This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Concerning today's Gospel (Matt. 16:13-20), I found this quote from Francis "Rev" Rossow in his book, Gospel Handles:
What do we do with what we find out about Jesus? We build the church with it (v. 18) through the Office of the Keys. (v. 19). Christ stood in for us in suffering the punishment for sin. Now we stand in for Him in pronouncing the forgiveness of sin.

That reminds me of the lesson about confession in the Small Catechism:
Confession has two parts, first that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God Himself, not doubting but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.

This Week at Mt. Olive our Lutheran preschool begins a new term of classes! I've often been asked about the benefits of the school. Yes, there are difficulties. But, with the school comes the opportunity to tell the Good News about Jesus to children who might not otherwise hear it, or to those who need to hear of His great love. In chapel, children get to hear a pastor proclaim the Gospel - something that might not otherwise happen. Praise God for the ministry He has given us at Mt. Olive Lutheran School!

Preparations for Rally Day are now in progress. I'll keep you posted during the coming week. It goes without saying that this coming Sunday is an excellent opportunity to invite your friends to come to church with you.

Wednesday morning Bible Class will begin a study of the Revelation to John this coming Wednesday morning. I'm looking forward to this challenging study!

One of our number, Charles Fink, is in need of some sitting services for his children a couple of days this week. If you're available and willing, please give me a call and I'll give you his telephone number.

I'll be out of the office Tuesday morning for an Advisory Board meeting at Bokenkamp.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Ft. Campbell), Richard Rhode (North Carolina), John Sorensen (Corpus Christi)
Mt. Olive Lutheran School and all the schools, college, and seminaries of the Church
The students who begin classes tomorrow and later this week, as well as those who have already begun
Norman Hanelt, Eunice Lewis, Mary Norton

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, August 22
8:30 a.m.
Classes begin at Mt. Olive Lutheran School

6:30 p.m.
Zumba

Wednesday, August 24
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Class (Revelation)

6:30 p.m.
Zumba

7 p.m.
Lutheran Book Club

Thursday, August 25
7 p.m.
STARC

God bless!
PKJ