Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet

 
CONTINUE READING
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
MOUNT OLIVET

                    MESSENGER
MAR 2019

                                     Believing, Belonging, Becoming

                         LookUp
                         LENT AT MOUNT OLIVET
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3

                    mtolivet.org
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
Join Us for Worship
                                                                                                                                           MINNEAPOLIS CAMPUS         WEST CAMPUS
WOR S HIP S CHED U LE
                                                                                                                                        5025 KNOX AVE S            7150 ROLLING ACRES RD, P.O. BOX 153
                                                                                                                                        MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419      VICTORIA, MN 55386
                                                                                                                                        612.926.7651               952.767.1500

                                                          SUN, MAR 3                                      SUN, MAR 10                                           9, 10, 11am
                                                          Transfiguration &                                The Good Samaritan                                    Sermon: PASTOR HAMMERSTEN
                                                          6th-Grade First Communion                       Holy Communion 8:30am and following the               Music: Diane Loudon, cello
                                                          Holy Communion 8:30am and following the last    last service; Nursery 9, 10, 11am                     Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am
                                                          service; Nursery 9, 10, 11am; The 6th-Grade           9, 10, 11am, 12noon                        WED, MAR 27
                                                          First Communion service will be held during           Sermon: PASTOR KALLAND
                                                                                                                                                           Lent Midweek             11am
                                                               12noon and 11am services.                        Music: Chancel Treble, Chancel Tenore,
                                                                                                                                                           Sermon: PASTOR HAMMERSTEN
                                                                 9, 10, 11am, 12noon                            Chapel & Hosanna Choirs
                                                                 Sermon: PASTOR LOSE                            Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                 SUN, MAR 31
                                                                 Music: Senior & Cathedral Choirs               Choir Sunday School: 9, 10am               The Persistent Widow
                                                                 Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                     9, 10, 11am                                Holy Communion 8:30am and following the
                                                                 Choir Sunday School: 9, 10am                   Sermon: PASTOR RUUD                        last service; Nursery 9, 10, 11am
                                                                 9, 10, 11am                                    Music: Chancel Treble, Chancel Tenore,           9, 10, 11am, 12noon
                                                                 Sermon: PASTOR DIXON                           Chapel Choirs                                    Sermon: PASTOR HELGEN
                                                                 Music: Senior & Cathedral Choirs               Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                       Music: Senior & Cathedral Choirs;
                                                                 Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                                                                      Chancel Ringers
                                                                                                                                                                 Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am
                                                                                                                  DAYLIGHT SAVING
                                                                                                                   TIME ENDS ON
                                                                                                                                                                 Choir Sunday School: 9, 10am
                                                                                                                      MAR 10                                     9, 10, 11am
                                                                                                                                                                 Sermon: PASTOR DIXON
                                                                                                          WED, MAR 13                                            Music: Senior & Cathedral Choirs;
                                                                                                          Lent Midweek 11am                                      Chancel Ringers
                                                                                                          Sermon: PASTOR HELGEN                                  Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am

                                                                                                          SUN, MAR 17
                                                                                                          A Healing, a Parable, and a Lament
                                                                                                          Holy Communion 8:30am and following the
                                                                                                                                                                 TRUTH TALKS
                                                                                                          last service; Nursery 9, 10, 11am
                                                                                                                9, 10, 11am, 12noon
                                                                                                                Sermon: PASTOR LOSE
                                                                                                                                                                  LookUp!
                                                                                                                                                                Wed 7pm,          Mar 13,        Mar 20
                                                                                                                Music: Senior Choir Men; Cathedral Choir              “LIVING ONLINE ~
                                                          WED, MAR 6
  MOU NT O LI VET MES S ENGER MA R 2019 MTO LI VET.O RG

                                                                                                                Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                             LIVING LOVED”
                                                          Ash Wednesday Communion Services                      Choir Sunday School: 9, 10am                     PASTORS DIXON AND RUUD
                                                          Jesus Turns to Jerusalem                              9, 10, 11am
                                                               7am, 11am, 4pm, 6pm                              Sermon: PASTOR MACLEAN                           Wed 7pm,          Mar 27,        Apr 3
                                                               Sermon: PASTOR MACLEAN                           Music: Senior & Cathedral Choirs                       “THE VIRTUAL
                                                               Music: 7, 11am: Amanda Jenkins, soprano;         Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                            BODY OF CHRIST”
                                                               4, 6pm: Justin Staebell, baritone                                                               PASTOR LOSE AND PROFESSOR
                                                                                                          WED, MAR 20                                             DEANNA A. THOMPSON
                                                               6pm
                                                               Sermon: PASTOR HAMMERSTEN                  Lent Midweek 11am & 7pm
                                                               Music: Greg Dokken, bass                   Sermon: PASTOR KALLAND
                                                                                                          SUN, MAR 24
                                                          WED, MAR 6
                                                          Ash Wednesday                                   The Prodigal Son                                                                Follow Jesus’ Passion
                                                                                                          Holy Communion 8:30am and following the
                                                          Youth-Led Services             7:30pm                                                                                            with daily readings
                                                                                                          last service; Nursery 9, 10, 11am                                                 that remind us
                                                               Sermon: PASTOR DIXON
                                                                                                                9, 10, 11am, 12noon                                                          to look to the
                                                               Music: Cathedral Choir
                                                                                                                Sermon: PASTOR LOSE                                                           cross and see
                                                               Sermon: PASTOR RUUD
                                                                                                                Music: Senior Choir Women; Cathedral                                   God’s incredible love
                                                               Music: Cathedral Choir
                                                                                                                Choir; Joyful Noise!                                  for us laid bare. Sign up for emails at
                                                                                                                Sunday School: 9, 10, 11am                   mtolivet.org or pick up a booklet at church.
                                                                                                                Choir Sunday School: 9, 10am
    |

                 2
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
Look Up to See the

                                                                                                                               LET T ER FROM T HE S EN IOR PA ST O R
Country of God
      Every once in a while, you get a glimpse into another    imagine
country, the country of God. Oh, I know, sometimes             and enter
it’s called a “kingdom” – as in “the kingdom of God has        this other
drawn near.” But I sometimes fear that word seems so           country.
archaic that it’s hard for most of us to imagine.              But perhaps nowhere
      What I’m thinking of really is another country,          is this invitation made more clearly than
another land, one that feels, smells, even tastes different.   in the parable of the Prodigal Son. It’s the story of a
You know right when you’ve stumbled into it, even if you       foolish son who has no idea just how blessed he is and
didn’t notice the boundary lines. What makes this country      so squanders all he has. But it’s also the story of an even
different is that nobody counts things here. Do you know       more foolish father, one who refuses to count mistakes
what I mean? No tracking billable hours, no counting           and misdeeds and welcomes even this ungrateful and
the days until school lets out, no ringing up debits on the    foolish child back with open arms.
balance sheet, no cries from the backseat of “are we there          Through these stories, Jesus invites us into a world of
yet?” Best yet, no counting old grievances and grudges,        unmerited grace. I should warn you, though, that those
no dredging up past wrongs or unsettled scores. For some       of us who by nature or experience are “counters” will
reason, people in this country have lost track of all that;    have a hard time understanding it, perhaps even believing
in fact, they can’t remember why you’d keep count in the       it. But to those of us who have been down and out, to
first place.                                                   those who have been lost, to those who have counted
      Oh, I know: the world – the real world – doesn’t         until exhaustion and still not been satisfied. ... Well, even
work that way. We need to keep count. If we don’t, we’ll       if we’re not sure this world Jesus describes is “the real
lose track of what we owe each other. How will we know         world,” we soon come to the conclusion it’s the one that
the value of anything if we don’t weigh it, measure it,        really matters, the one, in the end, that just might save us.
assess and evaluate it? But here, in this other country, a          At Mount Olivet this Lent, we continue to extend
thing just has value. It matters, in and of itself. It just    Jesus’ invitation to imagine and enter this other country.
does.                                                          Although the invitation comes in many and various
      Most of us have been convinced that we need to track     ways, it can be summarized most succinctly in just two
and count and measure and remember. That’s just the way        words: “Look Up!” Look up from your work to see the

                                                                                                                                     M TO LI VET.O RG M AR 2 019 MO UN T O LI VET M ESS ENGE R
things work. But not relationships. Think about it. You        beauty of God’s world. Look up from your devices to
start counting the right and wrong, the good and the bad,      see the actual people all around you. Look up from the
the things that should be rewarded or punished and you’ll      headlines of national and global division to see God’s call
never get over it. Before long, you’ll be so unhappy you’ll    to care for those around you. Look up this Lent from all
actually have convinced yourself that if you could just        that distracts you to focus steadfastly on Jesus’ journey
count more, know more – maybe get another bite from            to the cross. Look up, finally, to see God looking at you
the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil –      the way a love-struck parent gazes at a beloved child. In
then you’ll finally be happy.                                  our Sunday worship, through our Lenten devotions, in
      But that’s not the way it works in this other world.     our midweek worship and Truth Talks, we will repeat this
In this world – God’s world, kingdom and country – you         invitation again and again until you, too, have not only
forget counting like my son always forgot to track his laps    been invited to imagine, but have
when swimming. Me, I’m not a swimmer. When I’m in              actually been pulled into, the very
the pool it’s to get exercise – nothing more, nothing less     country and kingdom of God.
– and I make good and sure I count every length. But my        Look up!
son just swims. “How many laps did you swim today,” I’d
ask after he’d been in the pool an hour or more.
“No idea,” he’d smile back, as content as he was weary.
      Throughout Luke’s Gospel, Jesus invites people to        DAVID J. LOSE, SENIOR PASTOR
                                                                                                                                           |

                                                                                                                                                  3
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
Life & Growth
                                                                                                       LookUp this Lent!
MOU N T OLIVET LIFE

                                                          JAN 15 - FEB 14
                                                          Baptisms
                                                          Charles Edward Baker,
                                                             son of Donna and William                 SUNDAYS IN LENT                                              for the sake of community. We need each other
                                                          Rayna Kay Holten,                           Mar 10 - Apr 14. Worship centered on the Gospel of           in order to carry out God’s hopes and dreams for
                                                                                                      Luke as we continue to Enter the Story ...                   the world. When has someone in your community
                                                             daughter of Rebecca and Brent
                                                                                                          9, 10, 11am, 12noon; 9, 10, 11am                         invited you to look up?
                                                          Rory Pattee and Bernadette Kelly Holten,
                                                                                                                                                                 • Look Up … to Strangers
                                                             children of Melissa and Ryan             TRUTH TALKS: LOOK UP!
                                                                                                                                                                   in our Community
                                                          Nathaniel Bo Jenkins, Jr.,                  These 40-minute Truth Talks are open to all.
                                                                                                                                                                        Wed, Mar 20, 11am, 7pm, PASTOR KALLAND.
                                                             son of Stacey and Nathaniel              Confirmation and Cathedral and Chancel Choir
                                                                                                                                                                   Abraham Welcomes Strangers (Genesis 18:1-8).
                                                          Luella Jean Pieper,                         members will be in attendance, and we encourage all
                                                                                                                                                                   Abraham and Sarah provide hospitality to three
                                                             daughter of Emily and Zachary            our households and interested adults to attend, as we
                                                                                                                                                                   strangers. How do we welcome strangers in our own
                                                          Grayson Thomas Schwein,                     believe sharing this experience and learning together
                                                                                                                                                                   lives and anticipate the needs of neighbors in our
                                                                                                      is important and builds community.
                                                             son of Kayla and Matt                                                                                 community?
                                                                                                     • “Living Online ~ Living                                   • Look Up … to Be Present
                                                          Winston Jerome Sykora,
                                                                                                      Loved”             Wed, Mar 13;        Wed, Mar 20
                                                             son of Nicole and Ken                                                                                     Wed, Mar 27, 11am, PASTOR HAMMERSTEN. Martha
                                                                                                      with PASTORS DIXON AND RUUD.
                                                                                                                                                                   and Mary (Luke 10:38-42). This story reminds us
                                                          Weddings                                    Living online allows us to extend ourselves in ways
                                                                                                                                                                   that sometimes God calls us to be present with those
                                                          Joan Nilsen & Tim Beyer, Nov 9              never imagined even a generation ago. Whether
                                                                                                                                                                   in our midst. How can we be more fully present with
                                                                                                      it’s staying in touch with friends, finding inspiration,
                                                          Deaths                                                                                                   those we encounter?
                                                                                                      or reaching out to someone in need, we discover
                                                                                                                                                                 • Look Up … to Friends
                                                          Richard J. Ames, 1929 - 2019                in the internet a powerful tool that vastly expands
                                                                                                                                                                   and Family                  Wed, Apr 3, 11am
                                                          Adrian A. Anderson, 1939 - 2019             our reach into the world. At the same time, living
                                                                                                                                                                   Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion, 7pm,
                                                          Walter E. Beisel, 1926 - 2019               online immerses us in countless messages about
                                                                                                                                                                   PASTOR MACLEAN. Jesus Heals a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-
                                                          Warren A. Dahl, 1926 - 2019                 who we are. Some of those messages are life-giving,
                                                                                                                                                                   26). The paralytic man’s friends bring him to Jesus
                                                          Phyllis R. Frisk, 1922 - 2019               but many others are not. How, then, do we make
                                                                                                                                                                   for healing. When have your friends and family
                                                          Edith M. Grissinger, 1921 - 2019            the most of the opportunities the digital age offers
                                                                                                                                                                   helped you to see God? How does their faith to see
                                                          Ralph K. James, 1933 - 2019                 while remembering – and extending – God’s central
                                                                                                                                                                   a way forward encourage you in your own faith?
                                                                                                      promise that we are children of God, we are loved,
                                                          Duane A. Paskett, 1937 - 2019                                                                          • Look Up … to Be Surprised!
                                                                                                      and we are not alone.
                                                          Larry H. Voltin, 1950 - 2019                                                                                 Wed, Aor 10, 11am, 7pm, PASTOR
                                                                                                     • “The Virtual Body of Christ”                                KALLAND. The Parable of the Great Dinner (Luke
                                                                                                                            Wed, Mar 27; Wed, Apr 3
                                                                                                                                                                   14:15-24). God shows up in the uninvited dinner
                                                          Easter Flowers                                               with PASTOR LOSE AND PROFESSOR DEANNA
                                                                                                                        A. THOMPSON. We are called to be
                                                                                                                                                                   guests – the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the
                                                          Order through                                                                                            lame. God sees what we think isn’t possible and says,
                                                                                                                         the body of Christ, living out
                                                          3/31                                                                                                     “There is still room!” How has God surprised you?
                                                                                                                          God’s love for us by loving our
                                                          During this                                                      neighbors, not just in person, but      LENTEN DEVOTIONS
   MO UNT OL I VET MES SENG ER MAR 2019 MTO LI VET.OR G

                                                          special time                                                      also online. Living loved in the       Follow Jesus’ Passion with daily readings that remind
                                                          of year, please                                                    digital age gives us new tools        us to look to the cross and see God’s incredible love
                                                          consider                                                           for sharing God’s compassion          for us laid bare. Sign up for emails at mtolivet.org or
                                                          honoring or                                 and grace to those who have bought into a story              pick up a booklet at church.
                                                          remembering                                 about themselves that is less than what God desires
                                                                                                                                                                   HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
                                                          a loved one by purchasing                   for them. Sharing the gospel of God’s love online,
                                                                                                                                                                 • Palm Sunday Apr 14
                                                                                                      extending God’s compassion digitally, and caring for
                                                          a spring plant to beautify our                                                                               9, 10, 11am, 12noon;        9, 10, 11am
                                                                                                      each other via social media are all examples of how
                                                          sanctuaries for Easter Sunday.                                                                         • The Seven Last Words of
                                                                                                      we can live into being “the Virtual Body of Christ.”
                                                          A list of donors and those                                                                               Christ by Dubois Wed, Apr 17,                     7pm
                                                          remembered or honored will be               LENT MIDWEEK SERVICES                                      • The Living Lord’s Supper
                                                          included in the Easter Sunday               Our Lent Midweek worship services will revolve               Thu, Apr 18;      6, 7:30pm;       7:30pm
                                                          bulletin. $15 small plants, $25             around biblical stories of what happens when we            • Good Friday Apr 19; Communion
                                                                                                      Look Up – we see God at work in our lives, we see            Services 7am, 12noon, 4, 6pm, 6pm;
                                                          large plants. Order at mtolivet.
                                                                                                      people with needs we can meet, we discover people            Children’s Services  11am; Tenebrae Service
                                                          org, complete an Easter Flower              with gifts to share, and we are surprised at what God                 7pm
                                                          envelope at church, or contact              is doing right in front of us!                             • Easter Sunday Apr 21; 7, 8, 9, 10,
                                                          Mary Lindberg 612.926.7651                 • Look Up … Why?                                              11am, 12noon; 8, 9, 10, 11am, 12noon
                                                          mlindberg@mtolivet.org.                         Wed, Mar 13, 11am, PASTOR HELGEN.
                                                                                                      Created in and for Community (Genesis 1:26-31).
                                                                                                      We are made in God’s image, created in community
     |

               4
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
Daily Readings

                                                                                                                               MOU N T OLIVET LIFE
   DE VO T IO N S
                                                                                   MAR 2019
                                                                                   FROM PASTOR KALLAND
“You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed
you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”                                   1    Romans 12.2,
JESUS’ WORDS TO HIS DISCIPLES IN JOHN 15:16                                             Renewing of Your Mind
     The season of Lent is a season of humility and                                2    1 John 2.15 & 17,
confession. In fact, the confession in which we partake on Ash                          Do Not Love the World
Wednesday could be well described as the confession of all confessions for the     3    Psalm 95.6, Kneel
church year. In that spirit … I have a confession. In my 37+ years of life,        4    Philippians 2.10-11, Confess
I have never given up anything for the season of Lent. Now, I hope you won’t       5    Psalm 24. 7 & 8,
judge me for this, and I’m not saying that it can’t be a good practice of faith.        Lift Up Your Heads
I have a friend who one year wore a necklace with a cross made of sharp            6    Psalm 103.10-12, Great Mercy
nails. His shared with me that each time he felt the cross on his skin during      7    Habakkuk 2.20, Keep Silence
the season, he intended to be mindful of Jesus’ gift of life and he would say      8    Psalm 19.1, The Heavens Declare
a brief prayer of gratitude. What a wonderful discipline! The reason I haven’t     9    Psalm19.14, My Redeemer
been compelled to “give something up” is that I mainly have witnessed the          10   Psalm 122.1, Glad
season of Lent as a time when we primarily and powerfully focus upon how           11   Psalm 100.1-3, A Joyful Noise
God gave up much for us or, to say it another way, how God shows up to love        12   Psalm 8.3-5, Consider the Heavens
us despite all our sin, doubt, grief, and hardship. Traditionally, the stories
                                                                                   13   Psalm 24.1, The Earth is the Lord’s
the church tells in the Lenten season are all about a God who crosses (yes,
                                                                                   14   Psalm 67.1, Face Shines On Us
CROSS-es) boundaries and breaks through our common conception of life
and experience of the world to show us just how much God loves us and how          15   Colossians 1.16,
much God seeks for us to see ourselves as beloved people and partners with              Visible and Invisible
God in this world and our life.                                                    16   John 1.12, Children of God
     If giving something up for Lent helps you focus on that, thanks be to         17   John 15.5, Vine and Branches
God! But perhaps, no matter what you do this season, you might direct your         18   Mathew 6.19-21,
faithful life to remembering how much God loves this turmoil-filled world               Where is Your Heart
and us as God’s creatures. And then, this may compel us all to question how        19   Revelation 21.4,
we might love each other deeper, following in Christ and how Jesus loves                God Wipes Away Tears
all God’s people. Blessings to you all these 40 days (and the six Sundays in       20   Galatians 2.20, Christ Lives In Me
which we celebrate God’s great love!). God’s care and concern for you knows        21   Psalm 119.11, Treasure Your Word
no bounds. That’s what the season is about. Hear it, cling to it, cherish it,      22   James 1.17, Every Good Gift
and live it. It was not us who chose God, but God who chose us! Amen and           23   John 11.25-26, Do You Believe This
Amen. – PASTOR RUUD                                                                24   Isaiah 40.31, Renewed
                                                                                   25   Psalm 42.11, O My Soul
New Member

                                                                                                                                 M TO LI VET.O RG M AR 2 019 MO UN T O LI VET M ESS ENGE R
                                                                                   26   Matthew 11.28, Rest
Orientations                                                                       27   1 Peter 5.7, Cares For You
Sa 3/16 9:30-11am                                                                  28   Isaiah 26.3-4, Trust
        Fellowship Hall                                                            29   Proverbs 3.5-6, Acknowledge
Su 4/7 2-3:30pm                                                                    30   Galatians 5.22-23, By Contrast
        Gronseth Fellowship Hall                                                   31   1 John 1.9, Forgive and Cleanse
Su 4/14 12:45-2pm
        Fellowship Hall
People interested in joining Mount                                                              Sign up for weekly emails at
Olivet on Sunday 5/5 are invited to                                                             MTOLIVET.ORG
attend one orientation. You will meet
the pastors, staff, members of the                                                              Like us on FACEBOOK
                                            Annual Congregation                                 at mountolivetchurch
Board of Life & Growth, connect             Meeting Su 3/17 1pm, Main
with other new members, and find            Sanctuary. Hear reports, approve                    Follow us on TWITTER
out what it means to be a member            the 2019 annual budget, and                         @mtolivet
of this amazing congregation!
                                            elect new Congregation Council                      Follow us on INSTAGRAM
Childcare is available. Register at
mtolivet.org or contact Carol Nault         and Board of Life & Growth                          @mtolivet
612.926.2204 for more information.          members. All are welcome!
                                                                                                                                       |

                                                                                                                                              5
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
FELLOWSHIP

                                                                                                   A Day Lenten Journey:
                                                                                                      What is Lent for
                                                                                                        Lutherans?
                                                                                                     Tu 3/12, 10am-3pm, Mount Olivet
                                                                                                          Conference & Retreat Center.
                                                                                                       The innovations and disruptions
                                                             Friends Forever                             Martin Luther brought to the
                                                                                                                                                 46th Fashion Show
                                                            Arizona Round-Up                        medieval church included changes to
                                                                                                                                                    & Luncheon
                                                          (50yrs+) Su 3/3; 8:30am Sunday                                                                Sa 4/6 11am, Fellowship
                                                                                                   Lenten season practices. How close are
                                                           worship at Living Water Lutheran                                                               Hall. This year’s theme is
                                                                                                    we – or aren’t we – to those practices
                                                           Church, brunch at Pinnacle Peak                                                    “Favorite Finds for You” and the show
                                                                                                     today? And what difference does it
                                                             Country Club, and dinner at                                                        will feature a fun mix of boutiques
                                                                                                     make? Join PASTOR DIXON and guest
                                                         Arrivederci Ristorante; Scottsdale, AZ.                                               and stores for all ages and lifestyles.
                                                                                                      presenter DR. THOMAS LECAQUE of
                                                          Join PASTOR MACLEAN and Friends                                                      The event also will include a raffle to
                                                                                                    Grand View University as we explore
                                                          Forever for a special Mount Olivet                                                     benefit Africa Jam international
                                                                                                       these questions and more. Enjoy
                                                            Sunday in Scottsdale. You are                                                     ministry. Fashion show cost is $20pp.
                                                                                                      the beauty of a winter day, warm
                                                          most welcome and encouraged to                                                      Purchase 8 seats to reserve a table. All
                                                                                                     fellowship, inspiring conversation,
                                                           participate in any or all of these                                                  other seating will be first come, first
                                                                                                   and a wonderful, delicious lunch! $20
                                                            events. Registration needed if                                                        served. Register 2/1-3/28.
                                                                                                    for lunch and program. Bus available
                                                           attending either or both meals.              for $5 from (8:45am), 7500
                                                           Register by 3/1. $20 for brunch,
                                                                                                      York (8:45am), and (9:15am).
                                                             menu items for dinner.
                                                                                                    Register by 3/12: mtolivetretreat.org
                                                                                                     952.469.2175 msiems@mocrc.org.
  MO UNT OL I VET MES SENG ER MAR 2019 MTO LI VET.OR G

                                                                                                                                                Joy Circle Presents:
                                                                                                                                                 An Evening with
                                                                                                                                               Author James Tucker
                                                               MOCW Annual                                                                     W 4/10, Doors Open 6:30pm, Speaker
                                                               Ladies’ Night                               Young Adults                       7-8pm, 1700 Chapel. All are invited
                                                                  M 3/4 6:30pm, Fellowship                 Donate & Do                            to attend a presentation by local
                                                                   Hall. Speaker: MICHELE VIG,        (22-45yrs) Tu 3/26 6-7:30pm,              author JAMES TUCKER, the author of
                                                         Founder & Chief Organizer of Neat                VEAP, 9600 Aldrich Ave S,             the acclaimed Buddy Lock Thrillers,
                                                          Little Nest and former president of       Bloomington. The goal is for each of      Next of Kin, and The Holdouts. Tucker
                                                           Caribou Coffee. Topic: “Finding          us to bring 80(!) rolls of toilet paper     is a graduate from the University of
                                                         your Passion + Purpose.” Learn how           (donated by co-workers, friends,           Minnesota Law School and one of
                                                         organizing can help you unlock your         and family) to this fun event where      four fiction writers awarded a position
                                                         potential! $15. Register by 2/27.             we will tour the facility, hear a         at a past Mentor Series at the Loft
                                                          CALLING ALL MEN SERVERS! Continue
                                                                                                      presentation, and repackage our           Literary Center in Minneapolis. He
                                                            the tradition of men serving the        toilet paper donations. Wear closed-       lives near Minneapolis with his wife,
                                                             ladies – contact 612.926.7651           toed shoes and clothes that can get       painter Megan Rye, and their family.
                                                              mocwvolunteer@gmail.com.                   dirty. Register by 3/26.                       Free. No registration.
    |

              6
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
FELLOWS HIP
    Career & Calling                                 Flying Solo:                          Men’s Breakfasts
    Spring Breakfast                               Victoria Burrow                           Tu 7am, The Hilltop Edina;
W 4/10 7-9am, Fellowship Hall.                (singles 40s-60s) Su 3/31 2:45-               Th 7am, Chanhassen Perkins.
    Join us for an engaging and                6pm, Victoria Burrow, 7999 Victoria          Mar 3/5: BIBLE STUDY: PASTOR
    inspiring conversation with                  Dr, Victoria. Join us in a spirited     DIXON. Mar 12/14: LUKE RANDALL.

 CHRIS WRIGHT, CEO of Minnesota               competition with an afternoon of axe-         Mar 19/21: REALM 101. Mar
   United FC, as he discusses the            throwing. Expert “chuckers” will make       26/28: BIBLE STUDY: PASTOR RUUD.
 benefits of knowing your “Why?”            sure we’re set up, trained, and having fun
    and staying centered on that             while keeping everyone safe. Following
purpose. Join us for good food and           our 1-hr session we encourage everyone
good conversation about what truly          to stay to enjoy food, and fellowship. All
 motivates our work in the world!            participants must sign a waiver prior to
          7AM DOORS OPEN                          our 3pm start time. $20.
 7:15AM PRAYER & BREAKFAST BUFFET
      7:30AM PROGRAM BEGINS                         Flying Solo:
     9AM PROGRAM CONCLUDES
                                                  Mia Art in Bloom
You have our blessing if you need to          (singles 40s-60s) Th 4/11 6:30-
 leave early. It’s a work day, after all!   9pm, Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400          Young in Heart
 Free (gently used business clothing           Third Ave S, Mpls. View fresh floral            Luncheon
     donations encouraged).                                                                 (65yrs+) Tu 3/19 12noon,
                                            creations and the artworks that inspired
                                             them! Meet at the 2nd floor fountain.            Fellowship Hall. Featuring:
                                             Following the exhibit, please join us at          WILLOW BRAE, A CELTIC

                                            Eat Street Social (18 W. 26th St. Mpls)         INSTRUMENTAL DUO.   $9 and
                                               for fun and fellowship. No cost for        donation to Pastor Scott’s On-
                                             exhibit. Eat Street Social on your own.     Call Ministry. Friends welcome!
                                                                                         Register by 3/15: 612.926.7651.

                                                                                                                                  M TOL I VET.OR G MAR 2 019 MOU NT OL I VET MES SENG ER
    Oberammergau:
   Passion Play 2020
Sa 7/20 to Tu 7/30, Eastern Europe,
 Vising Prague, Budapest, Vienna,
   Munich and Oberammergau. It
 is with great excitement that we                 Just for Fun Golf
  invite you to join us on our 11                     Scramble                                     Ski Club
 Das Splendors of eastern Europe            F 5/10 11am-7pm, Deer Run Gofl Course,       W through 3/29 9:30am-9:30pm,
   tour with a once in a lifttime                  8661 Deer Run Dr, Victoria.              Afton Alps, 6600 Peller Ave S,
 opportuintiy to attend the world              11am check-in, driving range open,         Hastings, MN. Mention “Mount
  famous Passion Play in 2020 in            sandwich buffet lunch; 12:45pm golfers       Olivet” to receive discounts on lift
 Oberammergau, Germany! The                  get into electric carts; 1pm golf begins;    tickets and rentals. Look for the
   tour will also include stops in             following golf there will be a happy      “Mount Olivet” table (chalet 2nd
  Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and                hour, grilled steak / chicken dinner,      floor) to get a ribbon to identify
  Munich. If this sounds like the            and awards presentation. Rain or shine.     yourself to fellow ski-clubbers on
 trip for you or if you would like            Sign up as an individual or as a group       the slopes. Meet at 12noon for
 more information, contact Pastor             (up to 4). $100pp must be paid with        lunch at Paul’s Restaurant or join
  Hammersten 612.767.2236 or                   registration. Bring $5 cash to buy a            us after school or work!
      monicah@mtolivet.org                       mulligan. Register by 5/1.
                                                                                                                                        |

                                                                                                                                              7
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
ADULT                                      Of Brokenness and                                     Wednesday /
A D U LT LEA R N IN G

                                                                                                    Wholeness: Art of                                     Thursday Word:

                                                         LEARN-
                                                                                                    the Prodigal Son                                      Lukan Ladies
                                                                                                    7-8:30pm, M 3/18                                      W 4/3-5/1 9:30-10:50am,

                                                         ING
                                                                                                       Gronseth Fellowship                                         Rm 207; Th 4/4-5/2
                                                                                                    Hall, Tu 3/19                                                  10-11:30am, CFL
                                                                                                       Rehearsal Hall.                                            Activity Rm. More than
                                                         All Mount Olivet members, visitors,        The Prodigal Son,                                             other gospel writers, Luke
                                                         friends, and family are welcome            our sermon text                                              includes women in his
                                                         at Adult Learning opportunities.           for 3/24, is one of                                         accounts of Jesus’ ministry
                                                         Questions: Carol Throntveit,               the best-known                                             and the early church. Named
                                                                                                    parables. It also has                                      and unnamed, some with
                                                                                                    been the subject                                          only a few verses of mention,
                                                                                                    of artists through the ages,                             Luke shows how these
                                                                                                    each bringing unique viewpoints                       mostly “ordinary” women play
                                                                                                    to their work as you will learn in                    extraordinary roles. Join your
                                                                                                    this class led by DR. PAUL DANIELS,                   pastors as they introduce –
                                                                                                    archivist for Luther Seminary’s                       or re-introduce – you to many
                                                                                                    extensive Prodigal Son Collection.                    of these “Lukan Ladies.” Which

                                                                                                                                                                                                  ARTWORK: PRODIGAL SON BY SISTER MARION C. HONORS, CSJ; LUTHER SEMINARY FINE ARTS: PRODIGAL SON COLLECTION
                                                                                                    As you see and learn how people of                    pastor teaches each week is a
                                                                                                    different times, cultures, and ages                   surprise! All are welcome – bring
                                                                                                    have perceived this story, you will                   friends. Cost: Donation.
                                                                                                    widen your own perspective – and
                                                                                                    hear it again on the Mar 24 with                      A Not-at-All-Boring
                                                         Living the Message                         “new ears”! $10.                                      Luther “Look” at
                                                         Introductions                                                                                    Christian Freedom
                                                         Tu 3/5 6pm      Rehearsal Hall             Tuesdays Together:                                    and Good Works
                                                                                                    What Does                                             Th 4/25 & 5/2 7-8:30pm
                                                         Tu 4/2 6pm      Gronseth Fellowship Hall   “Lutheran” Mean?                                          Rm 207. DR. MARY JANE HAEMIG
                                                                                                    Tu 4/2-4/30 7-8:30pm, Rm                              easily takes the seemingly boring
                                                         Tu 5/7 6pm      Rehearsal Hall
                                                                                                    207. Didn’t grow up Lutheran?                         and turns it into WOW! And
                                                         Whether or not you participate             Been a very l-o-n-g time since                        that’s exactly what you can expect
                                                         in a Living the Message small              Confirmation? Wondering what’s                        as she leads us in this exploration
                                                         group, you are welcome to join us          unique about being Lutheran or                        of two of Luther’s most influential
                                                         at PASTOR RUUD’S introductions             want a refresher to dig-in more? This                 works. The first, “The Freedom
                                                         to each month’s study. In March,           4-week look at “Lutheran basics” led                  of a Christian,” describes what
                                                         we will consider Luke 15:1-31              by PASTOR RUUD is for you! Leave                      Christian freedom is and why it
  MO UNT OL I VET MES SENG ER MAR 2019 MTO LI VET.OR G

                                                         with a focus on “And Grace Will            with a deeper understanding of                        means we live our lives in service
                                                         Lead Me Home.” This and all                what makes Lutheranism unique                         to our neighbors. The second,
                                                         our monthly studies will take us           and a greater appreciation for how                    “Treatise on Good Works,” details
                                                         deeper into key texts and themes           Lutherans understand God’s love for                   what good works are and answers
                                                         in Luke, the Gospel on which               and relationship with us. Here are                    Luther’s critics who claimed that
                                                         our Sunday sermons will be based           the basics we will explore together:                  he denigrated good works. Make
                                                         from now through May. Please               Session 1 | Faith Alone: There’s nothing for you      the time to come – you won’t be
                                                         come – you’ll be glad you did.             to do ... No, but seriously ... there’s nothing for   sorry! $10.
                                                         Know, too, that new groups can             you to do ... seriously.
                                                         form at any time. Contact Carol            Session 2 | Simul Justus et Peccator: Come as
                                                         Throntveit 612.767.2246 carolt@            you are, leave no better (just forgiven, made                        Sign up for
                                                         mtolivet.org.                              new, raised up ... daily)                                 EMAIL DELIVERY
                                                                                                    Session 3 | Theology of the Cross: The power of           of the Messenger at mtolivet.org.
                                                                                                    God found in puny, weak, hidden things, and why             Click on “Newsletter / Email
                                                             = REGISTER AT MTOLIVET.ORG
                                                                                                    we’re tempted to want something more.                    Sign Up” underneath “Quick Links”
                                                         OR BY CALLING 612.926.7651
                                                                                                    Session 4 | Vocation: What to do, and what God                 on the bottom center of
                                                           = Mpls Campus, = West Campus
                                                         SEE PAGE 2 FOR CAMPUS ADDRESSES
                                                                                                    does with you, now that there’s nothing to do,                     the home page.
                                                                                                    sometimes whether you like it or not.
    |

              8
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
BOOK                                         improved. And at the same time,           Putting One Foot In

                                                                                                                                BOOKS , PA S T OR A L CA R E, ON GO IN G, & SERV ICE
                                               you’ll enjoy not only that physical       Front of the Other.
  DISCUSSIONS                                  boost, but a spiritual uplifting          Losing Him and
• Women’s Book Discussion:                     from the music and devotions that         Finding Me: The
  Educated by Tara Westover                    are worked into the pattern of the        Impact of Dementia
  W 4/10 - 5/1 11am-12noon                     class. At West, devotions will center     for Families
  (except 5/1 at 11:45am-1pm),                 on Luke, a beautiful fit with our         Sa 3/9 8:45-
     Rm 208. This highly acclaimed,            winter and spring sermon series on        10:30am,
  riveting memoir shares the story             that Gospel. Men and women are               Rm 207.
  of how a young woman whose                   welcome!                                  Children’s
  survivalist parents kept her out of        • Prayer Ministry M 3/4, 6/3,               book author,
  school finally breaks away, enters a         9/9 1pm; 12/2 12noon; Lounge.             NANCY
  classroom for the first time at 17,          Pray in the comfort of your               CARLSON,
  and goes on to earn a PhD from               own home, at work, on a walk –            will talk about the journey
  Cambridge University. Her path               anywhere. God is always listening.        with her husband’s FTD, a
  to education and to new freedom              Join us at one of our quarterly           horrible type of dementia that
  takes her on a journey that spans            meetings or call 612.767.2209.            left them penniless. Through art,
  not just oceans, but the tricky            • Prayer Shawl Ministry                     writing, and hiking, she found a
  terrains of family and heart. Along          10am 2nd M in Feb, May, Aug,              way to cope with his illness. $15
  the way, we learn with her that              Nov Lounge; 1pm 3rd Tu (except            continental breakfast.
  to be “educated” is a matter not             Jul & Dec) CFL Rm 310A.
  limited to the mind. $15 (includes
  book).
                                               Experienced and beginner knitters         SERVICE
                                               are welcome to join us as we pray       • March MN FoodShare
• Evening Book Discussion                      and knit prayer shawls for others         Food Drive Su 3/10
  2nd W 7-8:30pm,                              in need of comfort, prayer, and                  Parking
     Library. Books: Before We Were            support. Contact: Andrea Brown            Lots. Items
  Yours by Lisa Wingate (3/13), We             612.767.2209.                             most needed
  Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia             • Quilting M 6:30-8:30pm Rm                 are: fruit,
  Hunter. (4/10).                              197. Are you a quilter or “would-         soups, chilis,
• Midday Book Discussion                       be” quilter? Join our group! We           boxed mac and
  3rd Tu 11:30am-1pm, Library.                 make little quilts for Pastor Scott’s     cheese, canned
  Books: Saving Simon by Jon Katz              On-Call Ministry. Instructions            tuna, canned chicken, sugar,
  (3/19), Being Mortal by Atul                 and materials provided. Learn new         oil, flour. Food and monetary
  Gawande.                                     skills, have fun, and serve. Drop         donations go to Community
                                               in anytime.                               Emergency Services and
  ONGOING                                    • Spiritual Energy Healing                  Bountiful Basket .
• Chair Holy Yoga M&W                          M through 5/20 6-9pm, 1700

                                                                                                                                          M TOL I VET.OR G MAR 2 019 MOU NT OL I VET MES SENG ER
                                                                                       • Easter Angel Gift Baskets
  through 5/1 (except holidays)                Lower Level. Learn and experience         Sa 4/13, 10am
  12:15-1:15pm, Gym; Tu                        how prayer, God’s power, and                  Gronseth
  through 5/28 12noon-1pm, CFL                 the natural energy paths within           Fellowship Hall,
  Rm 317. A great physical and                 the body can bring comfort and            3pm Gym.
  spiritual boost to your day that             healing.                                  Help pack and
  does not require getting down              • Learning Swedish                          deliver “Angel
  and up from the floor, yet greatly           Language through Hymns                    Gifts” to those
  improves balance, strength, and              and Songs M 3/4-5/20 except               in need through Pastor
  flexibility! Taught by certified             4/15 & 4/22, Old Choir Rm.                Scott’s On-Call Ministry and Love
  instructors. $5 paid to instructor.          Have fun learning a bit of Swedish        INC. Come with your family,
                                               through singing Swedish hymns             friends, class, or by yourself – all
  Think that if it’s “chair yoga” it can’t
                                               and folk songs. Led by PETER              are welcome! DONATIONS ALSO
  do much good? If so, you are very
                                               JOHNSON, you will sing in unison
  mistaken – just ask all the regulars                                                   NEEDED: Picture and board books,
                                               (not 4-part harmony) and acapella         sidewalk chalk, bubbles, kids’
  who wouldn’t think of missing
                                               (without accompaniment). As you           activity books, and crayons. Label
  a class! Go, give it a try and see
                                               learn the songs, you also will learn      “Angel Gifts” and drop off at
  for yourself! You will be surprised
                                               something of Swedish phonetics,              . Register at mtolivet.org or at
  at how in several months, your
                                               vocabulary, and grammar – and             the church offices.
  flexibility and strength have greatly
                                               have lots of fun!
                                                                                                                                                |

                                                                                                                                                      9
Look Up - MESSENGER - mtolivet.org - Mount Olivet
Y OU T H MIN IST RY

                                                                                                                                                 COP Camping
                                                                                                                                                   Weeks
                                                              What is Lent Actually About?                                                      Grades as of Sep 1, 2019
                                                                                                                                                Non-Members: Add $55

                                                               (No Googling Allowed!)
                                                                                                                                                Special Diets: Add $30
                                                                                                                                                     Grades 3 & 4
                                                                                                                                               (1) 7/15-7/19 M-F $370*
                                                                                                                                                (2) 8/3-8/7 Sa-W $370*
                                                                                                                                                     Grades 5 & 6
                                                               With Lent approaching, there seems to be a multitude of ideas regarding         (1) 6/27-7/2 Th-Tu $405*
                                                          the importance of this preamble to Easter. But do any of them actually hit           (2) 7/19-7/24 F-W $405*
                                                          the mark? Or do they just make the time period more confusing? What                        Grades 7 & 8
                                                          is Lent actually referring to? In order to find an answer, I decided to turn         (1) 6/21-6/27 F-Th $425*
                                                          to the people that I’m surrounded by the most ... which as a youth leader,            (2) 7/5-7/10 F-W $405*
                                                          happens to be kids ages 13-18. So here are some of their answers to the tricky       (3) 7/24-7/29 W-M $405*
                                                          question,“What is Lent actually about? (no googling allowed)”
                                                                                                                                                Confirmation Camp
                                                          •   “Ummm I think it starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. It is the                 (9th-Gr)
                                                              set up to Easter and sometimes people give things up. Lent is to Easter as      For Mount Olivet members
                                                              Advent is to Christmas”                                                           only. An opportunity to
                                                          •   “Isn’t it like the days before Easter and it’s to represent how Jesus went      celebrate the completion of
                                                              without like food and water so people give up something and you can’t           Confirmation requirements
                                                              eat meat on Fridays and stuff?”                                                  with Mount Olivet youth
                                                          •   “I don’t know bro lol”                                                                staff and friends.
                                                          •   “When Jesus sacrificed his life for us and our sins, so the time between        (1) 7/10-7/15 W-M $355*
                                                              when he died and when he rose we give up something that we can’t live            (2) 7/29-8/3 M-Sa $355*
                                                              without because he gave up his life”
                                                                                                                                                Hi-League Summer
                                                          •   “It’s a time where people fast - it’s 40 days and starts on Ash Wednesday
                                                                                                                                                      Starter
                                                              and ends on Easter. It’s basically just a time to prepare for Easter”
                                                          •   “A time period lasting 6 weeks where oftentimes individuals give up                6/17-6/21 M-F $280*
                                                              something they find important to themselves in order to take a step back           Hi-League Retreat
                                                              and reflect on their lives and to become closer to God. Did I pass?”               8/7-8/11 W-Su $310*
                                                                                                                                               * Full payment requested at time of
                                                                Despite the valiant effort, there appears to be a lack of consensus in what               registration.
                                                          it represents. But this isn’t unique to just high school kids. A quick glance
                                                          to social media during this period illustrates just how muddled this time                  MEMBER
   MO UNT OL I VET MES SENG ER MAR 2019 MTO LI VET.OR G

                                                          period truly is. Is it about a change in diet? An attempt to deny ourselves of           REGISTRATION
                                                          worldly possessions? I went to Pastor Dixon and Pastor Ruud to find some                   IS OPEN!
                                                          guidance in understanding the meaning of Lent. While there isn’t a Lutheran                    —
                                                          “dictionary definition” of what we should do during this time period, there is           NON-MEMBER
                                                                                                                                                   REGISTRATION
                                                          a general concept that we can follow. Lent is a time to reflect on everything               OPENS
                                                          that God has done for us. For some, we may find that feats of self-denial or              SAT, MAR 2
                                                          daily challenges help us to focus on God’s sacrifice. For others, volunteering
                                                          over this period may help us remember the compassion that God and Jesus                COP Camping
                                                          show us each and every day. It doesn’t matter how you go about reminding                 Clothing
                                                          yourself of God’s love, but rather that you remind yourself that God has been            Visit mtolivet.org to
                                                          and always will be there for us.                                                     download the order form or
                                                                So yes, if fasting during the day or denying yourself that extra dessert      order clothing online through
                                                          encourages you to think of God’s sacrifice for us, then go ahead and do                almostanything.com and
                                                          it! It’s not always a bad idea to take stock of the gifts you have been given.           selecting COP 2019
                                                          But if your minor sacrifice doesn’t encourage you to reflect on the sacrifice          Camp Clothing from the
                                                          that God makes for us each and every day, then don’t stress about eating              categories on the left hand
                                                          some chocolate! While the path to reflection may look different for all of                side of the screen.
                                                          us, remember the true focus of this time period; being thankful for God’s
                                                          continued and endless love. – CHASE CLAFLIN
     |

  10
Hi- League                       Hi-League

                                                                                                                                                YOU T H MIN IS T RY
 Creation Worship &                   (9th-12th Gr) Sunday Evenings.
     Meditation                       3/3 CREATION SERVICE (
(9th- 12th Gr)(Confirmation
    Teachers, Table Talk
                                      7-8:30pm). 3/10 COP CELEBRATION
                                      (      7-8:30pm). 3/17 TABLE TALKS                        Youth Choirs
  Leaders & Mount Olivet              (      7-8:30pm). 3/24 NO HI-                             Register anytime to join the Cathedral Choir
  Staff) 3/3 7-8:30pm  Main            LEAGUE. 3/31 NO HI-LEAGUE.                                (9th-12th Gr) and Chancel Choir (7th-8th Gr).
  Sanctuary. Please come to Hi-                                                                 Weekly rehearsals are offered at the below
  League on Sunday, March 3 for       JHA - Spring Bowling                                      days and times.
   a meaningful worship service       Extravaganza
                                                                                                MPLS CAMPUS
                                      (7th- 8th Gr) Sa 3/30 11am-
 featuring PASTOR HAMMERSTEN’S                                                              •   Cathedral Choir
    Creation meditation. ZACH         3pm ( Youth Center Narthex).
                                                                                                (9th-12th Gr) W 7-8:30pm.
SPIROV & GENEVIEVE KALLAND will
                                      Join your Junior High Youth Staff
                                                                                            •   Chancel Choir
provide music. We will also have      for a (not at all) competitive day
                                                                                                (7th-8th Gr) W 5:30-6:30pm.
communion at this service. After      of bowling! We will stop at Joey
                                      Nova’s for pizza and then head to                         WEST CAMPUS
 the service there will be cookies!                                                         •   Cathedral Choir
Remember this is the last Sunday      Country Club Lanes in Tonka Bay
                                      for bowling! We are so excited for                        (9th-12th Gr) W 7-8:15pm.
  before our COP celebration to                                                             •   Chancel Choir
 get a credit for camp! Questions     this event and would love to see you
                                      and your friends there! $30.                              (7th-8th Gr) W 5:30-6:30pm.
   please contact Geoff Arenson
     612.767.2212 or geoffa@

                                      Confirmation
           mtolivet.org.

    TRUTH TALKS
    LookUp!                           Confirmation
                                      begins in 7th grade and concludes with a
                                      Service of Confirmation the September of
                                                                                                Confirmation
                                                                                                7th-Grade Retreats
                                                                                                    Mar 8-9, Mount Olivet
   Wed 7pm,    Mar 13,    Mar 20      9th grade. Confirmation students learn about
       “LIVING ONLINE ~                                                                         Conference & Retreat Center, Buses
                                      the Bible, Lutheranism, faith, and God while
        LIVING LOVED”                 building relationships with their peers, pastors,         Leave at 4:40pm on Fridays and
    PASTORS DIXON AND RUUD            small group leaders, youth ministry leaders,              Return at 10:30am on Saturdays
                                      and church.                                               (meet in the youth center or
    Wed 7pm,    Mar 27,   Apr 3                                                                 narthex, depending on where the
        “THE VIRTUAL                  Ash Wednesday
                                      Youth-led Service                                         bus leaves from). Get ready for
       BODY OF CHRIST”                                                                          a fun overnight! We will spend
  PASTOR LOSE AND PROFESSOR           (7th- 8th Gr)     Please attend the
     DEANNA A. THOMPSON                                                                         time eating good food, playing
                                      Ash Wednesday Youth-led Service

                                                                                                                                                   M TOL I VET.OR G MAR 2 019 MOU NT OL I VET MES SENG ER
                                                                                                fun games with the junior high
                                      with your family. Confirmation
                                                                                                youth staff, swimming, and
                                      students will be participating in
 Confirmation Going                                                                              hanging out with our high school
                                      this special service. We will also be
to Lenten Truth Talks                                                                           counselors. We also will have a
                                      communing together. This service
                                                                                                special Communion service with
   (7th-8th Gr)         3/13 & 3/27   is in place of the 4:15pm and 7pm
                                                                                                our pastors, and of course Sacred
 (No Class 3/20 & 4/3). 3/20 &        Confirmation classes on this night.
                                                                                                Ground! All Confirmands are
 4/3 (No Class 3/27). Confirmation
                                                                                                required to attend one retreat
    students will be attending the
                                                  Truth Talks                                   (only one left)! Only 20 boys and
Lenten Truth Talks at 7pm in place
                                            3/13 & 3/27.              3/20 & 4/3.               20 girls can attend each retreat.
  of regular Sunday morning and
                                        See left column box for details. Note: There will       It does not matter which campus
 Wednesday 4:15pm Confirmation
                                          be no Confirmation classes on these dates.            you attend Confirmation. You
    classes. There will be no Mpls
                                                                                                will need to pack a sleeping bag,
   Sunday or Wednesday 4:15pm
                                                                                                pillow, swimsuit, and towel (if
Confirmation classes in March. All
                                                                                                you plan on swimming), toiletries,
  Sunday and Wednesday 4:15pm             = REGISTER AT MTOLIVET.ORG                            and jammies. No electronics or
classes are going to the 7pm Lenten   OR BY CALLING 612.926.7651                                phones allowed. Please leave them
     Truth Talks on Wednesday,          = Mpls Campus, = West Campus                            at home. Please register today!
      March 13 and 27 in Mpls.        SEE PAGE 2 FOR CAMPUS ADDRESSES                           FREE.
                                                                                                                                                         |

                                                                                                                                                  11
CHILD R EN & FA MILY MIN IS T RY

                                                                                                   Open Gym
                                                                                                   (1-6yrs & Caregivers)
                                                                                                   Sa 3/16, & 4/27 9-11am, Gym.
                                                                                                   Come run, jump and play with
                                                            Preschool                              your kiddos! Wear tennis shoes,              NEW! Family Lunch
                                                            Registration Open                      bring a water bottle – and we’ll             & Learn at the
                                                            NOW for 2019-20                        provide the fun! $5 per family.              West Campus
                                                                Looking for a preschool where      No registration.                             Su 3/17, 5/19 11am-12:30pm
                                                            your children can learn and grow                                                        Gronseth Fellowship Hall. Join
                                                            at their own pace? A place filled                                                   us for a mixed-age Sunday School
                                                            with play, music, creativity, and                                                   option once a month! Families
                                                            God’s love? Look no further than                                                    come to the 11am service (parents
                                                            the Mount Olivet Preschool! Our                                                     attend worship, children participate
                                                            days include: art, music, math/                                                     and engage in a variety of Sunday
                                                            science, stories, outdoor play,                                                     School activities in Gronseth
                                                            large muscle room, dramatic play,                                                   Fellowship Hall). After the service,
                                                            faith development, and more!                                                        families come together for a short
                                                            Registration open now!                                                              devotion and share a meal. RSVP
                                                                                                                                                for meal planning. FREE.
                                                            Preschool Summer
                                                            Sampler
                                                            7/16-7/18 (Tu-Th) 9am-11:30am
                                                               Preschool. Children may come        First Communion
                                                            and see what the Mount Olivet          Service
                                                            Preschool is all about! Sign up        (6th Gr)     Su 3/3, 11am
                                                            to spend a few days in the             Worship Service, 12noon Worship
                                                            preschool. This is a great way for     Service. Bring your 6th-grader to
                                                            your child to preview the rooms,       Fellowship Hall to check in (
                                                            get a feel for the daily schedule,     10:30am, 11:30am). The group
     MO UNT OL I VET MES SENG ER MAR 2019 MTO LI VET.OR G

                                                            and spend some time getting to         will process into church and sit
                                                            know the teachers and potential        as a class. After the service, pick
                                                            classmates for the fall. $50.          up your 6th-grader in Fellowship
                                                                                                   Hall. To have your 6th-grader’s
                                                            Baby Bunch                             name included in the bulletin,
                                                            (Infants to 6mos &                     each 6th-grader and a parent must
                                                            Caregivers) W 3/6-3/27                 have attended a First Communion
                                                            10-11am, Nursery. Join other           class (no new classes are being              Family Bingo Night!
                                                            moms / caregivers and babies           offered).                                    Su 4/28 4:15-6pm, Fellowship
                                                            for fellowship, conversation, and                                                   Hall. Join the Children & Family
                                                            devotions. No cost. No registration.   Children’s Choirs                            Ministry team for the 2nd Annual
                                                            Questions: Amy Porthan                 Your children and their friends are          Family Bingo Night! Great prizes
                                                            612.767.2224 amyp@mtolivet.org.        invited to join a children’s choir           for all ages, fun for the whole
                                                                                                   anytime during the year. Visit               family, dinner provided – what
                                                                                                   mtolivet.org for details.                    more could one ask for?! This was
                                                                = REGISTER AT MTOLIVET.ORG
                                                                                                   REALM is our new online member               a great evening last year, and we
                                                            OR BY CALLING 612.926.7651
                                                                                                   login that enables you to stay connected     hope you can join us! Bingo starts
                                                              = Mpls Campus, = West Campus
                                                                                                   with your Mount Olivet friends, staff, and   at 4:30pm with dinner to follow.
                                                            SEE PAGE 2 FOR CAMPUS ADDRESSES
                                                                                                   programs. Visit mtolivet.org for details.    $15 per family.
       |

    12
CHILD REN & FA MILY MIN IS T RY
COP Preview Nights
(2nd-3rd Gr as of Sep
2019) 5pm F 5/3 to 10am Sa 5/4,
or 5pm F 5/10 to 10am Sa 5/11;
Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat
Center, (      Bus). Are you
heading to Cathedral of the Pines
this summer or considering it? We
have a great night planned for you
to meet some of the counselors
and fellow campers joining you.
Join us for an overnight at the
Retreat Center. We will swim,
play games, and get excited about

                                                      Thank You, Tasha!
COP this summer! $45 includes
accommodations, food, and bus.
Registration is open now!
                                                      Tasha Holifield, Sunday School Coordinator at the West Campus is moving
                                                      on to new adventures. Since 2015, Tasha has brought energy, excitement,
                                                      and fun to the Children & Family Ministry team. While Tasha’s full time
                                                      employment has ended, she will still be around on Sunday mornings at the
                                                      West Campus until we fill this position. Thanks to Tasha for her ministry,
                                                      kindness, and care for the youth of Mount Olivet!
Musikgarten                                           “Tasha is by far one of the most passionate and hardworking individuals I have

                                                                                                                                              M TOL I VET.OR G MAR 2 019 MOU NT OL I VET MES SENG ER
(Birth-5yrs & Caregivers)                             had the pleasure of working with. The office will take a little getting used to
6/18-8/7,          Rm 393.                            without her boisterous laugh and straightforward attitude. I wish her luck in all
TUESDAYS                  WEDNESDAYS                  her future endeavors.” – MAXWELL JONES
9:30-10am, Birth-3yrs     9:30-10am, 3-5yrs
10:15-10:45am, Birth-3yrs 10:15-10:45am, Birth-3yrs   Child Care / Mount                            Baptism Class
11-11:30am, 3-5yrs        11-11:30am, Birth-3yrs      Olivet Day Services                           3rd Su, Lounge 8am, Bride’s
6:15-6:45pm, Birth-3yrs                               (6wks-5yrs)      Mount Olivet                 Dressing Rm 9am. Register
Experience the benefits of music                      Day Services, licensed by                     1wk in advance: Jenny Nellis
and movement in the development                       the Department of Human                       612.767.2247 jnellis@mtolivet.org.
of your child. Our licensed Musik-                    Services, provides a unique
garten teachers will help your child                  intergenerational experience.
develop listening skills, focused                     Children have opportunities                     Nurseries are located
attention, imagination, creativity,                   to interact and have fun with                   below the sanctuaries at       .
and self-expression. $56 for the first                participants of the Mount Olivet                Children 6wks to 3yrs are welcome
child, $28 per additional sibling.                    Day Services adult program
                                                      and residents living at Mount                   during the 9, 10 & 11am worship
Registration is open now!
                                                      Olivet Home and Mount Olivet                    services. Questions: Amy Porthan
  Visit mtolivet.org for registration and more!       Careview Home. Contact: Allison                 amyp@mtolivet.org.
                                                      Lewis 612.861.8812.
                                                                                                                                                    |

                                                                                                                                             13
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: FINISHING STRONG!
YO U R SU P P ORT MA KES A D IFFER EN CE

                                                                   Goal: $13.2 M Raised: $10.8 M Needed: $2.4 M

                                                                                                          Construction of the West
                                                                                                          Campus addition is
                                                                                                          underway, and YOUR
                                                                                                          help is needed to cross
                                                                                                          the finish line! If 800
                                                                                                          HOUSEHOLDS GIVE
                                                                                                          $20 A WEEK FOR 3 YEARS,
                                                                                                          the project will be funded!
                                                                                                          1st - time capital campaign
                                                                                                          gifts will be MATCHED
                                                                                                          DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR
                                                                                                          by generous donors, if you
                                                                               Most of us think           pledge or give by 03.15.19.
                                                                               nothing of spending        Give NOW at mtolivet.org.
                                                                               hundreds per year for      Choose “Capital Campaign – Finishing
                                                                               our kids to play sports.   Strong” from the drop-down box and note
                                                                I encourage you to make that same         your gift is designated for the West Campus.
                                                                kind of commitment to support the         Mail checks to Mount Olivet, 5025 Knox
                                                                                                          Ave S, Mpls, MN 55419 (put West Campus
                                                                much-needed West Campus addition
                                                                                                          Capital Campaign on memo line), or contact
                                                                that will help our kids develop           Mari Carlson 612.821.3150 mcarlson@
      MOU NT O LI VET MES S ENGER MA R 2019 MTO LI VET.O RG

                                                                wonderful relationships with church       mtolivethomes.org.
                                                                friends and grow in their relationship
                                                                with God. – MATT PODHRADSKY
        |

       14
THE ST. JOHN’S BIBLE, THE PRODIGAL SON,

                                                                                                                               IN CON CLU S ION
     AND THE WORLD TRADE CENTER
                                                               lost coin. Below we see a solitary sheep, no sign of the rest
                                                               of the herd in sight. The golden angels above and to the
                                                               right of these illustrations represent the joy of finding the
                                                               coin, while paint flourishes convey excitement.
                                                                    In the center strip, we come to the parable of the
                                                               Good Samaritan. Here we see direct quotes from the
                                                               parable, including the question Jesus asks at the end,
                                                               encouraging viewers toward personal reflection. Red brush
                                                               marks symbolize the dangers conveyed in the story, but
                                                               more importantly, represent the risks we all must take at
                                                               times in showing our love.
                                                                    But it is the parable of the Prodigal Son that contains
                                                               the story behind the story. Depicted between the Rich
                                                               Man and Lazarus and the Good Samaritan, there are no
                                                               golden angels present, for there is no joyful ending for
                                                               this parable. Instead, there is a subtle tie to modern-day
      Hanging on the wall between the lounge doors at the      events: The World Trade Center illuminated in gold!
Minneapolis Campus are four beautiful reproductions                 On the day that two planes flew into the World
from the St. John’s Bible, the first handwritten and           Trade Center, you see, the artists working on this piece at
illuminated Bible commissioned since the invention             a scriptorium in Wales had been struggling with how to
of the printing press more than 500 years ago. These           represent the Prodigal Son. As do many of us, Lead Scribe
beautiful prints, Creation, The Birth of Christ, The           Donald Jackson and others on the team found the parable
Geneaology of Jesus, and Luke Anthology, are singly and        unsettling. Like the older brother, they struggled with
together worth your time and study. But it is the last, a      “fairness” and other issues in the parable.
mesmerizing depiction of several classic parables from              As I toured the exhibit of the St John’s Bible at Mia
Luke along with the narrative story of Mary and Martha,        several years ago with Jackson, he told the story of how
that has a particularly beautiful “story behind the story.”    upon hearing what had happened in New York, the team
First things first, however.                                   was so overcome they quit work. When they returned
      Important to know in viewing any illuminated             the next day, they all knew how they wanted to finish the
manuscript, is that gold leaf is more than decoration:         section on the Prodigal Son: They would represent the
It symbolizes God or God’s presence, love, forgiveness, or     Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in gold! Why
joy. On the right side of the illumination is the story of     gold? They did it, Jackson explained as tears welled in his

                                                                                                                                 M TOL I VET.OR G MAR 2 019 MOU NT OL I VET MES SENG ER
Mary and Martha, separated by white space to distinguish       eyes recalling the scene, because the world so desperately
it from the parables. The golden figure of Christ stands       needed assurance that even in the midst of such evil, God
above Mary and Martha, with golden beams of light              is present, that only with the help of God can we begin to
descending from him to the parables of the lost – God          forgive some wrongs; and that God will be with us in our
seeking people.                                                struggle to forgive.
      On the bottom right corner of the left-hand section           On Sunday, March 24, our sermon will center of the
of the piece, is the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.      parable of the Prodigal Son. Sometime before or after,
The rich man is detached from the scene, wearing a             try to find time to view this beautiful piece of art. And
now-useless purple robe in the hell he cannot escape,          on March 18 (West) or 19 (Mpls), come to hear Luther
while above him in heaven rest Abraham and Lazarus,            Seminary Archivist Paul Daniels present and discuss
flanked by golden angels. Between them and the rich            selections from the Seminary’s extensive collection of
man is a chasm symbolized by a grey strip with black and       Prodigal Son art, spanning many cultures and over 400
white figures of the poverty stricken scavenging among         years! Details are on page 8.
modern-day garbage dumps. Highlighted here is the
moral blindness that the rich man, and perhaps all of us,      – CAROL THRONTVEIT, DIRECTOR OF ADULT LEARNING
is afflicted with at times.
      Moving to the top left corner, the parable of the lost   Note: The St John’s Bible prints that hang in the Minneapolis
coin is depicted, and below it, the lost sheep. Ten circles    Campus hallway were given anonymously by a donor to
symbolize the coins, with one filled in, representing the      honor her sons’ Confirmations.
                                                                                                                                       |

                                                                                                                                 15
PERIODICALS
                                                                        U.S. POSTAGE
                                                                            PAID
                                                                       TWIN CITIES, MN

Mount Olivet Messenger
USPS 365-500
Published monthly by
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church
5025 Knox Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095
Periodicals postage paid at
St. Paul, MN
POSTMASTER
Send address changes to
Mount Olivet Messenger
5025 Knox Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419-1095

                                                       PAGE 4          PAGE 9

                                                                       PAGE 9

  This Lent we are focusing on what happens when we Look Up –
  we see God at work in our lives, we see people with needs we can
  meet, we discover people with gifts to share, and we are surprised
 at what God is doing right in front of us! At our Lent Truth Talks,
“Living Online ~ Living Loved” and “The Virtual Body of Christ,”
we will learn to Look Up when we use our digital devices to extend
   ourselves and God’s compassion in ways never imagined even a
                generation ago. See page 4 for details.
You can also read