As a tried and true Boy Scout, my father consistently spouted his 'nature-wisdoms' to his little kids as we traipsed around camping, fishing, hiking, and in all sorts of outdoor adventures. Among many, the saying that I find myself most commonly repeating now is, “you can always take it off, but you can’t put it on if you don’t have it.” You can take off that extra layer or gloves, but if you didn’t prepare to bring it along, tough luck. I remember the exact occasion while freezing in a fishing boat in Canada through the wind and rain when those words finally made sense. My dad did not hand me anything to wear, but he did remind me again of his words. Lesson learned. This theory can apply to most every life situation and has done me much good in being prepared for life’s twists and turns.
While reading the parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25, my father’s wisdom passes through my mind with a heavier consequence; you can always bring the oil home, but if you don’t bring it, your candle will go out, the door will be shut, and you will not be known! At some points in reading this story I question why the wise virgins did not give away some of their oil, although they are in the right for not also putting themselves at risk. What I do wish they had done is shared their wisdom and compassionately encouraged their sisters to be prepared – we do not know the day or the hour.
Often we do not even realize our foolishness until someone or some circumstance makes it blazingly clear. A parent, teacher, neighbor, or stranger can prompt us to question us about the ways our lives we are being ‘the wise’ or ‘the foolish’ one. And thank goodness for them! Are our eyes and ears open to what we can learn from one another and what opportunities we may have to teach?
As the body of Christ that finds forgiveness and healing and life through faith, how can we also reach out to others and kindly say, “Bring some extra oil. It might be a long night.”
- Anna Kingman
Sunday Readings
November 9, 2014: 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 32 A
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
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November 16, 2014: 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Lect. 33 A
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12
I Thessalonians 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
This Sunday’s Adult Forum: November 9:
“Introduction to the Gospel of Mark,” part 1 of a 3-part series presented by Pastor Crippen.
Strands of Hope Night
Make a Strands of Hope necklace at a gathering of friends on November 21, 6:30 - 8:30pm at church. We will have fun and fellowship as we create a beautiful necklace from a kit. No experience necessary. The instructor will be Connie Marty and she will have all the tools we need for this project.
The pendant is a continuous strand (mobius strip) that weaves two hearts together. Sometimes we are the small heart and need others to wrap their arms around us and give us hope, love and compassion. Sometimes we are the large heart who can do that for others. Each kit has one random bead that the maker places wherever they choose to represent the rocks in the road that each of us face in life. We don't know what tomorrow brings but as we share our hearts and live out our faith we can face the boulders on the journey. Cost for materials is $14. To see what a Strands of Hope Necklace looks like or to check out colors, please visit www.strandsofhope.com.
For more information or to sign up please contact Julie Manuel at: julie.a.manuel@gmail.com.
‘Tis (Almost) the Season – to Shop the Art Shoppe
Our mailboxes, newspapers, and online activities are full of gift ideas, so we are already thinking of things to put under the tree! How about something truly unique?
The Art Shoppe has the most unusual and diverse selection of gifts which will delight recipients, all made by local artists. Go to the Midtown Global Market and find the Art Shoppe. Look, buy, and support the artists!
The Art Shoppe is a local enterprise conceived by A Minnesota Without Poverty and supported by Mount Olive.
Book Discussion Group’s Upcoming Reads
For their meeting on November 8 the Book Discussion Group will read Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver, and for their meeting on December 13, they will read Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen.
The Book of Esther: Bible Study Begins This Week!
The second Thursday Bible study series of this year begins this Thursday, November 6, and runs for six weeks in the Chapel Lounge from 6:00-7:30 pm. (We will skip Thanksgiving).
Vicar McLaughlin will lead a study on the Book of Esther, exploring 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.
Thanksgiving Day Eucharist: Thursday, Nov. 27, 10:00 a.m.
Bring non-perishable food items to help re-stock local food shelves. Monetary donations are especially welcome (for every $1 donated, food shelf personnel are able to buy about $9 worth of food!)
The entire offering received at the Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day will be given to Sabbathani Community Center and Community Emergency Services.
Advent Procession Service
Sunday, November 30, 4:00 pm
As the year turns toward its darkest point, the Church also gathers in hope for the coming of the Light of the world.
In this Advent service of prayer and Word, song and incense, Mount Olive’s Cantorei lead worshippers into this season of preparation and anticipation. Come, and wait, and see.
Gloves and Such
IT'S COMING!
Cold weather is on its way to Minnesota, and you can help keep precious hands and ears and bodies 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 unbearable. The nearest Coats for Kids drop-off is at: Salvation Army, 1604 East Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55407 (612-721-1513) or any Kowalski's or Cub Food Store.
You may also 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. Gather some friends, family or neighbors and support this effort in our neighborhood! I'll be there myself around 4pm if you want a buddy. For more information, visit the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association’s website at
http://ppna.org/peb/
Can you go one step further and help make this event happen? There is a need for a set-up crew the evening before on Thursday Nov. 6, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm. If you're willing and available, please contact me at neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org or call 612-827-5919 for sign-up information.
- Anna Kingman
Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry
Bowing to the Holy: Reverent Worship and Justice in an Irreverent Age
Saturday, November 22, 2014
9:00am 4:30pm
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, St. Paul, MN
This one-day event is an ecumenical conference celebrating the organic connection between liturgical worship and communal justice organized by Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (St. Paul) and her three daughter churches: Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (Roseville), Pilgrim Lutheran (St. Paul), and Mount Olive Lutheran (Minneapolis).
The keynote speaker will be The Right Reverend Melissa Skelton, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster, British Columbia.
For full information and to download the brochure, visit http://www.redeemerstpaul.org/PDF/tfBowingtotheHoly.pdf.
Advent Luncheon for Seniors to be Held Wednesday, December 3
Attention Seniors! Be on the lookout for your invitation to the annual Advent Luncheon for Seniors. They will be in the mail soon!
2015 Pledge Cards
A letter and pledge card for 2015 was sent to Mount Olive members this week. The Stewardship Committee would like to have all pledge cards returned by November 30, either to the church office or placed in the designated box in the narthex.
As We Move Into the Holiday Season...
Not only are we preparing for the cold weather, but with it comes the holiday season. Usually joyful, festive, and meaningful time of year, for a struggling family or individual it can be uniquely difficult and stressful. The calls have already been coming in to the office about Thanksgiving meals and help with toys for children for Christmas. What are some we can respond, you ask?
• Give an offering to help fund the remainder of this year’s Diaper Depot and crisis budget - this is a beautiful and necessary way to directly help people with the burden of ongoing difficulty.
• Send a check, non-expired, non-perishable food or hygiene items to a local food shelf or bring them to our donation box in the coat room at church and they will get to the people who can use them best.
• Keep praying, not only for those who struggle, but also for those who are helping others through their hardship and gratitude for the generosity and compassion that is happening daily in our community.
• Be ready to help! Opportunities will be coming and we will be calling on YOU, so check in for ways to be active, engaged, and present in our community.
Home Care Holiday Kits for Our Saviour’s Housing
Many residents of Our Savior’s Shelter have moved into the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. These individuals have struggled with homelessness for years and are now finally settled into their very own apartment, which they are able to maintain with the support of Our Saviour's Housing Case Management. Holiday Home Care Baskets are a wonderful gift to help ease their budgets and maintain a beautiful and clean home of their own. Suggested items include:
-glass cleaner -toilet cleaner
-all-purpose cleaner -disinfectant wipes
-micro-fiber cloths -laundry soap
-sponges -fabric softener
-dish soap -bleach
-bathroom tissue -paper towels
You may also add additional personal and gift items such as socks, gift cards to Rainbow, Target, or Cub Foods, Metro Transit cards, personal hygiene items, candy, cookies, cocoa or snack mix, hats, gloves, slippers, etc. You can bring these items to church in a laundry basket or reusable shopping bag, or just bring them to church in a bag or a box and we will prepare baskets with items collected.
Our Saviour’s currently has 90 Residents in this program and would happily accept any number of baskets the people of Mount Olive are able to put together! In order to deliver the baskets to each resident in time for the holidays, we are asking that all baskets be delivered to Mount Olive by Sunday, December 14. You can leave them in the coat room.
Capital Campaign Update
As of November 3, 2014:
Total pledges and/or funds received: $89,000 (55% of campaign goal of $162,000)
Percent of households that have pledged to the Capital Campaign: 28%
The Capital Campaign appeals will end on December 31, so there's still plenty of time to pledge or donate. We would like to have all pledges in by the end of the year, although you may continue to pay on your pledge as long as you need.
Remember that the purpose of this campaign is two-fold:
• to fully fund our reserve/designated accounts and sequester them from the general operating budget;
• to establish a cash reserve that can help us weather the peaks and valleys of income throughout the year and negate the need to dip into an expensive line of credit to cover operating expenses.
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