September 21, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, September 21, are given to God’s glory by Janet Wassman in memory of Rhea Wassman.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Owen Saidler and his family, Patricia Elwood, Peter Bloedel, Ryan Krogman, Ann Frederickson, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Larry Fredericks, Marsha Natvig, Megan Wehrwein’s mother Cheryl, and Kelsey Espeland’s mother Lena as they deal with infirmities. We also prayed for Dennis Runck and his family as they mourn the passing of Nina and for Rose Shrader and her family as they mourn the passing of Rose’s grandmother Patricia.
Baptized on Sunday, September 21, at 2nd Service: Eleanor Grace Merseth, infant daughter of Myles and Sarah Merseth. Sponsors are Luke & Hannah Dinse and Landen Merseth.
Sunday, September 21 Adult Bible Study: 9:40am in the Social Hall. Join us for the first of a two-part study by Pastor Soule entitled “Scripture Alone: A Bible Study on the Bible—The Reformation Principle.” The study concludes with Part 2, “Modern Challenges to the Bible,” on September 28.
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’s Picture Retake Day has been rescheduled to Friday, October 3. The whole-school photo and grade-level group photos will be taken that day, so every child will be photographed even if they are not having individual retakes.
Mount Olive youth have been invited to the following events:
1. Nerf War and Lock In: Friday, October 3, from 7-9pm at Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church, Rogers, MN, with lock-in to follow. Ages: 5th-12th grade. Bring a food donation for the food shelf. If enough Mount Olive youth are interested, we would get a group together to head up to Rogers. See the sign-up sheet in the youth room.
2. "Way of the Wise" Fall Retreat: October 18 and 19 at Living Waters Bible Camp, Westby, WI, hosted by Abiding Shepherd Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, WI. Enjoy Bible studies, fall colors, paintball, campfires, and fun outdoors. Ages: 7th-12th grade. Cost: $145. For more information, check out the fliers and forms in the youth room.
Volunteers Needed: Mount 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, October 4, is available on the narthex table. Sign up or call New 2 You at 507-385-1455 if you can help.
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.. Owen Saidler and his family are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester as he recovers from his heart transplant.
Attention Mount Olive Crafters: The Andreas Cancer Center at Mayo Health Systems-Mankato is looking for more chemo hats. Please bring your creations to the church office. Thanks to all who have donated so far!
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:
October 2, 7pm, Gallery Reception, YFAC
Matt Moberg—Everywhere. The thought-provoking work by this Minneapolis-based artist leans into the ache and awe of being alive and will be on display at the YFAC from September 29 – October 24.
MUSIC:
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.
October 3, 7pm, Trinity Chapel
Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert. Please plan to attend this free concert and enjoy the music.
October 4, 4pm, Trinity Chapel
Closing recital by participants in the Piano and Organ Camp for 9th-12th grade students. All are invited to attend.
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, 360; 10:45am, 156; Post-Service Communion, 27; Monday: 23/19
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 26
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): $16,371.78
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $573.88
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025 - Sept. 18, 2025): $13,542,23
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