December 7, 2025
Flowers on the altar for Sunday, December 7, are given to God’s glory by Mark & Michelle Graham.
People We Are Praying For (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services): Patricia Elwood, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Jeanette Koberg, Matt Lukasek, Ruth Faye, Donna Lee, Annette Feistner, and Jenny Krosch as they face challenges with their health.
Mr. Shu-Ting Lai has been called to serve as the first principal of NewCo Lutheran School. Mr. Lai currently serves as principal at Bethany Lutheran School in Port Orchard, Washington. Please keep Mr. Lai and his family in your prayers as he prayerfully deliberates where the Lord is leading him to serve. Mr. Lai can be contacted by phone at 360-876-1300 or by email at principal@bethanyles.com. A copy of Mr. Lai’s letter acknowledging receipt of the call is on the narthex bulletin board.
Care Share is a ministry of our new Lutheran School that ensures no child is denied a Christ-centered education because of financial hardship. After families complete the confidential FACTS process, Care Share may step in to provide additional support for those facing medical challenges, job loss, or other significant burdens, and in some cases may also assist unchurched families with documented need. All gifts are carefully stewarded with full confidentiality by our Pastors and tuition assistance coordinator, and donations are fully tax-deductible. If you or someone you know is struggling even after receiving FACTS assistance, please reach out. Care Share exists so every family feels supported, and every child is welcomed in Christian love.
Participate in the renaming of our school! To learn about the renaming process and to submit a suggestion, go to mtolivelutheranschool.org/newco. Paper copies of the documents about the renaming are available on the narthex table. Note that submissions will close on December 8.
The ELS Ottesen Museum’s Annual Open House is Tuesday, December 9, from 2:30-5:30pm at 4 Browns Court in Mankato. See the poster on the narthex bulletin board for more information.
Our next Midweek Advent Service is Wednesday, December 10. Pulled pork sandwiches will be served by the Evangelism Committee beginning at 5pm, followed by the worship service at 6:30pm.
The Mt. Olive Lutheran School Children’s Christmas Service is Sunday, December 14, at 3pm. Doors open for seating at 2pm; no congregation seats will be saved prior to 2pm. All congregation seating is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Before 2:45pm, children should be with their families; at 2:45pm, children are expected in their classrooms.
Volunteer at Kiwanis Holiday Lights on December 15! Two shifts are available (4:25-7pm and 6:50-9pm). A sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Contact Matt Holt at mholt@blc.edu if you have questions.
You are invited to attend our Jesus Cares Ministry Christmas Service on Tuesday, December 16, at 7pm in the Mount Olive Social Hall.
Christmas Poinsettia Baskets: If you would like to contribute towards Christmas poinsettia basket arrangements to help beautify our sanctuary this Christmas, a sign-up sheet and envelopes are available on the table in the narthex. Please indicate if your donation is in honor or in memory of someone. Suggested donation is $15; however, any amount is acceptable. Make your check payable to Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Insert your check or cash in the provided envelope and place it in the Flower Box in the church office. The last day to order is Wednesday, December 17.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School’s Christmas Concert: Friday, December 19, at 7pm in the MVL Fine Arts Center. This year's program, “All Is Well,” celebrates the Advent and Christmas seasons with performances by the A Cappella Choir, Freshmen Choir, MVL Chargaliers, and the Symphonic Band. A free-will offering will be collected.
Artemis & Senior Youth (7th-12th Gr.) Caroling: Join us on Saturday, December 20, for an evening of caroling and holiday fun! Meet in the Mount Olive narthex by 3:20pm. Our caroling stops are Mankato Lodge, Pathstone, Old Main, Autumn Grace, and Laurel’s Edge/Peak. Following caroling, we will gather at David & Leah Roemhildt’s house (221 Mayan Way, Mankato) for chili, pizza, and a Christmas party from 6:30-7:30pm. Please bring a water bottle and wrapped hat to exchange (funny or cool—a hat of any style). Parents available and willing to drive are welcome to carol and join us at the Christmas party—please text Leah at 507-382-5660 if you can help.
Advent Family Devotional Booklet:- Pick up a copy of the new Advent devotional booklet, “The Other Nativity Pieces,” from the narthex table. It features daily devotional thoughts as we read through the Gospel of Luke (December 1–24) and coloring pages to keep children engaged.
December Cocoa & Coffee Drive, December 1-18: Support the Mankato Area Connections Shelter with your donations of cocoa, tea, and coffee (no K-cups, please). A donation box is available in the old narthex hallway.
Could you help support the publication of more Peace Devotion Books? These books, published by our Synod's Board for Home Outreach, are a great resource in helping to share the Gospel with our friends and neighbors. However, our Board for Home Outreach's budget is currently unable to accommodate an additional printing. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Pr. Soule or Jon Basel.
Thrivent Members: Are you willing to share your Thrivent Action Team dollars with the church to help fund future projects? If so, please let the office know.
A site supervisor is needed for Mount Olive gym rentals--must be 18 years of age or older and know how to set up a volleyball net. This is a paid position. Shifts are weekday evenings. If interested, please reach out to the athletic director, Jackie Libby, at ad@mtolivelutheran.org.
Basketball refs needed! These are paid positions. If interested, please reach out to the athletic director, Jackie Libby, at ad@mtolivelutheran.org.
Mankato seniors (55+): are you looking for a way to exercise during the long winter season? Bethany Lutheran College is offering a limited number of walking memberships on its 200-meter, cushioned indoor track in the Bethany Activity Center located on the corner of Marsh and Division Streets. Memberships are available from December 1 to April 30. Walking hours are 9am to 2pm. Cost is $50 per person (parking is included). Please email Nick.Neubauer@blc.edu to reserve your pass. This is limited to the first 100 who reserve a spot.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:30am, 194; 10:45am, 181; Post-Service Communion: 19; Monday: 36/26
Wednesday: 237
Live Online Viewing, Sunday: 39
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Mark Klammer, Barents Family
Joyce Petersen, Emily Christensen
Offering Counters: John Baumann, Jana Finken
Altar Guild:Sharon Madson, Heidi Graham
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $26,479.91
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $6,746.66
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (July 1, 2025-Dec. 4, 2025): $43,591.73
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 11/30/2025: ($36,058.25)
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