October 12, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, October 12, are given to God’s glory by an anonymous donor.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Owen Saidler and his family; Marjorie Espeland, Patricia Elwood; Ann Frederickson; Katie Tweit; Lorena Merseth; Jeanette Koberg; Marsha Natvig; Jimmie Tessien; Carolyn Graham’s grandson, Asher; and Paul Doring as they deal with infirmities.
Sunday, October 12, Adult Bible Study: Join us at 9:40am in the Social Hall as Pr. Luke Ulrich leads a session on “The Crux Theologorum—'Why are some saved and not others?’ and ‘What Scripture says (and doesn’t) about predestination.’" Other upcoming topics include: God Designed DIFFERENT Roles for Men & Women? - Why Baptize Babies? - Is Jesus' Body and Blood Really There? - Why Can't Everyone Commune? - and more!
New Member Reception Sunday: October 19. New members will be formally accepted and welcomed at the 8:30am service. Between services, join us for a New Member Reception event in the Social Hall.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School is excited to host an Open Forum on Wednesday, October 22, at 6pm at Mount Olive. The purpose of this event is to offer families in Mankato and the surrounding areas the opportunity to learn more about MVL and meet people who have a close connection to MVL. A light supper will be served; child care will be provided for ages 3 through grade 3. To help us better plan for food and child care, please register online at bit.ly/MVLOpenForum by Wednesday, October 15. A poster with additional information is on the narthex bulletin board.
Art After Dark, a miniseries of lectures on art appreciation from a Christian perspective, will be presented by Bethany Professor Emeritus and Artist Bill Bukowski.
The presentation on October 23, Claude Monet and the Beginning of Modern Art, examines French Impressionism from the 1870s and how it affected modern art. The focus will be the painting of Claude Monet and some of his contemporaries.
The presentation on October 30, Pablo Picasso-Artist of the 20th Century, considers the innovation of early modernism in the work of Pablo Picasso and his impact on 20th century art.
Mount Olive Reformation Festival: October 26, from 2-4pm. Food, activities, and games will take you on a tour through the Reformation, its events, and its impact. Help disguise Luther to hide him from opponents after the Diet of Worms. Pin the 95 Theses on the church doors. Smash open the Papal Bull piñata. Enjoy some pretzels as twisty as Tetzel’s theology. Celebrate who we are and what we have as Lutherans here at church on Sunday, October 26!
The 57th Annual Teigen Reformation Lectures are October 30-31 at Bethany Lutheran College. Register on line at blc.edu/reformation-lectures. More information is available on the poster on the narthex bulletin board.
Altar Guild Informational Meeting: Thursday, November 6, at 7pm in the Social Hall. Learn more about the Altar Guild and what they do to serve our church.
Articles of Incorporation for New School Entity: We are inviting anyone interested to join a committee that will be working on the Articles of Incorporation for our new school entity. If you can assist with this important effort, please contact Silas Born at sborn@blc.edu. The committee will communicate via email and plans to meet in person within the next week or two in hopes of having Articles ready by November.
After School Care is looking for small plastic coffee canisters and small calendars. Please drop off your donations in the church office.
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.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School Announcements
Wreath Sales: Tis the season!…MVL is again selling wreaths, swags, crosses, and live garland to help bring the sights and scents of Christmas to your home or business! Look for friendly MVL students to help you place your order starting Sunday, October 26. Or if you prefer, go to the MVL website and place your order online. Order deadline is Sunday, November 12; we hope to deliver most products to Mount Olive by Thanksgiving weekend. This year’s proceeds are designated to help outfit a workshop space for our fine arts backstage area. Thank you for your support!
MVL’s Drama Department will bring the classic board game Clue to life on stage this fall. Show times at the MVL Fine Arts Center are Friday and Saturday, October 31 and November 1, at 7pm; and Sunday, November 2, at 2pm.
Veterans' Day Recognition Program: Wednesday, November 5, at 10am in the fieldhouse. A complete breakfast specifically for veterans and their personal guests begins at 8:30am in the Commons. If you or a veteran you know would like to come, please RSVP at mvl.org, sallee@mvlhs.org, or 507-354-6851.
Spirit of MVL Gala: Saturday, November 22, at 5pm at the Venue in Mankato. The night includes a social hour, dinner, an award program, live auction, and the Afterglow. Tickets are for sale on the MVL website, mvl.org. You can also contact Sarah Allee with any questions at sallee@mvlhs.org. RSVPs are due by November 7.
Bethany Lutheran College Fine Arts Events
ART:
Exhibit at the YFAC, now through October 24.
Matt Moberg, Everywhere. Always: This Minneapolis-based artist brings his thought-provoking work that leans into the ache and awe of being alive.
MUSIC:
October 25, 5pm, Trinity Chapel.
High School Honor Choir Closing Concert.
October 26 at 3pm and October 27 at 5pm, Campus Green.
The Jazz Band will perform their fall concert, weather permitting. In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the Ron Younge Gym.
October 30, 4:30pm, Trinity Chapel.
Reformation Choral Vespers. Please join us for this reverent celebration of our Reformation Heritage.
Storytime with Marmee:
October 25, 10am, BLC Memorial Library.
The cast of Bethany's fall play, Little Women, in conjunction with the Bethany Library invites you to enjoy a cozy morning of story and imagination with Mrs. March. Storytime will be followed by a coloring activity. This event is free and open to all ages (ideal for early readers and young families!). For more information, contact Jenna Thompson at jenna.thompson@blc.edu.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 233/180; 10:45am, 146/121; Monday: 37/33
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 8
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Joel & Carol Petersen, Don & Kristin Lehne
Mark & Vivian Smith, Emily Christensen
Offering Counters: Neil Kaus, Steve Hanson
Altar Guild: Elli Fisher, Beth Ulman
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $17,324.48
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $1,252.16
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025 – Oct. 9, 2025): $20,193.53
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 9/30/2025: ($69,898.13)
Philippians 4:19: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving” tab.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement