January 19, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, January 19, are given to God’s glory by Elli Fisher in thankfulness for God’s gracious blessings.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Easton (grandson of Jack & Elaine Krech), Owen Saidler, Katie Tweit, Darci Matzke, Lorena Merseth, Mercedes Hanson, and Ruth Faye. We also prayed for the families of Claudia Eisberg, Jody Lieske, Dorothy Jensen, and Dak Buol as they mourn the loss of family members; and for the people of California as they recover from the wildfires.
The funeral for Claudia Eisberg was held this past Saturday, January 18, at Mt. Olive.
Baptized on Sunday, January 19: Theodore Octavius Saidler, infant son of Adam & Nicole Saidler. Sponsors are Ben & Ashley Faugstad.
Special Youth Camp Offering: Camp Indianhead is currently in need of extra financial support. The camp is transitioning to two different weeks due to an increased number of our youth wanting to attend. What a great problem to have! On Sunday, January 19, there is a basket in the narthex for a special offering for our camp. Thank you for your support!
Join us for our Bible Study: The Maker of Heaven & Earth--His Attributes Are Clearly Seen, led by BLC Professor Rev. Dr. Doyle Holbird on Sunday mornings (January 19, January 26, and February 2) in Mount Olive’s social hall at 9:45am. We will examine the evidence given for evolution and consider alternative explanations. We will also evaluate the scientific evidence for creation and study the differences between the theory of evolution and what the Bible teaches.
The Mt. Olive Charger Classic Basketball Tournament is Saturday, January 25, at Bethany Lutheran College. Find a list of food donations needed for the tournament at https://signup.com/go/GSUVDuO. Drop off your donations at the Mt. Olive kitchen by Friday, January 24, at 3pm. Also, volunteers are needed in various areas throughout the day of the tournament. Go to https://signup.com/go/xEAxrDF to sign up.
SEMI-ANNUAL VOTER'S MEETING January 26, 12pm, Mt. Olive Social Hall Proposed Constitutional Amendment
Mt. Olive's Board of Deacons is proposing an amendment to the Mt. Olive Constitution. It has been recognized that there are areas of our ministry that would benefit from greater oversight and assistance (i.e., for in-reach, elder care, and other areas). To help our pastors in these areas, it has been suggested that we add an additional seat to the Board of Deacons to work in and oversee such areas of ministry.
This proposed amendment has been initiated at Mt. Olive’s Church Council Meeting on January 13th and is now being “contained in writing in the notice of meeting at which they are to be acted on” (as required by Church Constitution for any amendments to the Constitution). At the Voter’s Meeting, “a two-thirds majority ballot vote” is required for the amendment to pass (also as per the Church Constitution).
Listed below is the proposed amendment for our Voting Members to consider:
a. The Board of Deacons shall consist of six (6) seven (7) members, with two (2) members elected annually to (3) three year terms. serving terms of three (3) years, with annual elections held for the seats of those deacons whose terms are ending. Deacons may also be elected for the remainder of an existing term, at any Corporation Meeting, only in the instance of a seat vacancy.
Get ready for a new season of “On the Mount of Olives” that airs beginning February 1. We’ve changed the format to bring you more in-depth episodes. In the meantime, catch up on our previous episodes (1-12) if you haven’t listened to them yet.
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, February 1. 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!
The Spring Session of the MOM’s Bible Study begins on Thursday, February 6 at 8:30am, at Peace Lutheran. The study is using “In God’s Orchard: Cultivating the Fruit of Spirit-Filled Life,” available at the BLC bookstore. Contact Heidi Graham at heidijennifergraham@gmail.com if you have questions.
Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9: Mt. Olive is hosting a special two-day workshop entitled “Everyone Outreach,” an interactive and fun program that helps us grow a warm and welcoming culture to reach out to friends and neighbors (we will make sure everyone is home in time to watch the Super Bowl on February 9). To help with planning, pre-registration is required. Please register at Everyone Outreach Event or complete the sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Lunch and childcare are available on Saturday.
Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary Meeting: Professor Ben Lundsten will be speaking about storytelling and the BLC media arts program. Please come on Monday, February 10, at 7 pm. We will meet in Honsey Hall in Room 311.
Mt. Olive Family Ski Night: Thursday, February 13, from 4-9pm at Mt. Kato. All ages are welcome to attend. Everyone must sign a liability waiver (parents must sign for minors). Sign-up sheets and waiver forms are available in the church office. Costs: $12 lift tickets; $12 ski/snowboard rentals (if needed); $4 helmet rentals (optional); and $4 beginner lessons. Pre-registration is required: sign-up, waivers, and payment must be turned in to the church office by Sunday, February 9.
Red Cross Blood Drive in the Mt. Olive Gym: Friday, February 14, from 12-5pm. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter MTOLIVEKATO. Check the poster on the church narthex bulletin board for more information.
2024 Giving Statements were emailed this past week. If you did not receive your statement, let the church office know. Alternatively, paper copies of the statements are available upon request.
Mount Olive CDS 2025-2026 Enrollment is Open! Priority enrollment is now open to members of Mount Olive and Peace. Your early enrollment helps with our planning for next year. You can find the online application at mtolivelutheranschool.org/admissions. Please note that there will be an enrollment deposit which is applied towards your family's tuition. If you have any questions or any difficulty with the online application, please contact the Mount Olive school office at 507-345-4966 or email school@mtolivelutheran.org.
Attention Mt. Olive Crafters: The Andreas Cancer Center is looking for more chemo hats. Please bring your creations to the church office. Thank you!
MVL 2024 Annual Report: Copies of the 2024 Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Annual Report are available on the narthex table.
Treasure Haus Annual Meeting: The Treasure Haus Board of Directors has announced that their 2025 Annual Meeting will be held at MVL on Sunday, March 16, at 2pm. Members of the MVL Congregational Association and their numerous volunteers are welcome to attend. Register in advance by signing up at the Treasure Haus in person; or by emailing manager@treasurehaus.org; or by calling the Treasure Haus at 507-354-6108. All reservations must be received by February 15.
Happening at Bethany Lutheran College:
Art Exhibit: The art of local artist Andrew Judkins is on exhibit in the YFAC Gallery from January 6-24. The exhibit, entitled “A Gathering of Waters,” features landscapes showcasing the beauty of God’s creation in our own region.
The Chamber Orchestra will perform in Trinity Chapel at 10am on Friday, January 24.
Bethany’s Winter Musical: The Pirates of Penzance will run January 31, February 1, 2, 7, and 8. To purchase tickets, please visit blc.edu/boxoffice online or stop by the box office desk in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center between 1-4pm, Monday-Friday.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER:
Sunday: 8:30am, 278; 10:45am, 210; Monday: 30/22; Tuesday: 15/12
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK:
Greeters: 1st Service—Steve & Lois Jaeger, Joe & Connie Meyer 2nd Service—Rachel Ulrich & Family, Bill & Sherri Bukowski Offering Counters: Steve Lussky, Jon Pfeffer Altar Guild: Joni Bode, Connie Meyer, Vivian Smith
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE:
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $9,994.08
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $301.38
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2024-January 16, 2025): $106,772.87
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit)as of 12/31/2024: $47,111.95
Psalm 116:12-13 What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?
I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement