September 14, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, September 14, are given to God’s glory by Paul and Mary Jane Tweit in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Joel Petersen, BLC Professor Ann Frederickson, 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. We also prayed for the Ferkenstad family as they mourn the passing of Bethany’s father and for Dennis Runck and his family as they mourn the passing of Nina.
Sunday, September 14 Adult Bible Study: 9:40am in the Social Hall. Join us for the conclusion of a special two-part study entitled “21st Century Lutheran Identity: ELS & ELCA – What’s the Difference?” by special guest Prof. Rev. Thomas Rank.
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.
“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. Learn more about academic programs and activities, hear from Bethany faculty and 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. A generous donor will match dollar for dollar the first $50,000 raised, giving us the potential to raise $100,000! The donations collected will go towards an all-weather sport court, playground and 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 . Donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes to Mount Olive School.
Voters Meeting, Sunday, September 28 at 12:15 PM
Mount Olive will hold a Special Voters Meeting on Sunday, September 28 at 12:15pm in the sanctuary.
At this meeting, the congregation will act on the following:
1. Vote to approve the newly created entity (Newco’s) Bylaws.
2. Vote on Executive Council candidates as recommended by the Church Council.
In addition, members will receive updates on:
1. Progress toward securing middle school space and possible lease.
2. Lease framework between Mt. Olive and the new school entity (Newco).
3. Newco’s budget and tuition planning (still in progress).
Please note: These updates are informational only. Further action on these items will be carried out by the newly elected Executive Council and the soon-to-be seated Board of Directors. Your participation is important as we take these next steps together. Please plan to join us!
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.
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.
Sign up today to go to the 2025 Circuit 9 Mission Rally held on Saturday, October 18, at Heritage Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, MN. The sign-up sheet is on the narthex table. Sign-up deadline is October 5.
Mount Olive School/After School Care is looking for small empty water bottles, small plastic coffee containers, small calendars, and ice cream buckets w/lids. Please drop off your donations in the church office.
CDS Band Assistance Fund: Mount Olive has started a Band Assistance Fund to assist families in need who would like to participate in band but have limited financial resources. If you would be interested in contributing to this fund, please contact the school office.
Bethany Lutheran College 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 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 1-4pm, Monday-Friday. (507-344-7374). Cost for this show is $5.
INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL:
October 4, 10am-1pm, Campus Green
The BLC Psychology Department invites you to attend this event and learn about different cultures in a fun environment with activities, performances, and more. It’s free to students and their families.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 279/224; 10:45am, 244/152; Monday: 36/30
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 19
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): $16,774.89
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $1,936.88
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025 - Sept. 11, 2025): $12,855.32
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 8/31/2025: ($49,632.27)
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement