April 6, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, April 6, are given to God’s glory by Michael & Kristin Litynski in memory of Darci Matzke.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Owen Saidler, Solomon Faugstad, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Pastor Mike Barlow, Teresa Dzwonkowski, Hal & Marsha Natvig, and Janet & Rhea Wassman (Rhea was hospitalized this past week). We also prayed for Steven Lussky and for the family of Steve’s friend, Betsy, who continue to mourn her sudden passing; and for Becky Bequette, whose mother Cynthia Pansegrau recently passed away.
Join us this Sunday, April 6, at 9:40am in the Social Hall for a presentation by Principal Springer.
Easter Flower Baskets: If you would like to contribute towards Easter flower basket arrangements, please use the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex. Suggested donation is $25; however, any amount is accepted. Insert checks made payable to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in the provided envelope and place it in the church office Flower Box. Last day to order is Sunday, April 6.
Lutheran Hero, Villain or Saint? Matthius Flacius was one of the most important reformers in the Reformation. A student of Martin Luther, he played a vital role in debates about what it is to be a Lutheran and helped ensure the survival of Lutheranism in the tumultuous middle of the sixteenth century. Come and learn more about his important role. WLC Prof. Dr. Wade Johnston has been studying Flacius' life and work for years, and he recently published a book: “Life Under the Cross” (CPH). He will speak at Bethany on Monday, April 7, at 7pm in Meyer Hall Room 101. Everyone is welcome to attend. Part of the In Depth series.
Our next Lenten service is Wednesday, April 9. Our Lenten Series “God on Trial” concludes with a meal (baked potato/nacho bar) at 5pm, followed by worship at 6:30pm. Pastor Ulrich will be preaching on Luke 23:1-12, with a message entitled “Misconceptions.”
Mt. Olive’s Annual Church Clean-up Day is Saturday, April 12, from 9-11am. We will clean the inside (sanctuary, narthex, social hall, kitchen, etc.) and the outside grounds. Coffee and donuts will be served, followed by a pizza lunch at 11am. In case of inclement weather, the back-up date for the outside work is Saturday, April 19.
Upcoming Informational Meeting: All are welcome to join us on Sunday, April 13, at 9:40am, in the Social Hall for our spring congregational informational meeting. The most recent information regarding the proposed Business Administrator position will be shared.
Camp counselors are needed for Camp Indianhead MN. This year, there are two weeks of camp: July 6-11 (high schoolers) at Lutheran Island Camp in Henning, MN, and July 13-18 (grades 5-8) at Camp Omega near Waterville, MN. Counselors oversee a cabin and participate in sports, games, campfires, worship, and study God's Word with campers. Counselors receive a stipend, travel reimbursement, and internship credit for some majors. If you are interested for one week or both, apply online at campindianhead.com/counselors/ or contact Pr. Stafford (sstafford@blc.edu) by April 15.
Mt. Olive CDS Blueprint Progress Report—Town Hall: Tuesday, April 22, at 6:30pm in the Sanctuary. A recording will be available after the town hall. You can submit your questions in advance by going to https://tinyurl.com/BlueprintQuestions. For more information, call 507-345-7927 or email principal@mtolivelutheran.org. To read the summary report, go to https://tinyurl.com/MTOBlueprint. If you would like a printed copy of either the summary or the full report, please contact the Mt. Olive church office. Please Note: The Blueprint Schools' "Progress Report & Blueprint Plan" shares individual responses taken from surveys shared among the various stakeholders of Mt. Olive Lutheran School. These opinions and perceptions are shared by the Blueprint Schools consultants for constructive purposes as we develop plans for the future. These comments that are shared are to be understood and taken in a spirit of Christian love—for the purpose of positive improvement of our school. The guidance provided in this report by Blueprint Schools are recommendations. The voters of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and School—and likewise, the voters of Peace Lutheran Church—will ultimately determine how to move forward at respective, upcoming Voters’ Meetings. Please pray that God may bless this work that has been done and that He will guide and lead our school and churches into the future!
The Bethany Auxiliary invites you to hear about the master’s degree counseling program. We will hear from Director Ben Kohls on "Faith-Informed Counselor Education." We will meet on Tuesday, April 22, at 7pm in Meyer Hall, Room 130. See you there!
Attention All Brass Players: The Mt. Olive Brass Band will be playing for the Easter Sunrise service. If you are interested in participating, please contact Hannah Zibrowski at 507-720-2095 or by email at hzibrowski@gmail.com.
Join us for a baby drive, from April 1-20, to benefit Options for Women. Diapers (up to size 5), formula, and pacifiers are being collected; donations can be placed outside of each classroom and in boxes in the Youth Room hallway.
Help us deliver Easter Dinner to the Reach, a drop-in center for homeless and at-risk youth in the Mankato area. Sign-up sheets are on the narthex table.
Softball Umpires Needed: Mt. Olive Lutheran School sponsors a grade school co-ed softball tournament on Tuesday, May 13, at Caswell Park. Games begin at 8:30am and finish around 3:30pm. We are looking for volunteers (or paid individuals) for umping. Umps do not need to worry about balls and strikes, since they just call the bases. Each batter gets 4 pitches to attempt to get a hit. Batters may still strike out. Umps will need to know the basic softball rules. If you can help on this day (all day or partial), please contact Mr. Zibrowski by calling the school office at 345-7927 or by emailing Mr. Zibrowski at mrz@mtolivelutheran.org.
Theatre Bible School: June 16-20, on the Bethany campus, hosted by Mt. Olive. Registration is open to students entering 3rd-8th grade. There is a $40 registration fee (with family discount options) to cover costs of food, costumes, and props, as well as to help compensate directors for taking time out of their work week. Payment will be collected upon arrival of the students; registration closes on June 1. To register or find out more information about the schedule, go to https://forms.gle/CiXNFQyViMmSHTcLA
LYA National Youth Convention ’25: July 24-27 at Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA. Early registration is available until June 1; cost is $300. Late registration is June 2-July 1; cost is $350. Register early to ensure your top picks for classes. Check the poster on the narthex bulletin board for more details. Additional information and registration are available at www.els.org/LYA. There may still be seats available on the bus for youth looking to travel with our group; if interested, speak with Pastor Ulrich.
Mt. Olive Holy Week Schedule – 2025
April 13: Palm Sunday (Sunday School Children sing at 1st service); 8:30am & 10:45am
April 14: Divine Service with Holy Communion; 6:30pm
April 15: Matins Service with Holy Communion; 7am
April 17: Maundy Thursday Service with Holy Communion & Tenebrae (Adult Choir); 6:30pm
April 18: Good Friday Joint Tre Ore Service at St. Paul’s, North Mankato; 12pm-3pm Good Friday Service with Individual Absolution and Holy Communion; 6:30pm
April 19: Easter Vigil Service of Light with Holy Communion; 8pm
April 20: Sunrise Service (Mt. Olive Brass Band), 7:30am Breakfast in Gym (served by Mt. Olive Youth); 8:30am Easter Festival Service with Holy Communion (Adult Choir); 10am
Open Positions at LMSG: Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) is seeking a part-time paid bookkeeper to manage financial transactions, contributions, and reports for the organization. Additionally, there is a volunteer opening for an LMSG Their Stories Told interviewer/writer to share the stories of WELS/ELS Military Service Members. LMSG provides Christ-centered support to WELS and ELS Military Service members, veterans, and their families. Learn more at www.lutheranmilitary.org.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Updates
Sign-up for MVL’s Summer Camps is now available at MVL.org. The registration deadline is April 25.
MVL’s After-Prom Event is Saturday, April 26, at the New Ulm Rec Center. This event gives our students a safe space to celebrate after their big night. MVL’s Junior parents are reaching out for donations to help cover costs like venue rentals, food, and entertainment. You can donate by going to this link online: https://gofund.me/05027fd3. Donation checks can also be made out to the MVL After-Prom Committee and mailed to MVL. Thank you for considering our request and for your ongoing support of our students!
Happening at Bethany Lutheran College
Capstone Exhibits: The Studio Art and Graphic Design Departments are pleased to present the Capstone Exhibits for their upcoming graduates this spring. The Studio Art Capstone exhibit, "God's Will Be Done", runs March 31- April 7. The Graphic Design Capstone exhibit, "Let Us Cook", runs April 7-15; the Gallery Reception will be held Thursday, April 10, at 7pm.
Performances of the Spring Play “As You Like It” are April 4-6 and 11-12. Tickets can be purchased by visiting blc.edu/boxoffice, calling 507-344-7374, or stopping by the YFAC Mondays-Fridays from 1-4 p.m. There is also a special Poetry Picnic between shows on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate the writing contest that ran in conjunction with the show.
Please plan to attend the Music events happening in April:
April 15: Spring Honors Recital - Trinity Chapel, 7pm
April 24: Spring Choirs Concert (Concert Choir, Mary Martha Singers, Handbell Choir) - Trinity Chapel, 7pm
April 27: Jazz Band Spring Concert - Campus Green, 3pm (Ron Younge Gym if raining)
April 29: Concert Band and Full Orchestra Spring Concert - Trinity Chapel, 7:30pm
Lutheran Youth Honor Choir ’25: June 14-18, on the Bethany campus. This five day camp for high school-aged youth (completed 8th grade) is an immersive study and performance in our rich Lutheran musical heritage; students will be collaborating with both current and alumni members of the Bethany Concert Choir. Registration is open from February 1 - June 1; cost: $250. Check the poster on the Bethany bulletin board in the narthex for more details. Additional information and registration are available at https://els.org/2025-els-honor-choir-registration/.
Summer Art Camp: June 16-20, on the Bethany campus. There will be a morning camp for students entering grades 5-8, and an afternoon camp for students entering grades 9-12. For more information and to register, click here. You may also contact Jenna Thompson at jennathompson@blc.edu with questions. Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot for this enriching camp!
Registration for BLC’s 2025 summer camps is now available at blc.edu/campus-life/camps-and-community-education/.
BLC is taking applications for the following positions: Assistant/Associate Professor – Biology; Assistant/Associate Professor – Nursing; Adjunct Faculty – Nursing; Residence Hall Coordinator – Larson Hall. For more information, go to https://blc.edu/campus-life/campus-services/human-resources/bethany-jobs/.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER:
Sunday: 8:30am, 224; 10:45am, 223; Monday: 24/21; Tuesday: 2016
Wednesday: 181
Live Online Viewing, Sunday (8:30am): 29; Wednesday: 18
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK:
Greeters: 1st Service — Tom & Joni Bode, Craig & Lisa Brown 2nd Service — Terri Westphal, Dan & Joanne Maas Offering Counters: Lisa Holt, Brenda Garbers, Connie Meyer Altar Guild: Lyn Merseth, Krista Petzel
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE:
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $9,973.83
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $737.88
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2024-March 27, 2025): $140,040.86
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 2/28/2025: $46,585.42
Romans 8:31-32: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement