This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

The holy name of God. In Hebrew, "God" is actually a plural - the real God among all gods. The word most often translated "Lord" in the Old Testament is actually "Yahweh" from Exodus 3:14 - I am who I am, denoting the eternalness of the true God. The other word for "Lord" in Hebrew carries the meaning of "master." Jesus means "Yahweh delivers." The Holy Spirit, with all of the meanings in the original languages, is the wind/breath/Spirit of God.

The name of God. Sometimes I cringe when people ask me to offer a "little" prayer. My response is that the true God, the one who created the universe, is not a "little" God.

The name of God. By grace it is given to us, in mercy He hears us.

This week at Mt. Olive is filled with preparations for Vacation Bible School:
VBS Canvassing of the area will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 6 p.m.
VBS Decoration Making Party will be Thursday evening at 7 p.m.
VBS set up will be next Thursday at 2 p.m.

VBS begins next Monday, July 11, at 8:30 a.m.!

VBS donations needed:
Large live or plastic plants
Artificial vines
Rolls of green paper (like you'd put on a bulletin board)
Cookies and punch

Any cash donations will be GREATLY appreciated and live plants will be returned unharmed.

I'm really "jazzed" about the current Adult Information Class at Mt. Olive. Besides having 6-8 people per session, the discussions ROCK! Information Class meets on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Lutheran Book Club is going into the second half of chapter 2 of Why I am a Lutheran by the Rev. Daniel Preus. If you've been through Confirmation class and believe you could go for more in depth stuff, this book is for you! The club, which is really a gathering that discusses, is held on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Finally, a subject that is near and dear to me is in order: your safety. I am charged with teaching correct doctrine so that you are not led astray. I like that. But, I'm not entrusted with your well being in other venues. On this holiday weekend, please keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. Remember to fasten safety belts. Don't drink and drive. Remember your sunscreen, and be careful of rip currents in the gulf. I know, it sounds like I'm becoming the voice of your grandmother. In truth, you folks are special to me. I'd much rather see you in church on Sunday than in a less welcoming environment.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces: Rob Vadney (Ft. Campbell), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), John Sorensen, Ryan Radtke (Corpus Christi)
The great nation with which our Lord has blessed us
VBS volunteers and preparations
Those who travel
Zora Simonds, Kathryn Guerra
Ruby Rieder, Ann Cleveland, Walter and Pearly Theiss (Houston)

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, July 4
Independence Day! Church Office and Child Care closed
6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

Tuesday, July 5
6 p.m.
VBS Canvassing

7 p.m.
Adult Information Class (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, July 6
9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (1 John)

6 p.m.
VBS Canvassing

6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics (Fellowship Hall)

7 p.m.
Lutheran Book Club (Overflow)

Thursday, July 7
6 p.m.
VBS Canvassing

7 p.m.
VBS Decoration Making Party

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

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

2 p.m.
VBS Set Up begins!

God bless!
PKJ