This Week at Mt. Olive

Good morning, fellow redeemed!

Yesterday's Gospel, Mark 10:2-16, Jesus receives children and blesses them.  After some particularly stinging words about divorce, the disciples were engrossed in their important discussion with the Teacher.  When some parents brought their children to Jesus to bless them, the disciples were intent on preventing these parents and their little ones.  Little children in those days were considered to be more of a bother than anything else.  The didn't contribute to the household and required resources to be diverted to their keeping.  No wonder the disciples didn't want them around!

But Mark records that Jesus was indignant, much displeased, royally ticked when He saw this.  "Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God."  The discussion considered that had puzzled the disciples now took on a different note.  The model was not the disciples, but little children.  

What is it about children that our Lord treasures?  Some say obedience, but they've obviously never been around little children.  It is DEPENDENCE - total reliance and trust.  If you've ever played with a little child by pitching him up in the air and catching him, you know that dependence and that trust.  Our Lord calls us away from self-importance and self-reliance to complete dependence and reliance on Him.

Amazing!  Once again, our Lord teaches us that it's not about our favorite subject - ourselves - but Him, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Prayer Concerns:

Jessica and Stephanie Peterson at the death of their grandmother

Sue Catherman, Lucinda Rodela

Those who serve in our armed forces and their families:  Rob Vadney

Ann Cleveland, Ruby Rieder, Burt and Doris Nelson, Ellie Reiners, Walter and Pearly Theiss

The people of God at Peace Lutheran Church in Rockport and their pastor, Tom Wagstaff, as they faithfully proclaim Christ and Him crucified

Those being instructed in the faith throughout the Church, and especially those at Mt. Olive:  Katie Jennings, Kristine Regalado, Isabella Strasheim, and Brenda Livingston

Important National Youth Gathering News!

Next summer's National Youth Gathering in San Antonio on July 1-5 is in the registration process.  Registration will close THURSDAY, October 11.  This will allow me to enter all information on Friday, have a check signed, and submit our information on the first day of the priority window on Monday for the all important hotel arrangements.  I cannot guarantee anything beyond Thursday, as hotel reservations can get quirky.  As always, if the $50 deposit is a problem and you wish to go, please talk to me!

So, here's the information:  

National Youth Gathering, San Antonio, July 1-5

Adult Leaders:  Pastor Kevin Jennings, Emily Jirovec

Goal:  4 individuals per room

Cost:  $150 per person (deposit $50 now, complete amount by the time we leave)

Registration is due Thursday

Registration forms may be downloaded at this address:  http://www.lcmsgathering.com/?PageID=14184#Reg WS

This Week at Mt. Olive:

Monday, October 8

6 p.m.

Zumba - Fellowship Hall

Board of Education - Overflow

7 p.m.

Church Council-Overflow

Tuesday, October 9

4:30 p.m.

Adult Information Class - Third Article, Prayer

6 p.m.

Jr. Confirmation Instruction - Fourth and Fifth Commandments

Wednesday, October 10

8:30 a.m.

School Chapel - Fifth Commandment

9:30 a.m.

Bible Study - TBA

7:30 p.m.

Why Does It Matter - Barnes and Noble

Topic:  Antinomianism

Thursday, October 11

National Youth Gathering registration is due!

God bless!

PKJ