This Week at Mt. Olive

Good morning, fellow redeemed!

Yesterday afternoon, as I was preparing for the Youth Night, I was studying Genesis 1 and the creation account yet once more. Curious thing that gets missed whenever we're teaching creation to Christians, both young and old. Genesis 1:5b: And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

In the creation account, this language appears over and over again. Some would like the word day to be elastic, that it could be metaphorical for eons of time. But, the word used here and throughout the Old Testament is always used to denote the same thing: a regular day, no more, no less.

The striking words, though, were these:
And there was evening and there was morning...

This morning, I awakened between 4:30 and 5 a.m., like I do most mornings. Some school clothes needed to be washed last night, so my first chore was getting those clothes into the dryer. Checking email, reading devotions, pondering the week and what events, both professional and personal, will need my attention all occupied my time. Did I mention checking on Hurricane Richard and the currents that will hopefully steer it away, making lunches, and watching some of the news? By the time I left the house, three children had been fed, two taken to different schools were added to the list, too.

Many of you have similar or even more crowded schedules. Most of us wish we had at least one more hour in the day, or another day in the week, but, somehow, the time committee never gets that message.

And there was evening and there was morning...

What's so amazing about these words is the schedule of God's day! His day doesn't begin at sun up, or a few minutes before mine or yours begins. God's day begins in our night!

When I awakened this morning, God had already been at work in His day long before I even reluctantly opened my eyes. Before I even reached for the first Bible verse, God the Holy Spirit was already calling to mind the promises of my Baptism. Before I even thought about prayer, God the Son was already holding His wounds before His Father, interceding for me on account of His suffering and death. God the Father had already brought creation to bear for my benefit.

What's more, in God's night, there is no sleeping. In Psalm 121:4, we are told, "Behold, He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps." Even though I grow weary and tired, even though I go to sleep in the night, God, whose day begins in my night, never takes a break.

In our busiest of days, the true God who charts the course of the universe also has been working in our day well before we awaken. Long after we retire in slumber, the true God still continues to work in our day. It's pure grace!

O God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, You have established the times and the seasons, the days and the weeks. While we go about our daily business, You are already at work, before us, beside us, and after us. Help us to realize Your gracious workings in our own lives and to rejoice in Your gifts. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Next Sunday, Mt. Olive will hold its second annual Trunk Treat Night. This is an opportunity for us to invite our neighbors in this community to receive some goodies, and to proclaim Christ the Crucified to those who may not know Him. Members of Mt. Olive are invited to share in this activity. Bring your car, truck or van. Decorating is encouraged. Bring some goodies to share (wrapped candy is always best). And, maybe even wear your costume (the non-violent, non-scary kind)! See me in my annual costume as Revolutionary Spy! Trunk Treat Night will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. - it's a school night. Come a little early and set up your place!

Also next Sunday, after late service (noon), the Confirmation Class will be watching the movie "Luther." The congregation is invited to join us, and maybe even enjoy some popcorn.

The Fellowship Committee is hosting a special Russian Dinner on November 6. Featured at the dinner are a lot of things I can't pronounce, but sound REALLY good (including Pyrogue - definite REALLY good)! Tickets are $10. Please see one of the Fellowship Committee members for purchase.

Finally, 30 AUG begins the annual Scouting for Food drive in Corpus Christi. Most of you will be receiving bags this Saturday, and are asked to place these on your front porch the following Saturday with some food. If you do not receive a bag, or you need to leave your food at a place other than your home, I'll have some extra bags here at the church on Sunday, October 31, and will provide any food we receive in them to Troop 3's food gathering.

Prayer Concerns:
Jackie Steele, undergoing shoulder surgery this week
Donnae Blake, hospitalized
Raymond Whitaker, my uncle, going through therapy following knee replacement
Helen Placke, going through therapy following double knee replacement
Ruth Prytz, at Retama Manor
Ruby Rieder, at Westwood Manor
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke, Dru Blanc (Corpus Christi)
Lutheran churches throughout the world as they continue to proclaim the Reformation message of Holy Scripture: Justification by grace through faith on account of Christ
Churches, church councils, and the Church Council at Mt. Olive, as they work through the budget process, that God would be glorified in them

This Week at Mt. Olive
Monday, October 25
6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

6:30 p.m.
Board of Elders

Tuesday, October 26
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bokenkamp Advisory Board - pastor out

7:30 p.m.
Young Adult Bible Study at Barnes and Noble

Wednesday, October 27
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Deuteronomy)

6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, October 31
8 and 10:30 a.m.
Divine Service

9:15 a.m.
Sunday School

12 p.m.
"Luther" movie

6-8 p.m.
Trunk Treat Night

God bless!
PKJ