This Week at Mt. Olive

Good morning, fellow redeemed!

I love Adult Bible Class. About a month ago, we watched a video about knowing what we believe and why we believe it. Right now, we are working through a study of what it is we do believe. After that, it will be a witness workshop to put that to work.

But, Sunday was a delightful class about the issue of Free Will. If I had a topic that is pervasive in much of American Christianity, it would be this one. As champions of freedom, it's our natural inclination to believe that free will in our relationship with God is a reality. In fact, it isn't. It's not me who says so; God says so in His Word.

How are we brought to faith, then? Paul gives us two barrels worth of answers in Romans. In Romans 1:16, we're told that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. Additionally, in Romans 10:17, Paul tell us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. God the Holy Spirit, working through the means of the Word, brings people to faith. No decisions (that would mean we could earn our way into heaven), no special programs (that would mean we're in control), it's the Word.

That has a huge bearing on evangelism - those programs for getting people to come to church. Many of them ask "diagnostic" questions, while others elicit a decision. But, Paul says it is the Gospel that is God's power unto salvation.

I gave the Bible class today an assignment, to ponder a statement and react to it next week. I challenge you to do the same - ponder the statement:
Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where there is some bread.

The campus at Mt. Olive is noticeably more quiet this week. It's Spring Break! School classes are not in session, though extended care continues to operate.

As Lent is now bearing down on Holy Week, it's time to turn our attention to the Resurrection Egg Hunt. Each year, the Resurrection Egg Hunt hosts many children from our community. The story of the Easter triumph is told to these children in dramatic fashion. How might you help? The Resurrection Egg Hunt is in need of: plastic eggs, individually wrapped non-chocolate candies, Christian stickers. There is one other major need for the Resurrection Egg Hunt: Volunteers like you!

Also each year, the LWML assembles Easter Baskets for needy children in San Patricio County. Regular needs can be seen in the bulletin and include: plastic eggs, stuffed toys, etc.

I will be out of town this week, but will be at Mt. Olive for Bible Study and both Lenten services on Wednesday. If, in my absence, you experience an emergency, please call either your elder or the Church Office.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces: Rob Vadney (awaiting deployment), John Miller's niece (Afghanistan), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Dru Blanc, John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke (NAS Corpus Christi), Michael Baker (Corpus Christi), William Worley (NAS Kingsville)
In addition to these, please remember their families
Burt Nelson, Ruth Prytz, and all the sick
Those who travel over this Spring Break week

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, March 15
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17
Bible Study (Philippians) 9:30 a.m.
Lenten Prayer at Midday, 12:15 p.m.
Lenten meal, 5:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m.
Lenten Evening Prayer, 7:15 p.m.

God bless!
PKJ