This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

The celebration of the Ascension of Our Lord is always bittersweet. Gone are the Easter hymns for another year. The Paschal Candles moves to its regular place beside the baptismal font, and the white-draped cross exits the sanctuary until next Ash Wednesday. Christ has ascended.

Yet, as much as we'd like for the Easter celebration to continue, the celebration of Ascension brings us the great news that, even though we don't see Christ in the flesh before us, we do see Him by faith. He is as near to us as the Sacrament of the Altar, as the Gospel of which He is the principle message.

Christ has ascended to the future, as always, going in the way which we will follow on the Last Day. In Christ, the future of the faithful is secure because Christ has ascended with the promise of His return in glory. In these days of economic and political uncertainty, when security is shaky at best, our future is secure because Christ has ascended.

Mt. Olive has become known in recent years for the annual Vacation Bible School. In a ministry that has swelled to close to 150 children on a daily basis, it's also become a major endeavor for us. In order for us to bring about another great year of Vacation Bible School, a few needs need to be met. One, Vacation Bible School (VBS) functions on the faithfulness of the great corps of volunteers at Mt. Olive. Not only do our own people provide needed services, they also invite their friends to help. Second, Vacation Bible School functions on a smooth registration process. Finally, Mt. Olive's VBS functions because of the generous giving to this great ministry. Fund raising information for VBS is available in the narthex at the special display.

By the way, this year's VBS will be 28 JUN - 2 JUL.

Saturday night, a great time was had at the home of Bill and Mavis Waterman as we celebrated Cinco de Mayo (on Quince de Mayo).

Summer is rapidly approaching, and that means Summer Sunday School is rapidly approaching, too! Summer Sunday School at Mt. Olive is done in a convocation style, meaning that all the lower grades attend one class, while the upper grades attend another. Needed right now are teachers each Sunday for both levels. The commitment is simple: one Sunday (unless you want to do more) in one level. If you're interested, please see Kim Waddle.

Also this summer, beginning Father's Day, Mt. Olive will begin a program titled "If You've Got the Time." This is a project to listen to the New Testament in 40 days. CDs will be provided by Faith Comes by Hearing.

The Sr. Youth of Mt. Olive (MOSH) will be hosting an event on 6 JUN at the home of Dru and Tammy Blanc. A meal of hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, along with some soda, and maybe even another surprise.

Prayer Needs:
Those who serve in our armed forces: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), Andrew Epley (Iraq), Dru Blanc, John Sorenson, Ryan Radtke, Michael Baker (Corpus Christi), William Worley (Kingsville)
Those who travel during this busy season
The holy Church throughout the world as she prepares to celebrate Pentecost
The Confirmands of Mt. Olive as they prepare for their individual questioning

This Week at Mt. Olive
Monday, May 17 (Happy birthday, Dad!)
6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

6:30 p.m.
Board of Elders
Girl Scouts

Tuesday, May 18 (Happy Anniversary, Jay and Connie!)

Wednesday, May 19
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (1 Thessalonians 3)

6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal

God bless!
PKJ