A Message From our Interim Pastor

In my sermon a few weeks ago I talked about Peters proclamation that the knew exactly who Jesus was. The Christ the anointed one, the Messiah. And Jesus lavished full praise upon Peter and told him his faith came from the Father in Heaven. Jesus’ praise was absolute and I can just see Peter. Can’t you? He had to be pleased that he could be the one who knew emphatically who Jesus was and that he could express it.  But I wonder if Peter was aware of what he was saying? Surely at the moment when life was a bit easier and there were not contradictions facing him. But what about later? Didn’t Peter misunderstand Jesus and tells hm he should avoid suffering and the cross and Jesus rebukes him. “Get behind me Satan” and didn’t he misunderstand his proclamation when Jesus was giving hm self over to the authorities to be arrested and didn’t he also deny Jesus 3 times in the square while Jesus was arrested?

How could he proclaim Jesus as the Christ one moment and misunderstand Jesus’ purpose for being here? I think maybe because Peter had Jesus in his own little box of understanding. The Old Testament is filled with hope for the coming of a savior who will protect them from their enemies rather than love them through the difficulties of their very own lives. Peters understanding of the Christ was for hope in living without fear of the other by the oppressive hand of a god who would save him and his brothers and sisters in faith.

We all have those times in our lives too, when life is not easy and we are facing the difficulties of merely living life. Often we revert back to the humanness of our thinking and neglect our Divine focus on who Christ is. We call Jesus our friend and some even call him our buddy, or pal. And we personalize the gift that God has given to all of us in Jesus. In other words we set our minds on human concerns rather than the purpose of God.

Peter struggled for a while until the Resurrection. Until he witnessed the gift given in life once again. Before that he hid out in the upper room of his own fear and stayed out the sight of those who were his natural enemies. But after Jesus showed himself once again he finally got it and his thinking changed in that light. Peter needed to see. But how do we get back to the purpose of God when we are struggling in the realities of life here in this chaotic world?

We have every reason to be distracted: health, loss of a loved one, the realities of not feeling safe in our streets for fear of an enemy. Just how many things pull us away from the God of love who came to save us. All those negatives just ware us down and we are afraid the world is going t “Hades” in a hand basket”. How do we get back?

I gave you an assignment in that sermon and that was to look for the actions of God within our community. Within our very lives. How did you do? I wonder if you just thought: well that was a good sermon and then just forgot about. If that is true then my question is, how you doing without looking for Gods actions in your life? Are you being fulfilled in your faith?

I don’t see how that can be. God is working all around us and within us every day but we don’t see it if we are clouded over in our own selves. The assignment was for the week after the sermon but truly it’s an assignment for faith and our understanding of it on a continuum.

                I gave you many examples of looking for Jesus in my life that week and I want to tell you I have not stopped. I’m becoming more and more aware every day. And finding Jesus within me and around. I do find Jesus for me, not in some box of my own desires but in me so that my faith can extend to others and around me as God works on you. So, you know, the world is not going to “Hades” in a hand basket because I believe, don’t you that Jesus promised that “Hades” could not overcome the Good News of his very being.

                The Gospel is all around us, in and through us. All we need to do is look for it and we shall see and believe. Peter had his day in the sun so to speak. He shined in faith, I wonder how we shine. Are we alive in who we are as the children of God? And in us, does Jesus Shine. Amen

Peace

-Pastor Dan Paulson

URGENT SUPPORT NEEDED

We are gathering to support Baby William Ruscitti and his family during an urgent medical crisis. William is the beloved infant son of Newley weds Craig Ruscitti (son of Nello and Joyce Ruscitti) and Lisa Sandoval. Tragically, William has been diagnosed with a life‑threatening condition that requires specialized treatment and extended hospital care beyond what the family can afford. The family is in need of Mount Olive’s love and support, your donations will help cover medical expenses, travel and lodging for his parents, and additional needs during this difficult time.

Mount Olive is sharing a link to a gofundme account for baby Billy, please consider any way you can assist the family.

Support Baby Billy Ruscitti

Treasures Report

Our total income for July was close to anticipated (+2%) at $22,580.44. Total expenses were higher than anticipated (+7%) at $35,199.50. Net loss for the month was $12,619.06.

Our general fund balance is negative (in the red) at -$37,641 at the end of July. By way of comparison, last year the balance was $14,252; and two years ago, it was $23,048.

Two unbudgeted projects have been completed this year by the property board. An emergency roof project was $23,600. This is the first unbudgeted expenditure that counts towards the annual $50,000 spending limit. The second project was repairing and repainting the fascia boards on the West facing side of the Parish Center costing $2,250 as our second unbudgeted expense this year. ($25,850 / $50,000)

Our cash on hand at month end was $54,938.77 (checking and savings), and the CD balance was $193,297.35 (6/26/26). Our cash flow projection indicates we will run out of cash the week of August 18th, so the Council authorized closing out our CD and transferring that cash back to AFCU. The proceeds from this investment will be reported next month.

Steve Philo August 12, 2026

Important Dates for 2026

·         Labor Day – September 7th

·         Veteran’s Day – November 11th

·         Thanksgiving & Friday after – November 26th & 27th

·         Christmas Day - December 25th

Celebrating One Year of Service: Spring Rydel

This month, September 22, 2026 Mount Olive Lutheran Church is pleased to celebrate Spring Rydel and her first anniversary as Administrative Assistant.

Over the past year, Spring has become a familiar and welcoming presence in the church office. Whether greeting members with a smile, assisting visitors, answering questions, or helping coordinate the many details that keep our congregation moving forward, she has served with grace, dedication, and a servant's heart.

Spring's friendly demeanor has made a lasting impression on all who walk through our doors. Her ability to make others feel seen and welcomed reflects the love and hospitality that are central to the ministry of Mount Olive. She approaches each day with enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine desire to help others.

In addition to her warm personality, Spring has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in her role. From preparing bulletins and newsletters to managing schedules, communication, and the countless administrative tasks that often happen behind the scenes, she has become an invaluable part of the Mount Olive team. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence help ensure that the ministry of our church continues to thrive.

Perhaps most notably, Spring embodies a spirit of willingness. No task is too small, no question an inconvenience, and no opportunity to serve is overlooked. She consistently goes above and beyond, offering assistance wherever it is needed and doing so with joy and humility.

As we celebrate this milestone, we give thanks to God for Spring's faithful service and for the many ways she has blessed the Mount Olive family during the past year. We look forward to seeing how God continues to work through her in the years ahead.

Please join us in congratulating Spring on one year of dedicated service to Mount Olive Lutheran Church and in thanking her for the care, compassion, and commitment she brings to our congregation each and every day.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." — Colossians 3:23

With a Grateful Heart

As I reflect on my first year at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, I am filled with gratitude for each of you. Thank you to our Church Council, congregation, pastors, and staff for the warm welcome you have extended to me from the very beginning.

Your kindness, encouragement, and support have made Mount Olive feel like home. I am especially grateful for the gracious gift of the opportunity to serve as your Administrative Assistant. It is a privilege that I do not take lightly.

Each day, I strive to do the very best work I can for this church and for all of you who make it such a special place. Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be a small part of the ministry that happens here at Mount Olive.

I am truly blessed to walk alongside you in faith and service, and I look forward to all that God has in store for us in the years ahead.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18                                 With heartfelt thanks, Spring