This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Today is Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, Union troops under General Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, bringing the news of freedom for slaves in the Lone Star state and sufficient troops to enforce the order. Former slaves were offered the relationship of employer-employee from their former masters under the order. Some left, suspicious of such an arrangement. Some former slaves left to look for long lost family members. Some left, heading north in hopes of achieving full freedom.

Today is also Holy Trinity Sunday. As we confess with the Church the Athanasian Creed, we're reminded that the blessed Holy Trinity is not a what, but a who. This is the living God who gives to us Himself. The Father comes to us through the Son by the Holy Spirit. It is this living, Triune God who frees us from the bondage of sin in order that we may live as God's people - belonging to the Father through the Son by the Spirit.

We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. Many have tried to shoehorn this teaching to suit their own rational thinking. But, as I've said many times, if the Trinity makes sense to us, then we've taught the living God wrongly. The true God is a divine mystery - hidden, yet revealed in God the Son in the flesh.

This Week at Mt. Olive:
A Pastor's Information Class is beginning Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at the church. This class is an invitation for you, the members of Mt. Olive, to invite your friends to hear what we Lutherans believe, teach, and confess. It's also a class for those who have been worshiping us or those who are considering joining us. Finally, and perhaps most importantly for many who read this update, this class is offered to those who went through Confirmation classes several years ago and need a refresher (yes, it's that important).

Two things resume this week. First, Wednesday Morning Bible Class resumes at 9:30 a.m. and we'll continue 1 John.

Second, Lutheran Book Club resumes Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. Right now, we're meeting at the church and I'll bring some goodies. The book we're reading is "Why I am a Lutheran: Christ at the Center" by Rev. Daniel Preus.

Finally, a regular quarterly Voters Assembly meeting is being held this coming Sunday, June 26. Worship will be the regular schedule of 8 and 10:30, with the meeting beginning at 9:15 a.m.

Prayer Concerns:
Zora Simonds (David's wife), Lucinda Rodela (a friend of mine) - undergoing tests or treatment this week
Travis Gunn, my second-cousin, as he mourns the death of his mother, Jeri
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Ft. Campbell), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke (Corpus Christi)
Those who travel during this busy summer season
Our leaders in this nation at all levels as they struggle with budget issues
Lori Stacy and myself, Sunday School teachers for this coming Sunday
Preparations for Vacation Bible School, which begins next month
The holy Christian and apostolic Church as she continues to proclaim the blessed Holy Trinity

This week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, June 20
6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics
Board of Elders

Tuesday, June 21
7 p.m.
Pastor's Information Class (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, June 22
9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (1 John)

7p.m.
Lutheran Book Club (Fellowship Hall)

Sunday, June 26
8 and 10:30 a.m.
Divine Service

9:15 a.m.
Sunday School
Voters Assembly meeting

God bless!
PKJ