Newsletter - Mt. Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church

y first paycheck. $100! A one with two zeroes behind it! It didn’t matter that I spent a week mowing and weedeating around trees and raking sand traps and setting cups at a golf course. It didn’t matter that I sweltered under a hot July sun. It didn’t matter that I earned minimum wage. It had my name on it. I earned it. Some people put the first dollar they earned in a frame and hang it on the wall, but mine, mine was going straight into the bank.

There is another paycheck that I’m not so excited to take to the bank or to see hanging over my head. It comes in the form of guilt pricking my conscience far deeper than a thistle could ever penetrate my skin. Sometimes I see it when my temper flares hotter than the summer sun.

I feel it when I know I should be more considerate, more caring and more loving toward others around me. So I work harder to do what’s right and try harder to do better than before, but still it never seems to be enough. And it isn’t enough, because the Bible tells me the wages of my sin is death—and it’s your paycheck, too.

But there is another way, and it doesn’t come by earning, but by receiving. It’s not a paycheck. It’s a gift that has been bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus, earned by his death on the cross and shared freely with you. The Bible says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” In Jesus, we are given what we don’t deserve: eternal life. We have something that will last forever. It will never run out, be used up or be taken away.

That takes all the pressure off, doesn’t it? Instead of the failures of our past, we can look to Jesus’ perfect life of love. Instead of the pressures of tomorrow, we can look to the promise of eternal life that is already won for us by Jesus’ dying and rising from the dead. As a result, life is not a burden, but a gift to enjoy always.

Thank You – We want to acknowledge with gratitude the following:

- Thanks for the copier cost – A few months ago, we found out that we had incurred a significant bill due to overages on our copier during the length of our lease. Some stepped forward and paid off the fee in full. As a result, we are now monitoring copies much more closely so that it doesn’t happen again in the future.

- Thanks for the church printer – When the printer in pastor’s office was no longer working, there was a generous donation for another one. A functioning printer is essential to our work here (ex. Sunday bulletin, Bible class, confirmation instruction, etc.). The recent equipment addition does a nice and neat job.

- Thanks for the continual offerings – A letter was placed in member boxes last month highlighting our current financial situation. Regular and customary offerings are necessary for the real and continued work of our church. We are appreciative of all that is placed into the Sunday offering plates out of love for God.

While the people are unknown to us, they are known to God. And the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Again, thank you to all.

New Members – These individuals have joined Mt. Olive by way of transfer:

- Joe and Erin D. and their children Hannah, Brett, and Reed from Rock of Ages Ev. Lutheran Church (Kansas City, MO)

- Austin B. from Christ the Lord Ev. Lutheran Church (Houston, TX)

- Nick G. from Christ the Lord Ev. Lutheran Church (Houston, TX)

Introduce yourself to them so that they can get familiar with your names and you can get to know them. We pray that we all will be an encouragement and a blessing to one another.

Voters’ Meeting – The quarterly Voters’ meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 24, at 11:45 AM. We gather to discuss the ongoing work of Mt. Olive.

Evangelism

- Texas Troupe – Two years ago, Pastor Hering brought a group of teens from his church in Garland (Divine Peace Ev. Lutheran Church). Another cast of characters is coming here with him the last weekend in July (29-31). They will hand out flyers for us on Friday, raft down the Illinois River on Saturday, and join us for worship on Sunday.

It continues to be in the planning stages, but we are looking at having an outdoor service in a neighborhood park followed by a picnic when they are here. We are going to need some helping hands for a number of different jobs. Feel free to volunteer so that all will go smoothly.

- School of Outreach – The WELS Commission on Evangelism conducts workshops around the synod. The idea is to help a congregation with their outreach efforts. There is a “School of Outreach” in our neck of the woods on September 10 (Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, Lowell, AR). It goes from 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM. We would like as many as possible from our congregation to attend. If you are interested in going, please speak to Dave F.

- Encore Concert – WELS Christian contemporary songwriter and singer, Chris D., was here in October of 2007. It is possible that he will be returning to Oklahoma in October. We are thinking of inviting him to entertain us again. It would be a great opportunity to invite our community and comrades for an enjoyable concert.

Submitted by Dave F.

Chairman of the Board of Evangelism

Synod convention – Every other year delegates from around the synod (pastors, teachers, and laymen) meet to chart the course of our church body for the next two years. Luther Prep School in Watertown, WI, will host this year’s convention (July 25-29).

To learn more, check the July issue of Forward in Christ, pages 22-24. You will also be able to watch live coverage and see the latest news at www.wels.net/convention.

Prayer for our Country

Lord God, you reign over all people and rule in all places. On Independence Day, we especially consider and contemplate the blessings that we have in the United States of America. They all come to us from your love. You are worthy of our thanks and praise.

Lord God, you keep us in your care and you call us to share your saving Word with all. We ask that you continue to hear our words and help our witness as we enjoy the freedom to worship in this land.

Lord God, you put people in positions of leadership in national and local government to protect the good and punish the evil. Cause us to listen to them and pray for them so that we may have calm and quiet lives. Watch over those who serve in the armed forces at home and around the world as well as those who maintain peace and safety in our communities. Strengthen the homes of our nation so that love and respect might grow.

Look with favor upon our nation and preserve our cherished liberties. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.