September 7, 2025
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Owen Saidler and his family, Jim Tessien, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Larry Fredericks, Marsha Natvig, and Megan Wehrwein’s mother Cheryl as they deal with infirmities.
Mt. Olive member Nina Runck passed away on September 1. Per Nina’s wishes, a private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mount Olive Lutheran Church.
Sunday School classes for Pre-K through 6th Grade begins on September 7 at 9:40am in the gym . If you are unsure whether your child is too young to attend, you are welcome to come to the pre-K room to make your child more comfortable with the classroom setting. Our theme for the first few Sundays is “Surprising Foods from the Bible.” Each lesson will include a lesser-known Bible story involving food, with the children making themselves a snack based on that food.
Sunday, September 7 Adult Bible Study: 9:40am in the Social Hall. Join us for the first part of a special two-part study entitled “21st Century Lutheran Identity: ELS & ELCA – What’s the Difference?” by special guest Prof. Rev. Thomas Rank.
Baptized on Sunday, September 7, at 2nd Service: Cordelia Joan Reagles, infant daughter of David & Karla Reagles. Sponsors are Brandon and Amanda Stueber. May she ever be blessed by this Sacrament.
Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary Meeting: September 8, at 7pm in Meyer Hall, Room 130. Dr. Doyle Holbird will be speaking on the topic “Our Amazing Immune System.”
Please join us following the chapel service on Wednesday, September 10, to recognize Mrs. Anita Krienke’s service to Mount Olive, as she has stepped away from teaching for now to stay home with her infant son, Asher. If you would like to contribute towards a gift, please consider donating cash or an Amazon or Target gift card. These items can be handed in at the front office. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Dittmer or Mrs. Pavelchik.
Our Wednesday morning Bible class resumes on September 10. The class meets weekly and runs for one hour. This year begins with a study of the life and career of the 17th century German Lutheran Pastor, Paul Gerhardt, who composed many of the hymns found in our ELH. All are invited to this informal discussion-oriented gathering. Contact Pastor Petersen with any questions.
Lost & Found: a leather coat (men’s size L), a tan men’s suit coat, and a light blue dress shirt (youth size XL). If these items are yours, please pick them up from the church office. These items will be taken to New 2 You if not claimed by September 10.
The Moms on a Mission (M.O.M.s) Bible Study will begin their Fall 2025 session on Thursday, September 11, at 8:30am at Peace Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Childcare is available beginning at 8:10am. Fellow MOMs member Jenna Londgren will be leading a Bible study using her book, A Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness: Biblical Wisdom, Practical Principles & Clinical Insight. Some books will be available at the Bible study, or you can purchase a copy of your own at the Bethany Bookstore or online at the Time of Grace store (timeofgrace.org). For more information, contact Jennifer Londgren at (507)469-9044 or by email at Jennifer.londgren@mnsu.edu .
Childcare Help Needed: M.O.M.s is looking for a couple of individuals to help with childcare during the M.O.M.s study on Thursdays, starting September 11 - December 4, from 8-10am. This is a paid position. Contact Brittany Cordes at 507-340-8432 or bmoldstad1@blc.edu for more information.
Connect Groups begin the week of September 14. Check the sign-up sheets on the narthex table for more information.
Ice Cream Social: Sunday, September 14, from 11:15am-12:30pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Alma City. Menu: BBQs, ham sandwiches, potato salad, chips, baked beans, pie, ice cream, and beverages. Hosted by the St. John’s Ladies Aid.
“In-Depth” Presentation at Bethany College: Monday, September 15, at 7pm in Bethany’s Meyer Hall Room 101. Prof. Jonathan Stadler will discuss his work on integrating the field of psychology with the Christian faith: "What Does It Mean To Be Human? A Modest Proposal." He will address points of similarity and tensions between psychology and Christianity.
Bethany Lutheran College’s Fall Festival: A Homecoming Weekend is September 19-21. This event includes activities for all ages, and all alumni and friends are invited to be part of this special weekend! Learn more and see a complete list of events by going to blc.edu/FallFestival. Two Mount Olive members will be honored during the Festival: John Baumann – Bethany Athletic Hall of Fame, and Silas Born – Exceptional Service to Bethany Award.
Bethany’s National Auxiliary Day is Monday, September 22, beginning at 9am with registration. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about academic programs & activities, hear from Bethany faculty & President Pfeifer, and enjoy student performances. The group will also attend chapel and take part in the annual business meeting where Auxiliary members vote on special projects to support our students. If you have any questions about Auxiliary Day, please contact Christopher Kind at (507) 344 - 7862.
Be a part of Mount Olive’s 10th Annual Charger Challenge! On Friday, September 26, Mount Olive students (K-8th), teachers, friends, and family will walk FOUR MILES for their school, from Spring Lake Park in Lower North Mankato to Culver’s at the top of the hill in Upper North and back down again. This year’s school goal is to raise $50,000. As a special 10th anniversary gift, we have a generous donor who will match dollar for dollar the first $50,000 raised, giving us the potential to raise $100,000 for our students! The donations collected will go towards an all-weather sport court, playground & green space upgrades, agility ladders, jump ropes, and a roller-skating unit. Sponsor a student by giving a check (made out to Mount Olive School), or cash to any student or give online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2025-charger-challenge and donate any amount of money! It is tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes to Mount Olive School!
Annual Mission Support Make/Bake Sale: Sunday, September 28. Proceeds from this sale are given as Mount Olive’s contribution to the Women’s Mission Rally on October 18. A sign-up sheet for donations is on the narthex table. A Thrivent Action Team grant has provided funds for supplies, so please mark what you will need. Donations in the form of checks can be made out to Mount Olive Lutheran Church, with “make/bake sale” in the memo.
The Mount Olive Voters’ Meeting, originally scheduled for Sunday, September 21 at 12pm, has been moved to Sunday, September 28, at 12:15pm, due to Bethany’s Fall Festival on September 21.
Artemis Kick-off Event: Sunday, September 28, 6-9 pm at the Wow Zone. Students ages 12-18 can enjoy unlimited bowling, laser tag, and mini golf. Cost: $10/person. Check the poster on the narthex bulletin board for more information.
Thank you to all who have created beautiful chemo hats for the patients of the Andreas Cancer Center. The medical staff and patients are grateful for your handiwork! As your time allows, please keep creating!
Thank you to everyone who donated used CDs to After School Care. They will be used for a special art project.
Mount Olive School/After School Care is looking for small empty water bottles, small plastic coffee containers, empty 4.25 oz spice containers, small calendars, and ice cream buckets w/lids. Please drop off your donations in the church office.
Bethany Lutheran College Fine Arts Events
ART:
Exhibit at the YFAC, now through September 21:
Faith Belt—Luminarium. Inspired by Bible stories, legends, myths, and folk tales, this exhibition will immerse viewers in imagination and wonder through the visual storytelling mediums of shadow art and puppetry.
September 20, 10am-2pm, YFAC 101
Faith Belt will present shadow puppet shows throughout the day in YFAC 101 as part of her exhibit Luminarium during Fall Festival weekend.
MUSIC:
September 8, 7pm, YFAC 101
Professor Benjamin Faugstad will present on his original band composition, Octavius, offering an informative and entertaining perspective on the process of composing and music appreciation. A reception will follow for fellowship and conversation.
Registration is open through September 12 for the first ever Piano and Organ Camp for students in grades 9-12 to be held on October 4! Students will work with Prof. Mark DeGarmeaux (organ) and Prof. Constance Langhorst (piano) on top-of-the-line pianos and organs. For complete information and to sign up for this Honors Event, visit blc.edu/arts/music/honors-high-school-music-events. Cost is $30, and registration is limited to 40.
September 20, 11am, Campus Green
The B-Town Drumline will perform on the Campus Green with alumni and friends as part of Fall Festival. To sign up to drum along with the Drumline, visit this form .
September 20, 3:15pm, Trinity Chapel
The Concert Band will perform with guest conductor Josiah Willitz (BLC '10), joined by alumni and friends as part of the Fall Festival. To sign up to play with the band, visit this form.
September 21, 12:30pm, Trinity Chapel
The Music Department will host an alumni recital featuring trombonist Erik Hermanson (JC '92), vocalist Natalie Wishcop ('19), and pianist Constance Langhorst ('12) after the Fall Festival worship service in Trinity Chapel.
THEATER:
September 19-21: Theatre Physics 31, Sig Lee Theater-YFAC
Bethany's popular bi-annual skit-comedy extravaganza is back for its 31st rendition. Join us for this always fun and always entertaining show, offered five times throughout Fall Festival weekend. Visit blc.edu/box-office to reserve general admission seats. You may also call or visit the Bethany Box Office in the YFAC between 1-4, Monday-Friday. (507-344-7374).Cost for this show is $5.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 226; 10:45am, 217; Post-Service Communion, 20; Monday: 30/26
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 17
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Mark & Michelle Graham, Don & Beth Westphal
Craig & Jane Zibrowski
Offering Counters: Mark Graham, Mark Olson
Altar Guild: Jody Tenold, Elyse Haugen
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $9,516.10
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $335.00
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-Sept. 4, 2025): $10,816.78
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 7/31/2025: ($33,933.63)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mt Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement