WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR for Sunday, November 8, are given to God’s glory in honor of Veterans’ Day.
PEOPLE WE ARE PRAYING FOR: (We included prayers for these individuals in our recent church services) Elaine Krech, Gary Burmeister, Scott Trautman, Gretchen Olson, Marsha Natvig, Katie Tweit, Lorena Merseth, Emily Goetzke, Pastor Glenn Smith, Daniel Neubauer, Asher Graham, and Pastor Sam Johnson. Thank you for being with Bill Bohning as he had hip replacement surgery this week—grant swift recovery. Be with Eric Eisberg, son of Keith, as he undergoes open-heart surgery this week. Be with Janis Klebig, mother of Brian Klebig, as she had emergency surgery and will be hospitalized for some time. Be with Sara Edwards as she was hospitalized last week, bless her follow-up appointments and grant her a quick and full recovery. Be with the family of Mark Olson, who passed away this past week. Grant these loved one peace of heart and strength of faith knowing that you are with them and for them. We pray for all others who have been receiving treatment for illnesses and poor health. Be with our Cornerstone Lutheran School and for Mr. Luke Beilke who has received the Call to serve as our Principal. Give him and his family wisdom as they seek where you would have them serve in Your Kingdom.
LUTHERAN MILITARY SUPPORT GROUP AMMO CAN CAMPAIGN- NOV. 8
Each May and November, Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) seeks donations in support of our military men, women, and families. LMSG, a partnership of ELS and WELS Veterans, is working to grow awareness of and bring Christian support to our Christian Warriors and their families in our congregations. By placing your gift in the Ammo Can located in the narthex, you are supporting the spiritual and mental health of our Christian Warriors through programs like our retreats and workshops, educational support for pastors serving military families, Veterans pursuing a second career in public ministry, and more. Visit www.lutheranmilitary.org for more information. Thank you for standing Shoulder to Shoulder in Service with those who serve our Nation!
BIBLE CLASS- NOV. 11
Wednesday Bible Class will study Psalm 19, a psalm that speaks about God’s Word going out to all people. Join us this coming Wednesday at 9:00am!
ART AFTER DARK- NOV. 12
Join us at 7:30pm for the second lecture in the Art After Dark series.
Piero della Francesca and the Search for the True Cross—Relics have been a part of the Catholic Church since the 3rd century. Legends surrounding the cross surfaced after the Crusades. Piero was an Early Renaissance painter who produced a famous fresco describing the quintessential legend of the cross as it worked miracles and changed hands throughout history.
BROTHERS BUILT ON THE ROCK BIBLE STUDY- NOV. 14
Men, join us at 9:00am for the Bible Study, "Walking up Mt. Moriah with Father Abraham" Based on Genesis 22- A study about Faith, God's fatherly heart, and true love that pays the price.
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION- NOV. 22
We will ask you, our new members, to come forward after the Sermon at the 8:15am Service to publicly express your desire to be part of our church. We also hope you will stay for a special reception between services where we can introduce you, and other members can greet you.
THE REACH THANKSGIVING DINNER- NOV. 24
Please join us in sharing Thanksgiving Dinner for The Reach (a drop in center for homeless youth). Meal items are to be delivered on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Sign up sheets are in the Narthex.
THANKSGIVING EVE PIE SOCIAL- NOV. 25
We are looking for 14 DONATED PIES! (homemade or purchased) to be shared at our Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social following our Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 25th, at 6:30pm. SIGN UP on the Narthex Table. Please deliver your donated Pie to the church kitchen on Tues. Nov. 24th or Wed. Nov. 25th. THANK YOU!
SPONSOR A WINTER OUTDOOR PLANTER- NOV. 29
We wish to once again extend our gratitude to Traverse de Sioux nursery for generously assisting with the planting of the lovely floral and green arrangements in the large outdoor entryway pots this summer. For the upcoming holiday season, the Traverse de Sioux Garden Center will again be filling our outdoor planters with a variety of outdoor greens, including spruce tips, birch, Norway pine, dogwoods, and pine cones. Individuals, families, or groups at Mt. Olive have the opportunity to “sponsor” a winter planter. Seven planters are available to sponsor at $135/each; a sign-up sheet and envelopes are available on the narthex table. Pick up an envelope as you sign up, insert a check written to Mt. Olive and place it in the church office or offering plate by November 29th. Thank you!
NEW PHOTO DIRECTORY- DEC. 15
Mount Olive is looking to make a new member photo directory! We are asking you to submit the photo. Send your current digital photo to church@mtolivelutheran.org where we will add it to your information and print it in January. Please send all photos, and any directory changes, by December 15th. Thank you for your help!
VOLUNTEER COUNTERS NEEDED!
Mt Olive has 24 faithful volunteers that count our weekly offering each week. They work in two person teams so each are responsible for one month during the year. Because some of those volunteers have moved or have life changes, additional volunteers are now needed. Can you help your church with this important task? Please contact Bruce Gratz or Neil Kaus, Co-Chairs of the Budget and Finance Board for more information. Bruce.gratz@blc.edu or neilkaus33@charter.net.
100TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Save the date: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church turns 100 on Sunday, June 27, 2027! A milestone this big requires many hands, and we need your help to make it happen. We are forming a committee to plan the event, and an initial organizing meeting is being scheduled soon. If you can lead a team or help behind the scenes, we need YOU. Please contact the church office today to let them know you are willing to be involved!
FOOD SHELF DONATIONS
Mt. Olive donated 47 pounds of food to ECHO food shelf during the month of October. Thank you to all who donated! If you feel so moved, please place food shelf donations into the basket by the kitchen doors.
FAREWELL AND THANK YOU FROM THE TRAUTMANS
Scott and Charlene Trautman are moving back to Phoenix, Arizona now that Scott has completed his cancer treatment. They would like to express their deep gratitude and appreciation for the Mt. Olive community and all the prayers, friendship, encouragement, cards, and support they received over the past few years. Please keep Scott and Charlene in your prayers during this time of transition.
BETHANY NEWS
BETHANY AUXILIARY- NOV. 9
The local chapter of the Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary will be meeting on November 9, at 7 pm, in Room 130 of Meyer Hall. Dr. Carrie Pfeiffer will be presenting on "Transforming Literacy Instruction". This is an important and interesting topic, so please come one and all! A short business meeting will follow.
MUSIC:
On Saturday, November 7, Prof. Benjamin Faugstad will host the annual Honor Band event. Featuring 130 select students from area and regional high schools, this will be the largest band ever to participate. The closing concert will be held at 5:30 pm in Trinity Chapel and all are invited and encouraged to attend!
The box office will open for reservations for Christmas at Bethany on November 9. Reservations are required for these tickets and a free will offering is greatly appreciated to keep these concerts going year to year. You can make your reservations by visiting blc.edu/boxoffice beginning Monday, November 9 or stop by the box office desk in the YFAC Monday-Friday between 1-4. You can also email Jenna Thompson or call 507-374-7365 for assistance. Concerts will be held December 3-6.
The Fall Honors Recital will be held Tuesday, November 24 at 7 pm in Trinity Chapel. The Honors Recitals feature students chosen by audition each semester. All are invited to attend this special event. A reception will follow in the YFAC to honor our fall graduates in the Music department.
ART:
WLC professor Chad Lindemann brings his exhibit "Kate" to the YFAC Gallery October 26- November 15. This exhibit, based on Lindemann's skills as a typographer, celebrates the font he created for his wife based on handwritten family letters. There is a story to explore and discover in this exhibit and you are invited to visit the Gallery and attend the Gallery Reception on November 5 at 7 pm.
The Graphic Design Capstone exhibit "Just Visiting" will be in the YFAC Gallery November 17-25. This exhibit celebrates the work of graduating seniors Hannah Meihak and Ava Gorsegner. Please visit the Gallery and plan to attend the Gallery Reception on Thursday, November 19 at 7 pm.
THEATER:
A Christmas Carol opens November 13 with five additional performances through November 21. Reserve your tickets by visiting blc.edu/boxoffice or stopping by the box office desk in the YFAC Monday-Friday between 1-4. You can also email Jenna Thompson or call 507-374-7365 for assistance.
MVL NEWS
OPEN HOUSE- NOV. 11
New and Prospective Students are invited to the MVL Open House starting at 6:30pm with a tour. There will be an Open Forum with MVL Students and a Parent Presentation at 7:00pm. Come and get your MVL questions answered and enjoy some amazing fellowship!
WREATH SALES- NOW- NOV. 15
Tis the season!... MVL will once again be selling wreaths, swags, crosses, and live garland to help bring the sights and scents of Christmas to your home or business! Wreath orders begin Sunday, October 25th and all orders must be placed by Sunday, November 15th. This year all ordering will be done online. Simply go to the MVL website, click on wreaths, and place your order! We hope to deliver most products to your church 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! Merry Christmas!
SPIRIT OF MVL- NOV. 21
You are invited to join MVL in a night of fellowship supporting Christian education as we recognize and celebrate our Spirit of MVL award winners: Alan (posthumously) & Loretta Johnson, Pastor Richard & Marley Kuckhahn, and Craig Morgan.
The gala will be held on November 21st, at 5 p.m. at The Venue in Mankato. The night includes a social hour, dinner, an award program, a 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 6th.
SYNOD NEWS
A JOURNEY HOME AGAINST THE CURRENT- NOV. 14
Fall Parish Seminar hosted @ Norseland Lutheran Church from 4:30-7:30 pm.
It can seem as though our culture is drifting further and further from God's truth, and many churches with it! What does it look like for a congregation to strive against that current and journey home to Biblical faithfulness? The newest congregation of our Evangelical Lutheran Synod, Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin, has taken that journey, moving from membership in the ELCA and one of its splinter groups into the Evangelical Lutheran Synod's confession and fellowship. The senior pastor of Zion, Rev. Dr. Steven Gjerde, will present on this "sea change," its pains and challenges, and how God worked through it all to bear witness to His grace. And YOU’RE INVITED! Please use this link or follow the QR Code on the poster on the bulletin board to let us know to expect you. NOTE: The seminar will include a free-will donation meal at 5:45pm- all gifts in support of Rev. Samuel Johnson and his family.
ELS GIVING COUNSELOR POSITION
The ELS Board of Trustees is seeking a new Giving Counselor. The board will either call a pastor from our fellowship or hire a layman. We are currently seeking interested laymen to make application for this position through our Executive Assistant, Elsa Ferkenstad. (elsa.ferkenstad@blc.edu). Please include a cover letter and your resumé. A job description is available at www.els.org/employment. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2026.
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LAST WEEK’S ATTENDANCE/LORD’S SUPPER
Sunday: 8:15am, 300/248; 10:45am, 128/94
Monday: 19/16
WE THANK THOSE SERVING OUR LORD THIS WEEK
Greeters: Terri Westphal, Ron & Mary Young
Terri Westphal, Ron & Mary Young
Offering Counters: Ron Bequette, Joe Meyer
Altar Guild: Sherri Bukowski, Carol Petersen
WEEKLY FINANCIAL UPDATE:
Given Last Week (excluding Year of Jubilee): $20,807.31
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Given Last Week: $261.34
Year of Jubilee Debt Reduction Total (7/1/2025 to 11/01/2026): $154,521.90
Fiscal YTD Actual Expenses vs. Budget Surplus (Deficit) as of 9/30/2026: $12,379.71
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
To give your offering online, go to mtolivelutheran.org and click on the “Online Giving.”
Mount Olive Lutheran Church Mission Statement
The mission of Mount Olive Lutheran Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Christ through God’s Word, so that souls are called into and kept in the Christian faith unto eternal life.