This Week at Mt. Olive

Greetings, fellow redeemed!

Happy New Year! I received that same greeting from many of you this morning and want to return it to you this evening!

The new year can be a daunting prospect. After the holiday partying has worn off, after all the visits have been made, after the all the bowl games have been played (that takes longer), the new year may not be so happy. I'll be burying one of my aunts in a couple of weeks. What really brought that home was visiting our families last week. Kathy and I and the kids are faced with the very real possibility that a couple of our close relatives may have seen their last Christmas with us. Watch the news and we're reminded that our nation's economy, as well as that of the world, is not out of the tank just yet. Other possibilities loom over the horizon.

In these trying times, I'm reminded of the Lord's word in Numbers 6:
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [23] "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,

[24] The Lord bless you and keep you;
[25] the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
[26] the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

[27] "So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them."

The interesting thing about the verbs in the blessing the Lord gave to Moses to give to Aaron to pronounce over the people. Some translations of these words include the word "may." There is no subjunctive, no conditional promise. Instead, they're indicatives, statements. Literally, the blessing reads: Yahweh will bless you and keep you. Yahweh will make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. Yahweh will lift up His countenance on you (smile on you, kind of) and will give you peace."

This is the blessing given by God to His people over three thousand years ago. They were pronounced over God's people in the tabernacle, and then the temple. You heard the words this morning in worship, carrying the same gracious blessing as it has been pronounced by God's servants to God's people for centuries past, and as they will continue to be proclaimed in 2010. The blessings may not be evident, but the greatest of His blessings is His gracious presence in good times and in bad.

Happy New Year!

Getting back into the swing of things, Wednesday Morning Bible Study reconvenes this week at 9:30 a.m.

Here are a few important items to put on your calendar:
Church undecorating, Saturday morning at 9 a.m. Especially needed are some guys who can take apart the tree and get the garland down.

Sunday School Teachers meeting next Sunday immediately after Late Service.

In Bible Class this morning, I presented an article from George Barna of the Barna Group that is a summary of his findings concerning American spirituality over the last year. Frankly, not much was surprising. I encourage you to read through this article and give it some thought.
http://www.barna.org/barna-update/article/12-faithspirituality/325-barna-studies-the-research-offers-a-year-in-review-perspective

I will be out of the office Tuesday morning and early afternoon for Circuit Conference meeting.

Prayer Requests:
Those who serve in our armed forces:
Jonathan Duhart (Christine Huck's friend being deployed to Afghanistan), John Miller's niece (in Afghanistan), Andrew Epley (Deysi Epley's husband, in Iraq), Michael Baker (returned from deployment), Richard Rhode and Edwin Rodriguez (North Carolina), Rob Vadney (Ft. Sill, OK), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen, Dru Blanc (NAS Corpus Christi), William Worley (NAS Kingsville)

Our community's schools and teachers who return to their studies this week

Mt. Olive and our sister congregations during the time of Epiphany, historically a time of mission emphasis

Those who mourn

The unemployed and the underemployed

The homeless and indigent

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings

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

Wednesday, January 6
The Epiphany of Our Lord
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 7 p.m.

Thursday, January 7
Cub Scouts, 6:30 p.m.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10

“Time changes everything.” “There’s nothing new under the sun.” Well, which is it? Both, it seems! The first statement is that of the individual looking back over his own recent past–experiencing the changes that come in life. The second statement is that of the historian, reminding us that these changes have been going on in human history for thousands of years. Both of these statements can be reconciled in this one: “The only thing constant is change”.

It sure seems that way, doesn’t it? Just think of the changes in our world over the last decade. The last century. The last millennium. Staggering changes. Almost unimaginable. We see a microcosm of this in our own congregation. Babies were born. Brothers and sisters in Christ that we have known for years are no longer with us for they have gone to be with Jesus. We’ve seen the children of the congregation grow up. Babies that crawled, now walk. Our confirmands join us at the Lord’s table. For some, high school ended and college began. For others, college ended and marriages began. We have several new members. Other members have moved on to different congregations. We are not the same now as we were at the beginning of 2009.

Is time really just a great river that brings constant changes and eventually sweeps everything away into insignificance? Are our lives essentially meaningless? Just specks in a great space/time continuum, and even less than that as the years flow by?

No! Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, the Divine Logos through whom and by whom all things were created (including time) and live and move and have their being, became incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man. Jesus Christ, through his perfect life, bloody death, and glorious resurrection reached back in time and redeemed our past and reached forward in time and secured our eternal life. It is only in Jesus Christ, that our “now” has any meaning at all.

Amid the uncertainties of the future, God’s love in Jesus Christ is our constant. It will never change or grow dim. God won’t change his mind about us. The peace that we have with God through the blood of Jesus Christ will sustain us despite the changes that come with life in this world. Come what may, God loves us. That is all that really, ultimately matters.

May you and yours know and experience in full measure the love of God in Christ Jesus in the year to come

This Week at Mt. Olive

Good evening, fellow redeemed!

Holiness! That's the focus of Luke 2:22-24. When the devout Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to the temple, it was an issue of holiness. Mary, having endured the bloody event of childbirth, went for the necessity of ritual cleansing, to be counted again among God's people Israel. Cleansing meant being brought into the presence of holiness. The infant Jesus, being the firstborn of Mary, was to be dedicated to the Lord as commanded in Exodus 13. Again, Jesus, though true God, was also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, and thus followed the Law and was dedicated to the holy God.

I sometimes wonder about the issue of holiness. For Simeon and Anna, the other two figures in today's Gospel (Luke 2:22-40), holiness was real. Seeing the Christ of God in their midst, they rejoiced in His holiness that would bring about the consolation and redemption of God's people. What about us? When we come into the place where God has promised to come among us in His chosen means, we are brought into the presence of holiness. Do we treat worship that way? Do we expect the righteous and holy Christ to come among us in His body and blood?

Praise God that our holiness is grounded in our Lord Jesus Christ. I said this morning that we NEVER go directly to God. Demanding to stand in the presence of true holiness would mean certain death for us sinners. Rather, we always approach the throne of God through Christ, because in Christ God has first come to us.

Only a couple of events, but one of which I want to bring to your attention. On Thursday night (New Year's Eve), there is a Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. Bring a snack to share and your favorite game. Word has it that the bell will again sound at midnight!

I'll be out of the office all week, but will be back for worship on Sunday, when Confirmation Instruction will begin again.

Please remember in prayer:
Those who serve in our armed forces: Andrew Epley (Iraq), Michael Baker (returned from deployment), Rob Vadney (Ft. Sill), Ryan Radtke, John Sorensen, Dru Blanc (NAS Corpus Christi), William Worley (NAS Kingsville)

Those who travel, that they be kept safe and given joyful homecomings

The Church throughout the world, as she proclaims the infant Christ and looks to His return in glory

Those who are ill, undergoing treatments, recovering, and dying, that they may be comforted by the peace that passes all understanding, who is Christ Himself

Those who mourn the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted by the news of a blessed resurrection and a happy reunion in heaven.

God bless!
Pastor Kevin Jennings

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, December 28
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 30
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 31
Game Night, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, January 1
Happy New Year!

Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts

First Sunday after Christmas, Series C December 27, 2009

Lessons for First Sunday after Christmas (Lutheran Service Book)

Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15 -~ God’s people remembered their rescue from Egypt at the cost of the firstborn sons.
Psalm 111 -
Colossians 3:12-17 ~ Those redeemed by God’s grace give up their complaints to live in the peace of Christ.
Luke 2:22-40 ~ Mary and Joseph presented Jesus, who was recognized as God’s redemption for His people.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: God’s Strong Hand for Redemption
Through all succeeding generations, the people of Israel redeemed their first born sons with the sacrifice of a lamb or dove, remembering how God had rescued them from Egypt at the great cost of the first born sons of all the land. God’s own Son, born in the flesh, first son of Mary, was presented to the Lord along with two turtledoves, but Himself became the redeeming sacrifice for all of Israel, and not for Israel alone but even for the nations. God’s strong hand has redeemed His people from bondage to sin and death. He calls upon those who have been rescued to sacrifice their complaints against each other and so live with the peace of Christ in their hearts.

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Almighty God, redeeming Lord, as You have given Yourself to rescue me from the bondage of sin, so let me give up my right to seek payment for grievances against me so that I may live in the peace of Christ with all my neighbors. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: To remember the cost of their freedom from slavery, the Israelites returned an offering to the Lord for their first born sons. When we have an opportunity to invest the time and treasure of our lives in the service of God’s kingdom, it should remind us that we have been set free from the servitude of our self interest.

OFFERING PRAYER: A lamb for the first-born won the release
Of Israel’s children from Pharaoh’s domain.
Now bless these gifts, Lord, to show forth Your peace
In service to all those for whom Jesus came.


CONVICTION AND COMFORT: The purchase of their first born reminded the Israelites of God’s redemptive hand in Egypt. God calls upon us to remember the sacrifice of His own Son and the great cost by which we were redeemed from the bondage of sin and death, but we spend more energy remembering grievances we have over the way we have been treated by others. God will never forget His steadfast love for us, expressed and completed in the gift of His grace in Christ Jesus. We live in the peace of God’s redeeming love when we forget our complaints against others and forgive as God in Christ has forgiven us.

This Week at Mt. Olive

Greetings, fellow redeemed!

This evening, I brought the sermon you all heard this morning to Trinity, Refugio. We same the sang Christmas carols, but without accompaniment - that's a capella for you music types. With the singers present, seven in all, we filled the sanctuary with the sounds of God's promises at Christmas. Talk about belting out Christmas songs!

That's what is so powerful about old (I'm talking centuries here) Christmas songs - the words of the carols recite God's promises fulfilled in Christ. Look at Hark the Herald Angels Sing; all the truths of the Second Article of the Creed are contained in that hymn. Go to Of the Father's Love Begotten and you get the truth of God the Son, begotten from eternity. Sing From Heaven Above to Earth I Come and the earth-changing words of the angel to the shepherds are recited yet again. Praise God for those early hymn writers and the powerful hymns they produced!

The food pantry at Mt. Olive continues to provide individuals and families. While we cannot provide huge amounts of food, we do provide for at least a meal or two. Over the past week, I've filled at least three or four requests for food, and Mary has filled a couple more. What this means is that our food pantry has an ongoing need for certain items: breakfast cereals; canned soups, vegetables, and fruits; plastic shopping bags for food distribution.

This week is filled with Christmas opportunities and services.

Monday is time for ONE LAST CHRISTMAS PROGRAM REHEARSAL at 7 p.m. Musicians and singers, please try to be there somewhat earlier.

Tuesday is a great opportunity for Jr. Youth. Mixing some work and fellowship. the Jr. Youth continue the tradition of Christmas cookie baking, and then taking those cookies to some of shut in members. Needed for this service are: sheet pans, rolling pins, cooling racks, sprinkles. More info will be coming tonight or tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, choir rehearsal will be held at the regular time. Also on Wednesday, we'll get together to have a quick look at the Candlelight Service with available Sr. Youth.

Thursday, services begin! Here's the Schedule

Christmas Eve Christmas Program, 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 11 p.m.

Christmas Day Divine Service, 9:30 a.m.

One group that I ask you to keep in your prayers during this Christmas week is the Altar Guild. These women of faith perform a great service to the Church of our Lord Jesus, getting the proper appointments ready and readying the elements for the Holy Eucharist. With the many color changes over the next few days, the Altar Guild will again perform their duties with distinction.

Please remember in prayer:
Those who serve in our armed forces, especially Andrew Epley (Iraq), Michael Baker (returned from deployment), Rob Vadney (Ft. Sill), Edwin Rodriguez and Richard Rhode (North Carolina), William Worley (Kingsville), Ryan Radtke, John, Sorensen, and Dru Blanc (NAS Corpus Christi)

The families of those who serve in our armed forces

Those who have lost loved ones recently, for whom this holiday season will be difficult

Those who travel

The poor, the unemployed, the underemployed, and the homeless

In Christ,
Pastor Kevin Jennings

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, December 21
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.
Girl Scouts (?), 6:30 p.m.
Christmas Program rehearsal, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22
Jr. Youth Cookie Baking and Christmas Caroling, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 23
Choir Rehearsal, 6 p.m.
Candlelight Service practice and music practice, 7 p.m.

Thursday, December 24
Children's Christmas Program, 6:30 p.m.
Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service, 11 p.m.

Friday, December 25
Christmas Day Divine Service, 9:30 a.m.

This Week at Mt. Olive

Good morning, fellow redeemed!

Gaudete Sunday was yesterday, the Sunday of rejoicing during the season of Advent. I love the cartoon classic, "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." I'm not sure if I'm more drawn to the Dr. Seuss simplicity or the grinch himself. But, there is a misleading element: The joy of Christmas is not community or having hands to clasp.

In reading Zephaniah, the Old Testament lesson yesterday, we learn just who rejoices, and what His rejoicing is about:
The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing. (3:17)

The rejoicing is the rejoicing of our Lord! The true God rejoices over His restoring love in Jesus Christ. God in the flesh is present with His people, and He rejoices. God with us, Immanuel, is present, and His presence brings, in turn, our own rejoicing.

Wednesday will be last of the Advent Midweek Services. In the theme of hearing the Advent stories, this week we hear Mary's story. Advent services are at 12:15 p.m. (Midday Prayer) and 7:15 p.m. (Vespers).

Thursday brings us Mt. Olive Lutheran School's Christmas Program at 7:15 p.m.

This coming Sunday, December 20, there will be no Confirmation Class. However, there will be Christmas Program practice at the regular time (2 p.m.). There will also be a practice on Monday, December 21, at 6 p.m. It's important that we have as many people as possible at these practices to prepare for the Christmas service on 6:30 p.m.

It's time for one of my fatherly lecture:
With the beginning of the Christmas break this week, I want to impress on all of you the importance of traveling safely. While some will not be going anywhere other than church or to visit some relatives in town, please remember that many serious accidents take place less than five miles from home. I encourage all of you to practice good safety that we already know: drive at a safe speed, wear safety belts, keep distractions in vehicles to a minimum, and, most importantly, if you're drinking, don't drive.

Please Remember in Prayer:
All those serving in our armed forces: Andrew Epley (Iraq), Michael Baker (returned from deployment), Rob Vadney (Ft. Sill), Edwin Rodriguez and Richard Rhode (North Carolina), Ryan Radtke, John Sorenson, Dru Blanc (NAS Corpus Christi), William Worley (NAS Kingsville)
The Church throughout the world as she proclaims the birth of her Lord
The pastors of our circuit and our circuit counselor, Pastor Eckert, during this busy Christmas season
The new officers for Mt. Olive elected yesterday
All who are traveling this season, that they be kept safe
The families of those who have lost loved ones this past year, as they deal with grief in this blessed season

In Christ,
Pastor Kevin Jennings

This Week at Mt. Olive:
Monday, December 14
Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m.
Zumba Aerobics, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 16
School Chapel, 8:30 a.m.
Bible Study, 9:30 a.m.
Prayer at Midday, 12:15 p.m.
Vespers, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, December 17
School Christmas Program, 7:15 p.m.

Looking Ahead:
Sunday, December 20
Divine Service, 8 and 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class, 9:15 a.m.
Jr. Youth to The Nutcracker, TBA (performance begins at 2 p.m.)
Christmas Program Practice, 2 p.m.

Monday, December 21
Christmas Program Practice, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 22
Jr. Youth Cookie Baking and Caroling, TBA

Rev. Franke's Theme Thoughts for the Week

Fourth Sunday in Advent, Series C December 20, 2009

Lessons for The Fourth Sunday in Advent (Lutheran Service Book)

Micah 5:2-5a ~ The birth of Israel’s ruler in Bethlehem was to signal the gathering of God’s flock.
Psalm 80:1-7 (antiphon: v. 7)
Hebrews 10:5-10 ~ God took on our flesh in Christ and offered up His body to make us holy by His sacrifice.
Luke 1:39-45 (46-56) ~ Elizabeth and Mary greeted each other and praised God for His mercy incarnate.

GATHERING THE TEXTS: God is Coming in Person!
God’s love is revealed specifically and personally: our Ruler, born in Bethlehem; the Messiah willingly sacrificing His own body for us; Mary nourishing the unborn Savior and rejoicing in God’s mercy shown to her, and through her to God’s people. God Himself came to us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem in the region of Ephrathah, to carry out His Father’s will in rescuing us from the power of sin and death: God in the flesh – God in person!

PRAYER BEFORE THE SERVICE: Dear Father in heaven, with love You sent Your Son to give His life for me. May every gift I give this Christmas time may be tinged with love as unselfish as Your love for me, that I may give the greater gift as well by sharing the meaning of the Christ Child with my family and friends. Amen.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT: God works His universal love through the particularity of His presence in the person of Jesus, born in Bethlehem. God uses particular offerings from our individual lives to bring His message of grace to all people. In the gifts we give and the words we speak, God’s love is expressed for all to see and hear.

OFFERING PRAYER: Now bless these gifts, O Lord, we pray, which from our lives we bring
That they may work a mighty deed and glory to your name,
As with the angel hosts of old we lift our voice to sing,
And marvel at Your holy birth in little Bethlehem.

CONVICTION AND COMFORT: We cannot imagine why the Mighty God would come to us in the person of Jesus, born in little Bethlehem. We turn God’s love around and look for things about ourselves that make us ‘lovable’ to Him. We think it must be something we said, or something we did, or just something about us, but in God’s choice of Mary to be the mother of our Savior, we see that His choice is pure grace on His part. “The Mighty One has done great things for us” – “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”