This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

All Saints Day celebrates the lives of saints, both those who have died and those who are yet living. The day celebrates the company of those who are declared holy through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. The day points the saints of God, both living and departed, to the day of the resurrection.

The word "saint" means "holy one." Yet, where does holiness begin? If holy people are in the Church, both the Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in heaven, where does holiness begin?

In Acts 2:42, Luke records, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This was the life of the Church, both in its infancy and now 2000 years later. And, this tells us where holiness begins. It begins with the Divine Service.

Saints, those who are called holy by God for the sake of Christ, are found at the Divine Service, hearing the testimony of the apostles and prophets, gathered in a common confession of faith, receiving Christ's body and blood, and offering the collective prayers of the faithful.

May God keep us faithful, longing for Him to greet us through Word and Sacrament, and longing for the day of resurrection glory.

Prayer Concerns for this Week:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen, Dru Blanc (Corpus Christi)
Those who are newly elected in the most recent voting, that they would be guided to pursue peace and justice
The Church throughout the world as she proclaims the return of Christ to judge the living and the dead

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, November 8
6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

6:30 p.m.
Church Council

Tuesday, November 9
6:30 p.m.
LWML
No Young Adult Bible Study tonight!

Wednesday, November 10
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

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

6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal

Sunday, November 14
4 p.m.
Youth Outing

I will be out of the office Monday and Tuesday for an Advent Preaching Workshop. If you have an emergency, please call your elder or the Church Office.

God bless!
PKJ