This Week at Mt. Olive

Good afternoon, fellow redeemed!

"And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead."
How often we have heard and recited those words from the Nicene Creed. Unfortunately, the meaning of these words is often lost in today's world. Jesus is often seen as a buddy, a helper to get us through the really tough times now. We can be thankful on Thanksgiving because Jesus provides everything we need. The sad fact is that these thoughts miss the greatest comfort of what Holy Scripture tells us, and what the Church fathers desired to keep in the forefront of Christian minds.

St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." Yet, this is the only redemption many heard this morning in worship: hope in Christ only for accomplishing things today. To be sure, we have the comfort of the forgiveness of sins in Christ now. Yet, the great realization of life in Christ comes at the end of time when our Lord Jesus appears in glory "to judge both the living and the dead." The great news for those who are joined to Christ by faith is that His kingdom "shall have no end."

Eternal Father, through the advent of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, You have redeemed us and made us Your children. By Your Holy Spirit, keep us in the true faith, looking always for the day of the resurrection of all flesh, when we will be with Christ forever, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

This morning, I attended a Lutheran church and realized how spoiled I am at Mt. Olive. Being able to sing the robust hymns of the faith is something I often take for granted. Being able to hear the proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus among dear friends of the faith is something that I expect so much, it usually is commonplace. Yet, take me away from one week, and I miss it already! I praise God for you and for the service among you to which our Lord Jesus has called me!

This week is a bit slower at Mt. Olive. The school will be opened only Monday and Tuesday. Many are out of town, visiting family or on a mini vacation. Kathy, the kids, and I are in Austin until Wednesday. To tell the truth, I'm not sure if there is Zumba this week, and Young Adult Bible Class and Wednesday Morning Bible Class will not meet.

Here are a few thoughts for this week:
Don't forget about Thanksgiving Day service at 9:30 a.m.
If you are at home, I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving celebration.
If you are traveling, don't drink and drive, buckle your safety belt, and get home safely. You are very dear to me and I want to see you back at church.

The first Christmas program practice will be held Sunday, November 28, at 1:30 p.m., just after Confirmation Class. We'll be done by 3 p.m., I promise. As always, we need shepherds, angels, Mary and Joseph, and readers.

And item of some importance: During the Sundays of Advent, a skit will be used to introduce each Sunday sermon. Currently, I have the following needs: one youth participant for all services on all Sundays (28 NOV, 5, 12, 19 DEC - rehearsals will be on the Saturday before), some other participants as we go along, two sailor white "dixie" cup hats, one white garrison cover hat (whether it's officer or not doesn't matter). If you are able to help me out, please drop me a line or call the church office.

Finally, the December voters meeting is slated for 12 DEC. The schedule for that day is: Divine Service (9:30 a.m.); Sunday School (10:30 a.m.); Voters Assembly (10:30 a.m.); Meal

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Dru Blanc, John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke, Michael Baker (Corpus Christi)
The home bound among us: Emmet Wright, Ruth Prytz, Donnae Blake, Ruby Rieder, Ann Cleveland
Those who travel
Our nation as it celebrates a week of thanksgiving
The residents and staff of Bokenkamp Children's Shelter as they celebrate together, many being away from home

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Thursday, November 25
9:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Day Worship Service

Sunday, November 28
8 and 10:30 a.m.
Divine Service

9:15 a.m.
Sunday School and Bible Class

12 p.m.
Confirmation Instruction (memory work: the first three commandments and instructions)

1:30 a.m.
Christmas Program rehearsal

God bless!
PKJ