March 8, 2026
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, March 8, are given to God’s glory by Michael & Kristin Litynski in celebration of their children.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Patricia Elwood, Katie Tweit, Jenny Krosch, Marsha Natvig, Lorena Merseth, Asher Graham, Ann Thompson, Jeanette Koberg, ELS Pastor Glenn Smith, and all our loved ones who have been sick and facing ongoing health challenges. We also prayed for Caroline Lee and Erik Lee as they mourn the death of their mother, Donna Lee, and for ELS Pastor James Kassera and his family as they mourn the passing of their son Japheth.
Special Voters’ Meeting: On February 15, the three Member congregations overwhelmingly approved the amendment changing the corporate name of Newco Lutheran School to Cornerstone Lutheran School. However, a procedural requirement (providing a complete copy of the amendment in the two-week meeting notice) was inadvertently missed in that process, and legal counsel for the school has advised that the congregation should ratify the original approval to align the corporate records. To ensure the corporate record is complete and accurate, Mount Olive Lutheran Church will hold a brief special voters meeting on Sunday, March 8, immediately following the first service (estimated around 9:15am) to formally confirm the action, with the amendment included in the notice materials.
Adult Sunday Bible Class: Join Pr. Ulrich on Sunday, March 8 and 15, from 9:40-10:30am in the Social Hall for a Bible study based on The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis. Through video segments of Nick Pleiss’ one-man play, "Your Affectionate Uncle, Screwtape...", we will examine the devil’s tactics and apply Scripture that we may stand firm in Christ.
Congregation Members: Recently unauthorized emails and messages were sent out by a third party, pretending to be Pastor Petersen. If at any time in the future you are unsure about a message like this, please do not respond. Be careful not to click on any links. And do not open any attachments from suspicious messages that appear to come from Mount Olive or any of the pastors or staff, especially if they request money, gift cards, personal information, or urgent action. If you receive anything unusual, please delete the message and feel free to contact the church office. Thank you, and be cautious.
Diaper Drive, March 8-20: Help Options for Women, a local pregnancy care center, provide for women in need by your donations of diapers, formula, and pacifiers. Donation boxes are available in the Youth Room Hallway.
Our 2026 Midweek Lenten Worship is based on the theme “It Is Finished: The Holy Week Prophecies of Zechariah.” On March 11, Pastor Noah Hartmann is preaching on Zechariah 6:9-13, with a message entitled “The Kingly Priest.” The Youth Group will be serving chili beginning at 5pm, with the worship service at 6:30pm.
Is your group or organization interested in sponsoring a Lenten meal? March 18 is still available–-you can sign up on the calendar in the church office.
Middle School Building: Volunteers are needed to help with cleaning and miscellaneous projects at the Middle School building. Work will focus on thoroughly cleaning the main floor classrooms, bathrooms, and hallways, organizing the lower level, and taking care of a few other small projects around the building. Volunteer Workdays: Thursday, March 12, from 4-7pm, and Saturday, March 14, from 8am–12pm. If you are able to help, even for an hour or two, it would be greatly appreciated. Please bring basic cleaning supplies such as mops, cleaning compounds, rags, and buckets. Email Mark Smith at smith@flymankato.com to confirm your participation.
I:55 Book Fair: Mount Olive gymnasium. Hours are Wednesday, March 18, 2:45-6:15pm and after church until 8:30pm; Thursday, March 19, 8:30am–12pm; and Friday, March 20, 8:30-12pm (no Sunday times this year).
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.
The funeral service for Donna Lee is Saturday, March 21, at 1pm at Mount Olive, with visitation from 12-1pm at the church.
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. Then, join us for Cornerstone Lutheran School’s 1st Annual One Mission Potluck at 12:15pm in the Mount Olive gym. Bring a dish or dessert to share; chicken is provided. A pie auction will help raise funds for Cornerstone Lutheran School. There will be a short weekend recap presentation including an update on the total funds raised. Attendees will receive a pass for a guided tour of the middle school campus after the potluck. Please RSVP for the potluck by March 13 by going to https://tinyurl.com/242sa2m6.
Volunteers are needed to help with the set-up and serving of the all-church potluck on March 22. To sign up, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C44AEA72FA5FF2-62616701-onemission. Thank you for your help.
Call Extended: The Cornerstone Lutheran School Board of Directors voted to extend a Divine Call to Mr. Joseph Rodewald to serve as Principal at Cornerstone Lutheran School. The Board believes his leadership background would serve Cornerstone well. Mr. Rodewald currently serves as Principal at Divine Savior Academy in Santa Rita Ranch, Texas. Please keep Mr. Rodewald and his family in your prayers as he deliberates where God would lead him to serve. A copy of Mr. Rodewald’s letter acknowledging the call is on the narthex bulletin board. Mr. Rodewald may be contacted at joe.rodewald@divinesavioracademy.com.
Easter Flower Baskets: If you would like to contribute towards Easter flower basket arrangements, please use the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex. Suggested donation is $25; however, any amount is acceptable. Insert checks made payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church into the provided envelope and place it in the church office Flower Box. Last day to order is Sunday, March 22.
Jesus’ Lambs at Peace Preschool Open House: Tuesday, March 24, from 6-8pm at 2090 Commerce Drive in North Mankato. It will be a delightful evening of face-painting, learning games, fun and food for the children. Besides registering your child for next year, it is an evening for the children to become more comfortable with our preschool environment.
Mount Olive is once again hosting Theatre Bible School, June 22-26, at Bethany Lutheran College. Registration is open to students entering 3rd-8th grade. There is a $50 registration fee (with family discount options) to cover costs of food, costumes, and props, as well as to help compensate directors for taking time out of their work week. A deposit of $20 per child is due by June 1st and can be paid to Abby Bloedel by check or by Venmo, @AbigailBloedel. The remaining balance will be collected upon arrival on the first day at camp. For more information and to register, go to https://forms.gle/XrtAUWUZPDjYDt9z7.
Mount Olive’s 2026 Vacation Bible School is June 29-July 1. Similar to last year, this year’s VBS will use art to deliver Christ’s redeeming message to the children. Volunteers are needed to serve as teachers, leaders, and helpers. Here’s the link for the volunteer sign-up sheet: https://signup.com/go/QjPuoEF.
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.
Needed: plastic Easter eggs. The Evangelism Committee will be sponsoring an Easter egg hunt. Please bring your eggs to the church office.
New 2 You Family Thrift in North Mankato is hiring a part-time (12-17 hours/week) Children’s Department employee. This individual will manage donated children’s clothes by sorting clothing and pricing and displaying items on the sales floor. Requirements: Must be able to lift 20 – 25 pounds, operate a cash register, accurately make monetary transactions, and perform light cleaning around the children’s display area. If you are interested in this position, pick up an application in person at New 2 You Family Thrift. If you have questions, please call New 2 You at 507-385-1455 to speak with Amanda or Melissa.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Events:
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.
Jeans & Dreams 2026:
Saturday, March 28, in Turner Hall, beginning at 5:30pm. Enjoy food, fellowship, an online silent auction, and a live auction while supporting the arts, academics, and athletics at MVL. Donations of baked goods and pies are needed; drop off your items at Turner Hall on March 28 between 12pm-4pm. Contact Misty at mistyut@gmail.com or call 507-380-0684 if you have questions.
Music:
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. This year's program, entitled What Wondrous Love, will celebrate the Lent and Easter seasons with performances by the A Cappella Choir, Freshmen Choir, MVL Chargaliers, and the Symphonic Band. A freewill offering will be collected.
Service Recognition:
During the April 1 Spring concert, MVL will give thanks to God for Mrs. Rebecca Berg and her forty years of service in the ministry and recognize the ministry of Mr. Rollin Timm and Mr. Craig Morgan as they retire from their service at the close of this current school year. Following the concert, there will be a reception in the Activities Commons. All are invited to attend.
Summer Camps:
Registration for MVL’s Summer Camps is now available at mvl.org. A poster with more information and sign-up deadlines is on the narthex bulletin board. Registration deadline is April 24.
Bethany Lutheran College Updates:
Art:
The work of Artist and Educator Charlie Putnam will be on exhibit in the YFAC from March 11-31, with a Gallery Reception on March 12 at 7pm. The display, entitled "Past and Present,” provides a retrospective look at his work from 1982 to the present and explores a variety of materials, techniques, and design.
Space remains for the Summer Art Camp Art Camp on June 22-26. Students going into grades 5-8 and 9-12 are invited to visit the Camp registration page to obtain information and to register.
Music:
March introduces a season of junior and senior recitals, celebrating the talents of many of our music majors throughout March and April. Visit the blc.edu/events for information on the five recitals happening this month.
The Music Department will host a tri-college organ event on Tuesday, March 17, in Trinity Chapel. Students from Bethany, MLC, and Gustavus will perform in this recital beginning at 7 pm. All are welcome.
Lutheran Youth Honor Choir ‘26: June 20-24, on the Bethany campus. Registration is available from now through June 1 at https://els.org/honorchoir/; cost: $300. Professor Dennis Marzolf created the camp in 1986 and is serving as choir director. He is joined by Professor Mark DeGarmeaux (accompanist) and Professor David Paulson (handbells). The five-day camp is an immersive study and performance in our rich Lutheran Musical Heritage, and high school students will be collaborating with both current and alumni members of the Bethany Concert Choir. The Lutheran Youth Honor Choir plans to sing and ring at several performances during the ELS Synod Convention.
Theatre:
Performances of the BLC Theatre Department’s spring play, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, are April 10, 11, 17, & 18 at 7:30pm and April 12 & 18 at 2pm. To reserve seats for this show, visit blc.edu/box-office beginning Friday, March 20, or call 507-344-7374, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 1-4pm. Reach out to Jenna Thompson with questions.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:15am, 215/178; 10:45am, 167/109; Monday: 36/26
Wednesday: 160
Live Online Viewing: Sunday: 27
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Emily Pleiss, Steve & Sue Beilke
Keith Anderson, Steve Lussky
Offering Counters: Lisa Holt, Brenda Garbers, Connie Meyer
Altar Guild: Beth Ulman, Joni Bode, Beth Westphal
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $21,704.29
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $3,566.66
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (7/1/2025 to 3/5/2026): $117,249.30
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 1/31/2026: $7,444.70
Care Share Tuition Assistance Account (balance as of 2/26/2026): $52,658.39
Romans 8:31-32 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement