Worship With Us

“What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

Dear Mount Olivet Family,

This has been a tense week after a traumatic year in which we were confronted as a community with the racism that has often been called “America’s original sin.” As people of faith, we believe that incidents like the tragic killing of George Floyd and, more recently, Daunte Wright, fall far from the intention that God has for us as a people. With the verdict so recently announced, it is likely that some will assume that this difficult chapter in our history is over. But while the trial may have concluded, as Christians we know that God’s call to pray and work for greater understanding, justice, and peace is ongoing. Over the last year, we at Mount Olivet have tried to listen to and learn from those within and beyond our community, and especially to persons of color, about the realities of racial injustice and how we can address them as individuals and a community of faith. We have also worked with partner organizations striving to make our communities more equitable, rebuild neighborhoods that have suffered, and meet the day-to-day needs of our neighbors. These efforts will continue, as both the present need and opportunity are great.

As we move toward a future we trust God is already fashioning, we may sometimes differ on the best course of action, the most fitting response to crisis, or the most appropriate path to take. As we take steps forward, I will strive both to communicate clearly and listen carefully, trusting that our conversations and actions will be guided first and foremost by reverent obedience to the call of Jesus to love God by loving our neighbor. This past Sunday, Pastor Kalland and Pastor Ruud preached on Jesus’ last words to his disciples, often called “The Great Commission.” That commission – to share the good news of Christ with all – is still ours. After sharing that commission, Jesus goes on to share what I refer to as “The Great Promise,” that he will be with us always, even to the close of the age. As we work together for a peace born of equity, that promise is also still ours, and we remain confident that Christ is supporting us, accompanying us, and leading us to be the people God needs us to be at this time and in this place for the sake of the world and people God loves so much.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Lose