Theme Thoughs For This Week

Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Lessons for Proper 28 (Lutheran Service Book) November 15, 2009

Daniel 12:1-3 ~ In the end, God’s people will rise from death to eternal life, but others to eternal shame.

Psalm 16 (Antiphon vs 11 b,c)

Hebrews 10:11-18 ~ Jesus’ single sacrifice for our sins has removed our guilt for all time.

Mark 13:1-13 ~ The marvels of culture will not prevent distress, but God’s word will preserve His people.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: Faith Shaking Tremors

Great distress and cruel persecution are enough to shake our faith. When Daniel saw the turmoil among the nations, he rejoiced that those who trust in God will rise to eternal life. The persecuted Christians in Rome were reassured that even the distress of this world cannot shake the eternal victory Jesus has won for us by His single sacrifice. Jesus warned the disciples that the massive temple structure would be torn down but even the tribulations of the last days would not shatter the ones who put their trust in God’s gracious promises.

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: O Lord, I am so prone to waver and can be so easily distracted from Your truth. Grant me a constant faith and firm trust in Your promise that in Jesus Christ You have assured my victory over all the adversities of this world and an eternal place with You in glory. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: The marvels of this world will not endure the trials of time, but God in His grace has preserved His people through the single sacrifice of His Son on Calvary. When we invest our goods in that message of Life, we help others stand firm in faith until the end.

OFFERING PRAYER: O Lord, when timber, stone, and mortar crash

And all the structures of this world are falling,

Let us rejoice that we have placed this cash

Where You will use it in Your Kingdom’s calling.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: Just like the disciples, we can easily get caught up in the magnificent technology of our day and can become distressed when it fails or no longer impresses. When the structures of civilization are not able to calm the turmoil of nations and bring peace, but instead inflame jealousy and strife, we may forget that these are only created orders. When crises and conflict shatter our lives, we need to remember the only thing that cannot be shaken is the glory of heaven. We can rest safely in God’s promise that through the One who sacrificed Himself for us, our names are in the book of life and we shall rise to eternal life. This promise is the content of our witness before rulers and kings, and gives the only assurance of enduring through the perils of this world.

This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Judgment - a common theme in the readings this time of year. Today's readings were no different! The example of the widow of Zarephath leads us to examine our faith - do we trust God in this way? The Epistle from Hebrews reminds us that Christ will come again in glory, but this time it is to claim those who cling to Him by faith. That necessarily means there will be those who do not. Then there's the Gospel. In reading this, Jesus identifies all of us essentially as the scribes.

There is a thought pattern common among all people that whatever is important to us, and whatever status we carry or claim for ourselves, is important to God. In fact, in the shadow of the cross, we hear Paul say from 1 Corinthians 1 that God chooses the foolish, mundane things of this world to shame the flashy and the wise. Believing that God will adhere to our set of values is a road that undoubtedly has punishment at the end of it. Again judgment is a common theme.

That theme drives us daily to repentance and to recall God's promise to us in our baptism. It's in the shadow of the cross that we are given God's forgiveness. Always, always, always, our rescue, our confidence, our courage in the face of judgment comes not from us - we would wreck it all - but the almighty God who has reconciled the world to Himself through Christ.

This morning we got to see firsthand God in action as He claimed Benjamin Christian Harris through the waters of Holy Baptism. Please keep this family, and all the baptized, in your prayers that they be kept faithful and enter into the marriage feast of the Lamb which has no end.

Tonight saw the great Mt. Olive Chili Cook Off and Talent Show! About 35 people were in attendance. Michael Huck took home top honors, with Dru Blanc and Sue Catherman filling out the top 3. The spiciest was mine, and the most unique was Bethany Waddle's white chicken chili. Thanks to judges Christine Huck, Emily Jirovec, and Dru Blanc. We also saw a number of really good talent acts, and some acts that were good even with the lack of talent. Youth Gathering participants raised a little over $130, which will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

This coming summer, four young people and two leaders have signed up to go New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering 2010: Victoria Slinin, Ashley Hanelt, Liz Childs, Jason Rhode, Jonathan Jennings, and Pastor Kevin. Look for upcoming fundraising events.

Monday night, the Church Council will meet, with part of the discussion being the budget for 2010. Please pray for Mt. Olive, that she would be guided in God pleasing ways and that her Lord would be glorified in her.

As a lead up to next weekend, the third Sunday of the month is the designated Jr. Youth activity day and the second Saturday of the month is designated Young Adults activity day. Look for updates during the week and check the bulletin next Sunday to keep abreast of the happenings!

I will be out of the office all day Monday and Tuesday.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces: Michael Baker (inprocessing at Ft. Hood), Andrew Epley (New Jersey), Edwin Rodriguez and Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen, and Dru Blanc (NAS Corpus Christi).
The Church throughout the world, as this world speeds to the Last Day, that the Church's proclamation would be kept pure and that many will come to know their Lord Jesus Christ
Sarah Huggins and Sophia, Ruth Prytz' great-granddaughter and great-great-granddaughter, as they gain strength after Sophia's birth

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings

Monday, November 9
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.
Church Council, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, November 10
Birthday of Martin Luther
Birthday of U. S. Marine Corps

Wednesday, November 11
Veterans Day
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Choir, 6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 7 p.m.
Guitar Worship practice, 7 p.m.

Thursday, November 12
Pack 278 Pack meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Mt. Olive Chili Cook-Off

It's less than 48 hours to the Mt. Olive Chili Cook Off and Talent Show! In response to a couple of questions:

Yes, everyone is invited to bring a pot of their best red! Hot or mild, red or white, the more chili means the judges have to work that much harder!

Do we need to register our talent?
Giving me a heads up on the talent would be great! Of course, if you show and wish to sing a song or do some gymnastics or some other such thing, I could probably squeeze you in!

Chili Cook Off and Talent Show
Sunday, November 8, beginning at 5 p.m.

This coming Sunday, the Gospel is the familiar story called "The Widow's Mite" from Mark 12. But, there's more to this story! The text is Mark 12:32-44.

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings

"...and the Word of God will do its healing work once again."

Dear Friends in Christ,

I'm writing this while in South Carolina at Chaplain's school. The other day I received an email from a LCMS chaplain who works for his city’s Police and Fire Departments. He relayed how he talked a "jumper" off of a city bridge. Due to circumstances, he had to take the “jumper” to several hospitals to receive appropriate help. While at one hospital, the chaplain met a couple of policemen who asked about getting chaplain services to help them deal with the death of some children who were killed by family members. A time was set up to meet with the policemen, and an interesting comment was made by the chaplain concerning the upcoming days of ministry. He said, "...and the Word of God will do its healing work once again."

Think about this profound statement. This man was saying that God's Word is an active force that changes lives. He is the messenger who brings God’s Word to a crisis situation, and God's Word brings healing to those who hear it. Scripture says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12)

Applied to us this means we too are messengers who bring God's active word to those around us. We proclaim it, and God does a work in the hearer's life. We don't need to justify or defend it. It is God's Word which does a healing work. We only proclaim it.

For example, as I was turning in paperwork to the Program Director at the Chaplain's School, the woman mentioned that she had been told she had poor self image. A door was opened to a hurting soul. After being reminded of her baptism and how she was united with Christ, raised with Him, and seated at the right hand of God the Father (a position of honor), this woman was shocked to hear that God rejoiced over her with singing. She had favor with God because of who she was united with. It wasn't about her actions, but about Christ's actions. The implication was that if she was united with Christ, then who would direct her steps (God), who would be the author and perfector of her faith (God), who would never leave or forsake her (God). The Program Director had never heard this message even though she was a devout Christian. This simple proclamation of the Gospel brought great comfort to her troubled soul. God's Word brought healing to her soul in this simple message.

Ponder this: Knowing God's Word and proclaiming it brings comfort to us because the change or healing is what God chooses to do in people. We experience the joy of watching God's Word perform miracles in people. We are free to proclaim His Word, and people are free to hear and receive healing work from God.

Granted, it is important to understand how to use the Word properly and that is being taught in Divine Service, Sunday School, and Bible studies. I encourage you to continue learning God's Word, proclaiming God's Word, and watching God's Word as it does its healing work once again.

Excited to hear what God is doing through you,

Pastor Brynestad

This Week at Mt. Olive

Good afternoon, fellow redeemed! Sorry I'm so late with my update this week!

Saints - God's holy people, those who have been sanctified in the blood of the Lord Jesus and hold on by faith for dear life. This past Sunday, we celebrated All Saints Day. It's one of my favorite days of the Church Year, with the great music and the great message of saints who have gone before us in the faith who will rise on the last day, and saints now who have been brought to the life of faith. Why do we praise God on All Saints Day? We praise God for the example of faith of those saints who have gone before us. Look up names like Polycarp of Smyrna, Athanasius, and Augustine, and we are given accounts of the great stands of faith by these saints of old.

Next Sunday, November 8, the Sr. Youth, especially those going to New Orleans, will be hosting a Chili Cook-Off with Talent (or No Talent) show. The eating and fun begins at 5 p.m. Fire up a pot of your favorite red and participate in the festivities. Two categories of chili will be present: hot and mild (and I'll let you guess which one I'm doing). This is a free will offering event, though a suggested donation of $5 per person is being requested. Proceeds will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Mt. Olive rose to the occasion this past weekend. A special door offering was taken in support of two Navy pilots who were lost last week. God continues to bless this community through Mt. Olive as an offering of $500 was received! I'll be in contact with one of the faithful at Mt. Olive associated with the squadron as we determine the best way for this assistance to be given.

Prayer Concerns:
The families of the two Navy pilots lost this past week, that they may know the comfort of Christ
Those who serve in our armed forces, including Michael Baker (Iraq), Andrew Epley (in New Jersey), Edwin Rodriguez, Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Dru Blanc and John Sorensen (NAS Corpus Christi).
All Christians as they live in the life of their Baptism
With thanksgiving for those who have gone before us in the faith, for their examples of faith
The whole Church throughout the world, as she continues to look forward to the return of her Lord Jesus.

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, November 2 (All Souls' Day)
6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts
6:30 p.m. Zumba Aerobics

Tuesday, November 3
Pastor Jennings out of the office for Circuit Conference

Wednesday, November 4
6 p.m. Choir
7 p.m. Zumba Aerobics
Guitar Worship practice

Thursday, November 5
6:30 p.m. Pack 278 Den Meetings

November Winkel

Brothers,
Brother Dale has jury duty so tomorrow's Winkel has been moved to St. Paul-Kingsville. Coffee begins at 9:00 A.M. Divine Service begins at 9:15 A.M. May God grant you safe travels.
Peace in Christ,
Allan

Theme Thoughts for November 8, 2009

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

Lessons for Proper 27 (Lutheran Service Book) November 8, 2009

1 Kings 17:8-16 ~ God used a nearly empty jar of flour and a widow’s heart full of faith to sustain Elijah.
Psalm 146 (antiphon 9a)
Hebrews 9:24-28 ~ Jesus gave His life in our place once, so that we may have life for all time.
Mark 12:38-44 ~ Jesus contrasted those who gave in order to get, with a poor widow who gave all she had.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: It’s the Thought that Counts.
When a gift is less than we’d like, we console ourselves with the thought! Even when the gift is great, the thought behind it is often greater. We cannot imagine a mother giving up the last measure of flour to make bread for a stranger when she and her son will starve! It is hard to grasp the commitment that moves a widow to give her last two coins and face a life of poverty. Neither can we comprehend the love that moved our Savior to sacrifice Himself to do away with sin so that we may enter with Him into God’s eternal presence! It is the thought behind that gift that counts!

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Dear Lord and Savior, when I fully understand the gift of love that You have given to me, I wonder at my little gifts of service to You and to my sisters and brothers. Move my heart to generosity that I reach out in loving ways share Your gift of gracious life with all. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: God doesn’t measure His love to us in abstract terms, but gives in proportion to our needs. Our need for grace is total, and our Savior’s gift is complete! In response we give to God in relation to His gifts to us; however, we can never out give His love!

OFFERING PRAYER: Whether we place one coin or two, or all our living
in service to Your Kingdom, Lord, it is our heart
Behind the gift that makes it worth the giving;
May all these coins and each of us be blessed to do our part.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: We are so accustomed to trusting only what we can see that we rely on impressions and judge by appearance. If we were told to give all our savings to some mission project and God would take care of our physical needs, our response would be something like, “Yeah, right!” And yet, God has promised – and provided – much more through the gift of His Son. He not only fills the canisters of our pantry with provisions for physical life; He keeps the storehouse of His grace full of His love for all eternity.