February 15, 2026
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, February 15, are given to God’s glory by Mark & Sharon Madson.
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, Marjorie Espeland, Pam Davis, Pastor Wayne Halvorson, Asher Graham (grandson of Carolyn Graham), Mark Olson & family, Bennett Spike (grandson of Mark & Michelle Graham) and all our loved ones who have been sick and facing ongoing health challenges. We also prayed for Pastor James & Jenny Kassera as they mourn the death of their son, Japheth.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Class: Pastor Soule concludes a study of the early church entitled “The Apostles’ Teaching and Fellowship” in the Social Hall at 9:40am on Sunday, February 15. On Sunday, February 22, President Pfeifer is providing an update on Bethany Lutheran College.
Special Voters’ Meeting: Sunday, February 15, at 12:15pm. The purpose of this meeting is to officially vote on changing the name of the school from Mount Olive Lutheran School to Cornerstone Lutheran School. No other discussion items are planned for this special voters meeting. Voting members are encouraged to attend to ensure a quorum is present.
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 is at 9:40am, and the 2nd Service is at 10:45am.
Our 2026 Midweek Lenten Worship is based on the theme “It Is Finished: The Holy Week Prophecies of Zechariah.” Join us for a series of messages by area WELS and ELS pastors on Zechariah’s prophecies each Wednesday from February 25 through March 25. Meals begin at 5pm, with the worship services at 6:30pm.
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.
Volunteers Needed: Mt. Olive provides volunteers at New 2 You on the first Saturday of each month to run the cash register and check out customers. A sign-up sheet for Saturday, March 7, is available on the narthex table. Sign up or call New 2 You at 507-385-1455 if you can help.
Grandparents: Mount Olive Lutheran School’s Grandparents Days are Thursday or Friday, March 19-20, from 8-11:15am at the school. Join your grandchild(ren) for a morning in his/her/their classroom(s). Be sure to let your families know which day you plan to attend, and they will RSVP for you as the dates get closer.
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. Don't delay; registration closes on March 5. Contact Erika Lemke at 651-335-9182 or gala@mtolivelutheran.org if you have questions.
One Mission Gala Choir: An all-church choir is being formed for the One Mission Gala event on March 21. Singers from Mount Olive, Peace, and Eagle Lake churches are needed. A ticket is required to attend this event. If you’ve already purchased a ticket and would like to join the choir, please reach out to Joe Roemhildt (jroemhildt@blc.edu). The choir plans to sing one song as part of the program that evening. A few practices will be scheduled as the event nears.
Stewardship Sunday and All-Church Potluck: Sunday, March 22. All three congregations will hear a stewardship-focused message during worship. Following the services, join us for an all-church potluck luncheon beginning at 12:15pm in the Mount Olive gym. More information will be available soon.
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.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Events:
Music:
The Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Chargaliers are presenting their Winter concert on Sunday, March 1, at 1:30pm in the Fine Arts Center.
The Spring Sacred Concert, featuring the A Cappella Choir, Chargaliers, Freshman Choir, and Concert Band, is Wednesday, April 1, at 7pm in the Fine Arts Center. Thank you for supporting these young musicians with your attendance!
Open House:
New and prospective students are encouraged to join us on Tuesday, March 10. Tours begin at 6:15pm. Attend a Q & A student panel or a presentation for parents at 7:15pm.
Bethany Lutheran College Updates:
Art:
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 during 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!
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 341; 10:45am, 132; Post-Service Communion, 12; Monday: 26/20
Live Online Viewing: Sunday: 23
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): $14,227.42
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $849.41
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (7/1/2025 to 2/12/2026): $110,992.78
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 1/31/2026: $7,444.70
Care Share Tuition Assistance Account (balance as of 2/8/2026): $41,931.80
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