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.