February 8, 2026
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, February 8, are given to God’s glory by Elli Fisher.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Patricia Elwood, Katie Tweit, Jeanette Koberg, Donna Lee, Jenny Krosch, Marsha Natvig, Lorena Merseth, Asher Graham (grandson of Carolyn Graham), Pam Davis, Annette Feistner, MaryEllen Velzke (mother of Raelene Kovaciny), and Karen Springer (mother of Dr. Ben Springer)and all our loved ones who have been sick and facing ongoing health challenges. We also prayed for families that are mourning the loss of loved ones: the Struck family at the sudden death of Karl’s father, Fred Struck; the Soule and Leyrer families at the death of Sarah & Catharine’s grandmother, Joy Morin; the Springer family at the death of Michelle’s uncle Chris; the Langhorst family at the death of Keri’s grandmother, Edith; and the Litynski family at the death of Kristin’s father, Mark.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class Schedule: Pastor Soule is leading a study of the early church entitled “The Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship” on Sundays, February 8 and 15, in the Social Hall at 9:40am. On Sunday, February 22, President Pfeifer will be providing an update on Bethany Lutheran College.
As you exit the sanctuary Sunday morning, you will receive a detailed information flyer outlining the upcoming Grandparents and Gala weekend, March 19–22. This weekend marks an important milestone in the initial phases of Cornerstone Lutheran School’s start up. Please take time to review the information carefully, as there are many opportunities to be involved throughout the weekend.
Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary Meeting: Monday, February 9, at 2pm in the YFAC Choir Room. Nick Cook is giving a presentation on the international student program.
Kindergarten Roundup will be Wednesday, February 11! We invite all children who will be 5 years old by September 1, 2026 and their parents to an evening of fun and information at Mount Olive Lutheran School (soon to be Cornerstone Lutheran School, beginning July 1). There will be activities and snacks for the children in the kindergarten room and an informational meeting for the parents. The Roundup fun starts at 6pm with a presentation at 6:15pm. Come meet Kindergarten teachers, Miss Jamie Chambers and Mrs. Kari Sehloff, as they share about the Kindergarten program, see the classroom, and get answers to any questions you may have. Please use the parking lot off of McConnell Street and use Door #1 to enter.
Art After Dark is a miniseries of lectures on art appreciation from a Christian perspective by Bethany Professor Emeritus and Artist Bill Bukowski. Professor Bukowski’s presentation on February 12 will cover highlights of art and travel to southern Spain.
Mount Olive Family Ski Night: Thursday, February 12, at Mount Kato, from 4-9pm. This event is for all ages. Everyone must sign the liability waiver (parents must complete a form for each child). Costs: $15 lift tickets; $15 ski/snowboard rentals (if needed); $4 helmet (optional); $4 beginner lesson. Sign-up, waivers, and payments must be turned in to the Mount Olive Office by Wednesday, February 11.
Registration for the 2026 Camp Indianhead Summer Camps is now open; registration deadline is Friday, February 13, at 5pm. Register online at www.campindianhead.com. Mount Olive provides a subsidy for each camper. Use the discount code mtol2026t when you register to reduce your camper's tuition by $50. Reach out to Pastor Josh Mayer at pastorjmayer@gmail.com if you have questions.
Special Voters Meeting
A special voters meeting will be held on Sunday, February 15, at 12:15pm. The purpose of this brief meeting is to vote on an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of our jointly operated school corporation to update the legal name to Cornerstone Lutheran School. This is a required legal step to align the corporate name with current filings and public use. No changes to doctrine, mission, or governance structure are involved. Voting members are encouraged to attend so quorum is present and the vote can be completed.
Thank you,
Ben Tweit
Chair, Church Council
Enrollment is now open for Cornerstone Lutheran School! Please enroll your child(ren) and complete the Financial Aid application by February 16. Thank you for your patience during this exciting time of transition! To sign up, please visit cornerstonels.org or contact the school via email at school@mtolivelutheran.org.
Ash Wednesday is February 18. Join us for a meal (pulled pork sandwiches) from 5-6pm in the Social Hall, hosted by the Evangelism Committee. Those who desire to have ashes placed on their forehead or on the back of their hand are invited to join us at 6pm in the Sanctuary. The divine service with Holy Communion is at 6:30pm.
Cornerstone Lutheran School Open House: Thursday, February 19, from 6-7:30pm at Mount Olive. Check out our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see how we are growing together.
Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday, February 20, 12-5pm, in the Mount Olive gym. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter MTOLIVEKATO. Check the poster on the church narthex bulletin board for more information.
Starting Sunday, February 22: Mount Olive’s 1st Service is at 8:15am, Bible Study/Sunday School at 9:40am, and 2nd Service at 10:45am.
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday, February 28, at 8:30am in the Mount Olive Social Hall. Pastor David Thompson will speak on what it means to be a godly husband and father and how this serves as an apologetic for the Christian faith as unbelievers observe Christ-focused husbands/fathers living an upright and moral life. You do not need to sign up–just come hungry, men...for a delicious breakfast and a plate of encouragement!
Curling Event: Saturday, March 7. Interested in getting on the ice and learning to curl? Whether you're a first-timer or quite familiar with the sport, join us at the Mankato Curling Club for some fun and fellowship! All equipment is provided, but you'll want to bring a clean pair of athletic shoes (carried into the club to keep dirt and salt off the ice) and warm, loose-fitting clothing. Instructors will be available. We'll curl from 3-5pm, with a social hour and light snacks at the club from 5-6pm. A sign-up sheet will be available in the narthex starting in February. There is a maximum of 40 people that may participate, so don't wait too long to register! This event is open to all adults at a cost of $10 per person. Contact Bob Fosburgh of the Evangelism Committee (bobfosburgh@gmail.com, 913-908-8132) if you have questions.
1st Annual One Mission Gala Event: Saturday, March 21, beginning at 5pm at The Venue in Mankato. Help celebrate and support Cornerstone Lutheran School. Gather with our church and school communities for an unforgettable evening featuring a delicious dinner, a lively auction, and meaningful opportunities to help raise essential funds for our students. A poster with more information is on the narthex bulletin board.
Register at https://onemissiongala26.auctria.events or use the QR code. Don't delay; registration closes on March 5. Contact Erika Lemke at 651-335-9182 or gala@mtolivelutheran.org if you have questions.
The annual MLC Volleyball Tournament is March 21 for men and March 28 for women. If you want to build a team of Mount Olive members, the cost is $60 per team; submit the registration fee and forms to the MLC Athletic Department by February 13. If you have any questions, contact Rebecca Strom.
Please save your pop can tabs and help the Ronald McDonald House provide a community of support and respite for families with seriously ill or injured children.
Mount Olive Crafters: After School Child Care recently received a generous yarn donation, and they would like to spread a little extra warmth! If you’re interested in making hats for chemo patients, stop by ASC and see Mrs. Graham.
Bethany Lutheran College Updates:
Art:
Prof. Benjamin Faugstad’s presentation on his first composition for percussion, Vibeman, is Wednesday, February 11, 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 Gallery Reception for Sophia Weisensel's exhibit, "Cold Black/Green Earth," is on display in the YFAC Gallery through February 20. The exhibit features landscape and figure paintings celebrating a rooted life in rural Minnesota.
Registration for Art Camp is open. Students going into grades 5-8 and 9-12 are invited to register for this week-long camp the week of June 22-26. Registration information for this camp can be found on the camps page of Bethany's website.
Music:
The Honor String Orchestra closing concert is Saturday, February 21 at 5 pm in Trinity Chapel. This concert features the nominated middle school and high school orchestra students who participate in this one day event.
The Chamber Orchestra performs their Winter Concert on Sunday, February 22, at 4 pm in Trinity Chapel. All are welcome!
The Concert Band performs their Tour Concert at 7pm on Tuesday, February 24, in Trinity Chapel with special guests, the Mount Olive Band! This concert features all the music that will be taken on the road to Texas the following week. All are welcome!
Auditions for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Attention child actors!
What: The Bethany Lutheran College Theatre Department is holding children’s auditions! This spring, the Bethany Lutheran College Theatre Department will be producing “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis.
Who: For this production we are looking to cast children in the show. The roles for children are: Edmund Pevensie (approximate 10-12 years old,), Lucy Pevensie (approximately 8-10 years old), and wood nymphs both male and female who will be involved in battles, transitions, and stage pictures. It is possible that children cast in these wood nymph roles will serve as understudies for Edmund and Lucy as well. Puppetry will also be used in this show alongside real actors, and children may be called upon to be puppeteers throughout the show.
Where: The auditions will be held in the Sigurd K. Lee Theater, in the Ylvisaker Fine Arts Center, at Bethany Lutheran College.
When: The dates of the play are April 9 (morning production), 10, 11, 12, and April 16 (morning production), 17, 18, (and possibly 19). Please make sure that these dates are open for you before auditioning. The audition date for children will be Wednesday, February 11, at 7pm, with a possible callback on Thursday, February 12.
This play is directed by Professor Peter Bloedel. Contact him with questions at: heypete@blc.edu.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 225/174; 10:45am, 144/125; Monday: 37/35
Live Online Viewing: Sunday: 20
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Tom & Joni Bode, Chad Feistner
Dean & LuAnn Shoop, Peggy Harstad, Lois Johnson
Offering Counters: Andy Overn, Chris Kind
Altar Guild: Elli Fisher, Jane Zibrowski
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $15,415.01
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $1,619.66
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-February 5, 2026): $110,142.87
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 12/31/2025: (20,872.43)
2 Corinthians 9:7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly
or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement