This Week at Mt. Olive

Good morning, fellow redeemed!

Just back from the Jr. Youth Camping Trip to Garner State Park. Great experience! If you want the Sports Center version, ask any of the chaperons or the kids. If you'd like the highlight reel of Friday night, ask any of the drivers, keeping this one word in mind: hail.

Revelation 7 is the great picture of the Church, both militant and triumphant. This week, take a look at this great chapter of God's revelation to St. John. One thing: 144,000 = 12 x 12 (the twelve tribes times the twelve apostles, God's holy Church throughout all ages and times) x 10 x 10 x 10 (all of them).

Daily prayer can become a real challenge. I once kept a written record of petitions for a few months, only to review those and think about how puny most of the stuff I wrote actually was. I thought to myself, "A guide for daily prayer would be really helpful." Lutheran Service Book has provided an excellent resource for guiding daily prayer. Beginning on p. 294 is a section titled, "Daily Prayer for Individuals and Families." On the following four pages are orders to be used at different times of the day. Following this is a daily lectionary that covers most of the Bible, including a chart to help guide the praying of the Psalms on p. 304. But, on p. 204 is a list of suggestions to help set the pattern of daily prayer. For instance, on Mondays, it's suggested we pray: For faith to live in the promises of Holy Baptism; for one's calling and daily work; for the unemployed; for the salvation and well-being of our neighbor; for schools, colleges, and seminaries; for good government and for peace.

Adult Information Class continues Tuesday evening as we get into the worship service and the Means of Grace.

This coming Sunday will be Guitar Worship at both services. To that end, rehearsal will be Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Zumba Aerobics has some great music for dancing! Zumba is held each week on Monday and Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Please keep Bob and Kathy Vadney and their family in your prayers this week as their son, Rob, is being deployed with the U. S. Army to Afghanistan. Also, please continue to keep Deysi Epley and Christina in your prayers as Deysi's husband, Andrew, is deployed to Iraq.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (being deployed), Andrew Epley (Iraq), William Worley (Kingsville), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen, Dru Blanc, Michael Baker (Corpus Christi)
The holy Church throughout the world as she continues to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and risen

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, April 26:
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 27
Pastor's Information Class, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 28
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Philippians 4), 9:30 a.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 29
Cub Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Guitar Worship Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

God bless!
PKJ