This Week at Mt. Olive

Good afternoon, fellow redeemed!

Perhaps it's a different way to think about Stewardship - what is it an where does it begin? The answer lies not in cows and goats and grain and wine and oil (Old Testament stuff), nor is it found in the giving of money (New Testament stuff). Rather, the answer is located in the true God. All things are His. This was Yahweh's purpose in all of the Law, but especially in the tithe, the sabbath year, and the jubilee.

All things are God's. That has not changed. Yet, in grace, He entrusts house and home, spouse and family, land, animals, body and soul to people - sinful, rebellious people. He even provides redemption in Christ, and faith to take hold of Jesus' saving death and resurrection.

I'll reiterate the challenge for this week. Take a look the Small Catechism, especially the articles of the Apostles' Creed and the accompanying explanations (if you can't find it on your shelf, it can be read at bookofconcord.org). Look for the beginning of stewardship, God's gracious provision for us. Let this be your prayer guide for the coming week.

Almighty God, our Father, in no wise do we deserve anything from Your hand. Yet, in Your fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, You provide all that we need to support this body and life. We stand before You in sorrow, repenting of our rebellion, believing that we are deserving before You, believing that we are owners. For the sake of Jesus Christ, forgive us. By Your Holy Spirit, guide us to a life that thanks and praises, serves and obeys You. Amen

I apologize for no weekly update last week. By the time I got to things, half the week was already past and I elected to take a breather.

Back to it!

The Church Office will be closed tomorrow in observance of the holiday. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday morning.

Zumba continues its regular schedule. There will be a Board of Elders meeting on Tuesday evening. For choir, I'll post an update on Tuesday. Also, I'll be a little late getting to the Young Adult Bible Study at Barnes and Noble on Tuesday. I'll give one of you a shout before I leave.

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 (Corpus Christi)
The students in our family of faith who are either have returned or are returning to school: Brian Smith, Stephanie Peterson, Jessica Peterson, Rachael Proske, Daniel Proske, Matthew Willoughby, Ben Muhr, Bethany Waddle, Victoria Blanc (if I missed someone, please give me a reply)
The sick, recovering, and home bound: Walter and Pearly Theiss, Ruth Prytz, Emmet and Emma Wright, Donnae and Bruce Blake, Ruby Rieder, Raymond Whitaker (my uncle)
The dying: Kathy's dad (John)
The Church throughout the world during this season of Epiphany and its mission emphasis

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, January 17:
Church Office Closed

6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

Tuesday, January 18
6:30 p.m.
Board of Elders

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

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

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

6 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Choir (maybe)

Thursday, January 20
6:30 p.m.
Cub Scout Pack 278

God bless!
PKJ