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.
October Birthdays!!
Shannon McDonald
Amy Romm
Leonard Leach
Carol Nelson
Josh Sondrol
Barbara Green
Cashton Falldorf
Weston Falldorf
Susan Thomas
Larry Schneider
Liz Godsell
Leighton Kidder
Hailey Ramsey
Roberta Heldt
Betty Christenberry
Alexis Clark
Jean Davis
Jack Cobb
Jo DeRousse
Janice Dewey
Leonard Leach
Shell Beck
Gail Bemis
Jim McCormack
Glen Mitchell
Joyce Ruscitti
Debra Soden
Jeff Bodnar Jr.
John Connolly
Johnita Tyson
Wayde Aanderud
Craig Corbin
Deloris Rucks
Personnel Committee
Greetings from the Personnel Committee with A Note of Gratitude: Faithful Voices in Every Season
To our Mount Olive family, music is far more than a backdrop to our worship, it is the very heartbeat of our sanctuary. Today, the Personnel Committee wants to pause and wrap our gifted musicians, singers, and ringers in heartfelt appreciation.
The past few seasons have not always brought easy harmony. Our music ministries have navigated a period of significant transition, weathering shifts in leadership and unexpected director changes. Yet through every season of uncertainty, one thing remained constant: our musicians kept showing up. Week after week, regardless of who was holding the baton, they adjusted to new rhythms, dedicated their evenings to rehearsal, and filled our home with praise. That level of steadfast devotion is a true testament to their faith and grace in action.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated members of all our musical groups.
Chancel Choir & Praise Band: For filling our sanctuary with joyful praise and guiding our congregation in worship.
Gospel Guys & Treble Clef Singers: For sharing unique harmonies that lift our spirits and stir the soul.
Bass Clef Singers & Bell Choir: For their faithful precision, deep roots, and resonant gifts.
Their unwavering commitment has kept our worship vibrant, comforting, and deeply meaningful through every turn. The next time you see these dedicated individuals in the halls, please take a moment to share your own words of thanks. We are profoundly blessed by their resilience, their generous spirits, and their song.
A Message From S.A.M. Kevin Jackson
May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. -Galatians 1:2
Change: Difficult, Uncomfortable, and Necessary
As Pastor Craig moved on into retirement, the SAM program has picked up speed. Pastor Dan filled the gap as our interim pastor and his wife Kathy has filled in as a SAM as well. We have several new members, installed a transition team as we seek a pastoral candidate and many other activities involving change in the church.
Change is one of the few things in life we can count on, yet it is often one of the things we resist most. Whether change comes through circumstances, relationships, aging, loss, or new opportunities, it can leave us feeling uncertain and uncomfortable. Even when we know that change may be necessary, we often long for the familiarity and security of what we already know.
Scripture reminds us that change is not outside of God’s plan. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Life moves through seasons, and each season brings something different. Some seasons are joyful, while others are painful. Some changes we welcome; others we would never choose. Yet God remains present through all of them.
Change can be difficult because it forces us to let go. It may challenge our routines, our expectations, and even our sense of control. But perhaps that is part of what God intends. When we are forced beyond what is comfortable, we may discover strengths, opportunities, and faith that we did not know we possessed.
Romans 12:2 encourages believers to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Transformation requires change. God does not call us to remain exactly as we are; He calls us to grow, mature, and become more like Christ. Sometimes the changes we resist most are the very changes God can use to produce better results in our lives.
Change, then, should not always be viewed as something to fear. It can be an invitation to trust God more deeply. We may not understand where a new season is leading, but we can trust the One who does.
The goal is not to avoid change—it is impossible. The goal is to face it with faith, courage, and an open heart. When we allow God to guide us through uncomfortable transitions, change can become more than something we endure. It can become the pathway through which God brings growth, renewal, and blessings we could not have imagined.
-Kevin Jackson
Synod Authorized Minister
Praise Band Director
YOUTH EVENTS
Youth -Jill Ada
October is here and it’s going to be a great month! Fall break is upon us! There will not be confirmation on Oct.7th. Enjoy your break!
WOW, WOW, WOW!! What a fantastically amazing time we had at the Aquatic Center for the 2nd community FREE swim!! Lots of thanks to everyone who helped greet, serve pizza and shared Gods love! Also shout out to Carlos at Papa Murphy’s for helping to provide pizza and discount cards to all! Can’t wait to serve our community again!
Another amazing Meet and Greet in the books! WE ate delicious baked potatoes, shared personal stories and got to know our fellow Mount Olive Family better! Thank you to all!
You invited to hang out with our Sunday school kiddos! We are in need of a teacher or volunteers to teach this awesome group! If this sounds like this is the place for you contact Lily at (928) 302-8495
The youth are participating in the community Fall Fun Fair fundraiser at Rotary Park on October 24th. We would love to have extra help to run games and represent Mount Olive! Please join us on the ball field at 2pm to set up this awesome event!
On Halloween night Mount Olive will be hosting Trunk or Treat!! This event is for the entire community! Please plan to decorate your car, hand out candy or donate candy for this super fun event! Spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors! Cars are asked to show up at 3:30 to set up. Event is open to the public at 4:30pm and ends at 7:30pm!
Thank you so much for volunteering and helping out with this awesome community event! You rock! Just a few tips and ideas to make your night go smoothly!
HELP: lf you need more candy, water, bathroom break or just to ask a question. I am available. Please don't hesitate to ask me for anything!
VOTING: Please take a few moments to check out the other car decorations and cast your vote for favorite car. Numbers will be displayed on each entry. I will walk around and collect votes throughout the night. At 6:45 we will announce the winner of the favorite car. Please don't vote for yourself
PARTICIPATION: Please write your name and car # on the attached entry form. This enters you in a drawing for an awesome prize!
SAFETY: lf you have an emergency and need to leave please notify me so that l can organize a safe exit for you as we will have cars and people with limited sight in the dark. To prevent injury or miscommunication it is Imperative that we create the safest environment possible for our guests. The event ends at 7:30pm.
KIDS: This event would not be possible without KIDS and their families. Remember not all disabilities are seen. Some kids may be overwhelmed by the number of people in the area, some kids might be picky eaters and not like the candy you have, or some kids might not have the attention or social skills to use manners or look you in the eyes. Remember our church mission is to welcome all. Let's show love to the families of children that might be experiencing difficulties while trick or treating or may appear to be "rude". A simple "l hope you have a wonderful Halloween" or "enjoy your evening" will go a long way for these kiddos and parents. Our community often supports adults with disabilities as well. Organizations like New Horizons and Mile Markers bring out their adult clients who truly love and enjoy trick or treating as much as the youth. We want to make sure everyone feels welcomed & loved; sharing our candy and prizes with everyone is a special joy we get to celebrate each Halloween season. This season brings out the kid in all of us, we all love to dress up & eat candy (even if its sugar free) and share a memorable experience with others. Again, thank you so much for creating a safe and fun environment for our amazing community!
Have a great time! -Jill
Please note that a portion of the Mount Olive parking lot will be reserved for our Trunk or Treat event on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31. Our 5:00 PM Saturday Worship Service will still take place as scheduled! To help you navigate campus smoothly, please refer to the map and keep the following details in mind:
· Closed Entrance: The easternmost entrance on Havasupai Blvd. will be blocked.
· Open Entrances: You can enter using the west entrance on Havasupai Blvd. or either entrance off Clarke Dr.
· Where to Park: All parking spaces on the west side of campus and those nearest the old church building will be open (highlighted in yellow on the map).
Important Dates for 2026 Office Closures
· Veteran’s Day – November 11th
· Thanksgiving & Friday after – November 26th & 27th
· Christmas Day - December 25th
Growing Together: Celebrating Jill and Welcoming Lilyana
Mount Olive’s youth ministry is entering an exciting new season, one built on faithful service, meaningful relationships, and a shared commitment to helping young people know and follow Christ.
We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Jilleen Ada for her faithful service as our Youth Director. Jill grew up at Mount Olive, was confirmed here, and later raised her own children, Kaden and Karter, within this congregation. Over the years, she has invested her time, wisdom, and love in generations of young people, engaging them, teaching them, and walking alongside them as they grew in faith and stepped out into the world.
After stepping away from the Youth Director position, Jill graciously returned to help strengthen and reground the youth program and, most importantly, to prepare the next generation of ministry leadership. Her willingness to return and mentor a new leader is a beautiful example of discipleship: sharing what God has taught us so that others may be equipped to serve.
On October 1, Lilyana Ash will step into the role of Youth Director. Lily has also grown up at Mount Olive. She was baptized here on June 14, 2008, and confirmed on June 26, 2022. Through the relationships she has formed and the experiences she has gained within this congregation, Mount Olive has played an important role in shaping her faith and calling.
Lily intends to continue serving in ministry, with the goal of earning a Master of Divinity degree. She has a heart for youth discipleship and missions and desires to provide young people with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place where they can ask questions, explore their faith, and develop a close, personal relationship with the Lord.
Lily has been training alongside Jill, learning from her experience and building on the strong foundation Jill has helped establish. Although Jill is stepping away from the director’s role, she is not stepping away from our young people. She will remain a vital member of the Youth Ministry Team, serving as a volunteer, mentor, and trusted source of support for Lily and the entire group.
This ministry is not the work of one person. Lily and Jill will continue partnering with our Youth Ministry Team, the congregation, youth families, and the greater Lake Havasu community to provide Christian education, fellowship, mission opportunities, camps, service projects, and activities that help young people grow as disciples of Jesus.
Lily’s hope is to strengthen connections with the youth within our congregation while also reaching beyond our walls to welcome more young people from throughout Lake Havasu. Together, the team will continue Serving Christ Together by Welcoming All, Growing in Christ, and Sharing God’s Love.
This transition reflects Mount Olive’s vision to create a welcoming environment that invites people into worship, fellowship, Christian education, and service to the Lord; to increase our outreach to the community and the world through faith, prayer, and stewardship; and to expand programs that develop and nurture disciples who go out and share God’s love.
Please join us in thanking Jill for the love, leadership, and wisdom she has poured into our young people, and in welcoming and encouraging Lily as she follows God’s call into this new role. We are deeply grateful for both faithful women and excited to see how God will work through their partnership, and through all of us, as we nurture the faith of the next generation.