This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

As I perused the calendar this week, I noticed a very important commemoration for today, May 2: Athanasius. As one of the important church fathers, Athanasius is probably one of the most noted figures to argue for and preserve orthodox Christian teaching. Here is his biography:

Athanasius was born in Alexandria in Egypt in A.D. 295. He served as a church leader in a time of great controversy and ecclesiastical disagreements. At the Council of Nicaea in 325, he defended Christian orthodoxy against the proponents of the Arian heresy, which denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. During his 45-year tenure as bishop of Alexandria, Athanasius wrote numerous works that defended the orthodox teaching. His enemies had him exiled five times; on two occasions he was almost murdered. Yet Athanasius remained steadfast and ended his days restored fully to his church responsibilities. The Athanasian Creed, though not composed by Athanasius, is named in his honor because it confesses the doctrinal orthodoxy he championed throughout his life.

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we give thanks for the faithful testimony of Athansius. Lead us to confess faithfully the truth of the faith You have preserved and given us before the world, following in the train of this important father of the Church. Amen

Combat operations on two fronts continue to come close to home. This past week, Rob Vadney was deployed to Afghanistan. Please keep Rob, his parents (Bob and Kathy), his sister (Madeline).

I praise God for the great work of the musicians and singers today in Guitar Worship. I love singing great hymns of the Church with new instrumentation.

This week, Zumba continues on Monday and Wednesday, but choir rehearsal is postponed until next week.

Guitar worship practice continues on Thursday, but at 7 p.m. The next guitar worship service is May 16.

This week, Wednesday Morning Bible Study takes up the book of 1 Thessalonians. Join us on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Looking ahead, there will be a special meeting of those going to the New Orleans national youth gathering on May 16 at 4 p.m. At this meeting, I'll be providing hotel and travel information, along with some important general information. We'll go through part of the gathering Bible study, and I'll be getting some needed forms to all involved.

I'll be out of the office most of Tuesday for the monthly Circuit Conference.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces, and their families: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), John Miller's niece (Afghanistan), Andrew Epley (Iraq), Dru Blanc, John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke, Michael Baker (Corpus Christi), William Worley (Kingsville)
The homeless and unemployed
The churches of our circuit and our circuit counselor, Pastor Eckert

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, May 3
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 4
Pastor's Information Class, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 5
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 6
Guitar Worship rehearsal, 7 p.m.

God bless!
PKJ