Mount Olive Lutheran Church

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

September 2013 Newsletter

Olive Leaves
September 2013

Pastor's Article
by Pastor Paul C. Sizemore

September:  Vacations Are Over, Schools Reopen and Churches Hope to Be Full

This summer in South Carolina is the coolest, wettest and most unusual summer I have ever experienced since moving to the Palmetto State from Georgia in 1989.  At age 34, I accepted a call to become the first full-time pastor of a new mission church in Simpsonville, a suburb of Greenville.  Two weeks after moving there, Hurricane Hugo hit the coast causing much devastation in Charleston and in many other coastal regions. Much rain fell also in the upstate following that mighty storm. 

At age 42, I was installed in January 1998 as pastor of Mount Olive Lutheran here in Irmo.  As it turned out, Columbia was at that time also experiencing an unusual weather pattern which meteorologists labeled as “El Nino.”  Once again, there were record amounts of rainfall from the sky every day.  But even then, I don’t remember receiving as much rain as we have recently.

On the positive side, our house has stayed much cooler this summer than most summers.  Our electric bill is way down from what it usually is this time of year.  My only complaint is that hundreds of ants have now invaded our house, looking for higher and drier ground.  Gratefully, if I may say this, the exterminator has promised to come our home this coming Thursday.

But now September is here.  Vacations, for the most part, are over.  Schools, for the most part, are reopened.  And churches, that usually experience a great drop in attendance during the summer months, are hoping their pews will soon become much fuller with faithful worshipers again.

So much rain has made me stop and think about the seasonal aspects of our human lives too. 
In the life of most every human being, there is hopefully a springtime, a summer time and an autumn, ultimately concluding with those cold, bristling, winter months at the end.  But for some people, their lives are unfortunately, tragically cut short.

Spiritually speaking, we need the precipitation of God’s Word to fall steadily upon our lives too.  And the Prophet Isaiah once compared the steady outpouring of God’s Word upon us to rain when he writes:  “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there without watering the earth, making it bear and sprout by furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my Word be which goes forth from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it! (Isaiah 55:10-11)

In the prophet’s own understanding, his confession of faith regarding the power of God’s Word here is the only proper follow up to the exhortation he makes a half dozen verses previous: “Seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is near.  Let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thought. Let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them!” (Isaiah 55:6-7)
September is here.  Vacations, for the most part, are over. Schools, for the most part, are reopened.  And churches, which often experience a decline in their worship and Sunday school attendance during the summer, hope to recoup from their losses once again.

Come to worship! Bring your children to Sunday school!  Attend an adult Sunday school class too!  For the Savior, Jesus Christ, by His perfect life, innocent death and glorious resurrection, still calls out to us saying: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls!” (Matthew 11:29)

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Board of Elders
  by Jerry Garlington

I want to give you at least a taste of the LCMS Convention without boring you with too much.  I received a letter from the Southeastern District President, John Denninger with his “My 10 Takeaway’s from the LCMS Convention”.   I will not quote everything he said, but I will use his memo as a reminder of the important events of the convention.  Here are some thoughts:

1.  Worship, praise, adoration of Jesus and attention to His Word, is always good but got even better as the days went by.  We started each day with worship, had worship after lunch and ended each day with worship.
2. On your feet, heart-beat moments included:  Welcoming 3 new partner church bodies from Liberia, Siberia, and Togo.  Honoring missionaries, military and institutional chaplains, and those responding to disaster.
3. LCMS resolves to share Jesus right where we live.  Including:  Church planting and renewal, Black and Native American Ministry, Giving special focus in hard to reach places where we are most vulnerable, but most needed (College campus, Urban, Inner-City, and Rural ministry), Learning Spanish or other modern languages spoken where we live, Outreach to those in jails and prisons and their families, Marking a day to celebrate refugees living among us.
4. We’re predisposed to study.  Resolved to complete the following studies:  A Theological Statement of Mission for the 21st Century, due in 2017; Study doctrinal training for District Dispute Reconcilers; Study the relationship between the ministry of the laity and the public call to ministry; study the roles of women and men in church and home; Study employment of women in military combat; Study our Lutheran schools and called teachers vs. contracted teachers; Study the relationship between science and technology.
5. We will talk.  Under the title Koinonia (Fellowship) using God’s Word and the Lutheran Confessions, we are determined to resolve our differences by talking and listening to each other rather than clubbing each other over the head.
6. You shall visit.  Mandated visits will happen.  Circuit Counselor title change to Circuit Visitor. 
7. Balance.  The laity historically provides wisdom and balance in our church body.  Kept the election of delegates at the Circuit level rather than raising it to the District level.
8. Called Workers and Laity Working Together for the sake of the Mission.  Much of our convention conversation spoke to lifting up, supporting and caring for the ordained.  But don forget the holy partnership outlined in Ephesians 4.  Only with cooperation of the ordained and the laity do we have any possibility of reaching the 32 million people in the district with the love of Jesus.
9. Time for the Southeastern District to engage in mission.  Discipling takes place when following Jesus, not just reading books and writing papers.  Lots of our learning will happen as God:  speaks to us in His Word, places His love in our hearts, encourages us through the body of Christ, and guides us to reach out to our neighbor.
10. Jesus is Lord of the Church.  After all is said and done, whether you vote “aye” or “nay”, whether you agree or disagree with convention decisions, there is great comfort and joy in the fact that Jesus remains the Lord of the Church.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend this convention.  It is an experience that I will never forget.  I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months. 

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Musical Notes
by Karen Meetze

"All God's critters got a place in the choir.... some sing low, some sing higher...some sing out loud on the telephone wire and some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they got now!"

The singing and ringing season is quickly approaching and I am excitedly awaiting the arrival of the choir birds and bell ringers!  I know you have all missed the special music during worship services this summer!  The choirs have enjoyed their break but rest time is over and now we are ready to get busy!  But we need some more members!  Adult Choir begins on Sunday, September 8th at 6:00, and Handbell Choir begins on Sunday September 15th at 4:45.  So bring your high/low voices and your bell ringing paws and come make a joyful noise! 

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A Message from our President
by Bob Massa

“We offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us; ourselves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

We speak these words during each worship service after our offering is collected. With the beginning of a new program year we can ensure truly “giving of ourselves” by becoming involved with the various Mt. Olive ministries or activities.  Some thoughts on giving our time or ourselves are:  every board would gladly welcome another volunteer; or, maybe The Spirit is moving you to start a new ministry or activity for Mount Olive.  For instance, I believe our church membership has numerous readers who have read some interesting Christian books.  Monthly in this very publication we could have a book review and other congregation members would be exposed to a book they might never have read.  This could be a simple way to share God’s Word for the shy person and it might even grow into a “Book Club” that could meet on a regular basis for fellowship, devotion, and discussion of the group’s selected book.

Maybe games are your motivation; organize a card club.  Pinochle, Bridge, or Hearts may be your way to be involved with other members and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  Also, I know of a church where a group of retirees organized after school programs that ranged from tutoring, teaching and playing chess, to teaching classes on woodworking and small engine repair.  Our Stephen Ministry began in this manner.  There was a need and The Spirit touched a member’s heart; and, after prayerful discernment, the congregation had a new ministry.

Mt. Olive is a talented and diverse congregation!  Each one of us has unique talents and spiritual gifts to offer.  If we give of ourselves, what an exciting fulfilling church year we will have!

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Public Relations
by Aresa Boykin

Everyone is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Mt. Olive’s Pictorial Directory! As our church grows, it’s not quite as easy to put names with faces!  What a wonderful “problem” for us!

A big thank you goes to Patti P and Teri M who have assisted with scheduling, layout, and phone calls.  Now that the photography has been completed, we will focus our attention on formatting and proofreading the directory.  For those of you who were unable to have your pictures made, please submit your photos to the church office by September 15th.  Remember to submit photos of our college students and military members who are stationed out of town or deployed.  Future members may also submit photos for the directory.  Most importantly, these photos will be returned to you! Because of today’s technology, I do not have to send them away.  We are hoping that everyone will be included!

I also want to welcome Sue O and Sarah V to the Public Relations Board!  Sue, as the church secretary, has been a big part of public relations in the areas of Mt. Olive’s website, Yellow Pages, and the newsletter.  We are excited to have Sarah on board because of her fresh perspective.  Thank you for agreeing to help out!

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Christian Education
from Katrina Folks

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”  Thus the psalmist opens Psalm 95, and thus we open the new Sunday school year.  The children in Pre-3 through 4th grade will continue to meet upstairs and have group openings each week led by Lisa Sizemore.  During that time they will learn the Bible story through object lessons, readings, storytelling, puppets and song.  Each week we praise the Lord God as our rock:  the rock of our lives and our church family.  Along with familiar hymns, we hope to teach the children parts of the liturgy, so they may participate more fully in the worship service. Following the group gathering, the children will be divided according to levels. 

We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals who have graciously accepted God’s command to teach “all nations”:

Connie C will be a wonderful teacher to welcome our new 3 year olds to Sunday School.  She will definitely explain to those little ones of Jesus’ love for them. 

Dana M, also so wonderful with the younger set, will have the 4 years and kindergarteners with her ready smile and sweet spirit. 

We welcome Anna W, a new addition to our church.  She will guide our 1st and 2nd graders in their class as they advance to deeper understandings of the Old and New Testaments. 

We are still in the process of looking for a couple to lead the 3rd and 4th graders.  This is a group of eleven children, bright, inquisitive, and eager to test our Bible knowledge and insights! 

Sunday school for 5th graders through high school will meet in the Wagner House.

Bill B will continue our wonderful parent-child confirmation studies starting September 15th, once the early communion classes are concluded.  What a terrific class for initiating dialogue between parents and children in regards to faith and God’s Word!  The class will continue with the curriculum, Partners in Learning: A Family Confirmation Approach, which is designed to help parent-mentors share their faith and strengthen relationships with the students.

This year we have added another class for 7th and 8th graders at the Wagner House.  We have a temporary teacher for the three 7th and 8th graders, and are looking for someone willing to teach this class.  Our high school class continues under the great leadership of Mike K.

We are always looking for willing helpers and substitute teacher assistants.  Come up and visit us.  See for yourself, Mt Olive Lutheran Sunday School is built on the Rock!

There are currently three Bible classes for adults.  Keith’s class meets in the fellowship hall and is currently studying the book of John.  David’s class meets downstairs and is part-way through the book of Daniel.  We will be losing David at the conclusion of Daniel as he and his family have moved to Greenwood. 
The third class, beginning September 1st, is for ladies:  Golden Fruit:  Living the Fruit of the Spirit.  Teri M will be teaching this 10-week class in the Wagner House.  Each weekly session of this Bible study will focus on one fruit of the Spirit and will consider how the lives and stories of nine biblical women convey that characteristic.  As you study women like Esther (self-control) and Dorcas (goodness), Ruth (love) and Elizabeth (joy), you'll see how God is at work in your life, too, and how His promise of salvation and peace through Jesus are fully yours all the time.

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Youth Group News
from Vanita Fielder

Please join the Mt. Olive Youth on September 29th at the Mt. Olive potluck to hear about the National Youth Gathering, its impact on our youth, and to view pictures.  Ten of our Mt. Olive youth attended the Gathering at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas: Zachary C, Jeremy F, Tyler F, Kayla G, August K, Emily K, Krista K, Tyler L, Zachary L, and Kathleen S.  Jim and Vanita chaperoned.  They attended various sessions, Bible studies, learning activities, testimonials, and praise and worship.  They also took time to explore San Antonio. The youth are looking forward to sharing the special things they learned with the congregation.

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Altar Guild Message
by Susie Hoffman

As the longest season in the church year calendar continues, information relating to worship symbols not often mentioned may interest you.

The box-like shape of the altar, itself, historically represents the tomb where Jesus’ lifeless body was laid.  The use of the Fair Linen, the white cloth that stretches over the full length of the altar, is said by some to represent the cloth that covered Jesus’ body.  By others it is said to remind us of the Christians who secretly worshipped in the catacombs to avoid discovery by the Romans.  They spread cloths over the stones in those underground cemeteries when they prepared to worship. 

The sanctuary candle, which is suspended in the chancel, is called the “eternal light”.  It represents Christ, the light that remains constant and bright.  It does not dim or diminish.  Christ Himself tells us “I am the light of the world” in John 8:12.  The number and arrangement of candles in the chancel has varied greatly in the history of the church.  The use of candles ON THE ALTAR is of medieval origin.  The two candles placed on the altar are known as “Eucharistic lights” as they usually burn only when the service of the Eucharist or Holy Communion is planned, but since lights are symbolic of God and Jesus Christ, there is no good reason to forbid their use on the altar at all services.

Why do we usually see the empty cross instead of the crucifix in most Lutheran churches?  Both symbolize the death of Jesus in payment for our sins, but it was the resurrection of Christ from the grave that gave us the justification we need to gain eternal life.  That is what the empty cross tells us.  That is the traditional cross used by many Lutherans.

The Paschal (from the Greek pascha meaning “Easter”) candle symbolizes the resurrection victory over the darkness of sin and death.  The use of this candle goes back to the early church during the fourth or fifth century.  It is traditionally burned from Easter to Ascension Day to represent the visible human presence of Jesus on earth.  Because of the connection between Easter and Baptism, congregations are encouraged to light the Paschal candle for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. (Romans 6:3-4….”Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may lead a new life.”) This symbol of Christ’s triumph over death and the grave also makes it appropriate for use at a Christian burial.  The funereal pall placed over a casket and its carriage is white to symbolize the righteousness with which Christians have been clothed in Holy Baptism.

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Preschool News
by Krista Bernthal

The preschool is starting up its seventh year!  It is hard to believe that this ministry has gone on that long already.  I guess time flies when you are having fun!  We are eagerly getting 23 sweet children introduced to their classes, teachers, and friends.  We have a great group, and we are looking forward to our school year together. 

It is that time of year to ask for snacks!  Please grab a shopping list from the narthex if you can help. We offer a sweet and a salty snack to the children each day. We would also love to be able to offer fruit once in a while.  Grapes, apples, pears, bananas, or oranges may be donated - just place them in the fridge in my office or labeled "preschool" and placed in the kitchen fridge.  Thank you in advance for your donations! 
Once again, we will be partnering with the school district to place children in our school who are unable to be placed in public preschool.  If you are interested in sponsoring a child, let me know.   As usual, thank you for your prayers and support.  I love being in ministry with you!

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LWML (The Olive Branch)
by Carole Mueller, President

The Carolinas District LWML Mission Goal statement is to be bold in the spirit by God’s grace and in ministry tell the world what Christ has done.

Who are the women of the LWML?  The Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML), with a membership of over 250,000, is the official women's organization of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  The LWML focuses on affirming each woman in her relationship with Christ to enable her to be in ministry among the people of the world.  For over 60 years the organization has been encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to financially support global missions.  For additional information, visit the Carolinas District web site: www.carolinaslwml.webs.com

The current Carolinas Cross Connection is posted on the LWML bulletin board outside the workroom.  Copies are available on the table in the narthex & upon request.

The Olive Branch, Mt. Olive’s LWML group, will resume monthly meetings in September.  Scheduled days are the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, with a Bible Study from 10:00-11:00, a brief meeting and lunch followed by crafts/projects.  Mark your calendars and plan to be there for Bible study and lunch (dessert & beverage provided).  If crafts are your forte, we welcome your assistance and will conclude approximately 2:00 p.m.  The assembling of Chrismons for the upcoming Christmas season will be discussed at our first meeting, Sept. 10th.  For those interested in completing hand tied quilts for charities, we will continue with this project.  If you have any ideas for future projects, share them.

LWML Sunday will be observed on October 20th.  The ladies of the Olive Branch will be organizing activities for the afternoon.  Ideas for our program are appreciated.

The first Sunday of every month is designated for LWML mite box collections. You can pick up a mite box on the table in the hallway.  On collection Sundays, the large mite box will be located in the narthex as you enter church.

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A Stewardship Minute
from David Buck

Christopher Chapman died in 1680 and his burial stone is in Westminster Abbey in London. Etched in that stone are the words that describe the way Christopher tried to live:
What I gave, I have.
What I spent, I had.
What I left, I lost by not giving it.

In those words it is clear that he felt most fulfilled in his life when he lived as a giver. What he gave he had, because it came back to him multiplied. What he left behind he lost because he couldn’t take it with him … and he could have given rather than having left it. There is a very practical side to this story.
A pastor was visiting an old man whose wife had just died. During the conversation the husband told the pastor that his wife left a gift for the church in her will. It was not a large amount, just over a thousand dollars. Of course, the pastor was pleased that the woman had remembered the needs of the church in her will. Two nights later the pastor told the church board that the improvements in the parsonage had cost about one thousand dollars over the budget. Just as the board members began to wonder if the treasury had enough money to meet the need, the pastor told them about the gift, which would more than take care of the overrun. Suddenly each of the board members began to smile. The problem was solved.

Prayer: Dear Lord, every good thing on earth has come from you. Accept our profound gratitude for your indescribable goodness. In Jesus' name. Amen

A Stewardship Minute is available to subscribers of Stewardship at www.parishpublishing.org.  Parish Publishing, LLC      (888) 320-5576     

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Parish Fellowship
by Flora Weed

The Parish Fellowship Board has been busy developing guidelines for bridal and baby showers.  The new guidelines will be effective beginning in January 2014.

1. Any member of Mt. Olive can host a shower, following the guidelines for use of the fellowship hall.  Please schedule the room with the church secretary.

2. For members who are new to Mt. Olive and who live far from family and friends, the Parish Fellowship Board will host a shower.

3. If members would like to host a shower, but finances are limited, the Parish Fellowship Board will help host a shower.

4. Anyone using the fellowship hall must abide by Mt. Olive’s guidelines.  These are posted in the kitchen near the entrance to the storage room and in the hall by the main entrance to the fellowship hall.

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Stephen Ministry
by Bill & Aresa Boykin

Bill and I, as your Stephen Leaders, want to thank each member of the Mt. Olive congregation for your ongoing support of our Stephen Ministry!  Thank you to Liz G and Judy B for home-cooked goodies for our continuing education sessions during the month of August.

The rest of this article will focus on ways you can pray for all the aspects of our Stephen Ministry.  You might want to clip the article and keep it with your daily devotions or prayer list.
Our loving God, as your chosen people, holy and dearly loved by You, we ask for Your guidance and blessing on our Stephen Ministry.

We pray for our Stephen Leaders, that they may be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Guide their learning, and be with them through the joys and challenges of their ministry.
We pray for our Stephen Ministers so that they may remain humble servants to You, focusing on bringing your love and salvation to those experiencing the challenges of life.

We pray for our past and current care receivers, and for their faithfulness, willingness, and courage to accept Stephen Ministers to walk along side them during their times of need and for the healing that only God can bring.

We pray that each of us, during difficult times in our lives, will recognize our need to receive care from others, so that we will be willing to receive Your care through our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
We pray for our congregational members as they offer support for our Stephen Ministry through prayer, snacks, and keeping their eyes and ears open to those who might benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister.

And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, let it all be in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God our Father through Him.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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Evangelism
by Jon Richter

Who will you invite to “Return to the Lord?”
Isaiah 51:11 gives us a wonderful picture of people returning to Our Lord:
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return
 and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
 they shall obtain gladness and joy,
 and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Surely we want our family members, friends and even acquaintances to join us in the party of Joy and Peace that only Jesus can give.

As we are thinking about opportunities to witness, consider the Irmo OKRA STRUT!!  Once again, we are signed up to host a booth on Saturday, September 28th.  We want people to pray now for our preparations and for those who would respond to our outreach. There will be sign up sheets for shifts for booth hosts available after Labor Day.  Please call Jon if you need further details or can help in preparation.

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Social Ministry
by Shari Selke

Thank you to all who volunteered at the American Red Cross Blood Drive in July.  We had 23 participants and a total of 17 units were donated.  The next blood drive for will be Saturday – January 25, 2014.  If you have any questions please contact Katrina Davis.

Sharing God’s Love (SGL) would like you to note on your calendar the following events:

September 16th is the 4th Annual Golf Tournament at The Club at Rawls Creek
September 21st is SGL’s Annual Fall Yard Sale.
If you would like to donate any items to the sale you may drop off your donations at Sharing God’s Love – 147 Friarsgate Blvd. – Irmo, SC   29063

SGL is still in need of school supply donations as well as children’s clothing.  The following needs are also posted outside the church office on the bulletin board:  Soup, Tuna, Jelly, Grits, Rice, Sugar, Tea, Cereal, Mac N Cheese, Pork & Beans, Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Shampoo, Deodorant, Toilet Paper, Soap, Laundry Detergent, Dish Detergent, Towels, Wash Cloths, and all sizes of Bed Linens. These items may be left in the basket outside the church office.

Lutheran Hospice is in need of volunteers for patient care, office work, and special events. Details will be posted on the bulletin board. If you are interested please call Volunteer Manager, Beth McLean, at 803-461-0456.

The 23rd annual Walk for Life/Race for Life, a 3.1 mile walk/race ($25 registration fee) and 10K race ($30 registration fee) through historic downtown Columbia, will be held Saturday, October 5, 2013.  The Walk/Race will begin and end in Finlay Park.  The Walk/Race is a collaborative effort among dedicated sponsors, teams, individual walkers, contributors, health care professionals, volunteers and of course, breast cancer survivors.  Last year’s Walk drew more than 6,700 participants and raised more than $550,000, including in-kind donations, for Palmetto Health Breast Center.  All proceeds stay at Palmetto Health Breast Center.  See more at www.walkforlifecolumbia.org .

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Announcements & Opportunities

October Newsletter Deadline
Mark your calendar!  The deadline for submitting articles for the October newsletter is Friday, September 20.

New Member Class
Pastor Sizemore will teach a class for new members during the Sunday school hour, beginning on September 15th through October 20th.  New members will be “officially welcomed” on October 20th at the 10:30 worship service, followed by a covered-dish fellowship meal.

Midweek Bible Study at Mt. Olive
The "Caring Evangelism" course has been on summer vacation and reconvenes on September 11th.  The reading of chapters 5 and 6 should be completed by the 11th.  For questions, contact Jon Richter at 260-1418.

Monthly Bible Study in Blythewood: Food for Body & Soul
Are you too busy for a weekly Bible study?  Then why not try the new monthly Bible Study beginning Thursday, September 5, 2013?  The first Thursday of each month, we will gather at the home of Bob and Teri.  After enjoying dinner together, we will then have a one-hour Bible study.  The lesson will not be part of a series, and conclude in that one evening.  Dinner will be at 6:30 PM with Bible study going from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.

Stephen Ministry Snacks
Did you know that our Stephen Ministry team meets twice monthly throughout the year?  There is a sign up sheet for summer snacks, located in the hall beside the fire extinguisher.  Since classes are on Mondays, you can bring snacks on Sunday, mark them “Stephen Ministry,” and leave them in the kitchen.  Thank you so much to those who provided snacks during the month of August:  Judy B and Liz G!

Attention Thrivent Financial for Lutheran Members:  CHOICE DOLLARS PROGRAM
Are you aware of the Choice Dollars Program offered by Thrivent to its policyholders?  The program allows policyholders to direct a portion of available charitable outreach funds to a pre-approved non-profit agency.  Mt. Olive Lutheran Church and Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool are approved agencies to which you can direct the funds assigned to your policy.  This can be done very simply on-line or with a phone call to (800) 847-4836.  Ask for the Thrivent Choice Program.  There are presently several members of Mt. Olive who have directed their Choice Dollars to our Preschool and church.  To continue to receive these funds, this process will need to be repeated with each notification to you that funds are available.  Funds must be designated by September 30th.

Free Photos from Bulletin Boards!
Parents, Grandparents, Sunday School Teachers, etc.:  Please take the photographs of your loved ones from the bulletin boards.  If you’d like to share photos of Mt. Olive’s activities with our homebound members, please do!  These are a gift to you!  Take them and enjoy!

Nursery Reminder
The church nursery is open during the Sunday school hour and the second Worship Service from 9:10-Noon for children, ages birth to 2 years, during Sunday school, and through age 3 during Worship.  The nursery is located inside the back entrance of the church, across from the Wagner House.  Parents, remember to bring your diaper bag with extra diapers, clothes, sippy cup, etc.  A light snack is served.  Mrs. Flora is in charge.

Children's Worship & Bulletins
Parents, many of you bring children to worship service from infancy; however, for those of you who have used the nursery for worship, please remember that once your children reach 4-years-old, they should begin attending the service.  One way to help with the adjustment is to pick up children’s bulletins from the table in the narthex.  These bulletins match our church year, so your children will have illustrations and activities for the weekly lessons and church season.  There are extra crayons in a basket in the hallway, too.  Then later in the day, you can use the bulletin to discuss the service with your children.

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