April 12, 2026
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Mark Olson, Jeanette Koberg, Ann Thompson, Pastor Glenn Smith, Pastor David Meyer, Marsha Natvig, Jenny Krosch, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Asher Graham, and all our loved ones who have been sick and facing ongoing health challenges.
SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis: Sunday, April 12, at 9:40 am and 12:15pm in the Social Hall. Pastor Brad Kerkow, the ELS Evangelism and Missions Counselor, will lead the discussions. Coffee and refreshments will be served at 9:40am. Breakfast burritos will be served at 12:15pm; freewill donations will go toward summer youth trips.
New 2 You’s Annual Meeting: Monday, April 13, from 2:30-4:30pm at Peace Lutheran in North Mankato. All are welcome to attend.
The Bethany Women’s Auxiliary is meeting on Monday, April 13, at 4pm in Meyer Hall, Room 130. Jenna Thompson is giving a presentation entitled “On to the Next: In Life and on Campus.” All are welcome to attend.
Attend a presentation about demon possession by Rev. James Aderman (WELS) on Monday, April 13, at 7pm in Meyer Hall Room 101 on Bethany’s campus.
Upcoming Informational Meeting: All are welcome to join us on Sunday, April 19, at 9:40am in the church Social Hall for our spring congregational informational meeting. Get an update from our Boards and Committees about how things at Mount Olive are going!
Upcoming Sunday morning Adult Bible Studies: On April 26, Kevin Watchman will speak about his experiences with the persecution of Christians in China. There is no class on May 5 (New Member Reception). On May 12, Dr. Amir Yosef will speak about growing up as a Christian in Muslim Egypt.
Footnotes Trauma Foundation & Footnote Counseling Services is hosting an open house on Thursday, April 30, from 6-7:30pm, at 808 N. 2nd St. in Mankato. Come and celebrate with us and meet the FTF Board of Directors and FCS staff.
Footnotes Counseling Services has a part-time office staff opening. For more information, contact the office at officemanager.footnotes@gmail.com or call 507-351-8799.
Lime Creek Decommissioning Service: Saturday, June 20, at 10:30am. Following the service, there will be a meal and a program. Please RSVP to attend the service and meal at FriendsofLimeCreek.org. A charter bus will be available for transportation between Mankato and Lime Creek for $26.00 per seat. It will depart Bethany College at 9am and return after the program in the afternoon. If you plan to ride the bus, please also register for that at FriendsofLimeCreek.org.
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. Use this link for the volunteer sign-up sheet: https://signup.com/go/QjPuoEF.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Events:
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.
Drama:
Performances of the MVL Drama Department’s spring musical, “Crazy for You,” are May 1 and 2 at 7pm and May 3 at 2pm at the MVL Fine Arts Center. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
Bethany Lutheran College Updates:
Art:
The Media Arts Capstone presentations will be held in the Sigurd K. Lee Theater on April 13-14 at 7pm, with receptions to follow in the YFAC Gallery. The Graphic Design Capstone is on exhibit April 13-17, with the Gallery Reception at 7pm on Thursday, April 16.
The Spring Campus Art Show, featuring displays of talent from students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college, is April 20-May 1, with the Gallery Reception immediately after the Music Department's Spring Choirs Concert on Thursday, April 23.
Music:
The Spring Honors Recital, featuring multiple selected student performers, is in Trinity Chapel at 7pm on Tuesday, April 14. This audition-based recital is always a wonderful display of excellence and hard work from the students. All are invited to attend. A reception honoring our senior music major graduates is in Meyer Hall following the recital.
An Easter Organ Vespers will be held in Trinity Chapel on Wednesday, April 15, at 6pm. Join us as we extend our joyous celebration of the Easter season during Wednesday evening Vespers.
The Spring Choirs Concert, featuring the Concert Choir, Mary Martha Singers, and Handbell Choir, will be held in Trinity Chapel on Thursday, April 23, at 7pm. A reception will follow in conjunction with the Campus Art Show in the YFAC Gallery.
The Jazz Band Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, April 26, on the campus green at 3 pm. This fun concert is a combination of smooth jazz instrumentals and lively and contemplative vocals from a variety of student vocalists. Join us on the green or in the south gym if the weather is poor.
The Junior Recital for Andrew Wade will be on Monday, April 27, at 7pm in Trinity Chapel. Andrew will perform solo and ensemble pieces on the clarinet.
The Chamber Orchestra Finale concert will be held at 7pm in Trinity Chapel on Tuesday, April 28. This concert will open with a special guest, internationally-celebrated Norwegian pianist Oda Voltersvik. This will be a beautiful night of stirring and elegant music from our orchestra and Ms.Voltersvik that you won't want to miss.
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 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, April 11 at 10:30am, and April 12 & 18 at 2pm. To reserve seats for this show, visit blc.edu/box-office or call 507-344-7374, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 1-4pm. Reach out to Jenna Thompson with questions or to add your name to a waitlist, as some shows have only limited seating available.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 7:30am, 284; 10am, 376/266; Monday: 13/10;
Good Friday: 285/195; Easter Vigil: 105/64
Live Online Viewing: Good Friday, 23; Easter Sunrise: 15
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Neil & Barb Kaus, Will & Lisa Holt
Dan & Joanne Maas
Offering Counters: Will Holt, Bob Fosburgh
Altar Guild:Sharon Madson, Sarah Leyrer, Lisa Holt
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $17,651.30
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $767.16
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-April 9, 2026): $121,312.12
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 2/28/2026: ($10,174.23)
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
The mission of Mount Olive Lutheran Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ through God’s Word, so that souls are called into and kept in the Christian faith unto eternal life.