September 8, 2024
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, September 8, are given to God’s glory by Gabe & Sarah Cornish in honor of their wedding anniversary on September 8.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our last church service): Hal & Marsha Natvig (having returned home from the hospital after surgery); Claudia Eisberg (hospitalized); Kathy Vaughn (hospitalized after a stroke); Colton E. (12-year-old boy with severe health issues - currently in a coma); Owen Saidler and family (Owen is on the heart transplant list); Katie Tweit, Gideon Franson, Darci Matzke, and Lorena Merseth (all fighting cancer); and thanks for the birth of Otto Keith Petersen (newborn grandchild of Pr. John & Joyce Petersen).
Sunday School Teacher Installation is Sunday, September 8, at the 8:30am service. Our teachers for the 2024-25 school year are Becky Proksch & Jane Mueller (Pre-K); Dani Bartels & Sophia Gernander (Gr. 1-2); Lance Johnson & Jenna Londgren (Gr. 3-4); Dan Christensen & Tim Pietsch (Gr. 5-6); and Hans Bloedel & David Roemhildt (Gr. 7-12).
Rally Day is Sunday, September 8. Sunday School and Bible classes are beginning, so check out the following opportunities: 1. Sunday School for pre-K through 6th grade. Our special four-week kick-off will have an Olympics theme, so we will do our own fun take on a few Olympic Games! We start off in the gym with a devotion and games before going to the classrooms. Give it a try and invite a friend! 2. Youth Bible Study for 7th through 12th Grades (meeting in the Youth Room). 3. Adult Bible Class with Pr. Ulrich (meeting in the Social Hall). Topic: "God Loves Nobodies!" Many wrestle with feelings of being small and worthless, as if they are a "Nobody." God has a message for such people: He is the Loving God of Nobodies! This 4-part study is based upon the book "God Loves Nobodies: Good News for Somebody Like Me!" by Matthew Doebler. 4. Bible Information Class for new members (meeting in the 8th Grade Classroom - see Pr. Soule for directions).
New E.L.S. Mission Campus in Eagle Lake: Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato is starting a new mission campus in Eagle Lake. All are welcome to join them for their opening service on Sunday, September 8, at 9am on the back lawn of City Hall in Eagle Lake (705 Parkway Ave), followed by Bible Study and Sunday School at 10:15am. If you plan to attend, bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information go to peace-eaglelake.com.
Ice Cream Social: Sunday, September 8, from 11:15am-12:30pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alma City. Menu: BBQs, ham sandwiches, potato salad, chips, baked beans, pie, ice cream and beverages. Hosted by the St. John’s Ladies Aid.
The Mankato Bethany Auxiliary will meet on Monday evening, September 9, at 6:30pm in Meyer Hall, Room 130. Join us for a presentation by BLC Professor Chad Heins entitled “Grow Where You are Planted: Prairies and Professors.”
Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study Attendees: Beginning September 10, please note that the start time has been changed to 8:30am.
Evangelism Committee Special Presentation/Potluck: Tuesday, September 10, at 6pm in Mt. Olive’s Social Hall. We will begin with a potluck meal at 6pm (please bring something to share if you are able). Starting around 6:30pm, Pastor Tony & Melissa Pittenger, from Bethany Lutheran Church and School (ELS) in Port Orchard, WA, will speak to us about some young family outreach programs, “Power-Hour” and “Bedtime Books”, that have been a blessing to them as they promote their school, make connections with their community, and bring people to become members of their church. All are welcome to attend.
"Politics Is Driving Me Crazy!" That's not only what many are thinking these days, but it's also the title of our new Wednesday morning Bible study which starts this week at 9am on September 11 in the church sanctuary. Materials are provided.
Attention students, ages 12 & up: The next Neonfire Cubing Club meeting is Sunday, September 15, from 7-8pm. For more information, contact either Owen Saidler (saidler.owen@gmail.com), Sophia Ulrich (sophia.ulrich@mtolivelutheran.org), or Ben Faugstad (benjamin.faugstad@blc.edu).
The Veterans’ Bible Study will resume on Monday, September 16, at 10am in the Nursery Room.
Adult Choir Participants: please note that there will be no choir practice on Wednesday, September 18.
The Moms on a Mission Bible Study begins its fall semester on Thursday, September 19, at Peace Lutheran in North Mankato. Check the September issue of the Olive Press for more information.
The Mt. Olive Altar Guild is hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, September 19, at 7pm in the Sanctuary near the organ. We will show you, hands on, what the Altar Guild does and answer any questions you might have. There is no pressure to join. We hope to see you there!
“Make it, bake it, and then you take it”: Mt. Olive’s Annual Mission Support Sale is Sunday, September 22. Proceeds from this sale are given as Mt. Olive’s contribution to the Circuit 9 Mission Rally on October 19 at Norseland. Please sign the sheet on the table in the narthex if you would be willing to bake/make something. A Thrivent Action Team grant will provide funds for supplies, so please indicate what you will need. All monies collected go to help ELS foreign and home missions. Donations in the form of checks may be made out to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, with “Mission Support” in the memo line. Thank you!
Artemis Kick-off Event: Sunday, September 22, 6-9pm at the Wow! Zone. Students ages 12-18 can enjoy unlimited bowling, laser tag, and mini golf. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Cost: $10/person. Check the September edition of the Olive Press or the poster on the church bulletin board in the narthex for more information. Click on the QR code to RSVP.
Bethany Lutheran College’s National Auxiliary Day is Monday, September 23, beginning at 9 am. Learn more about BLC’s academic programs and activities and hear from staff and students regarding the exciting things happening at BLC. Mt. Olive member Dan Birkholz will be the main speaker. The group will also take part in the annual business meeting where Auxiliary members vote on special projects to support. Check the Bethany bulletin board in the narthex for a schedule of events and speakers.
The 9th Annual Charger Challenge Event is Friday, September 27. Come and walk with our students, teachers, and school families, beginning at 9:45am; or volunteer to be at a cheering station along the route; or sponsor our students. You can give online at school.mtolivelutheran.org, or give a check made out to Mt. Olive Lutheran School. Your donation is tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes to Mt. Olive School. Thank you for your support!
"Year of Jubilee” Campaign Update: The Boards of Budget & Finance and Stewardship would again like to thank the congregation for your gifts and prayers that allowed us to reach our YOJ goal of $250,000 for the 2023-24 fiscal year. The reduction in debt has resulted in a savings of about $3,000 per month in interest payments! Mt. Olive still carries a loan balance of over $2 million, so we officially kicked off Year 2 of the Year of Jubilee campaign on July 1, coinciding with the start of our new fiscal year. Also, we have received $90,000 in loans from Mt. Olive members, which has helped lessen our interest payments to the bank. If you would like more information about how you can help our operating budget through the member loan program, please contact Treasurer Greg Costello (costello@blc.edu).
Volunteers are needed to help with the livestreaming of our worship services. Please contact Matthias Leyrer (mjleyrer@gmail.com) if you are interested.
Jesus Loves Me Learning Center at St. Paul’s Lutheran in North Mankato is looking for an administrative assistant (20-25 hours/week) to assist with organization of student and employee files, enrollment application processing, event planning, monthly newsletters, and filing of licensing paperwork. Email Director LaShawn Smith at directorjlm@stpaulsnorthmankato.com to learn more, or pick up an application from St. Paul’s office.
Happening at Bethany Lutheran College: Double Concerto Extravaganza: Bach & Beyond, with Artistic Director Matthias Maute, on Wednesday, September 18, at 7pm in Trinity Chapel. The Bethany Music Department is honored to kick off the new season for the Bach Society of Minnesota; for more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Bach Society website.
Art Exhibitions in the YFAC Gallery: The artwork of John Bergmeier will be on exhibit from September 4-20. The artwork of Minnesota native and Bethany alumna Laura Sonnek will be on exhibit from September 23-October 11, with an Opening Reception on Thursday, September 26, at 7pm in the YFAC.
Join us September 27 – 29 for the 2024 Bethany Fall Festival: A Homecoming Weekend. This event includes activities for all ages and alumni reunions. All alumni and friends are invited to be part of the weekend. Enjoy athletic contests, live music, and more! For more information, go to https://blc.edu/campus-life/annual-events/fall-festival-homecoming-weekend/.
Come one, come all to The Servant of Two Masters, a one-act adaptation of the play by Carlo Goldini, performed outside under the tent on the Campus Green. Showtimes: Friday, September 27 at 7 and 9pm; Saturday, September 28, at 5:30 and 7:30pm; and Sunday, September 29, at 2pm. Tickets are only $5. Visit the Bethany Box Office after September 6 to reserve your general admission seating.
The Drumline and Concert Band will perform with alumni and friends during the Fall Festival on Saturday, September 28. The Drumline will perform at the alumni tent on the Campus Green at 11:15am. The Concert Band, featuring Guest Conductor Dr. Miles Worster, will perform in Trinity Chapel at 3:15pm. All are invited to attend these free events and enjoy some rousing music and fun!
Bethany Lutheran College has the following positions available: Adjunct Faculty – Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Director – Administrative Computing and Institutional Reporting; and Custodian – Academic Buildings. Learn more at blc.edu/campus-life/human-resources/bethany-jobs/.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER:
Sunday: 8:30am, 241/168; 10:45am, 191/145; Monday: 30/23
Live Online Viewing: Sunday (8:30am): 21
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK:
Greeters: 1st Service—Don & Beth Westphal, Joel & Carol Petersen 2nd Service—Joni Bode
Offering Counters: Mark Graham, Mark Olson
Altar Guild: Lynette Merseth, Krista Petzel
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE:
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $22,648.64
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $816.38
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total as of (July 1-September 5): $13,250.29
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 7/31/2024: $3,439.47
2 Corinthians 9:8 God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will overflow in every good work.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement