January 4, 2026
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, January 11, are given to God’s glory by Keith Eisberg in memory of Claudia Eisberg.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Eric Davis, Owen Saidler, Patricia Elwood, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Donna Lee, Jenny Krosch, and all of our loved ones who have been sick and facing challenges with their health.
The Year of Jubilee “Match Challenge” has been met! Thank you to our Mount Olive members who responded to the $25,000 Year of Jubilee Match Challenge with their generous gifts. We have met the challenge by raising $33,871.26 one week ahead of the challenge end date! This is a true outpouring of love and commitment for our congregation and the work it does. The Year of Jubilee debt retirement campaign continues through the end of our fiscal year in June. Our total goal is $250,000. The total given so far for this year's YOJ campaign from July 1, 2025 to date is $103,998.94!
On Sunday, January 4, the NewCo Board of Directors voted to extend a divine call to Mr. Michael Koestler to serve as Principal of NewCo Lutheran School (the current operating name of the new school entity until one is chosen). Mr. Koestler currently serves as Principal at Shoreland Lutheran High School in Kenosha, WI. Please keep Mr. Koestler and his family in your prayers as he deliberates where God would lead him to serve. If you wish to share words of encouragement, you may reach him at koestlerm@slhs.us. A copy of Mr. Koestler’s letter acknowledging the call is on the bulletin board in the narthex.
Join us for a four-part Bible class on January 18 & 25 and February 1 & 8 at 9:40am in the Social Hall. Pastor Soule will be leading a study of the early church entitled “The Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship.”
The MOMS Bible Study is hosting a conference on mental health in the home, supporting the wellbeing of your children, your marriage, and yourself. It's designed specifically for Christian moms. The event is a fundraiser for childcare for the Bible study. It will be hosted at Bethany Lutheran College on January 24 in Honsey Hall. It will feature three speakers and a catered lunch; the cost is $50. A poster with more information and a QR code for registration is on the BLC bulletin board in the narthex hallway. You can also register online using this link: https://buytickets.at/newleafwellnessinstitute/2001974. Any questions can be directed to Jenna Londgren at Jennifer.londgren@mnsu.edu or Kristen Lukasek at klukasek@mtolivelutheran.
Monthly Prayer Fellowship: In the words of Ephesians 6:18, we are encouraged to “Pray in the Spirit… and keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Following this encouragement, a prayer group is being formed for those who wish to join together monthly in interceding for the needs of the congregation and community. Please join us on Sunday, January 25, at 2pm in the Church Nursery for our first meeting. For any questions or prayer requests to be included, please email James Albright at Jamesfalbright84@gmail.com.
Registration for students at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School for the 2026-27 academic year is now open. Apply at mvl.org.
Mount Olive’s Minnesota Valley Lutheran Congregation Night is Thursday, January 29. Watch the MVL Boys Basketball Team play Maple River Schools. Free tickets are available at the church office: first-come, first-served.
The Men’s Breakfast has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 28. Stay tuned for more information.
2026 Offering Envelopes are now available on a table in the old narthex area. The 2026 offering envelope order was placed based on individuals who were using them in 2025. Please look for the box with your name on it as your number might have changed. To avoid confusion in applying your contributions, please only use 2026 envelopes in 2026. Thank you. If you would like to have a box of offering envelopes and did not find yours on the table, please let the church office know.
Summer Camp and LYA registrations will be opening soon. Parents: if you wish to receive funds set aside for LYA and/or camp, please email Lance Johnson at lgustavj77@gmail.com. An accurate list of attendees will facilitate fund distribution in a timely manner.
Bethany Lutheran College Events
Music:
The Honor String Orchestra Event is February 21, with a closing concert at 5pm in Trinity Chapel. Students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 are encouraged to participate. If you are a director, private instructor, or know of a student who may be interested in being nominated, direct them to the website blc.edu/hshonors for all the information on the nomination process. The nomination window closes January 16, and the selection announcement is January 22.
Prof. Benjamin Faugstad will give a presentation on his first composition for percussion, Vibeman, on Friday, January 23, at 7pm in YFAC 101. Attendees will be treated to a performance of the piece and an in-depth discussion on the process of composition. Light refreshments and conversation will follow.
Theatre/Music:
The box office is now open to reserve seats for the Theater and Music Departments' winter musical production of Mary Poppins. Performances are January 30-31 at 7:30pm; February 1 at 2 pm; February 6 at 7:30pm; and February 7 at 2pm and 7:30pm. Visit blc.edu/box-office to reserve your seats.
Studio Art:
The landscape paintings of Prof. Emeritus William Bukowski are on exhibit in the YFAC Gallery through January 23. "Now and Then" features a variety of beautiful paintings created over decades in Bill's career as an artist.
Summer Art Camp:
This camp for students in grades 5-8 and 9-12 takes place on the Bethany campus June 22-26. Registration is now open. Class size is limited to 25 for elementary students in the morning camp and 15 students for the afternoon high school camp, so register today. For more details and to sign up, visit the registration form or contact Jenna Thompson at jenna.thompson@blc.edu.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 275/195; 10:45am, 191/148; Monday: 35/30
Live Online Viewing: Sunday: 27
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Steve & Lois Jaeger, Joe & Connie Meyer
Bill & Sherri Bukowski, Steve Lussky
Offering Counters: Steve Lussky, Jon Pfeffer
Altar Guild: Connie Meyer, Brenda Garbers, Vivian Smith
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $37,299.25
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget:
(Surplus / Deficit) as of Dec. 31, 2025: ($20,872.43)
Year of Jubilee Debt Match Challenge Given Last Week: $8,861.18
Year of Jubilee Match Challenge Total (Dec. 14, 2025 to Jan. 8, 2026): $33,871.26
Care Share Tuition Assistance Account (balance as of Dec. 31, 2025): $36,180.19.
Psalm 116:12-13: What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement