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Sunday, September 27, 2015

Another Companion

For prayer to be what God intends, we need to see it as how we live in relationship with the Triune God who loves us and saves us.

Pr. Joseph G. Crippen
   Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 26, year B
   texts:  Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Mark 9:38-50; James 5:13-20

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

Tell me what you look for in a close relationship with another person, and I’ll tell you what prayer could be for you.

We’re needlessly confused about prayer. If Scripture tells us anything about the Triune God it’s that God desires a true, abiding relationship with us.

Yet we stumble at the very place of connection in that relationship, what we call prayer. We reduce it to a question of access to a divine vending machine, instead of rejoicing in the astonishing gift God offers.

Words like James’ today sometimes get us off track, the invitation to pray for the sick, the claim that “the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” From there we’re off to a conversation about whether prayer “works,” or claims about how God answers prayer. Once again we miss the point.

James doesn’t intend that direction. And from what we see in the two other readings, there is clearly a deeper wisdom about prayer we need to learn. It’s all about our relationship with God.

Now, there are at least three important things we want in a close relationship.

We want intimacy with the other person, a closeness of love and care. Intimacy has different shapes and levels, depending on the relationship. Without it, the relationship isn’t close.

We want better knowledge of the other, his point of view, her hopes and dreams, his moods, her wisdom. We want to learn about the other, and the other wants to learn about us, to understand each other better.

We want awareness of our actions and how they affect the relationship. To pay attention to what we do, whether it’s helpful or hurtful, and adjust. Sometimes we seek forgiveness, sometimes we forgive, to continue the relationship. Sometimes we change our behavior.

What we don’t see in our relationships is our usual view of prayer.

Talk of prayer devolves into questions of whether God hears or answers. We’re wise enough not to expect we’ll get everything we ask for. But listen to that sentence. We’d never say that about any good relationship. With how many close friends do you wonder, “Do I always get what I ask for?” Who’d want a friend whose only conversation was asking for things?

So why would God want that? As long as we treat prayer in terms of asking and answering, we miss everything God wants to be with us.

Moses and John today have actual relationship with God. All the elements we desire in close relationship are here. Were we to grasp this we could put two things on the shelf, never to take them up again. We could set aside forever the worthless question, “Does prayer work?” That’s a question we’d loathe in human relationships, we’d never ask it. Alongside it we could put the pat statement, “God always answers prayer, but not always as we want.” That always pushes us back into a mechanical, “what’s in it for me” view of prayer that hinders the true gift of relationship God offers.

So let’s look at Moses and John.

Moses is breathtaking today.

He didn’t want this job, tried to get out of it. Now, into the second year of the journey since Exodus, the people are a huge burden. Hungry, they complained and were fed by manna, heavenly food, given daily. A year into eating that, they long for meat, and complain again.

God’s furious, but it seems directed at Moses, not the people. Because Moses launches into this amazing rant: “why are you treating me so badly? Are these my people? How am I supposed to feed them? I can’t do this job anymore. Kill me if you think I’m bad at this, it would be a blessing.” It’s brilliant.

Look at this true relationship. This isn’t a prayer by Moses, asking for something from God. This is ongoing life together, God and Moses speaking to each other, being changed.

John also freely speaks his mind.

He’s concerned. He saw someone unknown to the disciples casting out demons in Jesus’ name. John said they tried to stop him, since they thought he was unauthorized.

John didn’t expect Jesus’ answer, though. First, Jesus says, if he’s doing powerful things in my name, he’s not likely to speak against me. (He could have added, the power to drive out demons comes from God so why are you concerned?) But second, he says, I’m more worried about the little ones, those following this person. You want a showdown with him, but you forget there are people following him, who perhaps believe in me through him, who could stumble. He also might be weaker in faith, did you consider that?

This is also a true relationship. John and Jesus are talking, learning about each other, being changed.

Those three elements of relationship are all here.

God initiates the conversation with Moses, interestingly. Prayer that starts with God. And Moses reveals a deep intimacy in his outburst. Only someone who trusts completely would be that open and honest about his pain and frustration. Learning happens, too. God listens to the rant, learns Moses is nearing the end of his rope, and says, so to speak, “that’s actually a good point”. God decides to fill 70 people with the Spirit to help Moses. There’s the third element. God’s the one, remarkably, whose action changes. Moses doesn’t have to apologize or even ask; God adjusts, does something different.

With John, Jesus learns he’s anxious to protect him, to make an us vs. them line he can defend. John learns Jesus has a completely different interest. Their intimacy increases with this knowledge, they get to know each other’s mind and heart better. But John’s challenged to change his action, not Jesus.

Jesus makes it clear to John one of his highest priorities is that we don’t block others from coming to him, and so to God. Whatever we do, we need to get rid of anything that might cause us or others to stumble, especially those most vulnerable to doubt. This isn’t quite “get behind me, Satan,” but John’s getting a strong sense doesn’t yet understand his Master.

Moses and John model for us true prayer: a relationship with the Triune God based on honesty, give and take of conversation, listening and speaking.

This is what we need for our journey of faith.

We’ve heard Jesus call us to his challenging path, to give up things, even our lives, and so find life. We’ve recognized the gift of each other on the path: because God’s Spirit flows in us, we are God’s grace and presence to each other on this journey.

But Moses and John remind us we’re also actually walking with God, and should take advantage of that. They invite us to a deeper awareness of our direct connection with the true God.

How different our journey would be if we were more aware every day of our constant companion on the path, our God who loves us. If we learned prayer as a way of getting to know God’s mind and heart better and God ours, a way of deepening intimacy and love with God, a way of considering our steps on the path, our behavior, and adjusting as needed.

This is the relationship we’ve longed for.

Thanks be to God, this is also the relationship God wants.

The Son of God taking on our own bodies meant we could envision a true relationship with God, one that could deepen and grow. It also was a sign of God’s abiding desire to be closer to us. The risk of death at our hands wasn’t enough to keep the Triune God from taking this step to make it possible for us to be in relationship. Relationship where we and God are changed, where we find grace in our companionship on the road.

There’s nothing more we needed for life and hope as we go together. We get to walk with God! Now the journey truly becomes life for us.

In the name of Jesus.  Amen


Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Olive Branch, 9/23/15

Accent on Worship

Needed Repairs

     Our building is starting to look renewed. Mortar is filled in on the major peaks on the back of the chancel, the worn-out wall along the alley is get-ting filled in. The sign looked like it was hit by a truck for a week, but all the bricks are in, the mortar is set. Once the workers do an acid wash of the brick, we won’t see the difference between old and new mortar. Turning the corner into fall, this is good.

     A brick building is deceiving in its solidity. Brick houses, brick churches look strong, unassailable. What we didn’t see was water gradually wearing down mortar and joints in places only the birds sat. We didn’t see a tiny bit of water eroding away a structure that looks solid and forever. But the drone that flew over our roof lines saw the truth, and helped us understand our need to fix this grand old  structure.

     Is this like us? Outwardly we might also project that we’re fine, doing great, while hiding our struggles, keeping them to ourselves. Our spiritual practices might be eroding, we may be overwhelmed by what life brings to us, yet to others we act as if we’re put together. The psalmist this week even suggests we might not know ourselves well enough to know where the cracks are, the openings for water, the broken bricks. “Who can detect one’s own offenses?” we’ll sing on Sunday.

     Our Christian community in this place gives us a chance to see the truth about our brokenness together and, as with our building, find a way to healing and restoration. It’s sometimes frightening, but when we learn to trust one another to see each other truly and honestly, we’ll learn to find wholeness together in Christ.
     The building needed to be secured before the arrival of winter. Our life together is a way we can all be better prepared to handle the cold and bitterness that life sometimes brings. For my part, I’m grateful for your eyes to see and ears to hear as you help me in my journey. God give us all the grace to be and receive such eyesight and insight.

- Joseph



Sunday Readings

September 27, 2015: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 26B
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
______________

October 4, 2015: Feast of St. Francis of Assisi; 19th Sunday after Pentecost, 27B
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16



Now is the Moment to Respond

     Your Missions Committee had decided at its last meeting to wait until we heard from our Synod how our church would respond to the refugee crisis before we asked for your special gifts. We heard this week--and now it is our turn to respond and meet the challenge.

     "In response to the refugee crisis in Europe, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Brooklyn Park, has committed to match all gifts from Minneapolis Area Synod congregations, up to $50,000 for Lutheran Disaster Response.  Senior pastor Chad Brekke said, "our members watched vulnerable families risk lives and livelihoods to leave war zones and they asked ‘what can we do?’ And then they asked, ‘Who can be in this with us?’"

     The answer: You can!  Lutheran Disaster Response states that LDR "is committed to meeting basic humanitarian needs and upholding the rights of those fleeing war and crisis. We are working with our companion churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary, the Slovak Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg Confession in Serbia, and The Lutheran World Federation to provide food, diapers, blankets, water, health kits, hygiene kits, and psycho-social services to assist those who have fled their homes."

     So Mount Olive members and friends--let's have our gifts doubled! The Missions Committee will contribute from its general fund, not taking away money from another other ministry. Your contributions, clearly marked Refugee Relief, will be added to the Committee's contribution and sent along to the Synod as soon as possible to join with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.  Please make your checks payable to Mount Olive, and be sure they are clearly designated for “Refugee Relief."

     Together we can help many.



Updated Photos

     If you need an updated photo for the church’s online pictorial directory, please contact the church office or Paul Nixdorf (pn@paulnixdorf.com or 612-296-0055). We plan to update the online directory in November after new members are received, so it’s a great opportunity to update your photo if needed.



Dust Off Your Name tags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your name tag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your name tag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alternative to the original pin style.



Thursday Bible Study Continues

     Thursday evening Bible Study continues through October 29. The evening starts with a light supper at 6:00 pm, followed by Bible Study. This session, titled “The Last Enemy,” is led by Pr. Crippen.  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.



Tending the Family of God
     People who know me know that I am in church every Sunday. A couple of months ago I was sick on a Sunday, so I wasn’t in church. That afternoon a member of our congrega-tion called to let me know that she had missed me in church and to ask if everything was all right. That was kind, gracious, compassionate – and easy! All of us can do that.

- Warren Peterson



New Member Welcome

     Mount Olive will welcome new members and associate members on Sunday, November 15, during the second liturgy.   If you are interested in becoming a member or associate member, please contact the office via e-mail to welcome@mountolivechurch.org or by phone, 612-827-5919. You may also contact Pastor Crippen at church, or Andrew Andersen (763-607-1689).

     A welcome brunch will follow the liturgy for new members and for all who would like to be part of the welcome festivities.



LSS 150th Anniversary Hymn Festival 

     Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is 150 years old and is celebrating their anniversary with a hymn festival! Everyone is invited to join them for this event with the National Lutheran Choir. The concert will include the premiere of “How Beautiful, O God, How Good,” a hymn commissioned especially for this occasion.

     This celebration will be held this Saturday, September 26, beginning at 3:00 pm at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. This event is open to everyone and admission and parking are both free!



Tutoring Program Update

     Due to quite a few circumstances all at once, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee and I are choosing to postpone the tutoring program for the time being and will make a decision by October 3 at the next Neighborhood Ministries Committee meeting on how and whether to move forward with the program for this school year.  We lost 3/4 our tutors from last year for a variety of reasons, and have an upcoming remodel downstairs.  So we're going to just take a moment and collect ourselves. There is consideration for the needs of the community and the valuable relationships that we're building through this ministry, but we must also consider the nearby resources already available to this group and whether it is the right program at this moment for the time and talents of the members of this church. Though we haven't made any final decisions yet, we are looking into the opportunities to transform or adjust our program to best fit the personality of the neighborhood as well as the character and passions of this congregation.

     A letter is being sent to previous participants and their families to explain the delay in starting as well as to invite them to participate in other Mount Olive activities such as the Children's Choir and Youth group events. If you are interested in continuing this program and are able to become a tutor please contact me at 612-827-5910 or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. Also, if you have any motivations for helping create and shape this program in what it can become for the future please let me know!

- Anna Kingman



Restoration 2015 Updates

     Follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information on the project:  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com/.

     There is also a link to the blog on the front page of the church website www.mountolivechurch.org.



TRUST’s Annual Auction

     TRUST's annual fundraising auction will be held on Friday, October 9, beginning at 6:00 pm at St. Joan of Arc Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis.

     All are invited to come and be entertained, eat great food, and bid for great stuff!
     Tickets are $20/each in advance or with reservation; $15 for seniors 65+/youth; and free for kids under age 10. Tickets  will be available at the door for $25 each.

     For reservations call 612-827-6159 or send contact TRUST via e-mail to trustinc@visi.com .



Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the   October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.



Adult Forum

     Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.

September 27: "Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life," led by Nancy Koester - Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.



What are your Top Three Favorite Hymns?

     I will be conducting a survey in the coming weeks, to find out what your top three hymns are.  My hunch is that for many of you this may be difficult - to narrow it down to so few, that is!   I did this in past parishes, and learned a lot about who they were in doing so.  I suspect that will again be the case, although I also suspect the lists will look quite different from than those I've seen before.

     When you get a chance, begin thinking and thumbing through the hymnal; try to narrow it down.  We will NOT ask you to include Christmas carols and hymns, as that is too easy to guess.  (or..?!?...)

     The results might be helpful in a number of ways, but mostly will be informational for me as your Cantor.

- Cantor Cherwien



Neighborhood Garage Sale Report

     Our parking lot was crowded last Saturday, but not with cars - with people! Mount Olive hosted another Open Space Neighborhood Garage Sale and it was great! Perfect weather! Clothes, toys, whatever a garage sale needed was there for sale. Many thanks to all who made it possible. Thanks to the 18 vendors, the countless volunteers, the helpers of the Community Meal, and to all those who provided physical, mental, and emotional support for this event. About 350 people came to shop! It has been a wonderful season of using our Open Space to be a benefit and blessing to our neighbors.    
     What about next year? The Neighborhood Ministries Committee and Open Space team look forward to hearing your ideas about how our parking lot is a place we can be in the presence of God and be the presence of God.

- Carol Austerman, Director of Neighborhood Ministries



Sunday, September 20, 2015

Breaking Silence

We cannot understand what the path of Christ, our path, means for us unless we break our silence of voice and ear and talk with God and each other and together, learn.

Pr. Joseph G. Crippen
   Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 25, year B
   texts:  Mark 9:30-37; James 3:13 – 4:8a (restoring 4-6 to the assigned reading)

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

We understand why the disciples are silent today.

After what happened to Peter last week, it would take great courage for anyone else to speak up. Seeing a brother be told, “Get behind me, Satan,” puts a damper on one’s need to speak.

But their silence is a profound problem. A week or so earlier, according to Mark, Jesus told them that his path, and theirs if they follow him, is a path where one dies in order to live. We heard last Sunday how Peter’s struggle with that turned out. Today, Jesus tells them that his path, and theirs if they follow him, is a path where one is last in order to be first.

No one said anything this time. “They didn’t understand what he was saying,” Mark says. But “they were afraid to ask him.”

Worse, when they continued walking together on the road, they didn’t even talk to each other about their confusion, which would have been natural. They got into a discussion about which of them was most important in Jesus’ entourage, which was the greatest. When Jesus asked, “what were you guys talking about on the road?”, once again they were silent.

We can explain their silence. It would be better if we recognized our own unhelpful silence in theirs, and decided to do something about it.

This path of Jesus is both familiar and something we struggle to embrace.

It may have been a new shift in Jesus’ teaching for these disciples. But we’ve read these words for years, heard them in worship as long as we can remember. We sing countless hymns that refer to them; “cross to bear” from last week is a common expression even among those who aren’t Christian.

But we’re often as confused as those who heard it for the first time on that Galilean road. We don’t know what it means to lose our lives so we can find them. We misunderstand “bearing the cross” as all suffering that happens in our lives, from disease to evil to accident, instead of suffering we receive because we choose to follow Jesus on his path. We don’t know what it means for the last to be first, though we’ve heard it often enough, and we’re not sure we want to try being last all the time. What if we remain last, and are taken advantage of?

And the whole “servant of all” thing. Again, it’s familiar. But what that actually means for our everyday lives and decisions is so uncomfortable to consider we often set it aside rather than struggle with the implications.

In this tension we theologize and abstract Jesus’ words until they don’t challenge us personally.

Listen when Christians talk about these words. Hear how quickly we make a high-level discussion of servanthood, or a theoretical question of denial of oneself that never really asks the speakers, what denial are you avoiding?

Hear how quickly we speak of others who are self-righteous, who lord it over people, how often we talk about great societal woes and pains that surely Jesus’ words are meant to address. These words can certainly lead to a conversation about a racist culture or the terrible refugee crisis, or any other huge problems. But it’s interesting how that is often the exclusive content of our conversations, not our hesitance to see what Jesus means for our daily lives. 

Our reluctance to ask, “what would happen if my mood, my attitude, my needs weren’t what drove my actions and decisions, but the mood, attitude, and needs of others were my priority? If I were the one to adjust to others, rather than expecting others to adjust to me? What would happen if I got up first to be the helper? If my needs didn’t always have to be considered? If I yielded? If I didn’t always try to be the one who wins?”

It’s so easy to see other peoples’ blind spots and struggles to follow Jesus, to see society’s ills and failures to grasp these simple truths, to make it a question about theology and not a question of how we actually will live. Talking about those things helps us avoid facing our own fear of Jesus’ words.
That’s the silence that’s eroding our discipleship.

But . . .  what if we set aside our fear and asked our Lord, “what do you mean, and what does that mean for me?”

What if we ask Christ Jesus to explain, help us understand? He is the living Word of the Triune God, speaking through the Holy Spirit into this world. We could ask what we’re wondering.

We could pray about this. Lay before God our fears and worries about what might happen if we saw ourselves as lowest and last. Ask for wisdom in specific situations every day when we struggle to serve others.

We could read the Bible. Listen for help and guidance on our path of faith, for understanding about the challenges we have in learning how losing ourselves is actually finding ourselves. For clarity and courage about the ways we might die for others every day. These aren’t easy things to learn. God’s given us guidance in these words. Maybe we could look for that.

James says today, “you do not have because you do not ask.” What if we finally asked? Broke our silence? We could break the silence of our ears, too, and listen. James could have added, “You do not hear because you do not listen.” Both silences need to end.

What if we broke our silence with each other, changing the topic of our conversations on the road?

Instead of arguments over things that distract us from our purpose, fights over who’s right and wrong, conversations about ideas that never enter our hearts and change our direction, we could talk about this confusing, frightening path of Jesus.

We could ask people alongside us, “how do you understand this?” “What’s hard for you when you try to lose, try to serve, try to die to yourself?” “What do you do to set aside fear when you’re too afraid to step forward?”

Our silence with each other comes from fear of being exposed as a poor disciple. But if we opened our mouths and ears to each other we could learn how to be better disciples. As long as we need to pretend we’ve got it together, we’re going to stay confused.

Listen, Jesus put us together for a reason. We need each other as faith companions on our road. We need to learn from each other, help each other, encourage each other. Once we talk about this together, we’ll find tremendous wisdom in the people around us. There are folks walking with us who can help us see the next steps ahead on Jesus’ path.

And here’s the grace we find when we break our silence with God and each other: God’s wisdom begins to sink in.

God’s gift in Christ is the wisdom we need to understand and walk this path of Christ. When we draw near to God to speak and listen, James says we find God drawing near to us, and pouring out wisdom that, according to James, is “peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits.” 

This is God’s answer when we speak, and James’ answer, and the answer of all whom we trust to speak to on the road: the wisdom we need to walk the path of servanthood, the path where we lose to win, where we die to live, where we yield to others, are peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, this wisdom is God’s gift to us. We don’t need to make it happen in ourselves.

It’s time we broke our silence and started to find this grace.

James says God “yearns” for the spirit God has made to live in us. God’s been waiting and waiting for us to speak, to ask. Waiting for us to hear and listen. We might not realize it, but others have waited, too; when we start talking on the road we’ll find that’s also true.

This path Jesus takes, the one we’ll take if we choose to follow him, looks confusing and hard. What we will learn when we open our mouths and ears is what those who have already walked ahead of us on this road have been telling us for centuries: this is the only path of life. From the very first step, when we are open to God’s wisdom that to the world seems upside down, we find abundant life and God’s grace everywhere we look on the road.

So maybe it’s time we started to learn really what lies ahead.

In the name of Jesus.  Amen 

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

The Olive Branch, 9/16/15

Accent on Worship

Ordinarily, we sing…

     This past Sunday we began our use of ELW’s setting 1.  (pages 94-115).   During “Ordinary Time” that doesn’t mean too much, for now just the Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy) and Agnus Dei (Lamb of God).   Over the course of the next calendar year, we will add more canticles from it as they become seasonally appro-priate.

     I have four categories for the things we sing in each Sunday Eucharist – in order of how often songs are repeated.  There is a practical nature to this – folks tend to like to sing what they know.  In addition, the percentage of those who can read music (different for each community, to be sure) has an effect on how heavily we lean on this system.        

1. Ordinary.  These are the songs of the liturgy, and the idea is that we sing them every week – to the extent that we know them from memory.  That which gets chosen needs to be a long term decision – for weeks at a time at Mount Olive.  For some communities, perhaps years!  Ideally, they become the best remembered songs, and we can teach them to the children with some confidence and hope that when they grow up, the church will still be singing them.  They are Kyrie, Hymn of Praise (either Glory to God, or This is the Feast), the Alleluia, Great Thanksgiving, Lamb of God, and Now, Lord.    ELW has 10 settings of the ordinary.  It is NOT the intention that every community learn all 10 – but that the most appropriate settings for them are learned and relied upon.

2. Hymns.  These change every week, chosen to reflect and support the Word of God in the lessons appointed to the day.  But here an effort is made to balance known with unknown, another balance that looks different from community to community.  This is a repertoire that is built, nurtured, and also feeds an important memory bank over a long haul.

3.  Psalms.  These represent the oldest of songs sung by the people of God.  While we don’t have the original melodies, we create them each week for these most ancient of prayers.  Be-cause they change every week (as appointed) the choir tends to have a larger involvement.  For now, it seems important for the entire assembly to sing the verses, getting these texts into their souls and mouths.  The choir can also sing a more involved antiphon (which I usually also compose for them.  That’s what Cantors do.)

4.  Propers and anthems, which change week to week and are specific to the lessons.  This sub-set is left for the choir, since they get to rehearse.

     Because Mount Olive has a higher percentage of music readers, the quotient of familiar to new is a bit different.  For you note readers, you are called to be helpers to those who aren’t, through strong singing.  You can trust that what the music says, that is what we will sing (unless I make a mistake – which has been known to happen).

     So until Advent 1 – the songs we ordinarily will sing will be the Great Thanksgiving and Lamb of God from ELW setting 1.  Come Epiphany, we will add the Glory to God.  Come Easter, we will add the Kyrie and This is the Feast.

     Find that which makes these melodies tick, and run with it!  What do the words say?  Where are the high notes?  Which parts are sung energetically and which more inwardly?   Then meaningfully sing them that way!

     For you non-music readers – let us carry you until you feel these, and remember – we will “ordinarily” be singing these songs now.  You’ll have more chances.

- Cantor Cherwien 



Sunday Readings

September 20, 2015: 17th Sunday after Pentecost, 25B
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 54
James 3:1-3—4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37
______________

September 27, 2015: 18th Sunday after Pentecost, 26B
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20



Dust Off Your Nametags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your nametag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your nametag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alternative to the original pin style.



Thursday Bible Study Begins Tomorrow!

     The Thursday evening Bible Study returns this fall on Thursday, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm, for a six-week study titled “The Last Enemy,” led by Pr. Crippen.  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

     As always, we will begin each session with a light supper beginning at 6 pm.      



Restoration 2015 Continues

     If you have been to the church since August 31, you know the work to restore our beautiful church is well underway! Water leaks were beginning to threaten the safety of the structure.

     Workers are busy every day on the masonry, roof, and, soon, the stained glass windows to make the building safe and healthy again before the onset of winter.

     Follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information on the project:  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com/.  There is a link to the blog on the front page of the church website www.mountolivechurch.org.

     On August 30 the congregation in a special meeting authorized the Vestry to borrow up to $275,000 to pay for this restoration.

     We aren’t intending a full-fledged capital appeal in connection with this work. There are numerous other projects for improving our facilities just now in the early stages of planning. As these plans come together, there will certainly be such an appeal. While that planning continues, we will carry a small debt.

     Many have stated they would like to give toward the restoration project going on, so less money has to be borrowed. Several members have already done so. This is the kind of spirit that is typical of Mount Olive.

     These gifts are important. Every dollar given now is a dollar we won’t need to borrow.
A dedicated fund entitled “Restoration 2015” has been established. If you would like to contribute, please make your donation payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and clearly note its purpose as “Restoration 2015.” Send or bring it to the church office or place it in the offering plate any Sunday morning.



MFA First Event of the New Season 
Sunday, September 20, 4 pm

    The Charles Lazarus Quartet will kick off the new season of Music & Fine Arts events with “lovejoy,” feel-good love songs with a groovy twist. Come and invite your friends to hear this sneak peek of Lazarus’ soon-to-be-released CD, lovejoy, a captivating mix of originals and re-imagined classics.  This event is free and open to the public.

     A reception follows the concert in the Chapel Lounge.



Music and Fine Arts Series 2015-2016

Support Mount Olive Music & Fine Arts!

     Members of the Music and Fine Arts Committee will be in the narthex soliciting your support for one more Sunday, this week, September 20.

     These events are offered as a gift to the community free of charge, as a result of your support.



Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the   October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.



Adult Forum

     Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.

September 20: "Sabbatical Reflections," led by Pastor Joseph Crippen - From the day after Easter 2015 until July 20, Mount Olive Pastor Joseph Crippen was on a sabbatical leave granted by the Vestry. Pastor Crippen will share some of his adventures during, and impressions from, his time of study and rest.

September 27: "Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life," led by Nancy Koester - Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.



S. Minneapolis Coalition for Grief Support Fall Series

Our Lady of Peace Church
5426 12th Avenue South, Minneapolis 55417
Phone:  612-824-2111

6:15 - 8:00 pm                    
Thursdays, September 24 - December 3                      

For more information, please call Norine Larson at 952-925-2437 or TRUST at 612-827-6159.




Feast of St. Francis
Sunday, October 4
1:30 pm
Blessing of Animals
Bring your pets to this annual service of blessing!


Sign Up, Sign Up for Coffee!

As you may have noticed on the coffee hour sign-up sheet in the East Assembly Room, coffee hour is seriously in need of hosts in the coming weeks! If you haven’t taken a turn recently (or at all?), now is the time to sign up! If you have questions about this opportunity, please call Carla Manuel, 612-521-3952.



News From the Neighborhood                           
Anna Kingman                

Tutoring Program Update

     Due to quite a few circumstances all at once, the Neighborhood Ministries Committee and I are choosing to postpone the tutoring program for the time being and will make a decision by October 3 at the next Neighborhood Ministries Committee meeting on how and whether to move forward with the program for this school year.  We lost 3/4 our tutors from last year for a variety of reasons, and have an upcoming remodel downstairs.  So we're going to just take a moment and collect ourselves. There is consideration for the needs of the community and the valuable relationships that we're building through this ministry, but we must also consider the nearby resources already available to this group and whether it is the right program at this moment for the time and talents of the members of this church. Though we haven't made any final decisions yet, we are looking into the opportunities to transform or adjust our program to best fit the personality of the neighborhood as well as the character and passions of this congregation.

     A letter is being sent to previous participants and their families to explain the delay in starting as well as to invite them to participate in other Mount Olive activities such as the Children's Choir and Youth group events. If you are interested in continuing this program and are able to become a tutor please contact me at 612-827-5910 or by email to neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. Also, if you have any motivations for helping create and shape this program in what it can become for the future please let me know!

- Anna Kingman, Coordinator of Neighborhood Outreach and Ministry
- Carol Austermann, Director of Neighborhood Ministries Committee


Another Neighborhood Garage Sale – This Saturday

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
1. All vendor spots are now filled!
2. Be a shopper
3. Be a volunteer—we need help setting up and taking down plus monitors and guides throughout
    the day
4. Be a supporter and help spread the word.

     Questions?  Contact any Open Space team member to join in or for further information:  Tim Pipkorn, Larry Duncan, George Ferguson, Connie Marty, Julie Manuel, Carol Austermann, Paul Nixdorf, Patsy Holtmeier, and Anna Kingman.

     “Open Space”is a part of Neighborhood Ministries.

We need some strong arms to help carry a few things up from the basement for the sale. If you can help, please come on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.!



Mount Olive is a Member of TRUST 

     TRUST (Toward Renewed Unity in Service Together) is a coalition of churches in Minneapolis that provides such services as Meals on Wheels, Chore Services for seniors, parish nurse programs and meals for homeless individuals.  Mount Olive has been a TRUST partner church since 2011, and has benefited from several programs including the youth program in which we participate with our children.  This is a worthwhile organization which extends our reach into our neighborhood in a meaningful and faith-filled way.

     Some of you have expressed concerns about recent fundraising letters received from TRUST which came to your homes enclosed in Mount Olive envelopes.  At the Vestry meeting this week it was explained why this has happened.  As part of our membership in TRUST, we agree to assist them with fundraising.   However, by policy Mount Olive does not give out members' mailing addresses.  In order to meet both our obligation to TRUST and protect our members' privacy, we send out the TRUST letter in Mount Olive envelopes.   The Vestry wants to assure you that your mailing address has not been shared, but we also want to encourage you to consider a gift to TRUST to support their very worthy work.

     If you have questions about the policy related to mailing addresses, please speak with Lora Dundek or Pr. Crippen.   If you'd like to know more about TRUST, speak with Anna Kingman or Carol Austermann, or peek at TRUST's website at www.trustinc.org.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Follow Me

Jesus calls us to follow him on his path, the way of the cross, and we follow, because on his path all our pain, our vulnerability, our loss is met by the one who can hold it all.

Vicar Anna Helgen
    Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 24, year B
    texts: Mark 8:27-38

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Follow me, Jesus says. It doesn’t sound too hard, does it? Almost like a game of follow-the-leader. To follow Jesus, however, is to follow the God-made-flesh. It isn’t some carefree childhood game; it is a way of life. A re-orientation to how we live in the world with God and with others.

If we are to follow this God-made-flesh, as Jesus bids us, it will help us to know about Jesus’ identity and where it is he leads us. Because, while the act of following is important, it is the who we are following that is key. 

As readers of Mark’s Gospel, we’re privy to some insider knowledge. In chapter one verse one, we learn that this entire book will tell the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. While we know this good news, at this point in the narrative, the disciples don’t yet have it all figured out. 

Up to this point in the Gospel, Jesus has demonstrated his authority and power through biblical feats of strength: walking on water, feeding the 5000, healing the sick. But, here in this passage, we come to a shift as Jesus foretells his death and resurrection, fully describing for us and for the disciples the future of this Messiah. No longer will his ministry be focused solely on healing and miracles, for now Jesus begins his final journey to Jerusalem, his journey to the cross.

Peter can't believe what Jesus describes. Because it doesn't make sense, does it? That the Messiah who comes to usher in the kingdom of God and a reign of peace will be put to death. It’s ironic. Unbelievable. 

Because for the powerful, winning often comes through strength and force. 
Through exerting will at the expense of others. 
By taking care of your needs first. 
By obliterating your enemies.

But the kingdom of God doesn't follow the rules of this world, and neither does the Messiah. In God’s kingdom, the way of death is actually the way to life. And it is this Messiah, the one who walks to the cross, who bids us to follow him. 

“For any who want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.” 

This summons to follow Jesus is not only for the disciples, but also for us. But do we want to follow when the end seems so bleak? When the burdens and responsibilities are too many to count? Where denial rather than indulgence is the way to fulfillment? 

Some days, I prefer the path that offers quick fixes and easy solutions. Where I can distance myself from the messy and confounding needs of my friends and family. Where I can keep my fears and anxieties to myself. The path where I can do my own thing: go to work, fold the laundry, feed my cats. The path where I don’t have to give up my life, my needs, my desires, my dreams. 

The thing is, I’m well aware that losing is a part of my life as I know it is a part of yours, too. A spouse loses a job. A dear friend dies. A relationship crumbles. Trust is breached. Lifelong dreams for retirement are sidelined by illness. A parent becomes dependent on adult children. The list goes on and on. 

When we experience these losses we feel discouraged, angry, lonely, and afraid.  We feel as if we have lost control. We wonder where God is in the midst of it all. And sometimes we even ponder why God can’t come and make the pain go away. Why God can’t offer the quick fix or easy solution to our problems. 

We pray: Help us, God. If you are all powerful and almighty, do something. Make me happy. Heal my friend’s disease. Help my teenagers make good choices. Open the hearts of people and leaders to embrace those fleeing war in Syria. Strike down those who pollute our world with toxic waste and hurtful words. 

Like Peter, we cling to a notion of God who dazzles crowds with feats of power and whose pockets are full of miracles, who cleans up messes and puts things right.

But we soon discover that God doesn’t act with brute force. That God, in fact, responds to the powers that destroy by succumbing to them. So it is here, in our own places of loss and darkness, in our own surrendering over to God, where God meets us. Where God promises to show up.

So perhaps because Jesus leads us to the cross is exactly the reason we ought to follow him. Because on this path, our pain, our vulnerability, our loss is met by the one who can hold it all. Because God has become incarnate in Jesus, God enters our pain, too. And while God cannot necessarily make it go away, God will carry us through. All of us. Because within the mass of humanity, God sees the pain and tears of each of us. God hears us. Knows us. And we are not alone. Ever.

We choose to follow Jesus because in following him, we find ourselves. We learn that to live as God intends, we must die to ourselves and live for others. And as we bear our burdens and the burdens of others, we relinquish control so that others can step in. So that we become incarnate in one another, just as God becomes incarnate in us.

This is the journey of death and resurrection:
Where the opportunity for relationship is given to us. 
Where forgiveness is offered when it is not deserved. 
Where friends show up with dinner just because. 
Where we learn to live again.
This is God’s kingdom breaking into our midst.
Where new possibilities spring forth from our old wounds,
where brokenness, pain, and all powers that defeat us are put to death,
where by losing all, we save all.
This is our journey, where through death, all things are made new. 

Amen. And thanks be to God.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Olive Branch, 9/9/15

Accent on Worship

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself will plant it on a high and lofty mountain.” -Ezekiel 17:22
   
     The summer after I graduated college I worked as a canoe guide at Wilderness Canoe Base, a camp at the end of the Gunflint Trail. I’d take groups of campers into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for 5 nights. Whenever we’d leave a campsite in the morning, the camp had a tradition of leaving a cedar sprig on the fire grate. It was a way for us to show that a Wilderness group had previously camped at the campsite. But it was also a way for us to show welcome to the next group who arrived. A simple act of hospitality, and a reminder of God’s presence with us and with all who travel through the wilderness. I’ll never forget the joy I felt when I arrived at a new campsite and found a cedar sprig on the fire grate. I knew who had come before and I immediately felt connected to something bigger.

     I have already encountered many “cedar sprigs” here at Mount Olive. Friendly greetings and conversation on Sunday mornings. An office with my name on the door. Rich liturgical traditions that invite me to take part. And countless signs of God’s abundance and love. These simple gestures of welcome do not go unnoticed. They remind me that this is a place that prepares and provides. A place where God’s protection and care are carried out and displayed by the people. These “cedar sprigs” tell a story of vicars before and vicars to come.

     I’m grateful you have shared these “cedar sprigs” with me and I’m looking forward to their taking root and growing into something new. Thank you for preparing this place for me. I am thrilled to serve as your 47th vicar!

- Vicar Anna Helgen



Regular Worship Schedule Resumes This Sunday!
Two Sunday Eucharists at 8:00 & 10:45 am
Sunday Church School and Adult Forum at 9:30 am



Dust Off Your Nametags!

     With the arrival of our new Vicar, Anna Helgen, at Mount Olive, please consider wearing your name tag for the coming six weeks.

      This act of hospitality will help Anna to better serve in our midst.  If your name tag is missing or worn out, please contact the church office for a new one.  There are holders with clips in the narthex under the name tag board for those who prefer an alterna-tive to the original pin style.



Thursday Bible Study Begins September 17

     The Thursday evening Bible Study returns this fall on Thurs-day, Sept. 17, 6:00 pm, for a six-week study titled “The Last Enemy.”  The focus is on mortality, death and dying, and how the Scriptures guide us.

     As always, we will begin each session with a light supper beginning at 6 pm. If you can provide the first meal, please contact Pastor Crippen.      



Upcoming Adult Forums

Adult Forum is held between the liturgies on Sunday mornings, beginning at approximately 9:30 am.
September 13: "Conversation With the Vicar," led by Vicar Anna Helgen - A chance to hear about the background and call to ministry of the vicar serving at Mount Olive this year, Vicar Anna Helgen.

September 20: "Sabbatical Reflections," led by Pastor Joseph Crippen - From the day after Easter 2015 until July 20, Mount Olive Pastor Joseph Crippen was on a sabbatical leave granted by the Vestry. Pastor Crippen will share some of his adventures during, and impressions from, his time of study and rest.
September 27: "Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Spiritual Life," led by Nancy Koester - Nancy Koester, former Associate Pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, was awarded the Minnesota Book Award for general nonfiction in April 2015 for her spiritual biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Nancy is currently preparing for a book on Sojourner Truth, and her Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States was released by Fortress Press in August.



Restoration 2015 Has Begun! 

     If you have been to the church since August 31, you know the work to restore our beautiful church is well underway!

     On August 30 the congregation in a special meeting authorized the Vestry to borrow up to $275,000 toward a major renovation of the church roof, masonry and stained glass windows of our beautiful church building.

     For some time, we’ve seen growing signs of numerous water leaks in the walls and roof. This summer these issues reached a critical stage. Water began visibly intruding into the structure with every significant rain.

     Repairs started immediately, with the expectation that they will be completed by the end of October. Since the work must be paid for as it is completed, we are also arranging to borrow money immediately.

     We aren’t intending a full-fledged capital appeal in connection with this work. There are numerous projects for improving our facilities just now in the early stages of planning. As these plans come together, there will certainly be such an appeal. While that planning continues, we will carry a small debt.

     However, many have asked whether they can give now so less money has to be borrowed. Several members have already made a contribution toward the restoration, and others have stated that they plan to. This is the kind of spirit that is typical of Mount Olive. And those gifts definitely will help. Every dollar given toward this repair work is a dollar we won’t need to borrow.

     A dedicated fund entitled “Restoration 2015” has been established. If you would like to contribute, please make your donation payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and clearly note its purpose as “Restoration 2015.” Send or bring it to the church office or place it in the offering plate any Sunday morning.

     You may also follow the Renovations 2015 blog for weekly updates and new information.  http://morenovations2015.blogspot.com



Music and Fine Arts Series 2015-2016

     Attached to this newsletter email you will find the brochure listing this year’s lineup of concerts for the 2015-2016 season.  In addition to the Advent and Lent Procession Services, the season kicks off on September 20 with the Charles Lazarus Jazz Quartet, then on Nov. 15, Alice Parker returns to lead another signature “Sing!” On January 31, 2016, the choral ensemble From Age to Age will offer a concert, on April 10, The Songs of Africa will perform.  Then topping the season off will be a festival Bach Tage (the tenth one!), featuring cantata 76, “The Heavens Declare the Glory of God.”

     Members of the Music and Fine Arts committee will be in the narthex collecting support for the series on Sundays, September 13 and 20.

     These events are offered as a gift to the community free of charge, as a result of your support.



Tending the Family of God

     Among the duties assigned to the Director of Congrega-tional Life is caring for those members who were once active in the life of the congregation but are not any longer. You know who they are. They are the people about whom you have said, “I wonder what ever happened to …”

     A task force was created to begin exploring ways in which we might be more faithful in caring for those members. The people on the task force are Carol Austermann, Margaret Bostelmann, Susan Cherwien, Eunice Hafemeister, and Warren Peterson.

     A couple of foundational principles quickly became apparent. First, whatever is done should not be heavy-handed, but should be kind, compassionate, and caring. Second, this is really the responsibility of the whole congregation.

     There will in the coming months be brief snippets in The Olive Branch to help all of us think and act more faithfully in caring for those whom we used to see among us but don’t see any longer. They will appear under the same heading as this piece. Look for them – but don’t wait for them to begin caring for those about whom you are saying, “I wonder what ever happened to …”

- Warren Peterson



Book Discussion Group Update

     Mount Olive’s Book Discussion Group meets on the second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am in the West Assembly Area at church. All readers are welcome!  For the   September 12 meeting, they will read I Heard the Owl Call My Name, by Margaret Craven. For the October 10 meeting they will read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers, and for November 14, they will read The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery.



Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who donated men's clothing items and toiletries to Youthlink.  The donations were much needed and greatly appreciated!  If you would like to donate in the future, please contact me.  

- Julie Manuel



We Sent a Lot of Letters, But Don't Worry, You Can Still Write

     If you weren't able to be at Mount Olive on Sunday or didn't get the opportunity to join our letter campaign for Bread for the World, never fear, you still have time.

    Attached to/included in this Olive Branch are two attachments that will be helpful to you. First is the explanation position paper of the work that we are doing. Second is a sample letter that you can use or you can compose your own. Don't forget: personal letters are powerful; questions get you a response; be sure to get the correct bill number included in the enclosed information; you should include your own address; writing NOW adds your voice to the Pope's when he visits Congress later this month.

- Judy Hinck, Director of Missions



Godly Play Expands to New Room

     The “Godly Play” education program for children has outgrown its former space. This Fall they will move into a new, larger room on the lower level of the Parish House. The original “Godly Play 2” room will continue across the hallway from the Choir Room. The new space for “Godly Play 1” is at the end of the hallway, at the northeast corner of the lower level. It is more than twice the space of their former room, with lots of built in storage.

     The room is clean, fresh, and ready for the children this Sunday. Many thanks to Randy Fritz, Art & Elaine Halbardier, George Oelfke, and Patsy & John Holtmeier, who have been busy painting the walls and ceilings, installing carpet, and cleaning, making it bright and cheerful for the first week of Godly Play this Sunday.

     Stop by and take a look at both the rooms very soon!



31st Street Southeast Entrance Now “Exit Only” 

     The door to the church near the alley will no longer serve as an entrance on Sunday mornings or other times when there are church activities.

     A “panic bar” has been fitted to the door so that exit is always possible. This is important in that the door is marked with a lighted “Exit” sign both upstairs and down-stairs. The door should be operable at all times in case of fire or other emergencies. In the past, this door was kept locked during the week.

     During worship and other events, the door had to be unlocked so it could provide a fire exit. For a few, it occasionally served as an entrance also. Unfortunately, since this door is out of sight of ushers and worshipers, it left the entire building vulnerable to intruders who can access the sacristy, the upper and lower level without ever being noticed. There have been several instances of theft traceable to a thief entering through this door.

     In the past, the single space next to that door was marked for “Handicapped” use – a bit misleading since inside were stairs leading up as well as down. The north lot is available primarily for those with physical limitations on Sundays, and is close to the elevator.
     We hope this change will not be a significant inconvenience, and will make our building safer “24/7.”



MFA First Event of the New Season 
Sunday, September 20 – 4 pm

     The Charles Lazarus Quartet will kick off the new season of Music & Fine Arts events with “lovejoy,” feel-good love songs with a groovy twist. Come and invite your friends to hear this sneak peek of Lazarus’ soon-to-be-released CD, lovejoy, a captivating mix of originals and re-imagined classics.  This event is free and open to the public. A reception follows the concert in the Chapel Lounge.



News From the Neighborhood     
                                   
Profiles: My first 'thank you' call

     I picked up a call last week and a recognizable voice immediately said, "I ain't calling for no money." I laughed a bit and said hello to Hilda, a lovely older woman who has been going through a rough patch. Last month we were able to help pay the remaining balance on her rent, which freed her up to tackle some outstanding bills. She has been diligent in trying to find resources and searching for a job, but sometimes things just stack too high, and that's where the church can come in. "I'm just calling to tell you I'm doing better," she said. "When you helped out it was what I needed to get through this." What joy! My heart about burst open at those words. Every time I meet with someone I let them know to tell me when they're also doing well, not just struggling. Here it was! She continued on, "Thank you for being there. Keep doing what you're doing because you really are a support to us out here." Hilda's words filled my spirit to the brim, and they are meant for all of us here at Mount Olive - each one who reaches in to their stores of kindness, generosity, compassion, and service and pours it out in to the world in any way. Whether or not someone calls back, we know that a blessing goes with them. So from Hilda and from me, thank you for being there and for supporting and loving your neighbors.



Another Neighborhood Garage Sale!

     Our first garage sale last June was a great success and our friends and neighbors asked when we will host another.  The answer? SOON!

Saturday, September 19, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
1. Be a vendor.  Rent a parking space for $5.00 and “set up shop”
2. Be a shopper
3. Be a volunteer—we need help setting up and taking down plus monitors and guides throughout
    the day
4. Be a supporter and help spread the word.

     Questions?  Contact any Open Space team member to join in or for further information:  Tim Pipkorn, Larry Duncan, George Ferguson, Connie Marty, Julie Manuel, Carol Austermann, Paul Nixdorf, Patsy Holtmeier, and Anna Kingman.

     “Open Space”is a part of Neighborhood Ministries.


The School Year is coming! We Need Tutors! 

     That means it’s time to prepare for a season of tutoring the fun kids of our neighborhood and church. Tutoring takes place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm, with an activity and game until 8:30 pm. It's a fun, easy way to connect with kids who desire and deserve some extra help and attention as they journey through school and growing up.
     Materials and support will be provided.
     We will begin again on Tuesday, September 29. If it's something you're interested in being involved in, ask Anna Kingman or call 612-827-5910 or email neighborhood@mountolivechurch.org. It's a great use of time and talents!



Peace with Justice Forum

     All are invited to the next Peace with Justice Forum on Sunday, September 20, 2015, from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. The topic of this forum will be “Global Views on America’s Global Military.”

     In the spirit of the Minneapolis Area Synod resolution to engage in a soul-searching on the consequences of expanded US war efforts, we have asked our visiting international friend and trauma expert to share with us how America’s global military activities have impacted others.

     The speaker for the forum will be Fr. Michael Lapsley, who is internationally renowned for his remarkable experiences assisting in South Africa’s post-apartheid reconciliation, developing a modality for post-trauma transformation, and extending his healing hands of steel across the world.

     Central Lutheran Church is at 3rd Ave and 12th St., Minneapolis, next to the Minneapolis Convention Center. Lunch is available for $7.00, but the speech is gratis. Validated parking is available in the Central parking lot/ramp on the south side of the church.

     This forum is sponsored by the ELCA Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area Synods’ Peace with Justice Committee. For more information on this series visit our Peace with Justice website  at www.pwjc.org, or contact Amy Blumenshine (612) 871-2967 or via e-mail to Buddy@ListenToVets.org.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Words for Fearful Hearts

God in Christ brings healing to our blindness, deafness, and lameness to the world’s needs, and in that healing we find our calling and our life.

Note from the preacher: Profound thanks are due to Michael Bridges and George Baum, “Lost and Found,” whose song “Must Be” insisted on working into my heart and mind whenever I read these texts this week. http://speedwood.com/aboutmusic/lyrics/mustbe.php

Pr. Joseph G. Crippen
   Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, Lectionary 23, year B
   texts:  Isaiah 35:4-7a; Mark 7:24-37; James 2:1-17

Sisters and brothers in Christ, grace to you, and peace in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen

The Pharisees ask Jesus an insightful and frightening question in John’s Gospel, near the end of the story of the healing of the blind man.

Jesus is speaking of seeing and not seeing. He just healed a man born blind, so some might have assumed that’s what he meant. But the religious leaders who opposed Jesus sensed he might be talking about something other than physical blindness. They asked, “Surely we’re not blind, are we?” (John 9:40) What a realization that is. That’s exactly what Jesus is suggesting. And frightening is only the beginning when it dawns on us that we might need to ask the same question.

James does this to us. Today Isaiah speaks of God healing the blind, the deaf, the lame. Then James insists on making us see and hear things about ourselves that make us wonder if we’re the ones needing such healing.

James’ people surely didn’t think they were prejudiced. They were probably decent people. But James shows them how they couldn’t see the way they fawned on wealthy visitors while being cooler to the poor who came to them. They certainly cared about those in need, but James shows them how they are deaf to the cries of the hungry by blessing them in God’s name without helping them find food. They definitely had faith, but James claims that if their faith is lame, and won’t act, it’s a dead faith.

James makes us nervous.

Is it possible we’re the ones who can’t see?

That we in our privilege and status are unable or unwilling to see what is really happening in the world? Or that we, though we hate to think this, are racist and biased at times, that we have prejudices that blind us?

Is it possible that we drive past what is happening in this city, look away from the suffering we see in the news, lower our eyes when we approach others in our neighborhoods, because we’d rather be blind than see what is uncomfortable, challenging to us?

Maybe we are the blind ones.

Is it possible we’re the ones who can’t hear?

That we put in our earphones or turn up our radios to pleasant things so we don’t hear the cries of those in our city and our world who are dying? That we listen to entertainment that distracts us and keeps us occupied so we don’t have to listen to what’s wrong, or hear others challenge us on our views and our part in the problems?

We hear news reports breaking in on our lives and are irritated more at the interruption than sad at the latest pain that has happened.

Maybe we are the deaf ones.

Is it possible we’re the ones who can’t walk?

That we sit in our comfortable homes and think about what could be done for this world but somehow are unable to get up and do it? That we’re glad when others volunteer in disaster areas, or work in our neighborhoods and city to help others, but somehow we don’t get up off our couches?

We seem to find the amount of work needed to bring life to the people of this world so great that we fall into inactivity and lethargy rather than do even a little, helpful thing.

Maybe we are the lame ones.

Is it possible we’re so wrapped up in our own needs and worries, our own life and concerns, we simply cannot see any more, cannot hear a thing, and are unable to move?

It’s not only possible, it’s certain. Yes, sometimes we see the truth, sometimes we hear the cries of others, and sometimes we even act, but it’s often not our main way of being. It’s far easier for us in our middle class situation to turn our eyes away, shut our ears, remain in our seats in the face of the world’s pain and need. When the pain and suffering aren’t ours we have the privilege to ignore it however we choose. Those in the midst of it have no such choice.

Speaking only for myself, these readings make me painfully aware how easy it is to avert my eyes, quit listening to what’s going on, stay put rather than act. I could just as well be blind, deaf, and lame sometimes for all I actually do.

And if this is the truth for all of us, that’s profoundly sad, and deeply frightening. Where is hope for the rest of the world in this? Thanks be to God, we hear Isaiah tell us today.

“Say to those of a fearful heart,” he says, “be strong, do not fear! Your God will come and save you.”

And the eyes of the blind will be opened, the ears of the deaf unstopped, and the lame will leap like deer.” That’s Isaiah’s hope for us, which becomes reality in the life and actions of the Son of God like we saw today.

This is the meaning of salvation for Isaiah: God will not leave us blind and deaf and lame. God will come and open our eyes, unplug our ears, make our legs work again.

We may be so mired in ourselves we can’t imagine how to get unstuck. What joy, then, to hear that we’re not the ones who can do the unsticking, we can’t heal ourselves.

The Triune God has entered the world and our lives for this very purpose, to heal us so we once more see, hear, and act for God’s healing and life in the world.

We even find Good News today for when we think God is blind, deaf, or lame.

We don’t know whether Jesus really meant to insult this woman, but she called him on it. She challenged his apparent blindness, deafness, and inactivity, even if he wasn’t planning to refuse her. And if Jesus really couldn’t see his ministry extending beyond the Jewish people before this, after this encounter he went right into the region of the Decapolis. That’s Gentile territory, so the deaf man healed today was likely a Gentile, whom Jesus healed with no argument or hesitation. Maybe this woman’s prayer to the Son of God opened his eyes and ears and motivated his action. We can’t know.

So also we don’t always know what the Triune God is doing, why God acts or doesn’t act. This woman encourages us to challenge God, just as we challenge ourselves. We get to say so if we think God can’t see or hear or won’t act.

Maybe we’ll change God’s mind, open God’s eyes. Maybe they never needed changing. But she shows us we can speak up, and Jesus shows us God will listen.

This is the joy of our salvation: we are made new for the life of the world.

That we find joy and purpose in our lives when we can see the truth, hear what is happening, act in our own small ways, is icing on the cake. The deeper grace is that when we see, hear, and act, the brokenness and pain of this world no longer overwhelm us because we do those things in the strength and courage of the Triune God who heals us for this very purpose.

And we will see waters burst in the wilderness, pools transform the burning sands, and springs of water quench this world’s thirst. We will see the healing of all things continue in and through us, and that is the joy of God we have longed for our whole lives.

In the name of Jesus.  Amen

 

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