2023-2025: Changing of the Guard
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
The years of 2023 – 2025 were filled with change and excitement! Except for Pr. Walt Harper and office administrator, Mary Keller, the entire staff changed.
Long-time choir director, Karen Meetze, retired in June 2023, followed by organist, Marilyn Bauer in November.
Church council began searching to fill these positions, while the Call Committee continued its search for an Associate Pastor. In October, Pr. Colin Ford of Traverse City, Michigan, accepted the call. His installation was held on November 5, 2023 followed by a congregational fellowship celebration!
Lay Minister Bill Boykin, who was planning to retire at the end of 2023, retired after Pr. Colin’s transition to Mount Olive. Because of the busy Advent and Christmas seasons, the celebration of Bill’s ministry was held the middle of January 2024.
Searching for an organist and choir director took some time. In the interim, Renee Harper stepped up to coordinate special music by soloists, instrumental ensembles, and the handbell choir so that the worship services would not be lacking. The organ duties fell to the elders and their learning to use the iPad organ software in between the weekends where there were substitute organists.
At last, in July 2024, the talented Catherine Black was hired as church organist! She was installed on July 21st. Renee Harper applied for, and was officially hired as choir director soon after. Renee and Catherine enjoy working together to grow the music program.
Groundskeeper, Merle Weed retired December 2024. Merle’s son, Eric, followed in his father’s footsteps and was hired as the new groundskeeper in time for the 2024 mowing season.
On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, Pr. Colin & Mrs. Abigail Ford were married in Aiken. Their family celebration in Wisconsin and Michigan followed in May. After a busy summer, a wedding reception was held at Mount Olive in August. Sadly, Pr. Colin resigned in October 2025 to return to the Michigan – Wisconsin area to be nearer to family and friends.
In the spring of 2025, Preschool Director, Anna Brent announced that it was time for her to move on. After interviewing several candidates, the Preschool Board announced that longtime teacher, Jamie Burns would become its third director. Since Jamie was very familiar with the preschool, she seamlessly transitioned into the director role for 2025-26, the 19th year of the preschool!
In September 2025, upon completing the Southeastern District’s Lay Deacon program, Elder Robert Fong was installed as a deacon. He is one of our Elders and leads our Senior Retirees Ministry, is involved with our Small Group Ministry, and has done some preliminary work with Operation Barnabas, the Synod’s ministry to service members.
2023-2026: Making Improvements to our Facilities
“Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is Your Faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23 ESV
In recent years, the Mount Olive congregation has continued to strive to be a good steward of its resources. The last major building project began in 1999 and was completed in 2002, so it was time to undertake major maintenance. It was necessary to have a new roof in January 2024 as the old one was beginning to fail. The parking lot was repaired and resealed soon after. For several years, the church has considered connecting to the city sewer system, an expensive undertaking. After much research into both systems, the trustees learned that our septic tanks were functioning well and with routine maintenance, they would last several more years.
In the spring of 2025, the Board of Worship began looking into the purchase of a new organ as the 2002 organ was in its final days. After much research and visits to area churches to learn about their organs, the board determined that an Allen Organ would be the best option. They proposed that we have an organ fundraiser to raise the nearly $100,000, and in only four months, the monies were raised, and in time to receive a discount! Each Allen Organ is custom built to best fit the church and its acoustics so we had to wait on the process. On December 8, 2025, our new organ was installed and ready for Catherine to play for the Sunday worship services on the 14th!
After the busy Christmas, Lent, and Easter seasons, the Organ Dedication was scheduled for Sunday afternoon, April 12, 2026. Oyeniran Oyedeji, from Pr. Walt’s former church in Connecticut, flew down to be our guest organist. Our own Catherine Black accompanied him on the piano. The dedication and concert were followed by a reception to thank the congregation for their support. Our own Megan Weed & Brandy Maye’s catering company, Rodgers’ Creations LLC provided the spread of food for the reception.
2023-2026: New Ministries
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for
everyone else, just as ours does for you.” I Thessalonians 3:12
Mount Olive has been blessed with a growing, thriving congregation and is always looking for ways to connect its members. Several small groups have formed in recent years. The Senior Retirees Ministry group began in 2023. The group’s members rotate to provide devotionals and snacks, and enjoy each other’s company and prayers. The Women’s’ Book Club connects women of all ages as they delve into Christian Bible studies, fellowship, and prayer time. There is an in-home Bible study that meets in the Lexington area, too.
The Board of Social Ministry has expanded our church’s outreach opportunities in the community. There are drives throughout the year to support ministries such as Sharing God’s Love, Birthright of Columbia, Lighthouse for Life, and SisterCare. At Christmas time, there is a drive to collect gifts for those in need. Our congregation surely excels in giving!
There has been a migration of young adults and young families to Mount Olive in recent years. The church has been intentional in developing activities to connect them: potlucks, movies, recreational activities, and family outings. And now, these young adults have begun to accept leadership roles in the church from congregational officers to board members to choir members to Sunday School teachers to Vacation Bible School director and staff.
In closing, The Holy Spirit is surely working in His Mount Olive Lutheran Church. We pray that the church will continue to thrive and grow in its knowledge and love of Jesus Christ as we worship, pray for each other, study the Word, and enjoy fellowship.