Olive Branch Newsletter
Complete Monthly Olive Branch
Our monthly newsletter gives you a glimpse of all the things happening at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. You can click on any of the links to the left, read online or download it and print it off if that is easier for you.
Welcome Robin!
We are thrilled to introduce Robin Fowler as the new Office Manager at Mount Olive! Robin has been a part of the Lake Havasu community for the past five years, having moved here from Kentucky, and she now proudly calls it home.
Robin and her husband have been married for 25 years and have built a beautiful family together, including four children and two wonderful grandchildren. When she’s not at Mount Olive, you might find her enjoying the great outdoors—camping, boating, or getting lost in a good book.
One of the things Robin loves most about Lake Havasu is the endless array of activities available, making every day an opportunity for adventure. But what truly stands out to her at Mount Olive is the people—the kindness and grace she has encountered here have already made a lasting impression on her heart.
Looking ahead, Robin dreams of traveling and cherishing more time with her grandchildren when she retires. Until then, we are blessed to have her serving in this role, bringing her warmth, dedication, and love for community to our church family.
Please take a moment to introduce yourself and give Robin a warm Mount Olive welcome!
GENEROUS DONATIONS
Quilters & crafters
We have been blessed with many talented sewists, both permanent residents as well as snowbirds. Another successful Quilt and Craft Sale was held last month; and as a result, we were able to donate $3000 to Lutheran World Relief and $1000 to Faith & Grace.
In addition, quilts were donated to the local VFW to be taken to Prescott and children’s quilts and baby receiving blankets were donated to the Clothes Closet.
Our group meets Thursday mornings from 9:00 to 12:00. It’s a very friendly group. We’re always learning from each other and forming new friendships. If you’re interested in sewing or quilting and want to learn or if you are a seasoned sewist or quilter who would be interested in sharing your talent, we would love for you to join us.
God continues to bless us with very generous people. We recently received a donation from Linda Haynes for which we are very grateful.
Quilt and Craft Sale 2025
Mount Olive Volunteers Donate $8,500 to Havasu Community Health Foundation
In a heartfelt display of generosity and dedication, volunteers from Mount Olive Lutheran Church’s White Burro Rummage Sale Committee recently presented a significant donation of $8,500 to the Havasu Community Health Foundation (HCHF). This contribution will directly support numerous charitable groups within the HCHF network, ensuring that funds are directed to those who need it most.
On March 17, 2025, committee members gathered to present the check to Linda Seavers of HCHF. The funds were raised through the tireless efforts of Mount Olive’s volunteers, who devoted countless hours to organizing, collecting, and selling items for the White Burro Rummage Sale. This event has become a cornerstone of the church’s outreach, making a meaningful impact on the Lake Havasu City community.
"We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our volunteers," said a Mount Olive spokesperson. "Their efforts are a true reflection of our mission to share God’s love and support those in need."
The Havasu Community Health Foundation oversees 32 different charitable programs, all designed to enhance the health and well-being of local residents. With this generous donation, HCHF will continue to provide crucial services to those facing medical, financial, and emotional hardships.
Pictured in the photo are (left to right): Betty Shaffer, Barbra Hanson, Bob Jewkes, Linda Seavers (HCHF), Lynn Imsdahl, and Donna Johnson, all proudly representing Mount Olive's commitment to community care.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church extends heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and community members who contributed to the success of this fundraising effort. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In Honor of Lent
Article submitted by Marilyn Maier
These lyrics speak to recognizing church in the context of our Midweek Lent and call to break the silence of mental health.
CHURCH IS HARD by Beverly Palmer
Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgment.
Church is hard for the pastor's family, under the microscope of an entire body.
Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.
Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together but doesn't.
Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.
Church is hard for the single parent, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly
perfect families.
Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.
Church is hard for the parent with an estranged child.
Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the
lyrics.
Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.
Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.
Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.
Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.
Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.
Church is hard for the sinners.
Church is hard for me.
It's hard because on the outside it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and
dress.
However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls,
selfish motives.
But here is the beauty of church-
Church isn't a building, mentality, or expectation.
Church is a body.
Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship.
Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.
Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.
Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.
Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted, and hearts
are invited to seek restoration.
Church is a lesson in faith and trust.
Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.
Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past
mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.
Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints, is where He resides, and if we
ask, He is faithful to come.
So even on the hard days at church-
The days when I am at odds with a friend, when I've fought with my husband because
we're late once again. When I've walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can
handle yet ~asking the pain with a smile on my face. When I've worn a scarlet letter,
under the microscope. When I've longed for a baby to hold, or fought tears as the lyrics
were sung. When I've walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.
I'll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.