Our Parish Life
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42
Church is where we come together to worship God. It’s also where we make friends and build community. It’s where we’re connected to resources to serve others. Mount Olive invites you to participate in the activities that make our Parish Life special.
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE
The mission of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is to assist each woman of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world.
LUTHERAN MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST
The men at Mount Olive are invited to participate in a fellowship prayer breakfast that meets in the fellowship hall on the third Saturday of each month, September through May. The men gather at 8:00 AM where they share a freshly cooked breakfast followed by a brief devotion or Bible study from the pastors or lay minister. A love offering is collected that is used for community outreach ministry. The group concludes with prayer at 9:00 AM.
FLU SHOT CLINIC
In October, Mount Olive hosts a Flu Shot Clinic sponsored by Publix Pharmacy. This year, 61 people received their vaccinations. Pictured above are members of the congregation and their friends completing the paperwork prior to receiving their shots.
GOLFING GROUP
A group of avid golfers join together the second Saturday of each month for a round of golf. If you would like to participate, contact the church office.
MOUNT OLIVE YOUTH GROUP
Mount Olive’s Senior High Youth Group is active in activities such as Bible study, service, and outreach projects. Every three years, the group attends the LCMS National Youth Gathering with thousands of other Lutheran youth! Pictured above, the youth prepare for their Sub Sunday fundraiser for the 2016 National Youth Gathering. Below are some photos from the July 2019 NYG in Minneapolis.
MEALS FOR THE HOMEBOUND
Members distribute food from a local restaurant once a week to our homebound and to others who have a need such as an illness or dire circumstances. Others come later to make quick visits and distribute the meals.
SUNDAY POTLUCK MEALS
Mount Olive’s Board of Fellowship hosts potluck luncheons throughout the year. Everyone brings scrumptious dishes to share and nobody leaves hungry! Often, the meals will have themes or there will be a special presentation by one of the church groups. Refer to “Parish Updates” for dates of upcoming meals.
RALLY DAY CHURCH PICNIC
The last Sunday of August is designated for our Sunday school kick-off, Rally Day. The congregation usually enjoys a picnic hosted by the Board of Christian Education. After lunch, members of all ages participate in activities and fellowship. The following week, the first Sunday in September, the new program year for our Sunday school begins.
WORK DAYS & SEASONAL DECORATING
Throughout the year, our members join together to complete projects around our buildings and grounds. These activities range from cleaning everything in the kitchen, decorating for Christmas, setting up for fellowship meals, or organizing storage areas. We work hard because our work is for the Lord!
Our Board of Elders
The Elders are men noted for their Christian knowledge, zeal, and experience in the spiritual work of the Kingdom of Christ. They are the spiritual advisors of the congregation, and by the grace of God, ensure that Lutheran doctrine and Christian discipline are preserved in the congregation. They are examples of Christian conduct and Christian witness. They assist the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the congregation. Each elder has a Care Group of members for which he takes spiritual charge and oversight as an extension of the Pastor.
The 2022-23 Elders are:
Dennis Dixon (Chairman)
Chris Bauer, Kim BouFawaz
David Buck, Stuart Dalton
Randy Gifford, Eddie Magic
Hunter Robinson &
Dan Zahn
Our Church Council
Mount Olive’s Church Council is comprised of the church officers, board/ committee chairpersons, and our pastor & lay minister (ex-officio). The group meets monthly to discuss business, prepare the budget, plan quarterly voter’s meetings, and to present updates. The chairpersons provide for the ongoing management, planning, and evaluation of their programs and activities. The 2022-23 Church Council members are:
Church Officers:
President, Jim Crosland
Vice President, Jason Dennis
Secretary, Noelle Franzen
Treasurer, Vacant
Financial Secretary, Vacant
Board Chairpersons:
Worship, Gloria Meetze & Joy Fletcher
Public Relations, Sue Strouse
Preschool, Page Fletcher
Social Ministry, Mary Keller
Stewardship, Naven Olson
Evangelism, Richard Shealy
Education, Liezl Baden
Trustees, James Sharpe
Elders, Dennis Dixon
Parish Fellowship, Jill Brabham
Committee Chairpersons:
Finance, Bill Boykin
Nominating, Jason Dennis
Space Utilization, Peggy Weed
Call Committee, Hunter Robinson
Preschool Fundraiser
Mount Olive’s Preschool hosts two annual fundraisers. Each November, the Tree of Thanksgiving Fundraiser reminds the Mount Olive congregation of the Christian blessing that the preschool is in the community and to offer monetary support. In the spring, the congregation and preschool families enjoy sharing a meal and fun activities. The 2020 fundraiser was Love Your Neighbor: A Valentine’s Soiree, an evening beginning with a baked chicken meal, followed by entertainment, music, a silent auction, and a lively oral auction!
Unfortunately, the 2021 event was not held because of safety restrictions during the pandemic.
Guided Painting Class & Fellowship
Mt. Olive has been hosting a guided painting class several times a year hosted by one of our members. At the last event, the group painted Christmas in June. In September, the theme is Fall Pumpkins & Leaves. People of all ages are welcome to attend. Please call the church to register and bring $3 to cover the cost of the supplies.
The Safety Team
Mt. Olive is developing a Safety Team that will plan, coordinate, and respond to medical emergencies, weather related emergencies, fire emergencies, and situational emergencies. A brief overview of the Safety Team is attached.
Hanging Out with Friends
Sometimes those who are involved in ministry together decide to “hang out” in a totally unrelated activity. Pictured above are members of the choir and handbells along with their spouses at a Columbia Fireflies baseball game. Everyone enjoyed the evening and the fellowship.
