Mount Olive is beginning an exciting new chapter. Work is underway to replace the roof and upgrade our heating and cooling systems. On September 15 (and 24), a large crane arrived in the lower parking lot to lift HVAC units from a flatbed truck. Inside, staff could hear gravel being removed from the roof—a clear sign that the project had begun.

Yet the construction project is only one part of this new chapter. The other is our ministry enhancement campaign, Blessed to be a Blessing. A new roof and upgraded heating and cooling systems may not sound inspiring, but they are essential to Mount Olive’s ministry. Twenty-two years ago, the congregation took a tremendous leap of faith by building our current Welcome and Worship Centers. In 2004, we stood on the shoulders of those who came before us and trusted the Lord to provide guidance, leadership, and faith strong enough to move mountains.

Today, Mount Olive is taking another leap of faith. God continues to bless this congregation. During my time as your pastor, I have seen our faith deepen, enthusiasm for ministry grow, and hope for the future flourish. Blessed to be a Blessing will build on that momentum by helping us grow in faith, celebrate what the Lord is doing among us, and follow where the Holy Spirit leads Mount Olive in Anoka and the surrounding communities.

Lately, I have been reflecting on the many blessings God has given Mount Olive. He has blessed us with a faithful staff whose members continue to grow as a team and in their individual ministries. He has also blessed us with dedicated volunteers who generously offer their time and gifts in hospitality, Bible study, Sunday school, worship, congregational leadership, and many other areas. Every person who serves is a blessing to Mount Olive. Above all, God has blessed us with His Son. Jesus is the reason we are here, the reason we worship, and the reason we sing, pray, praise, and play.

I invite you to reflect on the blessings you have received from the Lord. During October, you will be invited to a Cottage Meeting led by one of our Elders. Together, you will consider the Lord’s blessings and how you might respond in faith. On Sunday, November 15, you will have an opportunity to put that response in writing. Please pray about your commitment and ground it in gratitude for all our loving God has provided. By reaching the Blessed to be a Blessing goal, we can strengthen other areas of ministry and share the Lord’s abundant blessings with the Mount Olive family and the wider community.

This is an exciting journey. Although it may sometimes feel daunting, we can move forward with confidence, trusting that our great and loving God will be with us every step of the way.

In His Service,

Pastor Paul Frerichs 

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