Complete Monthly Olive Branch

THANKSGIVING MEAL 

Save the Date:

Thursday, November 27, 2025

11am to 1pm

Parish Hall

Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy will be provided.

Members encouraged to bring a dish to share.

Delivery available to homebound members. Call the office at 928-855-2299 for more information.

This Month in Mount Olive’s History                                                        November Edition

Did you know...?

November has been a month of milestones and music at Mount Olive!

It all began in 1966, when a small group of faithful families met at the Paul Fisher home and officially secured Dr. Frederick Smith as interim pastor on November 13, setting the stage for Mount Olive’s organization that December. Just days later, Rev. Mees preached his final sermon on November 20 before the congregation moved forward as an official mission start. A few years later, on November 15, 1968, joy filled the sanctuary as Ray Fronning and Evelyn Nordine became the first couple ever married at Mount Olive a new church already celebrating new beginnings! Fast-forward to November 1985, when Rev. Norman Braatz concluded his time as Senior Pastor, passing the torch as the church entered a new season of leadership.

November also marked a time of creative worship. In 1990, Mount Olive celebrated the dedication of its new Allen organ, with renowned organist Walter Strony as guest performer. That same fall began the installation of the stunning stained-glass windows designed by local artist Robert Metcalf, still admired today. In November 1993, Rev. Bautz broke ground for the Columbarium, a sacred space for remembrance and reflection later dedicated in February 1994. And in November 2008, Pastor Jim and Cathy Price arrived in Lake Havasu, beginning a season of renewed vision and stability for Mount Olive’s growing ministries.

From first pastors to new music, weddings to worship spaces, November reminds us that God has been faithfully writing His story through Mount Olive, one generation at a time.

Welcome Leslie Hollman

We would like to welcome Leslie as our new Choir Director! In case you have not had the opportunity to get to know Leslie we took the liberty to ask her to share a little more about herself. Here is what she had to say:

I’m originally from the South shore of Long Island, New York. My husband Brian, now deceased in 2020, and I moved here in 1999 - 26 years ago. We have three sons, John, Randy and Craig. Two of my sons live here with me, Craig and Randy. John recently moved to Florida from Long Island. Brian and I had lived "out west” in our earlier life, we decided to move to Arizona. Finally settling in Lake Havasu. I still like it! 

I have been a member of Mount Olive the 26 years I have lived here. After transferring my membership from my previous church, I immediately joined the chancel choir, women's music, playing our bells, and singing solos. Everything I had been doing back on Long Island. I never dreamed at that time I would now be directing a choir. I have learned a great deal from my musical trial, and I'm also looking forward to working with the choir, who also are my friends. 

My faith and interest in being a Christian started when I was very young. I remember my great aunt giving me a small prayer book for children. I also enjoyed the Bible stories. As a young adult, I shared them as a VBS leader in my previous Church and shared that interest directing a few VBS here at Mount Olive also. Along with those stories, came the music for the children that I challenged myself directing the Cherub choir at Mount Olive.

I have had many opportunities to belong to different ministry groups here. Gaining much knowledge with altar guild, council member, music ministry, praise band, the original women's group, and fellowship committee, and a substitute for Sunday school as well. 

My favorite hobbies are crafting and sewing, especially quilting and decorative hand stitching, such as embroidery and cross stitching. From my quiet time and relaxation, I love to read. While, I am not great at quoting passages from the bible, I do enjoy searching or doing research about a particular passage. I don't have a favorite book, but I enjoy reading nonfiction or fiction that mixes facts with fictional characters or places that tie together.

 As far as a favorite song, that would be "WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE." God has given us a world and people, but we need to come together. We all want to be loved, and to feel needed. Even though we are all grumblers at some time in our life, even me!  Laughter is one way that helps me to get through some tough times. I also laugh at myself quite often; I find that keeps me grounded and reminds me that I am not perfect and I share that laughter with others. I consider laughter a treat, the same as eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate which is my favorite. 

Along with laughter and eating chocolate, that ties in with a fun and enjoyable holiday which is Christmas, my favorite. The music is most enjoyable, and much is light and lively, also reminds us about the great story of Jesus birth. The light shining in the darkness... I am a person who likes light as opposed to darkness. 

I'm looking forward to learning more of what I can about music, directing our choir, and enjoying being part of a group. My support for this position is my family at home, and Mount Olive. Keeping our church choir going for the congregation to enjoy our music and spreading the word to the community of how welcome and awesome our church reaches out to all people.

Please help us in welcome Leslie from part of our church family and now our staff!