  If you have further questions please contact Paul Nixdorf (photographer) by phone at 612-296-0055, or by email to pn@paulnixdorf.com.


Welcome to Matt and Brooke Roegge's new baby girl!

     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.

     Matt & Brooke are vegetarians, but they eat fish, eggs, cheese, etc. (word has it that they aren't picky at all!)  If you’d like to provide a meal, you can call or email Marilyn Gebauer at 612-306-8872, or gebauevm@bitstream.net to schedule a date.  The Roegges live in St Paul at 1604 Beechwood Ave.



 “Bowing to the Holy”

     Mount Olive is partnering with The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection ,  Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, and Pilgrim Lutheran Churches in St. Paul to present a one day worship conference on Saturday, November 22, at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

     Information on the conference, “Bowing to the Holy,” is available at church. If you would like a brochure to be mailed to you, just call the church office.


Meals for the Manuels to be Continued 

     Thanks to all who have generously signed up to bring Friday dinners to the Manuel family.  The calendar to date is filled through to November 7, with the exception of Friday, October 31.  If you can bring dinner on that date (Halloween) or on any Friday from November 14 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.



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.



Chosen: Bible Study on Thursday Evenings  

     Meeting in the Chapel Lounge on Thursday evenings through October 23 (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.), Pr. Crippen is leading a study titled “Chosen.”  This is an exploration of the biblical witness to Abraham and Sarah and their family, with a focus on what the Bible means by "chosen people,” and how that continues in the present both as our calling and also a challenge in a pluralistic, often violent world.  

     As usual, there will be a light supper when we begin.  All are welcome to this study opportunity!



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.  Saturday, 25 October 2014, 2:00 pm.

- David and Diana Hellerman


Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads

     For their meeting on October 11, the Book Discussion group will read The Reluctant Fundamentalist, by Mohsin Hamid. For the meeting on November 8 they will read Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver.

     The Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the West Assembly area at church. All readers are welcome!