olivet onthly beacon · 2019. 3. 25. · beitzah—a hard-boiled egg is a symbol of life. even in...

MONTHLY BEACON Volume 10, Number 4 April 2017

Sharing the Light and the Love of Our Lord

OLIVET

Holy Week and Easter Services at Olivet Come Worship With Us!

April 9 Palm Sunday

April 13 Maundy Thursday - 7:00 p.m. - Seder Meal, Worship Service & Holy Communion

April 14 Good Friday - 7:00 p.m. - Tenebrae Service and Worship Drama

April 15 Easter Saturday - 5:30 p.m. - Worship and Holy Communion

April 16 Easter Sunday - 6:00 a.m. - Sunrise Service and Worship Drama

8:00 & 10:00 a.m. - Easter Worship & Message with Holy Communion

10:00 a.m. - Special Easter Kids’ Church

A Seder is a religious ceremony which celebrates the liberation of the Israel-ites from servitude in Egypt. The word "seder" means "order" in Hebrew, referring to the parts of the Seder ritual which are observed in a specific sequence. Each item is sym-bolic and represents specific parts of the story.

Join us on Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. to participate in a Seder meal and worship service. Please RSVP at the Connection Center, mark the back of your worship card, or contact the church office.

What is a Seder Meal? What is served at a Seder Meal? Karpas—Greens (parsley or lettuce) are used to symbolize the com-ing of spring. It is dipped in salt water, representing the tears of the people of Israel when they were slaves.

Matzah—Unleavened bread-the bread of poverty and affliction. The bread is unleavened as there was no time to let it rise before they left Egypt.

Maror—Bitter herbs, usually horseradish, represents the bitterness of slavery and is typically eaten on a piece of matzah.

Charoseth—A sweet mixture of chopped apples, dates, nuts and juice represents the mortar used to construct buildings for Pharaoh.

Beitzah—A hard-boiled egg is a symbol of life. Even in the most pain-ful of times, there is always hope for a new beginning.

Z’roa—The lamb shank bone is a visual reminder of the special sacri-ficial lamb offered by the Israelites before leaving Egypt.

Olivet Monthly Beacon 2

From the desk of Pastor Dave

Pastor Dave

You forgot the cross!

“You forgot the cross.” That is how our conversation began. I was talking with one of the men from Brickl Brothers Construction. They had just finished using a crane to lower the two cupolas on the new building in place. They had roughed in the cupolas and shin-gled both of them, but no cross.

The man from the construction team apologized and said it was his fault. He said things were happening so fast that the detail of the crosses were overlooked. I told him we are not here to find fault but to find a solution. He assured me that they will make it right and the two crosses have been ordered and they will be in-stalled as soon as they arrive.

The purpose of my article this month is not to point out an over-sight during construction, but to point to a greater truth.

In our own lives, if we are not mindful, we too can get so busy doing life that we can forget the cross of Jesus. Life is good and life can get very busy. The problem is that we can get so caught up in this brief temporary life that we lose sight of what is eternal. We get so focused on our careers, entertainment and our “stuff” that we lose sight of the cross.

Paul said in Galatians 6:14… “As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's inter-est in me has also died.”

When we look to the cross, we see how God has dealt with sin and how God has dealt with death. God has given His only Son to die on the cross for us. Because of the cross, God has defeated our two worst ene-mies—sin and death. The message of the cross is that the two worst enemies that have plagued us have been defeated.

We are called to serve others like the One who died on the cross for us. We are called to point to the cross and tell others so they too may know the power of the cross. We are called to worship the one who died on the cross.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. 25 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it. 26 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole

world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?’” Matthew 16:24-26 NLT

How many people do we know and love that are won-derful people, but that have become so distracted with this temporary life that they too have forgotten the cross. Let’s be prayerful as we approach Easter and invite others to gather with us around the cross.

I also know that sometimes it is hard to point to the cross for others because we are going through a dif-

ficult time ourselves. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by the events in our lives. Sometimes we can feel as if the darkness of this world is winning. When that hap-pens we must remember...don’t forget the cross!

They thought they had defeated Him. The one that the people were calling their King. The one who said that He is the I Am. The powers that be at the time of Je-

sus nailed Him to the cross and killed Him. They killed Jesus. They killed the one who was supposed to be the hope of the world. The one who was sup-posed to free the people from oppression, both physi-cal and spiritual.

The followers of Jesus thought their hope was gone. Not even Jesus, who performed signs and wonders the people had never seen before, could come back from this. The one who was more concerned about relationships than religiosity. They thought surely this Jesus could not beat death. So much for the promise, so much for liberation, so much for a new world. It’s over folks, wrap it up and go home, Jesus is dead.

You’ve already finished this story haven’t you?

BUT, three days later….

JESUS DEFEATED DEATH!

I’ll see you at the cross Holy Week and Easter!

“Sharing the Light and the Love of Our Lord” 3

From the desk of Pastor Andrew

Pastor Andrew

A week after enjoying spring-like temperatures in the 60’s and seeing people in t-shirts, I’m looking at a winter wonderland out my window and people bun-dled up in their parkas! But this too shall quickly change as the forecast for later in the week is warmer temperatures and a return to spring.

This weather seems like a metaphor for our rapidly changing lives. One day, we’re enjoying the won-drous blessings of God—health, family, relation-ships—and the next day, we’re suddenly experiencing family conflict, an unwelcome diagnosis, or a job layoff. These sudden shifts can be disorienting, espe-cially when there’s no advanced warning. The story of the disciples on the boat testifies to the unpredict-ability of life—one moment they’re enjoying gentle breezes on their boat, the next minute, the storm hits! There’s wind, pelting rain, and their boat is get-ting tossed every which way! Several of the disciples are seasoned fishermen and used to sudden squalls, but this storm is life-threatening and they’re scared to death. And they quickly give voice to their ques-tion: “where’s Jesus in the middle of this storm?!”

Indeed, Jesus is still with them in the boat, but he’s down below sleeping peacefully like a baby, even as the storm threatens to capsize the boat. Wow! The disciples don’t know what to think! Their first thought is, “don’t you CARE that we’re about to die, Lord?” It’s tempting to blame or question God when we’re getting buffeted by the winds and storms of life, and the disciples do just that. Jesus joins them on the deck, looks at the storm, and speaks directly into it, “peace be still”—and the wind and the waves obey! The storm never had the power to overturn God’s purposes or separate the disciples from Jesus. But Jesus in his mercy demonstrated his power over the storm by bringing calm for his fright-ened disciples.

A happy ending? Surely. But that is not the end of the story. Jesus then turns to his disciples and asks them, “why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” It’s a gentle reminder that the disciples had been with Jesus for quite a while by this point; they had witnessed his love, his provision, his grace, and his power, but still there was a reluctance to trust him “when the chips were down.”

It’s a teachable moment for them, and for us. The temptation is to fixate on the miracle of Jesus calm-

ing the storm and assuming that’s the biggest answer to their prayers. The far greater provision, though, is that Jesus was and will be with the disciples (and us) no matter what is happening all around. That’s faith: that we recognize and trust Jesus in every season of life, always confident that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Verse two of the wonderful hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” captures this perfectly:

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above. Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

“I am the LORD, and I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)


~ April 2017 ~ Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5:30pm Worship

2 8am Worship/HC 8:30am Bible Fellowship

10am Worship 10am Kids’ Church

3 4:15pm Special Needs Bible Study

6-7:30pm Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed.

4 7am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Co-ed Bible Study 10:30am Prayer Circle

11:45am Deacons Meeting 6pm Prayer Gathering

6:45pm Co-ed Bible Study

7pm Co-ed Bible Study 7pm AA

5 10am Co-ed Bible Study 5:45pm Soup & Sandwich Supper (Hosted by the Men of Olivet) 7pm Lenten Worship

6 11:30am Forks & Hammers Lunch

12:30pm Building Crew Meeting

6:30pm Recovery Bible Study

6:30pm Musicians Rehearsal

7 6:30am Men’s Bible Breakfast 7:30am Men’s Prayer Group

8 5:30pm Worship/Holy Communion

9 PALM SUNDAY 8am Worship/HC 8:30am Bible Fellowship 9:10am Connections Team Meeting 10am Worship/ Holy Communion 10am Kids’ Church

10 4:30pm Holy Stretch

11 7am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Co-ed Bible Study 10:30am Prayer Circle 6pm Prayer Gathering

6pm Vision Board Mtg.

6:30pm Leadership Team 6:45pm Co-ed Bible Study


12 10am Co-ed Bible Study

5pm Evangelism Team Meeting

5:30pm Music Team Rehearsal

6pm Bible 101

6:15pm Youth Minis-tries Family Dinner

6:45pm Confirmation Drama Rehearsal 6:45pm Youth Group

13 Maundy

Thursday

11:30am Forks & Hammers Lunch


7pm Seder Meal, Worship Service & Holy Communion

14 Good Friday

6:30am Men’s Bible Breakfast 7:30am Men’s Prayer Group 7pm Tenebrae Service & Drama

15 Easter

Saturday 5:30pm Worship/Holy Communion

16 EASTER 6am Sunrise Service 8am Worship/HC

10am Worship/HC 10am Kids’ Church

17 Monthly Beacon Deadline

4:15pm Special Needs Bible Study

4:30pm Holy Stretch

6-7:30pm Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed.

MONDAY MEALS

18 7am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9:15am Co-ed Bible Study 10:30am Prayer Circle

11am Staff Meeting (offsite) 6pm Prayer Gathering



19 10am Co-ed Bible Study 6pm Bible 101


6:45pm Confirmation 6:45pm Youth Group

20 10am -1pm LCMC Ministerium



7pm Bible Books


22 9-11am Youth Drama Rehearsal

11:30am-1pm Ladies’ Hats Off to Spring Tea

5:30pm Worship/Holy Communion

23 8am Worship/HC 8:30am Bible Fellowship

10am Worship/Holy Communion/Youth Drama

11:30am-1pm New Member Class

1-3 Prayer Shawl

24 4:30pm Holy Stretch

25 7am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Co-ed Bible Study 10:30am Prayer Circle 6pm Prayer Gathering



26 10am Co-ed Bible Study 6pm Bible 101


6:45pm Confirmation 6:45pm Youth Group

27 11:30am Forks & Hammers Lunch




29 5:30pm Worship & New Member Welcome

30 8am Worship/HC/New Member Wel-come 8:30am Bible Fellowship

10am Worship/New Member Welcome 10am Kids’ Church


Continued on page 18 . . .

Worship Assistants for April April 1-2 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Linda Levan Alice Ackerman Keith Baker

Ushers: Mark & Linda Levan Bill & Jane Binnebose G. Groth & N. Arens/M. Bayer/A. Prokes

Greeters: Anne Zeisler & Barb Dearman Erna Brauer & Chuck Huth Gerald & Betty Baldner

Communion n/a Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew n/a

Helpers: Dennis & Donna Bentzen

Acolyte: Nick Teff Kora Munkelwitz Alex Knerzer

Nursery: Open-not staffed Terra Evett Terra Evett

Counters: Betty Fagan & Donna Kemp Jan Pearson & Teri Houlihan Carol Barney & Cindy Lefevre

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Toni Groshek Dale Groshek

Connection Center: Lucine Grafft n/a Sandie Perry

Altar Guild: Denise Serres Erna Brauer Brandon Ferris

Kids' Church: Bianca Smith Wed., April 5 Lent V 7pm Readers: Keith Baker Ushers: Shelly Nelson & Conner Knerzer Greeters: Carleen Marker & Corah Nelsestuen Acolyte: Nick Teff Nursery: Counters: Bob Schneider & M. Doolittle Sound Tech: Toni Groshek Connection Center: Judie Doolittle April 8-9 (Palm Weekend) Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Carla Swerman Tim Ackerman Patti Barney

Ushers: Ray & Denise Serres Nelleen Noack & John Olson Mike & Cyndi Karlovich

Greeters: Bruce & Kathy Vongroven Gina Mikrut & Doug Olson Mark & Sharon Hellerud

Communion Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew PD/PA/N. Arens/M. Howard

Helpers: Rod & Carla Swerman Bill & Jane Binnebose B. & P. Barney/A. & E. Eklov

Acolyte: Nick Tilson Emma Snodgrass Pierce Nelson

Nursery: Open-not staffed Julie Coates Julie Coates

Counters: Bob Schneider & M. Doolittle E. Brauer & Donna Bentzen Nancy Arens & Marci Storey

Sound Tech: Jason Knipe Kevin Josephson Patrick Strain

Connection Center: Judie Doolittle n/a Cindy Plopper

Altar Guild: Kathy Vongroven Marianne Shugrue Penny Becker

Kids' Church: Chord LeClaire Maundy Thursday April 13 @ 7PM Reader: TBD Nursery:

Ushers: Jim & Marianne Shugrue Counters: Nancy Arens & Vol. needed

Greeters: Gary & Marsha Vance Sound Tech: Jason Knipe

Communion PD/S. Plopper/S. Bell/

Connection Center: Cindy Plopper

Helpers: T. Gibbons/C. & S. LeCleir Altar Guild: Denise Serres

Acolyte: Stan Bell Good Friday April 14 @ 7PM Reader: Pastor Luanne Sorenson Sound Tech: Kevin Josephson

Ushers: Bill & Jane Binnebose Connection Center: Judie Doolittle

Greeters: D.& L. Sorenson Altar Guild: Linda Liethen

Nursery:


Church Contacts/E-mail Addresses

Ministers…………………………………...... .All Members of Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. David J. Baldukas…………………[email protected]

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. Andrew Fortuine……………………[email protected]

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. Luanne Sorenson…………………[email protected]

Church Administrator……………………..Dorothy Payne………………………………[email protected]

Office Support………………………………..Toni Groshek…………………………………[email protected]

Weekend Office Support.…………………Alice Gerken……….………………….……[email protected]

Kids’ Church Coordinators………………Kelly Remus & Melanie Wuensch

Librarian………………………………………..Carla Swerman………………………….…[email protected]

Custodians……………………………………..Brie Murdock, Jim Thiele & Dean Coates

Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church

2100 Bainbridge Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 Church Office 608-783-1484

E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.OlivetLutheran.org

Pastor Dave H783-4995 C792-1120 Pastor Andrew H406-4885 C769-8613

Pastor Luanne H781-3570 C797-9347

Office Hours:

Monday—Friday 8:00am—4:00pm

Sunday 8:00am—noon

Memorials In Memory of Destiny Jobe:

Tim & Cheryl Collins - Building Fund Gary & Cindy Cossette - Kids’ Church

Glenn & PJ Green - Building Fund Jean Ann Voss - Building Fund

Brad & Melanie Wuensch - Kids’ Church Gene & Ann Wuensch - Building Fund

Friends & Family - Kids’ Church

In Memory of June Jolivette: Mary Jane Belisle - Building Fund Ken & Faye Bright - Building Fund

Gary & Cindy Cossette - Building Fund Frank & Alice Gerken - Building Fund

Yvonne Hanson - Building Fund Ralph & Bonnie Koglin - Building Fund

Donna Kretschmer - Building Fund Dick & Judy Knutson - Building Fund

Don & Greta Lake - Building Fund Jim & Carol Maier - Building Fund Mike & KC Pavel - Building Fund

Ernie & Sue Stetzer - Building Fund Jean Ann Voss - Building Fund

Gene & Ann Wuensch - Building Fund Friends & Family - Building Fund

In Memory of Keith Jones: Stan & Sophie Bell - Building Fund Ken & Faye Bright - Building Fund

Gary & Cindy Cossette - Building Fund Glenn & PJ Green - Building Fund

Stuart & Tammy Hyttinen - Building Fund Jim & Carol Maier - Building Fund

Jean Ann Voss - Building Fund Gene & Ann Wuensch - Building Fund

Friends & Family - Building Fund

In Memory of George Orr: Marjean Riisager - Building Fund

In Memory of Sharon Dahl: Marlene Howard - Building Fund

In Memory of Gerald Jansky: Marlene Howard - Building Fund

Thank You! I would like to thank the family of Olivet for the love and support for my husband Keith and our family. You have truly shown the love of Christ to us.

God’s Blessings,

Marilyn Jones


Young at Heart Lunch will be taking the month of April off because of the Easter holiday. Lunches will resume on May 11!

The Coulee Region Gospel Choir

presents “Marching to Zion”

If you missed the Coulee Region Gospel Choir’s presenta-tion of “Marching to Zion” in March, you have three more opportunities in April. The choir is directed by Tim Jen-sen and accompanied by Steve Koch.

April 2, 3:00 p.m. — Christ Episcopal Church, La Crosse

April 9, 3:00 p.m. — Zion Lutheran Church, Galesville

April 30, 7:00 p.m. — Bethany Evangelical Free Church on County B, La Crosse

**No tickets required—a free will offering will be received)

ALL IN, or passive spectator?

There is a joke where a young urban pastor, looking for a change, took a call at a rural coun-try church. The new pastor soon discovered his quaint bucolic church had an infestation of mice that was seemingly untamable. Confiding in his former senior pastor about the rodent dilemma, the younger pastor was instructed to confirm the mice, as was done with teenagers . . . and the tiny animals completely vacated the premises.

All joking aside—why are there times where it seems like the more important an activity is, the less committed to it we are. This thought process really struck me a few years back during an evening Loafers outing when the fish were more show than go (many strikes, but few hookups). Even though WE know we are trying to hook the fish, I doubt the fish know this, so why the lack of com-mitment on their part?

Imagine for a moment if fish were always half-hearted as they

attempted to capture their food. Not only would the Loafers have less success as fishermen, but the health of the fish would certainly suffer as well. Now take this con-cept and apply it to some of the more vital aspects of our lives. What happens when we are only half-hearted about our education, our jobs, our sexual purity, our sobriety, and various other im-portant facets in life? We not only directly affect ourselves, but we also indirectly affect others that our lives are interwoven with.

Primarily for effect, I left salvation out of the above list; but what happens when we leave THAT to half-hearted attempts? As men, our pride can get in the way and we may think it shouldn’t be any-one else’s business; however, the truth is that our salvation can deeply impact those that love us. Our spouses, children, and friends might be looking to find the right influence FOR us (and our direc-tion), or FROM us (for their direc-tion). Remember, our attitudes

and actions seldom affect only us, therefore I would encourage all men to live WHOLE-heartedly.

The Loafers is a group for men that are looking to learn more about fishing and more about life… nobody knows everything, so let’s all learn together. (Pr. 27:17)

Join us every Thursday night—we shove off at 5:30 p.m. from the west Clinton Street launch. We will also have monthly daytrips within an hour’s drive (+/-) from French Island. These will take place on the second Friday of the month and we will start out with a free breakfast provided by the men of Olivet at 6:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

Contact Dave by phone at 792-6428 or by email at [email protected] with any questions you may have.


Hello everyone, and happy spring! It is fi-nally nice to see things starting to green up, birds singing, and longer days. It is a great time for renewal, and to see so many of the great gifts God provides to us come alive.

Just as the season changes and everything starts coming to life again, it reminds us that this is the time of hope and new life.

With this time of renewal, we hope that we can get the remaining Kid's Church Kids enrolled into our KidCheck program! We are in the works of updating the system, so it is really important to get all of your kids signed up and in! That way, you can "check in" your child on your mobile device on your way to church, and their name tag will be ready to go when you arrive. It helps us keep track of attendance, as well as adding a layer of security for our children and families. Once the new building is complete, we will be using this check-in system exclusively. Why not finish testing out all the "bumps" now? It will take less than five minutes to register, and then you will sign your child in with your phone number weekly—simple as that! It is super simple to register, so if you

need any help, do not hesitate to ask.

In Kids’ Church, we closed out the month of March with a rotation from the Old Testament of Isaiah, and are stepping into our rotation in preparation for Easter with the Journey to the Cross. This will be a great time to teach kids, adults, and anyone who needs a good "refresher" on the blessings this time of year brings. The Journey to the Cross is one of great sorrow, but also great hope. It reminds us of the strength of Jesus carrying that cross and our burdens to his own death so that we may be saved and have eternal life. Kids will do their yearly palm procession in "Big Kids’ Church" on Palm Sunday as we finish this rotation.

On Easter we will be trying a few new things as we don't have the outside capacity for the annual Easter Egg Hunt, so keep us in your prayers. We will still have plenty of fun activities, and treats for the kids, so this will be something you don't want to miss!

There will be no Kids’ Church on April 23 so the kids can attend the regular service and watch the drama that our youth will be performing. And we will close out April beginning a rotation on Psalms and Songs. It is going to be a great month, we hope to see all of your kids in record numbers!

Happy Lenten Season to all!

Blessings, Kelly Remus

Jelly Bean Prayer

Red is for the blood He gave, Green is for the grass he made. Yellow is for the sun so bright, Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins we made, White is for the grace He gave. Purple is for His hour of sorrow,

Pink is for our new tomorrow.

A bag full of jelly beans is yummy to eat. It’s a picture, a promise, a special treat,

to help us remember Jesus’ work complete. Gives us hope beyond any earthly sweet.


Wow, the year is flying by! We are in the midst of the Lenten season and making our way towards Holy Week and Easter. Even as our Wednesday confirmation and youth gatherings are on hiatus for Lent, it is great not only to be worshiping alongside the youth at our weekend and Wednesday services, but also seeing our youth serving the Body of Christ at our Soup & Sandwich dinners and other events. We’re grateful for the blessing they are to the Kingdom!

A recent Olivet youth ministry highlight was our youth retreat in Warrens, Wisconsin, at the beginning of March. Fifteen of us from Olivet joined 250 youth from five states for a weekend of worship, growing closer to God, and of course fun and waterslides! There’s something meaningful about getting away from the usual routine of home and bonding together as a youth group. We talked together about how weekends like this are a “greenhouse” experience where God’s love and truth just pour into us and give us extra nourishment for the journey. Then, we return to our lives back at home—out of the greenhouse and back into the world!—facing all of our old problems and temptations, but strengthened by God’s Spirit. Jesus reminds all of us, “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). It is by Christ’s mighty power that can experience His victory in our lives!

Looking ahead to some big dates on the calendar:

-April 12: Confirmation resumes

-April 23: Youth drama at 10:00 a.m. worship service

-May 14: Confirmation Sunday

-June 18-23: Youth Mission Trip to Quad Cities, Iowa (there are still one or two spaces available! Contact Pastor Andrew as soon as possible if interested.)

Thank you for your prayers as God continues to draw this young generation to Himself!

Our fearless leaders!

What a great group of kids from Olivet!


Benevolence & Missions . . . Karen Menagh —Sharing the Light of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For the first time, to my knowledge, the benevolence fund will be support-ing full-time missionaries. The leadership team has elected to provide financial support with a one-time blessing gift to two families. The families are responsible for developing mission partners who will provide them with financial and prayer support.

The first family is Ivan and Kirsten Bucher. They are full-time missionaries with Cru, formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ. The Buchers are based in New York City. They are working with students at various colleges and universities. Their mission involves developing relationships, evange-lizing, and discipling the students. They spend time on campuses, lead Bible studies, and organize student retreats and mission opportunities.

The other family is Jim and Suzy Olsen. They are full-time missionaries with Youth World—a branch of International Teams. Youth World’s mission is to identify, teach and equip leaders to impact young people and families to be disciples of Jesus Christ. They live in Calacali, Ecuador. Their mission is based at the Hacienda El Refugio. El Refugio is a training and retreat center which facilitates a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through nature and outdoor adventure.

In addition to our financial support, these families request prayer support to include:

The Buchers:

Their ministry with students: that they may develop meaningful relationships and reflect the love of Jesus. That new believers will be strengthened and grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus through discipleship. The NYC summer mission trip for students: that the experience is faith building and God will be glorified. The various Bible studies and connect groups they facilitate.

The Olsens:

The Olsen family and the staff: that they will lean not on themselves, but on God and the Holy Spirit to lead them and that they will look to Him for continued re-newal, passion and guidance. The El Refugio interns, that they may grow deeper in their relationship with Christ. For the “Todo Lodo” family friendly mud run, on April 8th, an outreach and fundraising event. There are 1,500 people partici-pating in the event. Pray for the staff, volunteers, and runners.

Operation Christmas Child: For those of you who are working ahead on your shoebox:

April Suggestion

$1 for your envelope (for shipping)

Colorful bandana


Hospitality Team . . . Jane Binnebose, Team Leader

Come and celebrate spring as Olivet hosts our first ever Hats Off to Spring Women’s Tea. We will enjoy a special luncheon and a presentation by the YWCA. They will be presenting infor-mation with us on their Transitional Housing Program which assists women who have left an abusive relationship and are starting over. Come and learn what you can do to support this special community resource.

The luncheon and program are FREE! Mark

your calendar and invite moms, sisters, daugh-

ters, granddaughters, friends and neighbors!

RSVP at the Connection Center or the church

office: [email protected] or 783-1484.

As I write this, we have hosted three Soup and Sandwich events prior to our Wednesday evening Lenten Ser-vices. Each week we have served well over 150 guests an array of soups, sandwiches and of course desserts! Each meal has been hosted by a different group—the Leadership Team, Olivet’s Bible study and prayer groups and our Youth & Kids’ church families, with our final two hosted by the Women of Olivet and on Wednesday, April 5, by the Men of Olivet. Please join us at 5:45 for a meal and fellowship. A big thank you to all of our volunteers and everyone who has shared their great soups, sandwiches and desserts!

After services on Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday our Team will be hosting a Breakfast Brunch Buffet. We offer a beautiful display of finger food such as cheese and sausage, mini muffins and cupcakes, as well as fruit and other sweets. We will need your assistance with donations of funding, time and talent. Please sign up at the Connection Center!

One more thing to watch for will be opportunities to assist with Hospitality at the upcoming dedication and

open house for our new addition. More information on those events will be coming soon.

Saturday, April 22 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Olivet to Host Ladies' Spring Tea

Ladies’ Breakfast Group celebrating Fat Tuesday!


Funeral Team for April:

Caller : Donna Jobe

Kitchen lead: Marilyn Gellersen

Provide dessert:

Donna Bentzen, Lisa Brickl, Cheryl Collins, Marilyn Gellersen, Cheri Kjos, Vicki Lindemoen, Kathy Tabbert, Carol Thiele, Jolene Trimner, Kathy Vermillion

Serving & Cleanup:

Sue Aiken, Dennis Bentzen, Lisa Brickl, Cheryl Collins, Marilyn Gellersen, Dan Hendrickson, Donna Jobe, Pat Mc Henry, Claire Seib, Denise Serres

Please call Ann Wuensch at 781-2107 if you are no longer able to serve and want to have your name removed from the list, or if you would like to be added to a list for future months.

Thank you for volunteering for this service to others.

Many of us face worries, anxieties and fears as our lives unfold. Events often occur, such as the loss of a loved one, financial challenges, job loss, relationship issues, loneliness, sickness, disabilities, unsettling life changes, faith issues, and the like. When this happens, we often have difficulty coping. In such situations—even if the struggle is temporary—no one should have to suffer alone. You don’t have to!

Stephen Ministry at Olivet is “God’s people helping God’s people.” Stephen Minister volunteers receive more than 50 hours of initial training, followed by ongoing guidance and continuing education. They have been commissioned by our church to offer you caring, non-judgmental, empathetic listening. They are trained to be there for you, to walk with you and care for you in your difficult times. Olivet has Stephen Ministers avail-able (both men and women). Men are assigned to men and women to women.

Anything you share with them is kept strictly confidential. No one will know you even have a Stephen Minis-ter unless you tell people yourself. Their ministry is free and continues for as long as you need it. The Ste-phen Minister will meet with you in your home or wherever you feel comfortable. They come to you.

While many have been helped by this ministry in the past, there are countless others who might benefit from these services, but don’t because they don’t know about it or don’t want to admit that they could use some car-ing support.

We encourage all who are experiencing worry, loss, anxiety, concerns, and loneliness and finding it hard to cope to take advantage of this wonderful ministry.

Remember—no one should suffer alone.

Why Lay Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Chris-tians are ministers. The responsibility for passing on God’s love is for all Christians, not just for a chosen few. God has given us all gifts for ministry and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a way people with special gifts for caring ministry can use those gifts to bring Christ’s love to people in need.

Stephen Ministry

My command is this: Love each

other as I have loved you.

John 15:12

Stephen Ministry - God’s People Helping God’s People


Olivet to Offer Membership Class - Sunday, April 23 Olivet will offer its next “Mission Partner Class” in one session on Sunday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

We welcome people wherever they are on their Spiritual journey. Come and hear more about who we are as a church, what we believe and how we operate. Then decide if you are ready to make a deeper commitment by becoming a Mission Partner (member) of Olivet.

Taught by our pastors, the class will cover such topics as:

Olivet’s history, mission, vision and values.

What is a Mission Partner? What are the expectations of the church? Of the Mission Partner?

The importance of worship, intimacy with God and prayer, and more.

Learn about the opportunities available for spiritual growth.

Explore your personal gifts and strengths and learn about ways you can serve and partner with Olivet.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending this class, please register with the office.

One of the most important things I’ve learned since coming to Olivet almost six years ago is we are all on a spiritual journey. None of us have “arrived” in our walk with Christ. There will always be higher heights to experience with Him, as well as deeper roots to grow into His love. Another way for me to express this is relationship—not religion.

I was recently having a conversa-tion about “church stuff” with a good friend of mine when she surprised me by saying, “I’m tired of organized religion.” I took a long pause to think about her comment and thought (a) how cool that she was willing to “take off her mask” and share that with me and (b) join the club! I think if we are honest with ourselves, it is pretty safe to say we have all been there—just “doing church” week in and week out, with no real sense of purpose or vision for our future with Christ.

Her next question probed deeper. She asked, “Does that freak you out?” I shared with her that at one point much earlier in our relationship it would have indeed really troubled me, but I’m not the same per-son I was then. God has freed me from some serious control issues that back then would have had me clamoring for ways to help this woman “get right with God.”

At that point in our conversation, I really felt the

Holy Spirit taking over as I internally asked Him to help me share the right words with her about this struggle. We talked about the importance of rela-tionship, not religion. I told her she was actually in a good place with all this, because it means she’s at a crossroads—a place of decision. Does she want to

be religious and check off the “I went to church today” box, or does she want to venture into new terri-tory in relationship with Je-sus—the kind of relationship she and I share where we can take off our masks in front of each other and be real? My old control-freak self would have answered the question for her (!), but I know she is on her own spiritual journey and will need to answer the ques-tion for herself.

In the meantime, I can pray for her and offer any en-couragement God provides along the way. My prayer will also be that the next time I feel “tired of orga-nized religion” (and I will, to be sure), someone will graciously remind me that I’ve settled for religion instead of relationship and will encourage me to go deeper with Jesus, because “in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

Toni Groshek, 10 a.m. Worship Song Leader


Tuesdays:

Women’s Prayer Group @ 8 a.m.

Co-ed Prayer Circle @ 10:30 a.m. (Praying for Revival and Renewal)

Evening Prayer Group @ 6 p.m.

Fridays:

Men’s Prayer Group @ 7:30 a.m.

Prayer Groups

Tuesdays:

Women’s Bible Breakfast @ 7:00-7:45 a.m.*

Wednesdays:

Co-ed Study @ 10:00 a.m.

Fridays:

Men’s Bible Breakfast @ 6:30-7:15 a.m.

Sundays:

Olivet Bible Fellowship (O.B.F.) @ 8:30 a.m.

Life Groups (Follow the Worship Theme)

Small Group Study

Mondays: (every other week)

People with Special Needs @ 4:15 p.m.

Tuesdays:

Co-ed Bible Study @ 9:15 a.m. (Forgotten God)

Co-ed Bible Study @ 6:45 p.m. (Galatians)

Co-ed Bible Study @ 7:00 p.m. (John I)

Wednesdays:

Bible 101 @ 6:00 p.m.

First Thursday of every month - 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This recovery group Bible Study meets once a month. Anyone interested in the 12-step Christian recovery program is welcome. We deal with life’s problems through Christ’s power. Anonymity is a part of the recovery process. There is no problem too big or too small for Christ-based recovery!

Please contact the church office if you have any ques-tions or would like more information.

Prayer is not based on the words spoken, it’s about lifting our hearts to God who can be trusted. It’s not about religious sounding phrases, since tears and groans often receive the strongest responses. Hebrews 5:7 tells us while Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep rev-erence for God.

We welcome all who feel led to join us. We meet in the library from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays to pray for the prayer concerns of our faith community here at Olivet. This includes your prayer requests at the weekend services that you write on the Connection Cards found in the pew racks, as well as any prayer requests that come in through the office, by your permission.

Colossians 4:2—“Don’t be weary in prayer, keep at it; watch for God’s answers and remember to be thankful when they come.”

When God answers your prayers, please let us know so we can join you in giving God all the glory. Thank you.

Tuesday Evening Prayer

Olivet’s Deacons/Deaconesses are:

Patti Barney, Donna Jobe, Steve Kemp, Marge and Mike Marshall.

Deacons are available following each worship service for a time of prayer. If you prefer, you may request

that a Deacon pray with you privately.

Prayer Partners


The JESUS Journey at Olivet “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION;

old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you ever wondered just how these “new things” in Christ come? As one of my favorite Christian teach-ers, Graham Cooke, explains, the Lord produces spiritual development in us through two main avenues: process and impartation. Impartation involves God-ordained encounters with His presence, in which the Holy Spirit deposits truth and transformation we need for our journey. What we receive from God during those moments needs to be established in our lives through process.

Process involves our exploration of and engagement with God’s truth and transformation through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit --- the Father will send Him in My name --- will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26) Process includes Bible studies, Christian teaching we read, hear, or view, prayer and church involvement, but it also occurs through active response to God’s ongoing invitation for deeper relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

Are you interested in abundant life through a closer relationship with God?

Would you like to see, think, and respond to life with more of God’s perspectives and power?

If so, then consider being part of the JESUS Journey at Olivet. No long-term commitment to this group is required.

The JESUS Journey provides resources and encouragement for Christ followers to receive all that God in-tends for them as New Creations in Christ. When you join the JESUS Journey, these opportunities are yours:

Connection with a “Travel Guide” who will support your growth process.

Recommendations for multimedia materials to enhance your journey.

Facilitated group discussions with choices of days and times.

Relationships with other JESUS Journey travelers.

If interested, please call or email me with your telephone and email information.

Sue Baker, Team Leader 608.797.4994 [email protected]

The Jesus Journey

Home Groups

Christian Education

mailto:[email protected]


February/March Worship Attendance and Offering Date Attendance Automatic Giving

Saturday, February 25 108 General $7,526.75 February 20 through March 24:

Sun., February 26 8am 73 Mort/Prin $578.00 General $12,769.50

Sun., February 26 10am 168 Designated $2,269.25 Mortgage $4,505.50

Kids' Church 31 Designated $1,720.00

Total 380 TOTAL: $10,374.00 Total: $18,995.00

Above totals not included in figures to the left

Ash Wednesday 232 General $12,026.50

Saturday, March 4 116 Mort/Prin $4,767.50

Sun., March 5 8am 64 Designated $2,193.00

Sun., March 5 10am 173

Kids' Church 34

Total 619 TOTAL: $18,987.00

Wednesday, March 8 211 General $5,089.50

Saturday, March 11 133 Mort/Prin $859.50



Kids' Church 29

Totals 598 TOTAL: $8,396.80





Kids' Church 38

Totals 625 TOTAL: $12,014.98



Sunday, March 26 8 am 67 Designated $2,750.25

Sunday, March 26 10am 166

Kids' Church 51

Totals 643 TOTAL: $8,256.25

Thank you for your faithful support of

God’s mission at Olivet and beyond.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!

One good act leads to another. And the impact grows. Thanks to eligible members of Thrivent Financial, that’s what we’ve experi-enced through the Thrivent Choice program.

Many of you directed Choice Dollars to Olivet Lutheran Church. Through your individual recommendation, you have helped to make a difference. The funds that we’ve received from Thrivent Financial through this program is continuing our important mission. Thank you for your support.

Are you a member of Thrivent Financial? Directing Choice Dollars is easy. Simply go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more, call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt, or contact your Thrivent Financial representative.


Communion served:

2nd and 4th weekends

of each month and

every Sunday at 8:00am

All are welcome to receive communion at Olivet.

Communion is served by intinction (dipping of the wafer into the grape juice). Gluten-free wafers and individual servings of grape juice are also available.

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are

announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”

1 Corinthians 11:26

Hear Messages Online

Have you ever missed a worship message because you were out of town or ill? Or, if you would like to hear a message again, you can go to Olivet’s website www.OlivetLutheran.org where you will find links to the messages from the past weekend.

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can re-quest a CD of the service from the office – we will make a copy for you.

Loop System at Olivet

Olivet is equipped with a loop system in the Sanctuary and in the classroom behind the kitchen. You will benefit from this if you wear a hearing aid with the T-coil feature.

If your group meets in the classroom, be sure to tell the class leader that you would like to have the unit turned on during the class.

Monthly Beacon Available on our Website

You will find the Weekly and the Monthly Beacons on our website: www.olivetlutheran.org. If you would prefer not to receive a paper copy of this publi-cation, please advise the office.

Hospital Visits Due to HIPPA privacy laws and recent changes at our local hospitals, we are unable to verify your stay at the hospital, even if you list Olivet as your church affiliation.

If you or a family member are hospitalized, please call or have a friend or family member call the church office at 783-1484 to let us know of your hos-pitalization and your room number so we can pro-vide pastoral care.

Women’s Clothes Closet Now Accepting Spring & Summer

Clothing Items

The Women’s Clothes Closet at Our Saviors Lutheran Church is now accepting gently used spring & summer clothing and shoes. Jeans, purses and other accessories are accepted anytime.

Place your donations in the barrel located to the left of the Fellowship Hall doors.

WAFER & Onalaska Food Basket

Suggested items for the month:

Side Dishes/Boxed Mixes

Non-perishable food items and per-sonal items can be put in the grocery cart located by the Fellowship Hall doors.

136 items were donated to WAFER in March.

http://www.OlivetLutheran.org


If you are unable to make your scheduled assignment, please find someone to take your place and contact the church office so we know of the change. Please call 783-1484 or e-mail [email protected].

Easter Sat., April 15 April 15 @ 5:30PM

Reader: Melanie Wuensch Nursery: Open-not staffed

Ushers: Byron & Sherry Osterlie Counters: Paula Betlach & Anne Zeisler

Greeters: Dave & Marilyn Gellersen Sound Tech: Alan Gerken

Communion PD/PA/Mike & Marge Marshall Connection Center: Melanie Wuensch

Helpers: K. & J. King/D. & D. Jobe Altar Guild: Mary Abraham

Acolyte: Julie Suiter EASTER, April 16 6:00AM 8:00AM 10:00AM

Readers: Tim Ackerman Marlene Howard Sandy LeCleir

Ushers: Bill & Jane Binnebose Jim & Marianne Shugrue L. Becker/C. Maier/N. Arens & G. Groth

Greeters: Volunteer Needed Dennis & Donna Bentzen The Karlovich Family/S. & C. Plopper

Communion Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew PD/PA/PL/D. & D. Bentzen PD/PA/ Cliff & Sandy LeCleir

Helpers: Tim & Alice Ackerman 1 Volunteer Needed H. & S. Perry/E. & S. Stetzer

Acolyte: Bill Binnebose Marianne Shugrue Maverick Sila

Nursery: Open-not staffed Julie Coates

Counters: Volunteers Needed S. Hoover & Chuck Huth Pat McHenry & Patty Houser

Sound Tech: Jason Knipe Dale Groshek Dale Groshek

Connection Center: Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Donna Kretschmer

Altar Guild: Jane Binnebose Faye Bright Phyllis Buchner

April 22-23 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Paula Betlach Nelleen Noack Verdel Dawson

Ushers: Dan & Betty Fagan Tim & Andy Ackerman Mary Jane Belisle & Eileen Goyette

Greeters: Tim & Paula Betlach Lucine Grafft & Chuck Huth Kurt & Laura Anderson

Communion Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew PD/PA/G. & B. Baldner/L. Hawkins

Helpers: Gary & Cindy Cossette Erna Brauer & John Olson Pat Haskey-Nelson/V. & C. Dawson

Acolyte: Stan Bell Kora Munkelwitz Abby Strain

Nursery: Open-not staffed Terra Evett Terra Evett

Counters: L. Dettinger & C. Cossette Jan Pearson & T. Houlihan Donna Bentzen & Harlan Perry

Sound Tech: Jason Knipe Kevin Josephson Patrick Strain

Connection Center: Cindy Lefevre n/a Carie & Isaac Finch

Altar Guild: Cindy Cossette Sharon Hoover Leanne Hawkins

Kids' Church: Alex Knerzer April 29-30 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Jean Ann Voss Brian Liethen Mary Jo Sanchez

Ushers: E. & P. Christensen Jason & Bonnie Knipe Shelly Nelson & Conner Knerzer

Greeters: S. Vanderbush & S. Bell Gary & Marsha Vance Ernie & Sue Stetzer

Communion n/a Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew n/a

Helpers: Brian & Linda Liethen

Acolyte: Mike Pavel Marianne Shugrue Reece Tudahl

Nursery: Open-not staffed Julie Coates Julie Coates

Counters: Betty Fagan & Donna Kemp S. Hoover & C. Huth Carol Barney & Cindy Lefevre

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Toni Groshek Dale Groshek

Connection Center: KC Pavel n/a Jackie Dawson & Carol Dawson

Altar Guild: Sheila Horstman Linda Liethen Leanne Hawkins

Kids' Church: Victoria Goetting

Continued from page 5 . . .


“The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18

BIRTHDAYS 4/2 Rick Gates, Andrew Fortuine, Walter Ackerman 4/3 Rod Swerman 4/4 Dick Seib, Stuart Hyttinen 4/5 Marlene Froegel, Denelle Knobloch, Michele Coady, Kaden Jones, Maverick Sila 4/7 Sierra Rieck 4/8 Ron Donahue, Diane Fitzpatrick, Al Kjos, Eliza Adamson 4/9 Wayne Houser, Michelle Bartsch, Jack Betlach 4/10 Dennis Johnson 4/11 Jim Hurlbert, Becky Snodgrass, Amber Sanderson, Kasey Wing, Liam Connor 4/12 Larry Johnson, Tom Garson 4/13 Quentin Lamers III 4/14 Melayna Bayer 4/15 Gene Wuensch, Don Jobe, Holly Smith 4/16 Nancy Arens, Shellia Fillner, Brody Hall 4/17 Karen Moe, Tom McCormick, Larry Wilson, DuWayne Knobloch, Drew Kjos 4/18 Judy Larson, Jan Pearson, Jax Hendrickson 4/19 Sylvia Overgard 4/20 Tom Mix, Kevin Knerzer, Nick Betlach 4/21 Cheryl Halsted 4/22 Doug Olson, Mark Doolittle, Julie Coates, Sam Karlovich 4/23 Sue Gates 4/24 April Hucke, JoAnn Adams 4/25 Sue Wittenberg, Bill Binnebose, Jr., Sarah Schneider 4/26 Pete Winkler, Ryan Wessel, Ian Richards 4/27 Mike Marshall, Michael Johnson, Alice Ackerman, Bonnie Knipe, Mark Chitwood, Reece Tudahl 4/28 Ken Bright, Marci Storey, Kai Smith 4/29 Jillian Mathews, Stephanie Hall, Cullen Stuhr 4/30 Doris Lubinski, Jonah Gruen

Happy Birthday!

"This is the day the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

ANNIVERSARIES

4/1 Verdel and Carol Dawson - 50 years! 4/2 Keith and Sue Baker 4/5 Michael and Ashley Bakalars 4/8 Gary and Barb Zimmerman 4/16 DuWayne and Denelle Knobloch 4/18 Bob and Hope Hembd Bruce and Ashley Todd 4/21 Tom and Lorna Schini 4/22 Don and Cheryl Brenengen Joe and Angel Winjum 4/23 Brad and Rita Barney 4/25 Joe and Anne Weber - 25 years! 4/26 Arvid and Linda Nilsestuen 4/27 Tim and Paula Betlach 4/28 Gene and Ann Wuensch Wayne and Orlean Houser Steve and Peggy Knudsen Brian and Michele Coady 4/29 Mike and Tina Brettingen

Holy Stretch

Mondays - 4:30-5:30

Are you looking to improve your strength and flexibil-ity or even your emotional well-being? Join us once a week as we de-stress, stretch, detoxify and sweat, at a slow, peaceful pace. For beginners and regulars alike. Open to both men and women.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat if you have one.

We meet in the Olivet nursery.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

La Crosse, WI 54603

Permit No. 521

Address Service Requested

Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church 2100 Bainbridge Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 Pastors David Baldukas/Andrew Fortuine/Luanne Sorenson

Every weekend at Olivet we are having a B.Y.O.B. party at our worship services. We encourage you to bring Bring Your Own Bible to worship and Bible studies.

Worship Service Times:

Saturday @ 5:30 pm

Blended Worship

Sunday @ 8:00 am

Traditional Worship

Sunday @ 10:00 am

Contemporary Worship

Pastors’ Letters 2-3

April Calendar 4

Worship Assistants 5-18

Youth & Family 8

Attendance & Offering 16

Kids’ Church at 10:00 am

olivet onthly beacon · 2019. 3. 25. · beitzah—a hard-boiled egg is a symbol of life. even in...

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