December 22, 2024
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, December 22, are given to God’s glory in thankfulness for the birth of our Savior.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our last church service): Owen Saidler; Christina Harman; Katie Tweit; Darci Matzke; Lorena Merseth; Claudia Eisberg; Jody Lieske; Kathy Vaughan; Mercedes Hansen; Mark DeGarmeaux; Tatum Busch; Ruth Faye; Mia Faugstad; Craig Zibrowski and his family; Naomi Blaschko and her family; and the Evelyn Kietzer family.
The Year of Jubilee “Match Challenge” Update! An anonymous member has pledged up to $30,000 for the Year of Jubilee debt reduction drive. All donations received between November 24 and December 31 for the YOJ campaign will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $30k! So far, just over $9,000 has been donated. Donations can be made through the offering plate or online at mtolivelutheran.org. Earmark your donations as “Year of Jubilee” so they can be counted for the match.
2025 Offering Envelopes are now available on a table in the old narthex area. The 2025 offering envelope order was placed based on individuals who were using them in 2024. Please look for the box with your name on it as your number might have changed. To avoid confusion in applying your contributions, please only use 2025 envelopes in 2025. Thank you. If you would like to have a box of offering envelopes and did not see them on the table, please let the church office know.
Volunteers Needed! Mt. Olive provides volunteers at New 2 You on the first Saturday of each month to run the cash register and check out customers. Our next scheduled date is Saturday, January 4. The sign-up sheet is on the narthex table. Sign up or call New 2 You at 507-385-1455 if you can help. Your time and support are much appreciated!
Altar Guild Christmas Tree Undecorating: Saturday, January 4, beginning at 9am in the Sanctuary.
Volunteer at Kiwanis Holiday Lights! The take-down shift on Saturday, January 4, needs four volunteers. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Contact Matt Holt at mholt@blc.edu if you have questions.
Installation of Pastor Stephen Kuehl: Monday, January 6, at 2:26pm. Pastor Kuehl will be installed as a teacher at MVL. Light refreshments will be available following the Installation.
Teacher Call Meeting: Sunday, January 12, at noon in the Mt. Olive Social Hall. If anyone has names of individuals that they would like to be considered for a Divine Call as a Teacher that would be serving in next year's Kindergarten, please share that name with Board of Education Chairman, Jake Krier, or any Board of Education member.
Join us for our Special Christmas Services:
Christmas Eve
Tuesday, December 24
No 7am Matins Service
4:30pm, Divine Service (Preservice music by the Mt. Olive Strings at 4pm); Adult Choir
7pm, Candlelight Service
Christmas Day
Wednesday, December 25
10am, Divine Service w/Holy Communion; Mt. Olive Brass Band
New Year’s Eve
Tuesday, December 31
No 7am Matins Service
6:30pm, Divine Service w/Individual Absolution and Holy Communion
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 203/160; 10:45am, 147/106; Children’s Christmas Program: 900
Monday: 34/28; Tuesday: 19/13; Wednesday: 213
Live Online Viewing: Sunday (8:30am): 20
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK:
Greeters: 1st Service—Art & Terri Westphal, Mark & Vivian Smith 2nd Service—Emily Christensen Offering Counters: John Baumann, Jana Finken Altar Guild: Sharon Madson, Heidi Graham
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE:
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $27,860.86
Year of Jubilee Match Challenge Given Last Week: $2,777.76
Year of Jubilee Match Challenge Total (November 24-December 19): $9,355.82
Note: Deadline for Year of Jubilee Match Challenge donations is December 31.
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit)as of 11/30/2024: ($40,373.35)
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement