In an effort to communicate to the congregation, we have implemented a new section to the website called “Good Question.” A staff person will answer a question that has either been emailed or personally asked. After all, if one person has a question, maybe others have the same question.
If you have a Good Question, please email it to mtolive@mtolive-anoka.org.
How does God give us pastors? (Part 1)
What will Pastor Stroming do after ordination? (Part 3)
How often should one receive Holy Communion?
When do we celebrate Holy Communion at Mount Olive Lutheran Church?
Why should I prepare for the Lord's Supper and how often should I come to the Lord's Table?
Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving when it is not a church festival, but rather a national holiday?
Last week we talked about worship forms, rites and ceremonies being adiaphoron. What is adiaphoron?
What's happening with the School's Outdoor Environment Learning Center?
Why was the nursery not open on Easter Sunday 2011 and how is the nursery funded anyway?
Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him, but later tell Thomas to touch Him?
What does the Lenten Offerings go towards?
How much did the school raise from the Silent Auction?
Why do we have different styles of worship?
What’s going on with Elementary Youth these days?
What is the significance of the white cloth that is draped over a casket during a funeral?
How do I sign up my child for Preschool or Kindergarten at Mount Olive?
How do I get notified of a death of a Mount Olive member or funeral service times?
What is the Mt. Olive School Outdoor Exploration Learning Center?
What is happening with the Initiative to Read through the Bible in Two Years?
So what were the ‘Town Hall’ meetings about at the end of April and what’s next?
Do I need my envelope box if I use Simply Giving for my offering?
How did we purchase a new sound board for our sanctuary?
What is the use of the medical red cross and white parament?
What is an Ablaze! Covenant Congregation?
How do I get someone from the church to visit me in the hospital?
Why does VBS only go up to 4th Grade?
If I am already a Missouri Synod Lutheran, why do I have to go through Life 101 to become a member?
What is happening with Phase 2 of ‘Building a Bridge’ and refurbishing the old sanctuary?
What is the role of a Christian Citizen in the United States?
Why doesn’t the Lutheran Church talk about being a ‘born-again Christian’?
What does “Miscellaneous” mean in the bulletin’s Financial Report?
What is God's role in competition, both athletically and in business?
How are we paying our current mortgage payment?
What has been going on with the Networking Group?
What is the Human Needs Ministry doing?
How does God give us pastors? (Part 1)?
Good Question! The pastoral office is a gift God has given to the church, as Paul says, "When He ascended on high He gave gifts to men" (Eph. 4:8, 11-12). Paul enumerates pastors and teachers among the gifts belonging to the church, and he adds that they are given for the work of ministry and for building up the body of Christ. Therefore, the right of electing and ordaining ministers is a duty and responsibility of the church. Our Lutheran Confessions refer to the pastoral office as the "Preaching Office," to which men are called and ordained. We also speak of the office of the holy ministry. The ministry is holy not because of the men who are in it, but because of the One who established it. It is holy because of what the Lord is doing for His people through the work of His pastors.
Good Question! When a man receives and accepts his first call to serve as a pastor, he is then ordained. Ordination marks the conclusion of the process of preparing a man to be a pastor. Ordination has its historical roots in the New Testament and in the church through the ages. "It is a solemn ecclesiastical (church) rite by which a duly qualified and trained member of the body of Christ who has accepted a valid call from the church is presented to the church as a gift of the Holy Spirit and publicly declared to be a holder of the office of the public ministry" (Theology and Practice of the Divine Call, CTCR 2003, LC-MS). Ordination is a confirmation of a man's call into the ministry of the church and is the historic and apostolic rite by which, through Word and prayer, a man is set apart for service to Christ and His church as a pastor. During his ordination, he is also installed into the pastoral office of the congregation that calls him. In the future, if he accepts other calls to serve, he will be installed, but not ordained again.
What will Pastor Stroming do after ordination? (Part 3)?
Good Question! With Vicar Randy being ordained as a pastor on Sunday, March 18 (2:00 PM), you may be asking the Lutheran question, "What does this mean?" or "What will he do now?" He will remain here as part of our pastoral team for at least two years as stated in the agreement for the DELTO/DTEP/SMP program by the Seminary and as approved by the Vision Assembly of Mount Olive. After two years he would be eligible to receive a Call to another congregation as God wills and the Spirit directs.
He will continue some of his present duties in the areas of education and small group ministry (HOME groups). He will also remain as advisor to the Kids of the Kingdom and CREED programs. The greatest change that will take place after Vicar Randy is a pastor will be that he will no longer be the lead staff person working with the senior youth program, but he will continue to serve as advisor (future leadership and staffing for the program is being discussed). Pastor Stroming will join Pastors Haakana and Fredrickson as shepherds of Mount Olive and will work together to provide for the member's spiritual needs.
How often should one receive Holy Communion?
Good Question! To begin with the word "should" sounds as if attendance at the Lord's Table is a spiritual responsibility to be "checked off," rather than a Christian privilege to be enjoyed and celebrated. On the same night He was betrayed Jesus was celebrating the annual Passover dinner with his friends when He paused to offer them some of the bread and wine in a special way. "This is my body; this is my blood. Do this often, and remember Me!" - not just once a year as the Passover had been celebrated.
Early Christians repeated this meal every Lord's Day (Sunday), as the centerpiece of their worship. Sometimes the focus on the proclaimed Scriptures eclipsed the desire for frequent celebration of the Lord's Supper. Some churches reduced their frequency of celebrating the Lord's Supper to once or month or even once every three months! Some felt it took too much of their time, or "too much of a good thing is too much!" Martin Luther suggested that if a Christian felt no hunger or thirst for the sacrament, he should "put his hand into his bosom and feel whether he still has flesh and blood." This, he felt would help us to realize that we need this faith-strengthening assurance of forgiveness of sins and eternal life, often.
In determining "how often" to receive Christ's Body and Blood in Holy Communion, rather than consider "how long since the last time," we ought to ask, "Am I sinner?" "Do I need reassurance of forgiveness for my sins?" and "Would my worship of God be enhanced by getting closer to Jesus in this special way right now?"
"For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:26. Holy Communion is offered at one of our worship services nearly every Sunday. Prepare ahead of time and come often!
When do we celebrate Holy Communion at Mount Olive Lutheran Church?
Good Question! We serve communion at Mount Olive on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month during the 10:30 AM worship service. Communion is served at the 8:00 AM Sunday worship service on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Communion is served at the 9:30 AM worship service on the 3rd Sunday of the month. To understand the schedule for communion during the Saturday 5:30 PM worship services, follow the 10:30 AM Communion schedule. When communion is served on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, it is served the preceding Saturday evening. Communion is not celebrated on the 5th Sunday of the month.
Why should I prepare for the Lord's Supper and how often should I come to the Lord's Table?
Good Question! Lutherans have been instructed to prepare to attend the Lord's Table by "examining" themselves with some simple questions - lest they take this special and holy meal lightly. In 1 Cor 11:27-28, the Apostle Paul encourages a Christian to " . . examine himself and then eat of the bread and drink of the cup," lest he eat and drink in an unworthy or thoughtless manner. On a given Sunday we might notice that the Lord's Supper is offered and decide, "Oh, I should go." Or we may notice everyone else going and say, "Oh, I should go too."
Our faith is better served, and our Lord more faithfully worshipped if we spend some time in prayer, preparing to eat and drink in a meal which is so special that it cost Jesus His life! We come to His meal because, a) He commands us to "do this;" b) because He here offers us the blessing of forgiveness of sins and assurance of eternal life; and c) we need forgiveness and the strength of this meal often to resist temptations.
Martin Luther suggested we could "examine ourselves" by asking three simple questions; a) Am I truly sorry my sins, ways in which I have offended God and others; b) Do I believe Jesus Christ is my only hope - my Savior from sin; c) As a result of this close relationship with Jesus, and with the strength of this meal, do I truly intend to ammend my sinful life?
A helpful way to prepare might be to open your Bible or Catechism and review those places where the Lord's Supper is mentioned. You could also mentally review the Ten Commandments, acknowleging ways you have sinned against God and others. We are then encouraged to cheerfully and confidently draw close to Jesus in His Holy Meal, knowing that we are worthy only because of Christ's shed blood for us. Come often, perhaps every time the meal is offered. And come with the joy in our hearts which overflows onto our faces!
Why does Holy Communion have so many different names? What is a 'sacrament and where is this word mentioned in the Bible?
Good Question: Over the centuries, the meal called Lord's Supper or Holy Communion has been referred to in several different ways. Perhaps the first scriptural reference is to "the breaking of bread" in Acts 2:42: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." While the word "sacrament" is not included in our scriptures, it was a word used by early Christians to describe the sacred, and mysterous way in which God acts through "means" or objects, according to His promises in the Bible. It is "The Sacrament of the Altar." The Lutheran Church has been called a "sacramental" church because we obey and cling to promises of God in both Baptism and Holy Commuion, as the fulfillment of these promises come to us through visible objects, such as water, bread and wine. We attach significance to these objects because Jesus did!
The name Holy Communion points us to the "communion" or close union we enjoy by eating with Jesus and other believers. The Lord's Supper reminds us that it is Jesus, not the pastor or the church that offers this great gift, and that it is a meal. The Lord's Table, reminds us that it is from the Lord Himself that we receive small amounts of visible "food." Jesus offers us high-protein spiritual food - forgiveness and eternal life. This special meal is also called Eucharist, which is a Greek word which means "I give thanks." In this special meal we give thanks to God for His gracious gift.
Many names, but one wonderful meal which Jesus commands us to celebrate often. One wonderful meal in which Jesus invites us to come so close to Him that we come into "union" with Him.
Why do we celebrate Thanksgiving when it is not a church festival, but rather a national holiday?
Good Question! It is true that Thanksgiving is not officially listed as part of the church year. There are readings and prayers for a Harvest Festival in our Lutheran Service Book Agenda, and some of those rubrics are used for our celebration of Thanksgiving. But even though Thanksgiving is not an official celebration in the Lutheran Church, it is certainly fitting for us then and at all times to give thanks to our gracious God for all the many blessings that we have received throughout the past year. "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done" (1 Chronicles 16:8).
Last week we talked about worship forms, rites and ceremonies being adiaphoron. What is adiaphoron?
Good Question: Adiaphoron refers to things that are neither commanded not forbidden. The plural adiaphora is from the Greek word aδιάφορα which means "indifferent things." Adiaphora in Christianity refer to matters not regarded as essential to faith, but nevertheless as permissible for Christians or allowed in church. Many practices in our churches are not specifically mentioned in the Bible or the Lutheran confessions. While such practices or rites or ceremonies or preferences may be part of a congregation’s tradition, they are not commanded nor forbidden by God.
Why do we have only two Scripture readings in our worship services at Mt. Olive, and why do they sometimes not include an Old Testament reading?
Good Question! The simple answer is that neither the Bible nor the Lutheran Confessions dictate the exact form for worship, including things such as the number of readings. Such matters are called adiaphoron (next week’s good question) which are neither commanded nor forbidden. Secondly, great care is taken to choose Scripture readings which best fit our theme for the day. Often we will choose two readings to be read and others are used in the sermon itself. “The Scripture and Confessions give the people of God considerable freedom in choosing forms that aid the worship of God” (LCMS Council of Presidents – September 2009).
Good Question! Trunk or Treat is a great safe family fun activity and an opportunity to share the love of Jesus to families through out the community. Mount Olive members are ENCOURAGED to register their vehicle, pull it into Mount Olive's parking lot, open their trunk and deliver treats to children on October 30, 6:00 -7:30 PM. If so inclined, decorate the trunk and wear a costume. We ask that there be no satanic or violent themed vehicles or costumes. Instead, consider a bible story or family friendly theme. Or tape a bible verse to your treats. Unable to bring a vehicle but want to help out? Consider donating treats for the event. Drop off treats at the welcome desk.
There will be live music, and concession stand. Trick or Treaters are encouraged to bring a canned good for Mount Olive's foodshelf. Want decoration ideas? contact Linda@mtolive-anoka.org, 763.421.9048 or Heidi Dupont Heidi.Dupont@RCIS.COM. Check the welcome desk for a vehicle registration sheet.
"Is Jesus the only way to heaven?" Stated another way, "Could someone be saved without knowing Jesus as Savior?"
Good Question! First off, we must define a Christian. A Christian is not just a person who is good or at least better than anyone else. God doesn’t grade on a curve – favoring those who keep more of his commandments or commit fewer sins than others. Ephesians 2:8-9 is popular among Lutherans because it clarifies the relationship between good works and being saved. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.” We are saved because of what Jesus did in paying for our sins – not by being good.
According to the Bible, a Christian is a person who believes and trusts in Jesus as Savior from sin. Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).
Our logic would say that God wouldn’t or couldn’t exclude from heaven anyone just because they have never heard of Jesus. Clear words of Scripture argue to the contrary. Jesus encourages us to spread the saving message of His grace far and wide. “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:18-19.
In math, when we combine fractions such as ½ and 1/3, we seek the lowest common denominator. But faith and life are not like that. Christians point to Jesus as the “Author and Finisher of our Faith.” Hebrews 12:2.
If you are married, imagine someone inviting you to dinner, but asking you to leave your spouse at home. Would you attend without that other person? Imagine how offensive it is to invite God the Father into your life, but insist that He leave His Son, Jesus, at home? Jesus is the first and last, the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega, Revelation 1:8. – The only way to heaven.
What's happening with the School's Outdoor Environment Learning Center?
Good Question! A professional team will come in and begin to remove and prepare the terrain after July 4. Then we will need to enlist a group of volunteers to help complete the project by spreading sand, wood chips and rock, planting shrubs etc... over the next month. Watch for dates and times in the bulletin and emails for opportunities to help out. Contact Linda at Linda@mtolive-anoka.org for more info or if you want to help.
Why was the nursery not open on Easter Sunday and how is the nursery funded anyway?
Good Question! Because we need to have at least two volunteers in the nursery for risk management purposes, and because there were not two volunteers available to serve, the nursery was closed. On a day that the nursery is closed, the parent room is normally open. The Nursery is funded by the families who use it through their donations.
Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch Him, but later tell Thomas to touch Him?
Good Question! Jesus tells Mary" Don't hold on to me!", but then later, speaking to Thomas, He says, "."Put your finger here and look at my hands! Put your hand into my side. Stop doubting and have faith!" In John 20:17, the word translated "touch" is a Greek word which means "to cling to, to lay hold of." This wasn't just a touch; it was a grip. Obviously, when Mary recognized Jesus, she immediately clung to Him. Mary is overwhelmed by the events of the morning, and as her grief turns to joy, she naturally embraces Jesus. Jesus was, in effect, saying this You need to start walking by faith, Mary, not by sight." When Jesus spoke to Thomas, it was not to counter a misplaced desire but to rebuke a lack of faith. Thomas had said he would not believe until he had touched the living body of. Jesus offered His body as living proof of His resurrection. So, both Mary and Thomas needed more faith. Mary needed faith enough to let Jesus go. Thomas needed faith enough to believe without empirical proof. Mary needed to loosen her grip; Thomas needed to strengthen his. The resurrected Christ gave both of them the faith they needed.
What does the Lenten Offerings go towards?
Good Question! The answer is that Lenten offerings are part of the budgeted general fund offering income and used the same as offerings given in your pink envelopes. General fund offering is used for operational expenses such as paying staff, utilities, maintenance of the building and ministry program expenses.
How much did the school raise from the Silent Auction?
Good Question! Thanks to the AWESOME donations from people and local businesses, and for dedicated volunteers to put things together, we raised over $5,500 (some funds still coming in.) This amount brings us close to our goal of raising $12,000 to begin the Outdoor Enviromental Learning Center. Thankyou to all who donated time, talents and made bids. Prayerfully if we reach our goal, we can begin the project late this spring.
Why do we have different styles of worship?
Good Question! We have different styles of worship because music appeals to everyone differently. It is a "heart language" that helps achieve two things: to glorify and worship God and to draw closer to Him in a worship setting. In both our traditional and contemporary services the doctrine remains the same but the music and liturgy changes. No matter what your worship style is,by singing the traditional hymns rich with fullness of an organ to a contemporary praise chorus with strumming guitar we seek to engage the worshiper to do just that...worship the Lord. We at Mount Olive are committed to offering both types of heart languages (service styles) because we know both are important in the hearts of our people.
What’s going on with Elementary Youth these days?
Good Question! Our Kids for Christ team is busy putting together monthly events for Kids for Christ first through fourth graders. We have made crafts, eaten snacks, learned Bible verses, sung songs, danced to Bob and Larry sing the 80’s, eaten from a chocolate fountain, watched movies, learned Bible stories, dressed up, and generally had fun in the powerful Name of the LORD! If you would like to be involved in children’s ministry at Mount Olive, contact Chris Schomburg at chris@mtolive-anoka.org or Linda Stroming at Linda@mtolive-anoka.org.
What is the significance of the white cloth that is draped over a casket during a funeral?
Good Question! A pall (also called mortcloth) is a cloth which covers a casket or coffin at funerals. The word comes from the Latin pallium (cloak), through Old English. The pall is most often made out of white material, symbolizing the truth that in Holy Baptism Christians are clothed in the righteousness (purity) of Christ, and that at their death, that righteousness is complete. Also, the imagery in Rev. 7:13-14 is beautifully portrayed.
Funeral palls usually contain some decoration. The simplest is a large cross that reaches to the ends of the entire cloth. Some of the companies that make chancel paraments have more elaborate designs. The pall is usually placed on the casket in the narthex before processing into the nave and then removed after returning to the nave before proceeding to the hearse. No other objects, such as flowers or the American flag, should be placed on the pall during the funeral service. Reference: www.lcms.org.
How do I sign up my child for Preschool or Kindergarten at Mount Olive?
Good Question! Registration for the 2011-2012 school year opens for Mount Olive members on Sunday, January 25 at 9:00 AM by the Welcome Center. If you would like a tour or have more questions about the program, please call 763.421.9048 or contact us via email Linda@mtolive-anoka.org or Cari@mtolive-anoka.org . You may also visit our preschool website or check out the Mt. Olive Christian Preschool and Kindergarten Facebook Fan page.
How do I get notified of a death of a Mount Olive member or funeral service times?
Good Question! We have two email distribution groups set up at Mount Olive. One is the Prayer Requests group which receives all prayer requests and the second is a General Announcements group which receives church business information emails but does not get the prayer requests. If you would like to be a member of either of these distributions groups, please email mtolive@mtolive-anoka.org and specify Prayer Requests, General Announcements or both. In the case of a death of a Mount Olive member, a prayer request email is sent to pray for the family and a general announcement and prayer request email is sent for service times.
If you do not have access to email, you can be a member of the phone tree. Call Jolene at 763.421.3223 to be added to a branch of the tree where you will receive a phone call with the prayer requests, etc. If you are a member of the phone tree you will also be expected to phone the next person and deliver the message. If you have any questions, please contact Jolene at 763.421.3223
What is the Mt. Olive School Outdoor Exploration Learning Center?
Good Question! Mt. Olive School staff is excited to teach children about nature, outdoors, things that grow, wildlife and how to take care of this wonderful world that God has made for us. We would like to turn the courtyard area into an outdoor exploration learning center. There would be a rain garden, science center, bird feeders, building area with natural supplies (logs, sticks, rocks etc….) natural tables and benches, sensory table and garden area. The area would be fenced in for safety with gates to allow entry to and from school. Recently the Report of the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod released a report called “Together With All Creatures – Caring for God’s Living Earth”. This report supports and encourages what we are doing! There are copies of the report in the church Library for those interested. This year we will focus our fundraising efforts on this project that will cost us about $12,000- $14,000. To date, we have raised just under $3000. Our goal is to begin excavation late next spring 2011. We will have several fundraisers to help us reach our goal. We will also pursue Grants to meet that goal. One of the EASIEST ways families can join us in this effort, is by make a tax deductable donation to the school for this project. Contact the school office to do so, or you may place a special offering in the plate marked “School OELC.” Any donations received in 2010 may be deducted on this current year’s tax. You will receive a receipt for your donation. Thanks for helping out!
What is happening with the Initiative to Read through the Bible in Two Years?
Good Question! Elder John Risse and Kim Deterding along with the entire Ministry staff continue to plan for this program. After meeting with our Volunteer congregation team in June, we decided to kick off the program on January 1, 2011 with Genesis. We will use the reading schedule as published in the Today's Light Bible. We encourage the use of the Today's Light Bible because it gives some short commentary before and after each day's reading which really helps you focus and grasp the meaning of the day's reading. We will have Today's Light Bibles available for purchase at the Welcome Desk for $20. We also realize that many of you will want to use your own Bible, so we will publish the reading schedule each week in the bulletin and monthly in the newsletter and on our web site. We are also planning to offer discussion group opportunities and strongly encourage all small groups to discuss current readings as their opening devotions or their main study. New plans are emerging each day! Watch for more details in the November newsletter!
Question: So what were the ‘Town Hall’ meetings about at the end of April and what’s next?
Good Question! The Town Hall Meetings on April 19/25 were a presentation of six major goals based on Mount Olive’s Vision. The goals were presented and then there were ‘table talks’ at separate tables about each of the goals. Approximately 110 people attended the meetings. 140+ ideas were shared about how to accomplish the goals. 39 people signed up to jump in and help us accomplished the goals. Since the Town Hall Meetings the goals have been revisited based on input and evaluation. Because of the size of the goals two were selected to be the major focus for the next two years. The other four were revised and/or downsized. All six will be re-presented at the Vision Assembly on June 2, 7:00PM. The two goals that will be the major focus are: ‘Read through the Bible in Two Years’ and ‘Elementary Youth for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade’.
Question: Do I need my envelope box if I use Simply Giving for my offering?
Good Question! Yes; you are assigned a contribution number which is associated with a particular box of envelopes. Therefore, your box of envelopes can not be used or assigned to anyone else. Because we order envelope boxes in sequential order, we must still order your box. We do not experience a cost savings regarding your envelope box. Also, there are many special giving opportunity envelopes in your box that you may want to use throughout the year. Please keep your box even if you use Simply Giving for the majority of your contributions.
Due to a change in the Thrivent sponsored Simply Giving program we are now paying the bank to administer each transaction for Simply Giving. While we still believe it is beneficial to use the Simply Giving program, we would suggest that, if possible, you would structure your contributions so that they happen once per month rather than every week. This will keep our costs to a very manageable level.
Good Question! Lent is a period of forty days of preparation leading up to Easter (celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead). The word “Lent” is actually the old Anglo-Saxon word for “Spring.” The forty days of preparation came from the forty days of fasting by which Jesus prepared Himself for His ministry – see Matthew 4:1-11. During this season of Lent we gather for worship on Wednesdays (at 11:00AM and 7:00PM) to journey to the cross where Jesus died for our sins and then to the empty grave where Jesus literally revealed Himself to be the Resurrection and the Life.
Question: How did we purchase a new sound board for our sanctuary?
Good Question! As part of the audio/visual equipment for Phase II, our Family Center, we needed a sound board. Therefore, we moved the current sound board in the sanctuary that was quickly getting too small and out-of-date to the Family Center where it would adequately suit our needs and purchased a new digital sound board for our sanctuary. Therefore, Phase II, Building-A-Bridge monies paid for this sound board.
Question: What is Stewardship?
Good Question! While a definition certainly cannot explain all there is to stewardship, it can provide direction for work in this important area of the church and our own lives. Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Where Biblical stewardship has been implemented both givers’ and receivers’ lives have been changed. Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking God for all the blessings we have received by returning a portion of the time, talents, and treasure allotted to us. Stewardship engenders a spirituality that deepens our relationship with the Lord. Stewardship is participating in His mission. Stewardship involves intentional, planned, and proportionate giving of our time, talent, and treasure. AND….. Biblical Stewardship IS FUN!! “… put your hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17
Question: What is the use of the medical red cross and white parament?
Good Question! This parament indicates CPR and AED trained. There are volunteers, who are trained, who will take the parament when they enter church and place it on the back of pew where they are seated. We then know that if a medical emergency arises, we can look for the location of the parament to find a person who is trained to help. Volunteers are not specifically scheduled for a service or weekend, but rather are instructed to take it with them to their seat if it is still available when they arrive. If you are CPR/AED trained and would like to volunteer during services you might attend, please call Kim Deterding at 763-421-7156 x 115.
Good Question! Ablaze! is a worldwide movement among LCMS and more than 30 partner Lutheran organizations to reach 100 million unreached and/or uncommitted people with the Gospel by 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Question: What is an Ablaze! Covenant Congregation?
Good question! Simply put, a Covenant Congregation is a congregation that will covenant with its respective district and also LCMS World Missions to plant up to four congregations by the year 2017. Watch the newsletter and bulletins for upcoming presentations on the Ablaze! Covenant Congregation and what it means to Mount Olive.
Question: How do I get someone from the church to visit me in the hospital?
Good Question! When you are admitted to the hospital and you are asked, “Do you have a religious affiliation?“ answer, “Mount Olive Lutheran Church”. Another good idea is to call the church ahead of time if you know you are going into the hospital so we can begin praying for you, or you can call the church from your hospital room.
Question: What is the purpose of VBS?
Good Question! The purpose of VBS is to follow our mission statement of living to love people to Christ. It is a very important outreach to children and their families. Most of the children attending are NOT from our congregation. Most of them are returning each year just for VBS. We have had many parents say how much the kids love coming each year.
Question: Why does VBS only go up to 4th Grade?
Good Question! We have watched VBS numbers for the last several years and the older the kids get, the busier they are. The older ones don't want to come but want to help instead - they think they are too old to go!! We changed the age limitation to match the CREED programs so that they may also earn service hours for helping with VBS.
Question: If I am already a Missouri Synod Lutheran, why do I have to go through Life 101 to become a member?
Good question! We ask every one interested in membership at Mount Olive to attend our Life 101 class for four reasons. First and more importantly, it is a great time to review and renew our faith. Life 101 takes participants through the foundation of our faith in Jesus Christ and what it means to walk with Him. Second, it is an opportunity for participants to get acquainted with Mount Olive. While every LCMS congregation shares a common confession of faith, each congregation has its own personality, history and vision. Life 101 is our chance to share that with new members. Third, new members meet one another. Relationships are the glue of the church. The ten weeks of Life 101 is an intentional season to connect people with people. And fourth, Life 101 is where new members meet the staff. While Pastor Heiden teaches most of the sessions, other staff members cover at least one session. In a sentence, Life 101 is a great opportunity to connect new members with their Lord, one another and our staff.
Question: What is happening with Phase 2 of ‘Building a Bridge’ and refurbishing the old sanctuary?
Good Question! Our Phase 2 design involved refurbishing the old sanctuary into a chapel using the original altar and building staff offices. A wall would be built to separate the two areas. The cost of this refurbishment is estimated to be about $330K.
The 3-year Building a Bridge Capital Fund pledge is $1,352,552. This money is to be used to first pay down the Phase 1 mortgage at $24,000/month and second fund the refurbishment. We have been holding off on starting the refurbishment until we have the $330K available from the capital fund.
During the time it has taken to accumulate the $330K, we have been rethinking the use of the old sanctuary and determined that Mount Olive's most critical space need is for a flexible room about the size of the old sanctuary for Sunday School openings and youth gatherings. Our decision for Phase 2 at this point is to turn the old sanctuary into a large flexible room preserving the original altar and utilizing flexible seating to meet this new need. The next step is to explain this new concept to the City of Anoka to determine what we need to do to meet building and accessibility codes and then to design the new concept. This change should reduce the cost of the refurbishment significantly and allow us to move forward and have the room ready this fall.
Good Question! H.O.M.E. is an acronym for Homes or Hearts Open for Ministry and Encouragement. We feel that the best place that has a warm safe environment and comfortable atmosphere is the home. That is why we encourage our small groups to meet in their homes. More importantly, is the Heart open to the Word. It grows the faith that fosters Christian community and fellowship, caring, loving attitude, prayer life and service/witness mind-set. So are you H.O.M.E. connected? If not or if you have questions, please contact Vicar Randy Stroming at 763.421.7156 x 102.
Question: Where does the money
go from each of these envelopes?
the pink one marked CURRENT EXPENSES, MISSIONS, BUILDING FUND
the white one marked BUILDING FUND
the yellow one marked CAPITAL FUND
Good Question!
• CURRENT EXPENSES, MISSIONS, BUILDING FUND envelope supports operating
expenses.
• The white “Building Fund” envelope supports building
maintenance.
• Capital Funds are monies raised through Capital Fund Campaigns to
support special needs such as building renovation, new construction, debt
reduction or retirement, new mission start, relocation, etc. At the present
time we have a “Building a Bridge” Capital Campaign to support
our Phase 2 renovation of the original sanctuary and to reduce the Phase
1 building debt. The yellow Capital Fund envelope is used to support this
capital campaign.
Question: What is a Vision Assembly?
Good Question! The Vision Assembly (VA) consists of all Mount
Olive voting members present at a regular or special meeting of the congregation.
The congregation, through the VA, shall have final authority in managing
Mount Olive’s internal and external affairs. Voting membership shall
be confirmed members in accordance with our Constitution who have attained
the age of 17 years. The VA shall meet at least twice a year. The spring
meeting’s major task is to hear and approve the next year’s
fiscal work program. The fall meeting’s major task is the election
of officers and Mission and Ministry Council (MMC) members. The day and
hour and agenda of the meetings shall be set by the MMC and publicized at
least one month in advance. Special meetings may be called by the President,
MMC or the Senior Pastor with no less than two weeks notice. The quorum
is 30 voting members present. Roberts’ Rule of Order is applied with
Christian courtesy and charity to govern all meetings.
Question: What is the role of a Christian Citizen in the United States?
Good Question! This is an especially good question on the heels of the elections on November 4th. There are two, of many passages, that help a Christian understand his/her role as a Christian citizen of the USA. The first is Matthew 5:13-16. The verse reads in part: "You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world ... let your light shine." Jesus calls us to live lives that do not blend in with the rest of the world but lives that shine His values, lives that season our culture with His truth. His values are summed up in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and summarized by Jesus Himself in two commands: "Love the Lord your God ... and Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40) One role we have as Christian Citizen in the USA is to live and to vote our values.
A second role can be located in 1 Timothy 2:1-5. It reads in part: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority." Another role we tend to neglect or downplay is the role of prayer. Never under estimate the difference your prayers make for everyone from the President of United States to your mayor to your next door neighbor.
Question: Why doesn’t the Lutheran Church talk about being a ‘born-again Christian’?
Good Question! The phrase “born again Christian” is generally used by those who say, in order to be a Christian you must have a conversion experience as an adult. Typically, you are told, ‘You must make a decision for Christ.’ In the Lutheran Church we believe your conversion experience happens at the waters of your baptism. The words “born again” that Jesus used in His conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-15) are two words that literally mean “born from above.” Whether we are brought to faith in Christ as an infant or as an adult – our conversion is from above. When God applies the water and His Word He comes from above and births spiritual and eternal life in us. Our physical birth was not our decision and our spiritual birth is not our decision. Now that He has given us spiritual and eternal life – Christ reigns in our hearts and in response to Him we decide to follow Him. In the Lutheran Church we believe people should be “born again/born from above” every day as they start their day at the empty cross – and there die to sin and be raised from above to live for Christ.
Question: What does “Miscellaneous” mean in the bulletin’s Financial Report?
Good Question! Items in the miscellaneous section of the Financial Report are basically reimbursed funds that are run through the tellers and reduce line items in the general budget. They would not be classified as budgeted offerings, but do have a positive impact on the budget so therefore are listed. It’s money that was deposited that we can use to pay other bills. For example, the Caribou coffee money, or the parish fellowship money, or money to offset youth resources or activities that was collected, or money collected for Crown Ministry books, etc.
Question: What is God's role in competition, both athletically and in business?
Good Question! It is exciting to see athletes, as well as business people, giving public witness to their faith in Jesus Christ. You are right, you will not find Biblical references to God's support of one side or another in athletic contests, except, of course for the possible exception of Notre Dame (NOT!)
This will be tough for Nebraska Cornhusker fans, or fans of any other team, to stomach, but God doesn't really care if Nebraska wins football games, or basketball games, or track competitions. He is however directly concerned about the development of His people to their full potential and with the virtues and principles to which they hold. The enjoyment of athletic contests, and cheering on one side or another needs to be kept in the proper perspective.
In regards to business similar principles though a slightly different dynamic may apply. God is indeed concerned about the welfare of His people and promises to watch over them (Psalm 121:3). Sometimes this may lead to business success and prosperity, at other times, due to competition, changing world markets, and business decisions, it may not lead to what our world may term "success". Our God is more than just an eternal ATM. What we can be certain of is that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that "all things work together for good for them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose."
Whatever the business climate, Christians are called to walk with integrity, and it is always safe to pray, "Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth (in my business) as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread..."
Question: How are we paying our current mortgage payment?
Good Question! In January 2005, the Congregation approved financing our Phase 1 addition with a mortgage loan from Lutheran Church Extension Fund. The Principal amount of our mortgage was $3,970,734 to be paid over 20 years. Our principal and interest (PI) payment during the first 5 years is amortized over 30 years and is $21,927/month.The Building the Bridge Capital Campaign funds were established to pay the mortgage and pay for Phase 2 renovation. We have paid $24,000/month applying an additional $2073/month toward reducing the principal. On 2/18/2010 our mortgage requires refinancing at the available rate amortized over the remaining 15 years. At this time our balance will be about $3,600,700. Our estimated PI payments over the last 15 years using a 5.75% rate would be $30,000/month. Money saved during the Phase 2 renovation will be applied to reduce the principal of our mortgage.
When MOLC refinances we will request LCEF or another bank to provide a 30 year contract. With a 30 year loan at 5.75% the PI monthly payment will be $19,170/month. If we continue to pay $24,000/month we will own the building in 18 years and 7 months or on September 18, 2028.
Mortgage payments of $24,000/month cost $312,000/year over and above our annual budget requiring additional funding support from the Building the Bridge Capital Campaign. Our goal is to add the mortgage payment into the operational budget and eliminate the need for capital fund drives. Adding the mortgage payments to the annual budget in one year would increase our annual budget to $1,259,200 (a 33% increase). That is too large an impact in one year and would have to be implemented over several years. For example if we increase the operational budget 6%/year to support the mortgage payment then it would take 6 years to fully incorporate the mortgage payment into the operational budget. With this plan we need at least two more 3-year capital fund campaigns to support the mortgage until the General Fund contributions have grown to cover the mortgage payments.
Question: Why do we have a foodshelf?
Good Question! After all, there is that other big one in town. (ACBC) We strive to be different. Our goal is to feed our neighbors with both physical and spiritual food. Consenting Clients (around 95% of them) are prayed with and given Bibles. All are invited to church. Some respond to our invitations to avail themselves of other support groups or services here at Mount Olive. The more often they are here feeling the love and care of Jesus, the more likely they will want to pursue a relationship with Him. That's why we have a Foodshelf.
Question: What has been going on with the Networking Group?
Good Question! The Mount Olive Networking group has been meeting for 6 months with a total of 33 attendees averaging 12 people per week. We have had 8 people find employment to date. The toughest group to find employment are for people who have been in the manufacturing segment, with companies like McLean, Hoffman Engineering and other facilities laying off. The group has also been great for our local outreach efforts. Of the 33 people, 14 are members of Mount Olive, 15 are not members and 4 are interested in becoming members. Prior to our meeting, experts stated 80% of new jobs come from networking. The experts these days state it is now closer to 85-92%, so any job opportunities you are aware of are greatly appreciated! Note: The Networking group meets at Mount Olive on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM. Contact Scott Schwarz at 763.898.6985 for more information.
Question: What is the Human Needs Ministry doing?
Good Question! The Human Needs ministry is doing great! Our funds are a little down due to the amount of families we have helped. With utilities, house payments, gas and stocking the Foodshelf, we have dispersed over $25,700 out of our account from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. We are so grateful for your contributions and for valuing this outreach into our community. The ministry (which includes the Foodshelf and Hands for Christ ministries) is funded solely from contributions and not from our general budget. The majority of assistance is in our community serving over 450 families and over 125 families in our own congregation. If you find a little extra cash in your pocket, donate to the Human Needs ministry. A little bit goes a long way in helping those in need. Thank you for your support!
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