This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

All Saints' Day is one of my favorite celebrations in the Church Year. I love the hymns, especially For All the Saints. Especially, I love the last stanza: But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day; the saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia, Alleluia!

I get the picture in my mind of those who have gone before us in the faith waking from the sleep of death, standing at attention and shouting their acclamations as the King of Glory, our crucified and risen Lord Jesus, passes on His way. But, this picture doesn't leave out the saints alive, still in the Church Militant. Rather, those are included in the last stanza: From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia!

Perhaps I'm a little off base, but I recall an old John Wayne movie called "Back to Bataan," in which survivors of the infamous Bataan death march, portrayed by actors, are named and shown marching in a victorious formation. I sometimes picture that as the countless host, those named and those yet to be named, who made the firm confession and remained faithful unto death. I think of all those who have gone before our family in the faith over the past couple of years, and they've been numerous: my aunt Stella, my cousin Jeri, my father-in-law John, among others. You probably have your own list of those who have died in the faith, clinging to the Lord Jesus, who now rest from their labors. Knowing of the coming resurrection seems to spur us on to sing that stanza with even greater gusto.

Rejoice, people of God, Praise the Lord. Let us keep the feast in honor of all God's saints, in whose victory the angels rejoice and glorify the Son of God.

Almighty God, You have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living that we may come to those inexpressible joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Tuesday night, the LWML holds the much anticipated Chrismon Making Session. All are invited to learn and even make these meaningful decorations. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday morning, we continue with Revelation, delving into chapter 10. All are invited at 9:30 a.m. in the Overflow.

Wednesday evening, we conclude our study of Hammer of God, covering the third and final part of the book. After this, Lutheran Book Club will be postponed until after the first of the year.

Friday and Saturday, we celebrate with Bobby Schumann and Stephanie Duarte, who recently completed Adult Information Class, as they are united in holy matrimony at Mt. Olive.

The next two Sundays are the last two of the current Church Year. These Sundays carry with them a theme of the Last Day and the judgment that accompanies the appearing of our Lord Jesus in glory. These are great, yet sometimes scary themes. Yet, hearing them in the company of God's people gives the theme of judgment a different focus.

Finally, as we barrel toward the end of the current Church Year and the sweep into a new Church Year, there are several groups that need to be kept in your prayers:
-the Sunday School teachers as program practices begin and the busy season that leads up to Christmas requires their attention in teaching the faith
-the Altar Guild as they have a busy several weeks approaching
-the Church Council as they work on the annual budget
-the young people of the church who will be incredibly busy and yet again will lead us in wonderful services.

Prayer Concerns:
Those who serve in our armed forces and their families: Rob Vadney (Ft. Campbell, KY), Richard Rhode, John Sorensen (Corpus Christi)
The homebound: Ruby Rieder, Ann Cleveland, Bud Bird, Walter and Pearly Theiss (Houston)
Students and teachers whose schedules are about to become incredibly busy
Those who serve on the Church Council
Our brothers and sisters in the faith at Lord of Life and Our Savior Lutheran Churches as they await pastors

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, 7 NOV
6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics

Tuesday, 8 NOV
6:30 p.m.
LWML Meeting - Chrismon Workshop

Wednesday, 9 NOV
8:30 a.m.
School Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Bible Study (Revelation 10)

6:30 p.m.
Zumba

7 p.m.
Lutheran Book Club - completing Hammer of God

God bless!
PKJ