As we enter the season of Lent, we encourage you to make worship a priority in the weeks ahead. Lent gives us space to slow down, refocus, and walk together in repentance and hope as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

Lenten Midweek Services will be held Wednesdays — March 4, 11, 18, and 25 — at 6:00 PM, led by Pastor Ken Tatkenhorst. Supper will be served beginning at 5:15 PM in the Coffee Shop and Cana Hall, offering a warm meal and time for fellowship before worship. These evenings are a meaningful way to gather around God’s Word, sing, pray, and remember Christ’s journey to the cross for us. As we pray in Psalm 51, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” Lent helps center our hearts on what matters most.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 29, with services at 8:00 and 10:30 AM, led by Pastor Jon Haakana. We will celebrate with a special palm processional led by our children as we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It’s a joyful start to a powerful week.

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 6:00 PM, Pastor Ken Tatkenhorst will lead us as we remember the night Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. We are especially excited that our 1st Communion students will receive their First Communion that evening — a meaningful milestone for them and for our church family.

On Good Friday, April 3, at 6:00 PM, we gather in a darkened sanctuary to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice. We hear the words, “It is finished,” and we leave in silence, remembering the weight and the wonder of the cross.

Then comes Easter Sunday, April 5, with worship at 8:00 and 10:30 AM, Holy Communion at both services, led by Pastor Ken Tatkenhorst. Between services, we invite everyone to join us for Easter Breakfast to support our Youth Ministry — a great opportunity for fellowship and celebration together. We rejoice in the good news: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

This season reminds us that we are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and forever His. Make worship part of your Lenten journey. Invite someone to come with you. Walk with us from the palms to the cross to the empty tomb — and celebrate the hope that is ours in Christ.

We are thankful to share that Pastor Paul Frerichs, the pastor we have Called to serve as our next Senior Pastor, is prayerfully considering the Call to Mount Olive Lutheran Church. During the weekend of March 6–8, Pastor Frerichs will be visiting with our church leaders and staff as part of his discernment process. His time with us will conclude on Sunday, March 8, when he will join us for worship. We encourage you to take this opportunity to meet Pastor Frerichs, as there will be time for fellowship between services and again following the late service during lunch in Cana Hall. Please continue to keep Pastor Frerichs, his family, and our congregation in your prayers as he seeks the Lord’s guidance in this important decision. 

Read more from our Newsletter