January 18, 2026
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Eric Davis, Patricia Elwood, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Donna Lee, Jenny Krosch, and all our loved ones who have been sick and facing challenges with their health; for Kristin Litynski and her family as they mourn the sudden passing of Kristin’s father, Mark Matzke; and for Mr. Michael Koestler and his family as he deliberates his call to serve as principal at NewCo Lutheran School.
Affirmation of Baptism: Sunday, January 18, at 2nd service: LouAnn Kathryn Fassett, infant daughter of Scott & Kathryn Fassett. LouAnn was baptized on January 6, 2026, by Pastor Soule. Sponsors are Samuel Faugstad and Peggy Harstad. May she ever be blessed by this Sacrament.
Join us for a four-part Bible class on Sundays, 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 2025 Giving Statements were emailed to congregation members on January 12. If you don’t have an email on file with the church, or you didn’t receive your statement, please contact the church office to obtain a printed copy of your giving statement. Thank you for your generosity in supporting Mount Olive Lutheran Church.
2026 Minnesota MCCL March for Life: Thursday, January 22, at the State Capitol in St. Paul, beginning at noon. The Blue Earth County Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life chapter is chartering a motor coach for the rally. There is no bus fare; a freewill offering will be collected from riders to help defray charter costs. The bus departs from Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mankato at 8am. To reserve a seat, call (507) 369-8705. For general information about the march, visit mccl.org/march, or check the poster on the bulletin board in the Social Hall.
The M.O.M.s Bible Study is hosting a conference designed for Christian moms on the topic of mental health in the home on Saturday, January 24, in Honsey Hall at Bethany Lutheran College. It will feature three speakers and a catered lunch; the cost is $50. The event is a fundraiser for child care during the weekly Bible studies. 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. NOTE: Registration deadline is Sunday, January 18, at midnight. Any questions can be directed to Jenna Londgren at Jennifer.londgren@mnsu.edu or Kristen Lukasek at klukasek@mtolivelutheran.
Voters: Plan to attend the Semi-Annual Voters’ Meeting next Sunday, January 25, at 12:15pm. Paper copies of a packet containing documents for the meeting are available on the narthex table. A PDF of the packet is included in the Weekly Announcements that were emailed to Mount Olive members.
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.
Art After Dark, a miniseries of lectures on art appreciation from a Christian perspective, by Bethany Professor Emeritus and Artist Bill Bukowski, will be held at Mount Olive from 8-9pm on January 29, February 5 and February 12. See the poster on the church bulletin board in the narthex for more information.
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. Die cuts will be available prior to and during the game to honor anyone affected by cancer; all proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society to support the fight against cancer.
Registration for students at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School for the 2026-27 academic year is now open. Apply at mvl.org.
The Charger Classic Basketball Tournament: Saturday, January 31, at Bethany Lutheran College. Enjoy a full day of basketball and support our athletes by visiting the concession stand.
Volunteers are needed; sign up here: https://signup.com/go/pUXCgFa. Note that volunteers get free entrance to the tournament!
Concessions donations are also needed; sign up here: https://signup.com/go/uXCxhNd. Drop off all items in the Mount Olive kitchen during the week of January 26; deadline for item drop-off is Thursday, January 29, at 3:30pm.
Feedback Survey: The church leadership is seeking your feedback about Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Complete the survey online at https://tinyurl.com/MTOJanuary2026. Paper copies of the survey are available on the narthex table and may be left with an usher or placed in the offering plates as you exit. Please return all surveys by Sunday, February 1. Thank you for your feedback!
M.O.M.s On a Mission Bible Study Spring Schedule: The Peace/Mount Olive/Eagle Lake Moms On a Mission (M.O.M.s) Bible study will begin its Spring 2026 Session on Thursday, February 5, at 8:30am. The Bible study will be centered on the book “The Meaning Full Life: Living Every Day in Light of the Last Day,” by Pastor Ben Sadler. A limited number of books will be available at the Bible study; alternatively, you can purchase a copy of your own at the Bethany Bookstore or on Amazon. M.O.M.s Bible study is for any mom in any stage of life. Childcare is provided for little ones. Questions? Contact Jenna Londgren at 507-469-9044 or at Jennifer.londgren@mnsu.edu.
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. 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.
Thursday Night Meals for Minnesota State University-Mankato Students: The Beacon Campus Ministry serves dinner to around 40 college students every Thursday at 5:30pm, and we’d love your help! We’re looking for volunteers willing to provide a meal for our students. Financial assistance is available if necessary to help cover the cost—we need help preparing the food. If you can help, please contact Pastor Noah Hartmann, the Campus Pastor at Beacon Campus Ministry & Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s, at pastorhartmann@stpaulsnorthmankato.com or at 414-335-8604.
Bethany Lutheran College Events
Music:
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.
The Honor String Orchestra Event is February 21, with a closing concert at 5pm in Trinity Chapel.
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 267; 10:45am, 173; Post-Service Communion, 17; Monday: 47/32
Live Online Viewing: Sunday: 26
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): $14,597.52
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $1,651.38
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-Jan. 15, 2026): $105,650.32
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 12/31/2025: ($20,872.43)
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