October 26, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, October 26, are given to God’s glory by Jim and Sandy Tessien in honor of their 60th wedding anniversary and Sandy’s 80th birthday .
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Marjorie Espeland, Patricia Elwood, Ann Frederickson, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Joel Petersen, and Carolyn Graham’s grandson Asher. We also prayed for our school teacher Kristen Lukasek and her husband Matt as he undergoes surgery.
Baptized on Sunday, October 26, at 2nd service: Lucia Mae Harting, infant daughter of Michael & Moriah Harting. Sponsors are Giulio and Hannah Pavaloni and Joseph and Beret Finken. May she ever be blessed by this Sacrament.
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. Celebrate the Reformation with your whole family! Get your Reformation Passport and fill it by disguising Luther for his stay at Wartburg, smashing a Papal Bull piñata for candy, and pinning the 95 Theses on the church doors, plus many more hands-on activities tracing Reformation history. Enjoy fresh pretzels and a root Biergarten while testing your Lutheran cred with “Did Luther Really Say That?” and Reformation Bingo. This is a once-a-year opportunity to celebrate that we're part of something truly enormous: a global family of believers rooted in Scripture and faith. Bring your loved ones and celebrate with your Mount Olive family!
In Depth Series Presentation--The Life and Work of Albrecht Durer: Monday, October 27, at 7pm in Silber Hall, at the YFAC. Chaplain Don Moldstad and Prof. Jason Jaspersen will present information about this Reformation-era artist. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Art After Dark: Thursday, October 30, at 8pm in the Narthex. Bethany Professor Emeritus and Artist Bill Bukowski’s presentation, Pablo Picasso-Artist of the 20th Century, examines the innovation of early modernism in the work of Pablo Picasso and his impact on 20th century art.
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.
Upcoming Sunday Bible Study – “You Believe That?! Why? – God’s Roles for Men and Women.” Join us for a three-week Bible study led by Pastor Ulrich on Sundays, November 2, 9, & 16, at 9:40am in the Social Hall. We will explore God’s good design for men and women in the home and church. Each week will focus on a key question about biblical headship, the pastoral office, and partnership in congregational life.
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.
Could you help with The 2025 Kiwanis Holiday Lights? Four volunteers are needed to help with the set-up on Saturday, November 8, from 9am-12pm. Mount Olive’s night is Monday, December 15, from 4:30-9PM (two shifts). There is a sign-up sheet on the narthex table. A copy of the volunteer guidelines is also available. Contact Matt Holt at (507) 340-8014 or at Matthew.ph.holt@gmail.com for more information.
Fleece Donations Needed: The After School Care children will be making fleece tie blankets for those in need. Please bring your donations to 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.
New 2 You Updates
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, November 1, is available on the narthex table. Sign up or call New 2 You at 507-385-1455 if you can help. Your time and support are much appreciated!
New 2 You’s Board of Directors disbursed $15,000.00 to Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School and $825.00 to each of the six association churches, including Mount Olive, based on profits from the quarter ending September 30, 2025.
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, November 3-21
"Sit With the Story: A Quilting Exhibition" begins November 3 with a Gallery Reception on Thursday, November 6, at 7pm. This exhibit will highlight local quilters with an eye to tradition and innovation.
MUSIC:
October 26 at 3pm and October 27 at 5pm, Campus Green.
The Jazz Band performs 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.
November 8, 5:30pm, Trinity Chapel.
Grades 9-12 Honor Band Closing Concert. All are invited to attend.
November 18, 7pm, Trinity Chapel.
Fall Honors Recital, A reception will follow in the YFAC.
December 4-7, Trinity Chapel.
Christmas at Bethany concerts. Registration is required for these concerts! Please visit blc.edu/boxoffice, or stop by or call the box office in the YFAC between 1-4pm, Monday-Friday, beginning Thursday, October 30 to reserve your general admission tickets for one of the four concerts. The concerts remain free, but a free-will donation is greatly appreciated (suggested donation: $20). If you have any questions, please reach out to jenna.thompson@blc.edu.
THEATRE:
November 7 & 8, 7:30pm; November 9, 2pm; November 14, 7:30pm, November 15, 2pm & 7:30pm, YFAC.
BLC Theatre presents its fall play, "Little Women", a new adaptation of a beloved classic for the Bethany stage by Prof. Emily Kimball. Tickets can be purchased at blc.edu/boxoffice or by visiting the YFAC desk Monday- Friday from 1-4 pm. Please reach out to jenna.thompson@blc.edu or at 507-344-7365 with any questions.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 312/243; 10:45am, 172/131; Monday: 32/27
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 14
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): $13,220.63
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $821.82
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025 – Oct. 23, 2025): $22,708.64
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