This Week At Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

From the Large Catechism, concerning Holy Baptism:
6] In these words (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16) you must note, in the first place, that here stand God's commandment and institution, lest we doubt that Baptism is divine, not devised nor invented by men. For as truly as I can say, No man has spun the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer out of his head, but they are revealed and given by God Himself, so also I can boast that Baptism is no human trifle, but instituted by God Himself, moreover, that it is most solemnly and strictly commanded that we must be baptized or we cannot be saved, lest any one regard it as a trifling matter, like putting on a new red coat. 7] For it is of the greatest importance that we esteem Baptism 8] excellent, glorious, and exalted, for which we contend and fight chiefly, because the world is now so full of sects clamoring that Baptism is an external thing, and that external things are of no benefit. But let it be ever so much an external thing, here stand God's Word and command which institute, establish, and confirm Baptism. But what God institutes and commands cannot be a vain, but must be a most precious thing, though in appearance it were of less value than a straw.

Lenten midweek services continue this week on Wednesday. This week, the theme is Father, Forgive Us When We Despise Our Savior's Claim, based on Mark 15:16-20. Midday Prayer is held at 12:15 p.m., and Evening Prayer is held at 7:15 p.m. Again this week, a meal is being served, beginning at 5:30 p.m., this week by the Fellowship Committee.

The Church Council is meeting tomorrow evening (Monday) at 7 p.m. This change is taking place for this month only so that we may welcome Jews for Jesus missionary Vladimir Mitnitsky next week.

Speaking of missionary Mitnitsky, he and his wife will present "Christ in the Passover" model seder next Monday evening at 7 p.m. If you are planning to attend, please make sure you let us know. Tickets aren't necessary, but we want to be sure we have enough of the elements so that everyone is included. And, for the elements, the list of things needed are included on a list on the narthex table. If you're able to provide something, please don't hesitate to sign up!

There will be no guitar rehearsal this week, as Jonathan and I have a prior band commitment that evening. If you'd like to have the songs and hymns for 1 MAY, please send me a blast - I'll glad to provide them.

Finally, we have been blessed recently to host a number of guests at our services. Praise God that He has led these people into our midst. I'd like to ask a special favor: please make sure to introduce yourselves folks you don't know. Our greeters do fantastic duty. Let's make sure we complement their efforts by being friendly to our neighbors.

Prayer Concerns:
The Winston family (a friend of Jonathan), and the Peebles family (friends of Kathy) who have both suffered the death of a loved one in the past few weeks.
Doris Nelson, David Simonds, Emmet and Emma Wright, Ann Cleveland, Ruby Rieder, Walter and Pearly Theiss (Houston), Norene Estes (Oklahoma)
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Afghanistan), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen (Corpus Christi)
The holy Church as she continues to proclaim Christ crucified in this Lententide
The Altar Guild, Greeter corps, and Board of Elders whose service becomes incredibly busy this time of year, that God would sustain and strengthen them

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, April 4
6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

7 p.m.
Church Council

Tuesday, April 5
Pastor out during the day for Circuit Conference

7 p.m.
Lutheran Book Club (starting "Why I Am a Lutheran")

Wednesday, April 6
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (1 John)

12;15 p.m.
Lenten Midday Prayer

5:30 p.m.
Lenten meal

6:15 p.m.
Choir rehearsal

7:15 p.m.
Lenten Evening Prayer

Monday, April 11
7 p.m.
Christ in the Passover - Model Seder
presented by Jews for Jesus

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings