MMU: Baptisms and Blessings

Good Morning

If you missed it, we had five baptisms last night! Each one was a public testimony of faith in Jesus. Of all the things we do, baptism is the visual reminder of what we are all about. No matter what activities or events we might hold, our purpose is to help people know Jesus by faith. And when that happens they follow Him publicly in baptism. We have much for which to be grateful today.

I want to thank everyone who shared a song last night in the service. With Chad away in Peru I know it was different, but your willingness to sing and share was a blessing to us all. I especially want to thank the students who led the congregational singing. You guys are special to me and a blessing to the church.

Leadership Banquet

August 13th at 6pm is our second annual Leadership Banquet. If you serve in any leadership role or on any committee you are invited. You don't need to bring anything. Invitations will be sent out soon. Please let me know if you cannot attend. The banquet is a way of celebrating the work God has done through you and a way of saying thank you for your service to the Lord through the church.

Church Council

The quarterly church council meeting is next Sunday, August 6th, at 5pm. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

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. Hugh Freeze and the Peril of Public Faith
2. Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident
3. OCD and the Death of the Christian
4. Suffering That Crushes Faith
5. READING WARS

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread

All Generations

My parents married in 1933 during the Great Depression. My wife and I are Baby Boomers, part of the dramatic increase in births following World War II. Our four daughters, born in the seventies and eighties, belong to Generations X and Y. Growing up in such different times, it’s not surprising that we have different opinions about many things!

Generations differ widely in their life experiences and values. And this is true among followers of Jesus. But no matter what we wear or the kind of music we enjoy, our spiritual connection is stronger than those differences.

God’s kingdom is alive and active in all generations.
Psalm 145, a mighty song of praise to God, proclaims our bond of faith. “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. . . . They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (vv. 4, 7). Within a great diversity of age and experience, we come together by honoring the Lord. “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (v. 11).

While differences and preferences could divide us, shared faith in Jesus Christ the Lord brings us together in mutual trust, encouragement, and praise. Whatever our age and outlook, we need each other! No matter which generation we belong to, we can learn from each other and together honor the Lord—“So that all people may know of [His] mighty acts and the glorious splendor of [His] kingdom” (v. 12).

Lord, unite Your people from all generations to honor and praise You as we bear witness of Your love.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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Crazy Shirts Are Back

Good Morning

Yesterday was a special day at Mt. Olive. Our students lead us in worship and sang three songs. At the end of the service another student joined the church and will be baptized next Sunday. 

Remember in your prayers Dale and Chad as they serve the Lord this week in Peru. 

Next Sunday we have our monthly night service with baptisms and dinner. Make plans to be part of it at 6pm.

God has given us this week to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I'm praying for you. Let's do this.

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Super Sunday Night!

Next Sunday night at 6pm we have a song service followed by baptisms and then a fellowship meal. If you want to share a song please let me know this week or call the church office. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert and enjoy time with your church family. And wear your CRAZY shirts!

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

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. An Open Letter to Husbands who Abuse Their Wives
2. SHOULD WE STOP ASKING JESUS INTO OUR HEARTS?
3. Seven Ways to Pray for Your Heart
4. 4 TYPES OF PEOPLE CURIOUS ABOUT THE CHURCH
5. The Most Frightening Prayer I Could Pray for My Children

Monday Meditation

The Upper Room

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

“Christ gives us power to persevere.” These words have been written on the chalkboard in my family’s kitchen since January 2003. At the time, I was in the habit of writing The Upper Room’s “Thought for the Day” on the chalkboard so that the whole family could meditate on it during the day. However, a family crisis occurred around the time I wrote, “Christ gives us power to persevere,” and the saying has remained on our chalkboard ever since. These words have reminded us to rely on Christ’s strength again and again.

The Bible tells us that God alone is the source of our strength (Ps. 18:1; 28:7) and that we gain strength by waiting upon the Lord (Isa. 40:31). The apostle Paul learned this lesson through his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). We too can learn from difficult experiences.

Our chalkboard reminder that God through Christ empowers us to endure has seen our family through my grandma’s decade-long illness, a family friend’s suicide, my dad’s cancer diagnosis, and the deaths of my grandma and dad. In the years since then, these words have been a daily comfort to my mom and me. Rather than being a thought for a single day, the promise of Christ’s strength can be an encouraging reminder for us each and every day.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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MMU: Pray for Peru

Good Morning

Next Friday we have two men going to Peru for a mission experience. Yesterday we had Dale and Chad stand down front and the church gathered around them, laid hands on them, and prayed. We will have a prayer guide for the church to use during the time the men are away. I encourage you now to pray for them and for the work they will be doing.

The Five Love Languages

Michelle and I are team teaching The Five Love Languages at 6pm on Sunday nights. This is a three week group that includes the personal assessment, an overview of each of the love languages, and lots of examples of how the dynamics work in personal and family life. Books will be available for a small fee and you can sign up Sunday at church or contact me by email. 

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm will begin a study of the book of Revelation this week. This is a great time to get involved. 

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 ‘Gospel’ That Almost Killed Me
2. How to Reach People Who Don’t Care About the Afterlife
3. Though You Do Not See Him, You Love Him
4. How to change the world without ever leaving town
5. Eugene Peterson and Perhaps the Deepest Kind of Repentance

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest July 17, 2017

Just Like Dad

The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19

Isn’t it endearing to see a child mimicking his parents? How often we’ve seen the young boy in a car seat, gripping his imaginary steering wheel intently while keeping a close eye on the driver to see what Daddy does next.

I remember doing the same thing when I was young. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than doing exactly what my dad did—and I’m sure he got an even bigger kick watching me copy his actions.

Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to the Father.
I would like to think God felt the same way when He saw His dearest Son doing exactly what the Father did—reaching out to the lost, helping the needy, and healing the sick. Jesus said, "the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does" (John 5:19).

We too are called to do the same—to “follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love” (Eph. 5:1–2). As we continue growing to be more like Jesus, may we seek to love like the Father loves, forgive like He forgives, care like He cares, and live in ways that please Him. It is a delight to copy His actions, in the power of the Spirit, knowing that our reward is the affectionate, tender smile of a loving Father.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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MMU: Summer is Beautiful!

Good Morning

What a great Sunday. We heard from three students who attended Student Leadership University. And we had a song from our student group. What a blessing to see our students contributing and leading in worship. And thank you to Jesse for sharing Even If with us. 

I started a new series on the Sermon on the Mount. The next few weeks will cover what is known as the Beattitudes. Each one is connected to a broken heart in some way. I encourage you to be here and bring someone with you who is struggling. 

The Five Love Languages

Michelle and I are team teaching The Five Love Languages at 6pm on Sunday nights. This is a three week group that includes the personal assessment, an overview of each of the love languages, and lots of examples of how the dynamics work in personal and family life. Books will be available for a small fee and you can sign up Sunday at church or contact me by email. 

Wednesday Schedule Resumes

Our regular Wednesday night schedule is back this week. The Inspiration group is finishing up God Never Said That and Refuge is kicking off something new for the students. Everything starts at 6:30pm.

Wildflower Dental Clinic

The dental bus will be at Mt. Olive on July 12th at 10am. Appointments can be made through the clinic.

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. Divine appointments: God is on the job
2. 8 Ways to Miss the Point of Small Group
3. Hospitality Is Not Just for Home
4. 10 SURPRISING REASONS TO PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR
5. God Can Rebuild What Porn Ruined

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest July 10, 2017

The Spiritually Lazy Saint

We are all capable of being spiritually lazy saints. We want to stay off the rough roads of life, and our primary objective is to secure a peaceful retreat from the world. The ideas put forth in these verses from Hebrews 10 are those of stirring up one another and of keeping ourselves together. Both of these require initiative— our willingness to take the first step toward Christ-realization, not the initiative toward self-realization. To live a distant, withdrawn, and secluded life is diametrically opposed to spirituality as Jesus Christ taught it.

The true test of our spirituality occurs when we come up against injustice, degradation, ingratitude, and turmoil, all of which have the tendency to make us spiritually lazy. While being tested, we want to use prayer and Bible reading for the purpose of finding a quiet retreat. We use God only for the sake of getting peace and joy. We seek only our enjoyment of Jesus Christ, not a true realization of Him. This is the first step in the wrong direction. All these things we are seeking are simply effects, and yet we try to make them causes.

“Yes, I think it is right,” Peter said, “…to stir you up by reminding you…” (2 Peter 1:13). It is a most disturbing thing to be hit squarely in the stomach by someone being used of God to stir us up— someone who is full of spiritual activity. Simple active work and spiritual activity are not the same thing. Active work can actually be the counterfeit of spiritual activity. The real danger in spiritual laziness is that we do not want to be stirred up— all we want to hear about is a spiritual retirement from the world. Yet Jesus Christ never encourages the idea of retirement— He says, “Go and tell My brethren…” (Matthew 28:10).

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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Monday Morning Update Independence Day Edition

Good Morning

Welcome back to the Monday Update! I've been gone two weeks in a row spending time with our students at camp then at Student Leadership University. Let me get you caught up on what's going on. 

Yesterday was a fantastic day at Mt. Olive. We had three people join the church. Welcome John and Kim Renshaw and Abby Hodges. We also had a fantastic song from one of our students, Allison. 

Next Sunday we will hear from the SLU students about their trip and we have a group of students who will be singing. You don't want to miss that.

Tomorrow is Independence Day. As you celebrate, appreciate the amazing freedoms we have been given by God. Our nation has recognized those freedoms from the beginning. May we be good stewards of what has been passed to us. 

No Wednesday Services on July 5th

The normal church schedule will resume on Sunday July 9th.

Student Camp Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's camp possible. So many of you donated items or sponsored a student or gave your time to make camp possible. I can't thank you enough. Continue to pray for the students as they begin to live out what they have learned.

The Five Love Languages

Michelle and I will team teach The Five Love Languages beginning July 9th at 6pm at the church. This is a three week group that includes the personal assessment, an overview of each of the love languages, and lots of examples of how the dynamics work in personal and family life. Books will be available for a small fee and you can sign up Sunday at church or contact me by email. 

Wildflower Dental Clinic

The dental bus will be at Mt. Olive on July 12th at 10am. Appointments can be made through the clinic.

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. Dads, Date Your Daughter’s Boyfriend
2. What I’ve Learned from Being Isolated and Allergic to Everything
3. 6 Ways to Avoid Delayed Adulthood
4. Those little things you do when no one is looking
5. Fatherless

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest July 3, 2017

The Concentration of Personal Sin

When I come into the very presence of God, I do not realize that I am a sinner in an indefinite sense, but I suddenly realize and the focus of my attention is directed toward the concentration of sin in a particular area of my life. A person will easily say, “Oh yes, I know I am a sinner,” but when he comes into the presence of God he cannot get away with such a broad and indefinite statement. Our conviction is focused on our specific sin, and we realize, as Isaiah did, what we really are. This is always the sign that a person is in the presence of God. There is never any vague sense of sin, but a focusing on the concentration of sin in some specific, personal area of life. God begins by convicting us of the very thing to which His Spirit has directed our mind’s attention. If we will surrender, submitting to His conviction of that particular sin, He will lead us down to where He can reveal the vast underlying nature of sin. That is the way God always deals with us when we are consciously aware of His presence.

This experience of our attention being directed to our concentration of personal sin is true in everyone’s life, from the greatest of saints to the worst of sinners. When a person first begins climbing the ladder of experience, he might say, “I don’t know where I’ve gone wrong,” but the Spirit of God will point out some definite and specific thing to him. The effect of Isaiah’s vision of the holiness of the Lord was the directing of his attention to the fact that he was “a man of unclean lips.” “He touched my mouth with it, and said: ‘Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged’ ” (Isaiah 6:7). The cleansing fire had to be applied where the sin had been concentrated.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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