Board of Elders
The Board of Elders at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church has the responsibility for
- the spiritual welfare of the pastors, staff, and members of the congregation,
- the supervision of the worship life of the congregation, and
- orienting and assimilating new members into the congregation’s daily life, nurturing interpersonal relationships between members, and encouraging active participation by all members in Word and Sacrament.
Our role is daunting and one that we cannot humanly complete. Only through the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis can we fulfill our duties. In order to receive His guidance, each Board member aims to keep an active prayer life. Only through prayer can we lift up the praise, confession, thanks, and supplications of the congregation. We ask you to keep us in your prayers, and to let us know of any special requests that you have. We will add your requests to our daily prayers, and ask for Christ’s presence in your life and the Holy Spirit’s strength for you.
The Board of Elders meets on the second Monday of each month to discuss the congregation’s welfare, our worship services for the upcoming month, and the needs of members. If you wish to speak to the entire board or to a specific elder, to offer your assistance during worship, or to share an idea or concern, click here and scroll to the online contact form to send us your request. Alternatively, each of us attends one or more of the worship services held each week and you can speak to us either before or after the service.
“The Lord bless you and keep you:
The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you:
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:25
Board of Christian Eduction
The Board of Education at Mount Olive is responsible for the Christian nurture of children, youth, and adults in the congregation and in the community. We establish education programs for all age groups - ages 2 through adult. We provide the necessary means and facilities for these programs and recruit the volunteer education staff. Some of the educational programs at Mount Olive include
- Sunday School
- LOGOS (mid-week religion classes for grades 1-8)
- Vacation Bible School
- Adult Education Classes
- a Church Library
- and a weekday Preschool Program
Board of Stewardship
The Stewardship Board encourages all congregation members to study the Scripture principles regarding the total stewardship calling of the Christian, and to share their insight with others. The Board develops and maintains a congregational talent file. Every member, annually, is given an opportunity to make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure for the Kingdom work through the congregation. A program of first fruits giving is encouraged, to ensure the financial stability of the congregation and its works.
Board of Parish Fellowship
The Board of Parish Fellowship's mission is to initiate and foster relationships among members within Mount Olive and to help new members have a strong sense of belonging. This mission is put into action by continuing some traditional congregational events and by creating opportunities for new gatherings. Some will be open to the congregation as a whole, and others will support small groups.
The Board is currently supporting member participation in these activities
- hosting Fellowship Hour between Sunday services,
- being involved in the Prayer Chain,
- knitting for the Prayer Shawl Ministry,
- encouraging members to use the Wheels to Worship taxi service as needed on Sundays, and
- sponsoring new members and families for their first year of membership at Mount Olive.
Mount Olive has a strong history of small groups meeting for Bible Study and for active social ministry. Newer groups will appeal to other kinds of interests as well. Stewardship of the environment, parents of young children, groups to meet together to share dinner, to go to socially significant movies, to walk, hike or camp together are just a few of the possibilities that will be explored in the near future. All groups will begin and end their activities with prayer. This is a reminder that we join together in fellowship because Christ first gathered us together with God through His dying and rising. If anyone is moved to start a small group that is topical, active, fun-based, or a study group, please let the Director of the Board of Parish Fellowship know.
Board of Christian Health and Wellness
Mount Olive Board of Christian Health and Wellness addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the congregation and all of its members with a whole person model of ministry. The three dimensions of our being--body, mind, and spirit--are interconnected, interactive and inseparable. Brokenness in any one dimension will trigger instability in other dimensions. True wellness prevails when all three dimensions are in balance. Mount Olive is a faith community of healing. The ministry of healing is the Church’s fundamental ministry and the world’s fundamental need.
Responsibilities of this Board include assistance, guidance and support for staff and congregational ministries, such as Care Team Ministry, Caregiver’s Support Group and a paid staff position designed to promote health and wellness.
Care Team Ministry serves as a sustaining presence of God’s loving care for members and non-members of all ages who are ill, hospitalized, or homebound. Rest and relief for primary caregivers, friendly visits, phone calls, assistance with shopping and mail, transport to doctor appointments, and Holy Communion are ways in which the Care Team serves members and keeps them in touch with their faith community. Services are available to the entire community. Being a member of Mount Olive’s Care Team is an opportunity for members to share one another’s personal needs, joys and sorrows. It involves people and encourages them to participate in vital ministries according to their talents.
Caregiver’s Support Group offers renewal and resources with a spiritual focus for individuals who are caring for a loved one. Caregivers meet monthly with a Parish Nurse to assist and support one another. This group is a joint ecumenical effort with Our Lady Queen of Peace parish and open to anyone in need of caregiver support.
In health and wellness ministry, a trained professional partners with pastoral staff to facilitate the healing mission of the congregation. At present, a staff position for this ministry at Mount Olive is unfilled. However, programs and activities of this Board are designed to help meet the needs of members and staff.
Mount Olive’s Board of Christian Health and Wellness evaluates and initiates health-related programs to minister to identified physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individual members, the congregation as a whole, and the community.
Suggestions from members are welcome.
And preach as you go…Heal the sick. Matthew 10:5-8