Vacation Bible School Countdown

Good Morning

We are exactly one week away from Vacation Bible School. I am excited about it. So much preparation and prayer have gone into VBS this year. May this be the most evangelistic VBS we have ever done. May we have a laser focus on sharing the gospel with the children who will be with us. May we see the Lord's blessing.

If you missed yesterday, we had two great services. We've started James 5 and will finish our study of James over the next few weeks. Yesterday's messages will be uploaded to the website later today. 

I'm always thankful on Monday mornings, in part, because I see so many people serving on Sunday. I'm thankful for those who shared songs with us yesterday and those who kept nursery and those who led children's church. I'm thankful for those who setup the fellowship hall for our dinner and stayed to help clean afterwards. I'm thankful for those who show up early to make sure everything is ready for our services and classes. I'm thankful for our teachers and leaders who faithfully point us toward Christ. I'm thankful for those who are trying new ministries and building their faith, taking on new responsibilities and honoring the Lord. I'm honored to be your pastor and serve alongside of you.

Dental Bus at Mt. Olive

The dental bus will be at Mt. Olive on June 1 from 10am to 4pm. Appointments are made through the Wildflower Clinic. If you want to volunteer as a church host during any part of that day please let me know. 

Vacation Bible School

ONE WEEK AWAY! Our VBS is June 5-9. You may register a child by calling the church office or through the church website. Preregistration will save you time on the first day of VBS. If you picked up a donation slip please bring the donated item(s) to the church this week or contact Barbara Rackliff to make arrangements. VBS is 14 days away! 

Sponsor A Student

Student camp is June 19-22 and costs $120 per student. If you want to help cover the cost for a student to attend camp please contact Justyn Keller or me or call the church office.

Pray for our students and their leaders. Summer is a crucial time for discipleship and we are focused on providing experiences and moments for our students to encounter Christ and grow in faith. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. How to Love Your Ideological Enemy
2. A VIEW FROM ABROAD
3. Six Ways Men Can Support Women's Discipleship
4. Inside 'The Circle'
5. As Long As You Both Shall Live

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread May 29, 2017

Let Honor Meet Honor

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - Matthew 6:1

I’ve always been impressed by the solemn, magnificent simplicity of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. The carefully choreographed event is a moving tribute to soldiers whose names—and sacrifice—are “known but to God.” Equally moving are the private moments of steady pacing when the crowds are gone: back and forth, hour after hour, day by day, in even the worst weather.

In September 2003, Hurricane Isabel was bearing down on Washington, DC, and the guards were told they could seek shelter during the worst of the storm. Surprising almost no one, the guards refused! They unselfishly stood their post to honor their fallen comrades even in the face of a hurricane.

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.
Underlying Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6:1–6, I believe, is His desire for us to live with an unrelenting, selfless devotion to Him. The Bible calls us to good deeds and holy living, but these are to be acts of worship and obedience (v. 4–6), not orchestrated acts for self-glorification (v. 2). The apostle Paul endorses this whole-life faithfulness when he pleads with us to make our bodies “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1).

May our private and public moments speak of our devotion and wholehearted commitment to You, Lord.

Grant me the strength this day, O Lord, to persevere, to return honor to Your name where I am serving. My desire is to give myself in selfless devotion because of Your love for me.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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MMU Sunday Night at Mt. Olive!

Good Morning

We've reached the last week of school and summer is about to begin. Would you take a few moments today and pray for our summer ministry activities. In 14 days we will begin Vacation Bible School and will have a full week of ministry to children and students. Two weeks later we have a group of students going to camp in Tennessee. A week later we have students going to Student Leadership University in Orlando. And all through the summer there will be meetings and opportunities for students to grow in faith. All of this is in addition to what we do each Sunday and Wednesday. 

To the parents and grandparents and friends who bring the students/children: Thank you for what you do. Thank you for making sure the students are involved in the ministries of the church. I know you are doing your part in praying and helping them know Jesus and I want you to know that the church is focused on building them up in the Lord. Together we will do the work of discipleship. 

Sunday Night at Mt. Olive

Next Sunday night, May 28th, is our monthly evening service followed by a fellowship meal. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert and join us at 6pm. 

Vacation Bible School

Our VBS is June 5-9. You may register a child by calling the church office or through the church website. Preregistration will save you time on the first day of VBS. If you picked up a donation slip please bring the donated item(s) to the church this week or contact Barbara Rackliff to make arrangements. VBS is 14 days away! 

Sponsor A Student

Student camp is June 19-22 and costs $120 per student. If you want to help cover the cost for a student to attend camp please contact Justyn Keller or me or call the church office.

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief

Our local Baptist association is cooperating with the Florida Baptist Convention to gather supplies to help fire victims. The following items can be brought to the church and we will deliver them to the association office in Palatka. The last day to bring items is May 26th.

Sunblock

Chap stick

No-Gnat Bug Repellant

Gatorade by the case

Water by the case

Baby Wipes

Large Paper Towels

Bandanas

Hand Sanitizer

Coolers

White Socks

Large Garage Bags

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. The Kids Are Not Okay—and Neither Is America
2. 6 Ways to Help Your TCKs Manage Their “Need for Change” 
3. What About Those Who Have Never Heard?
4. Do Christian Parents Flirt with the Idol of Sports?
5. The Subtle Art of Sabotaging a Pastor

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest May 22, 2017

The Explanation For Our Difficulties

If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?

God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “…that they all may be one….”

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
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Ladies Brunch Saturday

Good Morning

What a wonderful Mother's Day at Mt. Olive yesterday! The family dedication service was a blessing. Check out the Facebook Group Page for pictures. Several people asked me about the video that played before the dedication service, you can see the preview version here. I know we had to wipe away some tears during that one. And the music! Thank you to everyone who shared their gifts with us in song. 

Next Saturday is the Ladies Brunch. If you need a ticket or want to reserve a table please contact Fran today. More information is below. I believe this will be an incredible event, so invite someone to join you at the table and get them a ticket.

Ladies Brunch May 20th at 10 am.

This is going to be good! Watch this video of Teresa Meares. 

Brunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall and Teresa will be speaking in the Sanctuary afterward. Each year ladies sign up to decorate a table and invite guests to join them for the brunch. To reserve a table please sign up in the church foyer or contact Fran Anderson at 904.669.1705. Tickets are available. There is no cost for a ticket but everyone needs a ticket so accommodations can be made.

Vacation Bible School

Our VBS is June 5-9. You may register a child by calling the church office or through the church website. Barbara Rackliff has a list of needed items on the table in the foyer of the church. Check it out and see if there is something you can provide. 

Sponsor A Student

Student camp is June 19-22 and costs $120 per student. If you want to help cover the cost for a student to attend camp please contact Justyn Keller or me or call the church office.

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief

Our local Baptist association is cooperating with the Florida Baptist Convention to gather supplies to help fire victims. The following items can be brought to the church and we will deliver them to the association office in Palatka.

Sunblock
Chap stick
No-Nat Bug Repellent
Gatorade by the case
Baby Wipes
Large Paper Towels
Bandanas
Hand Sanitizer
Coolers

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing me.

Monday Morning 5

1. 4 Ways Christians Can Stand Out at Work
2. The Right Kind of Discontentment
3. One Day You Will Not Struggle to Obey
4. One-Path Evangelism: The Scandalizing Exclusivity of Jesus
5. Starving Myself Meant Losing Myself

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest May 15, 2017

The Habit of Rising to the Occasion

Remember that you have been saved so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in your body (see 2 Corinthians 4:10). Direct the total energy of your powers so that you may achieve everything your election as a child of God provides; rise every time to whatever occasion may come your way.

You did not do anything to achieve your salvation, but you must do something to exhibit it. You must “work out your own salvation” which God has worked in you already (Philippians 2:12). Are your speech, your thinking, and your emotions evidence that you are working it “out”? If you are still the same miserable, grouchy person, set on having your own way, then it is a lie to say that God has saved and sanctified you.

God is the Master Designer, and He allows adversities into your life to see if you can jump over them properly— “By my God I can leap over a wall” (Psalm 18:29). God will never shield you from the requirements of being His son or daughter. First Peter 4:12  says, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you….” Rise to the occasion— do what the trial demands of you. It does not matter how much it hurts as long as it gives God the opportunity to manifest the life of Jesus in your body.


May God not find complaints in us anymore, but spiritual vitality— a readiness to face anything He brings our way. The only proper goal of life is that we manifest the Son of God; and when this occurs, all of our dictating of our demands to God disappears. Our Lord never dictated demands to His Father, and neither are we to make demands on God. We are here to submit to His will so that He may work through us what He wants. Once we realize this, He will make us broken bread and poured-out wine with which to feed and nourish others.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
Facebook 

Mother's Day Is On The Way

Good Morning!
As our church grows I have a harder time speaking to everyone on Sunday. We have something called the 10 minute rush where about half of our crowd will come in during the last 10 minutes before the service begins. I stand near the main entrance to be available but the "rush" crowd dynamic allows for only a brief welcome or hello and then people are off to find a seat. By the way, finding a group of seats is getting harder for those who come in close to service time.

So as we grow larger we must also grow smaller. Or to say it another way, the importance of small groups goes up along with total attendance. For example, I may only get a minute to speak with you on Sunday morning, but if you participate in the Inspiration group I lead on Wednesday nights we will have more time to talk (and pray).

If you want the church to feel like your church, if you want the church to feel like home, if you want to feel connected; then get involved in a group. Connecting in a small group is where you get to know the people who are your faith family. In some ways you are like me, you don't have opportunity on Sunday morning to spend significant time with most of the people you see at church. But in a group you can. 

Right now we have two adult Groups/Sunday School Classes that meet on Sundays at 9:30 am. You can join anytime. The group I lead, Inspiration, meets Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary. We have a men's prayer group that meets each Thursday morning at 6:15 am. And we have other groups that meet occasionally, sometimes for 4 to 6 weeks or longer. I encourage you to try Group Life. 

Ladies Brunch May 20th at 10 am.

This is going to be good! Watch this video of Teresa Meares. 

Brunch will be served in the Fellowship Hall and Teresa will be speaking in the Sanctuary afterward. Each year ladies sign up to decorate a table and invite guests to join them for the brunch. To reserve a table please sign up in the church foyer or contact Fran Anderson at 904.669.1705. Tickets will be available next Sunday. There is no cost for a ticket but everyone needs a ticket so accommodations can be made.

Mother's Day

May 14th is Mother's Day and we will have a Baby Dedication! The church has a small gift for all mothers in the service that day and will have a time of special prayer. 

Dental Clinic May 11, 10 am to 4 pm

Mt. Olive is pleased to host the Dental Bus from St. Vincent's for services in our community. Scheduling is done through the Wildflower Clinic. We welcome volunteers to serve as hosts during the clinic. You can welcome guests, give out literature, and help people find their way. This is a great way to serve others. Hosts can serve any length of time. If you only have an hour, come for an hour.

Vacation Bible School

Our VBS is June 5-9. You may register a child by calling the church office or through the church website. Barbara Rackliff has a list of needed items on the table in the foyer of the church. Check it out and see if there is something you can provide. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing me.

Monday Morning 5

1. The Surprising Upside to Sadness
2. How the Prosperity Gospel Hurts Racial Reconciliation
3. 5 Ways to Fight Fake News
4. 2 STEPS TO LIVING SMARTPHONE SMART
5. “13 REASONS WHY” IS DECEPTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread May 8, 2017

The Burden of Waiting

Over the last few years, two members of my family have faced life-threatening diagnoses. For me, the hardest part of supporting them through their treatments has been the constant uncertainty. I am always desperate for a definitive word from a doctor, but things are rarely that straightforward. Instead of being given clarity, we are often asked to wait.

It’s hard to bear the burden of uncertainty, always wondering what the next test will reveal. Will we have weeks, months, years, or decades before death separates us? But regardless of disease and diagnosis, each of us will die one day—things like cancer just bring our mortality to the forefront instead of letting it hide in the recesses of our minds.

How can we best spend the time we’ve been given?
Faced with sobering reminders of our mortality, I find myself praying words that Moses once prayed. Psalm 90 tells us that though our lives are like grass that withers and fades (vv. 5–6), we have an eternal home with God (v. 1). Like Moses, we can ask God to teach us to number our days so we can make wise decisions (v. 12), and to make our brief lives fruitful by making what we do for Him count (v. 17). Ultimately, the psalm reminds us that our hope is not in a doctor’s diagnosis, but in a God who is “from everlasting to everlasting.”

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
Facebook 

My Grace is Sufficient for You

Good Morning!

Every Monday I sit at my computer, look at this update/email, and think about how blessed we are at Mt. Olive. Yesterday we witnessed two baptisms, which is what we are all about, helping people come to faith in Jesus Christ. We heard some fantastic music and songs during the evening service, and we had a great fellowship meal to finish off the day. Check out the Facebook page for pictures of the service and baptisms. Click here for the video on God's Peace that was used Sunday morning.

Thank you!
To those who shared a song or music with us last night. You were a blessing to the church family. 
To those who prepared and shared the wonderful food last night. Fantastic!
To those who gave to the student ministry to help with summer expenses. You encouraged them.
To the students who did the setup, serving, and clean up last night. Keep serving in His name!
To those who worked behind the scenes. We could not do ministry without you.
To Jesus who made it all possible. Where would we be without you?

Next Sunday

The Peacemaker Series continues next Sunday morning from James 4:11-12. 

1. Secrets of the Peacemaker (James 4:1-6)
2. Steps of the Peacemaker (James 4:7-10)
3. Speech of the Peacemaker (James 4:11-12)


Ladies Brunch

May 20th, 10 am, with Teresa Meares. Each year ladies sign up to decorate a table and invite guests to join them for the brunch. To have a table please sign up in the church foyer or contact Fran Anderson at 904.669.1705. 

Mother's Day

May 14th is Mother's Day and we will have a Baby Dedication! The church has a small gift for all mothers in the service that day and will have a time of special prayer. 

Vacation Bible School

Our VBS is June 5-9. You may register a child by calling the church office or through the church website.

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing me.

Monday Morning 5

1. Stop Photobombing Jesus
2. ‘The Lost City of Z’: Where Indiana Jones Meets Jim Elliot
3. Keep Looking (Video)
4. How to Love God by Getting More Sleep
5. Visiting Home Might Not Be Everything You Dreamed

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread May 1, 2017


What would you do if the Lord showed up in the middle of your workday with a message? This happened to Gideon, one of the ancient Israelites. “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!’ ” Gideon could have responded with a wordless nod and gulp, but instead he said, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judg. 6:12–13 nlt). Gideon wanted to know why it seemed as if God had abandoned His people.

God didn’t answer that question. After Gideon had endured seven years of enemy attacks, starvation, and hiding in caves, God didn’t explain why He never intervened. God could have revealed Israel’s past sin as the reason, but instead He gave Gideon hope for the future. God said, “Go with the strength you have . . . . I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites” (vv.14, 16 nlt).

Lord, I am reaching out to You for the peace I need.
Do you ever wonder why God has allowed suffering in your life? Instead of answering that specific question, God may satisfy you with His nearness today and remind you that you can rely on His strength when you feel weak. When Gideon finally believed that God was with him and would help him, he built an altar and called it “The Lord Is Peace” (v. 24).

There is peace in knowing that whatever we do and wherever we go, we go with God who promised never to leave or forsake His followers.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

Website
904.692.1995
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