This Week at Mt. Olive

Greetings fellow redeemed!

Here's a thought on this text offered by St. John Chrysostom:
He saith, “the body of our humiliation,” because it is now humbled, subject to destruction, to pain, because it seemeth to be worthless, and to have nothing beyond that of other animals. “That it may be conformed to the body of his glory.” What? shall this our body be fashioned like unto Him, who sitteth at the right hand of the Father, to Him who is worshiped by the Angels, before whom do stand the incorporeal Powers, to Him who is above all rule and power, and might? If then the whole world were to take up weeping and lament for those who have fallen from this hope, could it worthily lament? because, when a promise is given us of our body being made like to Him, it still departs with the demons. I care not for hell henceforth; whatever can be said, having fallen from so great glory, now and henceforth consider hell to be nothing to this falling away. What sayest thou, O Paul? To be made like unto Him? Yes, he answereth; then, lest you should disbelieve, he addeth a reason; “According to the working whereby He is able even to subject all things unto Himself.” He hath power, saith he, to subject all things unto Himself, wherefore also destruction and death. Or rather, He doth this also with the same power. For tell me, which requireth the greater power, to subject demons, and Angels, and Archangels, and Cherubim, and Seraphim, or to make the body incorruptible and immortal? The latter certainly much more than the former; he showed forth the greater works of His power, that you might believe these too. Wherefore, though ye see these men rejoicing, and honored, yet stand firm, be not offended at them, be not moved. These our hopes are sufficient to raise up even the most sluggish and indolent.

This past week at Mt. Olive saw two opportunities to see the work of missionaries firsthand. Listening to John and Doris Bowerman was great. But, there was a humbling circumstance about which they told us. After retiring, right before considering the mission field, John and Doris sold their earthly possessions. It was in that instance, while the endless garage sales were going on, that they realized how tied they were to stuff - things of this world. As I listened, I wondered to myself: Am I as tied to the stuff of this world? Does it plague me in the same way? I could come up with only one answer: yes.

The second opportunity came with the arrival of the Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ team on Friday night. First of all, praise God for the hosting that many of you offered and did over the past two nights. It was a great blessing not only for the kids, but also for you, the hosts. These young people visited about 350 homes in our area, all in the name of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Going on some of the calls, there was genuine passion for people coursing through these young people. My son Jonathan had a great time, interacting with the OAFCers and going out on the visits.

In both these events, there is an opportunity to praise God for the work of the Gospel in our midst.

This week at Mt. Olive has a little less activity than last week, but there is a great witness opportunity for you. The greatest witness challenge for church members is sounded by the words, "Pastor Jennings is starting an information class Tuesday night at 6:30." That's the challenge laid before church members - the challenge to invite your friends and neighbors who don't have a church but might be looking, who don't know about Jesus, to come and hear and get a handle on the message of the Church. It's also an opportunity for established members to have a refresher course, or even support the folks who will be in the class. By the way, Adult Information Class begins Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday will again be Lenten services at 12:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. The meal this week is offered by the LWML. They've termed it "Breakfast items for dinner."

I will be out of the office on Tuesday for Circuit Conference.

Prayer Concerns:
Burt Nelson
Kim Kots, undergoing surgery this week
Ruth Prytz, hospitalized
Those who serve in our armed forces: Andy Epley, John Miller's niece, Richard Rhode, Ryan Radtke, John Sorenson, Dru Blanc, William Worley
Lutheran Schools throughout our nation and throughout the world - that those who teach and those who learn may be blessed by our Lord Jesus and that faith may be birthed and grown in many.
The OAFC traveling team that will be going through southern Texas this week.

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, March 1
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2 - Texas Independence Day!
Adult Information Class, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 3
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Lenten Midday Prayer, 12:15 p.m.
Lenten meal, 5:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m.
Lenten Evening Prayer, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 4
Cub Scouts, 6:30 p.m.

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings