Advent Calendar 2023

December
1
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In the kick off to our digital Advent calendar Pastor Cieslik shares a Christmas memory from his childhood growing up with his family in Wisconsin!

There are plenty of events to attend at Mount Olivet this weekend, join us!

Friday, December 1 – Lutefisk Dinner at the Mpls Campus
Sunday, December 3 – Messiah Sing-A-Long at the Mpls Campus
Sunday, December 3 – Community Tree Lighting at the Mpls Campus

Click on the links above to learn more about these upcoming events.

December
2
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Brooke shares a memory about when she received one of her favorite Christmas presents of all time and how every time it comes out she thinks of one of her favorite places in her church community, Cathedral of the Pines Camp!

December
3
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Executive Director of the Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center, Theresa Latini, shares her travel adventure story on her way home to Christmas with her family! Join us today at Mount Olivet!

Sunday, December 3 – Messiah Sing-A-Long at the Mpls Campus
Sunday, December 3 – Community Tree Lighting at the Mpls Campus
Tuesday, December 5 – Day Advent Journey at the Conference & Retreat Center

Click on the links above to learn more about these upcoming events.

December
4
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Pastor Dixon shares a story of gratitude when traveling to the Swiss Alps one Christmas!

December
5
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Principal Organist, Jordan Buchholtz, shares how being together even when it isn’t what you planned or expected this Christmas season is one of the most important things! Reminder that we have the Service of Remembrance at our West Campus tonight starting at 6:30pm. This service features a time of healing and reflection with peaceful harp music, a vocal soloist, and a time to light a candle in memory of your loved one.

December
6
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Continuing our “Coming Home for Christmas,” Pastor Lose and Pastor Ruud discuss Luke 1:26-38, the story of Gabriel telling Mary of an “unexpected turn” coming in her life–to say the least!

What trials have you been through in your life? In faith, how have you been able to see God at work in those trials?
From where or from whom do you gain support and encouragement in faith? Who might you bless this week?

See you in Church on Sunday!

December
7
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Coordinator of Membership, Fellowship, & Special Events, Gail Breen, shares how her Grandpa valued the importance of family being together and to “never leave a meatball behind.”

December
8
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Pastor Freeman shares what Christmas 2009 looked like as a new pastor and mom in South Dakota!

December
9
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Operations Coordinator, Julie Reece, shares that one year they choose to give one “larger” gift to their two boys and how they hinted at it under their Christmas tree.

December
10
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Director of Stewardship & Coordinator of Adult Education, Katie Stevenson, has been singing in Mount Olivet choirs along side family members since she was a child. The annual Christmas Concert is something that is so special and sacred to Katie, “It is literally generations passing on the light of Christmas to the next.” Join us this afternoon at the Mpls Campus or online at either 3 or 5pm to sing “Peace, Peace.”

December
11
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Noah shares that his favorite Christmas gifts have been dedicated time spent with family!

December
12
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Pastor Hammersten shares how growing up her family spent their Christmas holiday at the family cabin and what a joy it was to be together!

December
13
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Pastor Ruud and Pastor Cieslik discuss this week’s sermon topic of, “Surrounded By Your People,” and Luke 1:39-45, the story of Mary and Elizabeth meeting and sharing their joyful news, as we continue our Advent theme of “Coming Home for Christmas.”

Who has blessed you by recognizing God’s presence at work in you? Whom can you bless similarly?

How is God “birthing” new life in you right now? What does that mean for you?

See you in Church for Christmas Communion Sunday!

December
14
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Charlie Teien, Youth Staff Coordinator, shares memories of his favorite Christmas gifts that his Uncle Rick would spend so much time on each year.

December
15
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Director of Worship & Music, Dr. Beverly Claflin, shares one of her family’s biggest Christmas surprises that they still talk about today!

December
16
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Pastor MacLean, reflects on how Christmas became a selfless season at a young age, he remembers a gift that he gave his mother one Christmas.

December
17
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Amy Porthan, Coordinator of Children’s Faith Formation, shares a favorite Christmas gift she received from her sister when they were unable to spend Christmas together.

December
18
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Pastor Kalland’s first time on an airplane was to visit family in California as a child with his parents and brother, at which the Kallands were not invited to Christmas dinner!

December
19
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Jackie Enestvedt, Director of Congregational Engagement and Communications, reflects on a tradition her family shared when she was growing up and how it has shown her the importance of finding time to be still and be together each Christmas season.

December
20
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Pastor Dixon and Pastor Lose conclude our Advent series by discussing (with some festive Christmas flair!) the scripture for the 10am Christmas Eve morning service, Luke 1:46-56, Mary’s Song of Praise.
 
How… where… and when has Jesus turned your world upside down? Transformed your life in this world?
When have you felt closest to Jesus, experiencing God’s nearness most powerfully?
 
See you in Church! Reminder: there is one morning service at 10am at each campus on Sunday, December 24. Christmas Eve services follow that afternoon and evening: on the hour 2-6pm at the West Campus and 2-10pm at Mpls Campus. Livestream the Mpls Campus services from 2-10pm.
 
Merry Christmas!
December
21
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One of Sam’s favorite Christmas gifts was from his Grandma. Her thoughtful gift helped him learn a new skill that he still enjoys today!

December
22
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Pastor Ruud shares that Christmas comes when things don’t go exactly as planned, if everything isn’t perfect, and even if you are a little nervous about all that could or should be done!

December
23
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Geoff Arenson, Director of Youth Ministry, shares how Christmas music really helps him get into the spirit of the season and how he is so thankful for his Mount Olivet community.

December
24
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Senior Pastor Lose shares how when traveling one Christmas among the unplanned, unavoidable, and anxiousness that can occur, the time spent together with family, remembering the Christmas story, and being reminded of God’s gift in the baby Jesus is always worth the journey. Merry Christmas!

Join us at worship today at 10am ONLY at Mpls & West as well as livestreamed at mtolivet.org. Services will also be offered in-person and livestreamed hourly from 2-10pm at the Mpls Campus, and in-person hourly from 2-6pm at the West Campus.
Dial-in option will be available during the 10am & 2pm services at the Mpls Campus. To dial-in, call 1.833.775.1238.
Nursery will be offered at 2, 3, & 4pm at both campuses.