October 19, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, October 19, are given to God’s glory by Carl Bloedel.
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, Jimmie Tessien, Peter Bloedel, Joel Petersen, Paul Doring, and Carolyn Graham’s grandson Asher as they deal with infirmities.
New Member Reception Sunday: October 19. Individuals who have joined Mount Olive within the last six months, either by transfer from a sister congregation or by profession of faith, 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. 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.
Notice – Informational/Special Voters’ Meeting: Sunday, October 26, 9:40am, Mount Olive Social Hall. The Mount Olive Board of Education is delighted to share that Mrs. Ashley Olsen, our 3rd Grade teacher at Mount Olive Lutheran School, has completed all the requirements to become an Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) Certified Teacher. When Mrs. Olsen was called to serve at Mount Olive, it was with the understanding that her call would become permanent once she achieved ELS certification. Therefore, we are requesting an official vote be taken during the Informational Meeting between services on Sunday, October 26, to approve making Mrs. Olsen’s call permanent. This "Special Voters’ Meeting" should only take 5 minutes or less and will take place as the Board of Education shares their report during the scheduled Informational Meeting. Please join us in thanking God for Mrs. Olsen’s faithful service and her commitment to providing Christ-centered education to our students!
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 online 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.
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
Custodial Position: MVL has an immediate opening for a full-time custodian. For more information, please contact Ken Opitz at kopitz@mvlhs.org or 507-354-6851.
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 startingSunday, October 26. Or if you prefer, go to the MVL website and place your order online. Order deadline is Sunday, November 16; 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.
MVL Open House: Wednesday, November 12, at 6:30pm. Tours for new and prospective students begin at 6:30pm, with a presentation at 7pm.
Spirit of MVL Gala: Saturday, November 22, at 5pm at the Venue in Mankato. The night includes a social hour, dinner, an awards 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, 393; 10:45am, 121; Post-Service Communion: 17; Monday: 31/27
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 20
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): $12,362.97
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $1,000.00
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-Oct. 16, 2025): $21,296.28
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