OLIVET ONTHLY BEACON · Dan Lock, KC Pavel, Steve Plopper, Kimberly Warner, and Anne Zeisler. Our Stephen Ministers wear distinctive blue badges like the one shown to the right. More

MONTHLY BEACON

Volume 9, Number 12 December 2016

Sharing the Light and the Love of Our Lord

OLIVET

Christmas is a joyful season for most of us. For others it is a time of deep despair. There are times in everyone’s life when the Christmas Season involves coping with the pain of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, or the first Christmas with-out a beloved family member. This worship will remind you that you are not alone. God is present for those who struggle and grieve. God’s light still shines in the darkness. If you are hurting, alone, or feeling blue this Christmas Season, this wor-ship is for you.

This year we will hold a Blue Christmas Service on Saturday, December 17, at 5:30 p.m. in place of our normal worship ser-vice. This service will have a more quiet, somber feel than a traditional Christmas worship service. Within the worship ser-vice you will have an opportunity to lift up the name of your deceased loved one and light a candle in remembrance of them.

We encourage you to invite friends and family members to attend with you to remember your loved ones and to share in the hope and promise made possible in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Christmas Worship Services Scheduled

Saturday, Dec. 17: Blue Christmas Service - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18: Worship & Holy Communion - 8:00 a.m.

Kids’ Church Pageant, Youth Band & Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 23: Eve of Christmas Eve - 7:00 p.m. (for those who cannot make Christmas Eve)

Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Worship Service & Holy Communion - 10:00 a.m. Followed by Christmas Dinner hosted by Pastor Dave & Family

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

“Walking to Jesus”

Sunday, December 18 @ 10:00 a.m.

Music will feature Olivet’s Youth Band

Christmas Day Dinner

Pastor Dave and his family will be hosting their annual Christmas Dinner following the 10 a.m. service on Christmas Day. Please bring your favorite Christmas dish to pass.

All are welcome—RSVP required by Decem-ber 20. Please call the office at 783-1484 or note “Christmas Dinner” and the number attending on the back of your worship card.

Olivet Monthly Beacon 2

From the desk of Pastor Dave Dear Friends,

The Christmas season is upon us once again and Lisa and I would like to wish you a blessed Christmas and holiday season, full of all the joy and wonder that comes with this time of year.

I encourage us all to spend time this Christmas re-flecting on the significance of the season. What ideas come to mind as you consider Christmas? Memora-ble gatherings with family and loved ones, perhaps? Christmas caroling, presents around a beautifully decorated tree, long awaited festivities and the deli-cious smells and tastes familiar to the time of year?

There is a wealth of things that represent the season. As Christians we think of the Luke 2 account, with the shepherds, the magi from the East, the lowly sta-ble and manger. We remember that "Immanuel"- God with us - was born because God so loves us that He came to dwell among us, taking on the form of a man so that we might be able to touch Him, hear Him, see Him and know Him. All of these things are Christmas; it is true. But this year we want to offer a different aspect of Christmas for us to consider.

As we prepare gifts for those who are special in our lives, and as we open gifts this year, think about the wrapping. What is on the inside of a box can rarely be detected by concentrating on the wrapping. In fact, wrapping is designed to cover a gift and make it presentable for the receiver. So it is with the Christ. He was all wrapped up in human flesh so that we might receive Him. However, disguised by His gentle nature and humble appearance, most failed to recog-nize that God was within and so, because men con-

centrated on the "wrapping," they missed the value of God's greatest gift. And that's how we all are. We more often than not fail to see the value of people who are "wrapped" up in flesh that we consider unat-tractive, odd or different than us. Or, how often do we fail to see the opportune times that we can let the light of Christ shine in us . . . just because those op-portunities are "wrapped up" in the disguise of a frustrating circumstance or an inconvenience?

This year we encourage you to get past the wrapping and reach out to others in a way that communicates to them the truth of Christmas. Don't forget, God has chosen to wrap Himself up in you, now that you have become His temple. Galatians 2:20 says it this way: "…it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…" Just like the beautifully wrapped packages that will set beneath decorated trees in homes worldwide, so the power and salvation of God has been placed in-side the packaging of your life. He desires to use you and your relationships with people so that He can impact lives with His love.

Be ready . . . know that God is going to use you in a powerful way this Christmas season. Pray about who you can invite to our worship services and then invite them. Look for the “God moments” that will come your way so you can share the light and love of Jesus.

We pray His richest blessings on you this Christmas season.

Pastor Dave and Lisa Baldukas

“Sharing the Light and the Love of Our Lord” 3

Pastor Andrew

From the desk of Pastor Andrew

I recently read a story about a group of climbers who set out to scale a large mountain in Europe. On clear days, the summit stretched high above the earth, reigning as the king on the hori-zon. On days like this the hikers were inspired and made great progress. Eyes were called up-ward. The walk was brisk. The cooperation was unselfish. Though many, they climbed as one, all looking to the same summit.

On other days, the peak of the mountain was hidden from view. The clouds covered the crisp blue-ness with a drab, gray ceiling and blocked the vision of the moun-taintop. On those days the climb was arduous. Eyes were down-ward and thoughts inward. The goal was forgotten. Tempers were short. Complaints and bone-weariness filled the day.

We can be like that sometimes. As long as we can see the end re-sult, as long as our goal is within eyesight, there is no mountain we

Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. (Psalm 127:1)

can’t climb or summit we can’t scale. But take away our vision, block our view of the trail’s end, and the result can be discourage-ment.

It’s a great reminder to always fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our constant companion and the one who awaits us at the end of the journey. And as Proverbs re-minds us, “without a vision, the people perish!” (Proverbs 29:18).

I am blessed to have a birds-eye view of all the construction going on outside my window. The trees and grass have been replaced by bulldozers, cement trucks, and surveying crews. It’s fascinating to see the building process up-close from beginning to end—all the planning, the hard work, the specialized tools, and the gradual push to the end result. By next summer, we will all be able to rejoice at the Lord’s amazing provision!

But even as we look forward to the new building opening in

2017, and all the blessings that will come from it, we continue to put our trust fully in God and His glorious Kingdom purposes. There’s a reason God no longer dwells in temples made by human hands—He lives in the hearts of us, His people! We are the church and the hands, feet, heart, and words of Jesus to a world that is in desperate need of hope and good news. Paul tells us, “be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:18). The original language indicates that is a constant filling—as we continue to pour ourselves out, we must also be refilled by the Holy Spirit.

The construction outside is a great reminder that the Kingdom of God continues to march onward, but also that He uses you and me to accomplish the work. Thank you Jesus for your promise that “I will build my church and all the pow-ers of hell will not conquer it” (Matthew 16:18).

Congratulations to our newly commissioned Stephen Ministers at Olivet.

They are: Larry Becker Vivien Edwards Sonya Mix

Gerrie Brown Leanne Hawkins Ellen Roles

Mary Dangerfield Gina Mikrut Kathy Vongroven

They join our first class of Stephen Ministers: Keith Baker, April Hucke, Herb Hucke, Donna Jobe, Kristi Josephson, Dan Lock, KC Pavel, Steve Plopper, Kimberly Warner, and Anne Zeisler.

Our Stephen Ministers wear distinctive blue badges like the one shown to the right.

More information on Stephen Ministry can be found on page 15 of this Beacon.


Worship Assistants for December

December 3-4 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Marge Marshall Alice Ackerman Pat Haskey

Ushers: John & Doris Schwingle Dennis & Donna Bentzen M. Bayer/A. Prokes/ N. Arens/G. Groth

Greeters: Tim & Paula Betlach Jim & Marianne Shugrue Mark & Sharon Hellerud

Communion n/a Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew n/a

Helpers: Tim & Alice Ackerman

Acolyte: Mike Pavel Marianne Shugrue Melayna Bayer

Nursery: Open-not staffed Open-not staffed Julie Coates

Counters: B. Schneider & M. Doolittle S. Hoover & C. Huth Cindy Lefevre & Vol. Needed

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Toni Groshek Dale Groshek

Connection Center: KC Pavel n/a Donna Kretschmer

Altar Guild: Betty Fagan Jane Binnebose Carol Maier

Kids' Church: Bianca Smith

December 10-11 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Lynette Dettinger Tim Ackerman Paul Stuhr

Ushers: Mark & Linda Levan Jim & Marianne Shugrue Scott & Dorothy Payne

Greeters: S. Horstman & Vol. Needed Gina Mikrut & Doug Olson Larry & Linda Koblitz

Communion Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew Pastor Dave/Pastor Andrew PD/PA/L. Hawkins/M. Howard

Helpers: Don & Donna Jobe Bill & Jane Binnebose Paul Stuhr/Marci Storey/2 Vol. Needed

Acolyte: Nick Teff Emma Snodgrass Alex Knerzer

Nursery: Open-not staffed Open-not staffed Penny Becker

Counters: Betty Fagan & Donna Kemp E. Brauer & Donna Bentzen Nancy Arens & Marci Storey

Sound Tech: Jason Knipe Kevin Josephson Patrick Strain

Connection Center: Cindy Lefevre n/a Lucine Grafft

Altar Guild: Denise Serres Faye Bright Penny Becker

Kids' Church: Chord LeClaire

December 17-18 Sat 5:30pm "Blue Christmas" Sun 8am Sun 10am - Kids' Church Pageant

Readers: Bob Hembd Jane Binnebose Patti Barney

Ushers: Dan & Betty Fagan Tim & Andy Ackerman Carol Maier & Russ Dresdow

Greeters: S. Vanderbush & A. Zeisler Jason & Bonnie Knipe Steve & Cindy Plopper


Helpers: Dennis & Donna Bentzen

Acolyte: Nick Tilson Kora Munkelwitz Pierce Nelson

Nursery: Open-not staffed Open-not staffed Julie Coates

Counters: Kathy Hampel & A. Zeisler Jan Pearson & Teri Houlihan Pat McHenry & Vol. Needed

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Toni Groshek Patrick Strain

Connection Center: Judie Doolittle n/a Sandie Perry

Altar Guild: Alice Gerken Sharon Hoover Leanne Hawkins

Pre-Christmas Eve December 23 7pm

Readers: Volunteer Needed Ushers: Nancy Arens & Gary Groth

Greeters: Bruce & Kathy Vongroven Communion PD/PA/2 Volunteers Needed

Helpers: Mike & Marge Marshall/Mike & Cindy Lefevre

Acolyte: Mike Pavel Nursery: Open-not staffed

Counters: Nancy Arens & Marci Storey Sound Tech: Patrick Strain Connection Center: KC Pavel

Altar Guild: Linda Liethen


Christmas Eve Day December 24 2pm 4pm 6pm

Readers: Judie Doolittle Cindy Cossette Pastor Luanne

Ushers: 2 Volunteers Needed Scott & Dorothy Payne and Jim & Marianne Shugrue

Gary & Cindy Cossette

Greeters: Shannon Mollet & Stan Bell Don & Cheryl Brenengen Russ Dresdow & Diane Hanson

Communion PD/PA/B. & L. Liethen PD/PA/B&J Binnebose/B. Fagan PD/PA/PL/Avert & Edye Eklov

Helpers: 2 Volunteers Needed L. Hawkins/G. Green/C. Maier Ernie & Sue Stetzer/Vol. Needed

Acolyte: Stan Bell Bill Binnebose Marianne Shugrue

Nursery: Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed

Counters: B. Schneider & M. Doolittle Betty Fagan & Vol. Needed Volunteer Needed

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Dale Groshek Jason Knipe

Connection Center: Sandie Perry Donna Kretschmer Volunteer Needed

Altar Guild: Denise Serres Jane Binnebose Volunteer Needed

Christmas Day

December 25 10am

Readers: Heather Fortuine

Ushers: Jon & Carolyn Tudahl

Greeters: The Fortuine Family

Communion Pastor Andrew/Heather Fortuine

Helpers: Erna Brauer/Volunteer Needed

Acolyte: Reece Tudahl

Nursery: Open-not staffed

Counters: Kathy Hampel & Donna Kemp

Sound Tech: Volunteer Needed

Connection Center: Volunteer Needed

Altar Guild: Erna Brauer

December 31- Jan 1 Sat 5:30pm Sun 8am Sun 10am

Readers: Volunteer Needed Erna Brauer Heather Fortuine

Ushers: Byron & Sherry Osterlie Bill & Jane Binnebose Shelly Nelson & Conner Knerzer

Greeters: 2 Volunteers Needed Erna Brauer & Chuck Huth Corah Nelsestuen & Carleen Marker


Helpers: John Olson & Vol. Needed

Acolyte: Jacob Zeeb Marianne Shugrue Abby Prokes

Nursery: Open-not staffed Open-not staffed Vol. Needed

Counters: Lynette Dettinger & Cindy Cossette Sharon Hoover & Chuck Huth Harlan Perry & Vol. Needed

Sound Tech: Alan Gerken Toni Groshek Dale Groshek

Connection Center: Melanie Wuensch n/a Cindy Plopper & Carie Finch

Altar Guild: Mary Abraham Erna Brauer Phyllis Buchner

If you are unable to make your scheduled assignment, please find someone to take your place and contact the church office so we know of the change. Please call 783-1484 or e-mail [email protected].

Thank


Church Contacts/E-mail Addresses

Ministers…………………………………...... .All Members of Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. David J. Baldukas…………………[email protected]

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. Andrew Fortuine……………………[email protected]

Pastor…………………………………………….Rev. Luanne Sorenson…………………[email protected]

Church Administrator……………………..Dorothy Payne………………………………[email protected]

Office Support………………………………..Toni Groshek…………………………………[email protected]

Weekend Office Support.…………………Alice Gerken……….………………….……[email protected]

Librarian………………………………………..Carla Swerman………………………….…[email protected]

Custodians……………………………………..Jeep Norris/Kathy Hampel/Kalen Seib/Brie Murdock

Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church

2100 Bainbridge Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 Church Office 608-783-1484

E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.OlivetLutheran.org

Pastor Dave H783-4995 C792-1120 Pastor Andrew H406-4885 C769-8613

Pastor Luanne H781-3570 C797-9347

Office Hours:

Monday—Friday 8:00am—4:00pm

Sunday 8:00am—noon

GROUNDBREAKING CELEBRATION! November 5 & 6, 2017


~ December 2016 ~

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 10-2 Cookie Walk Set-up

Noon - Sandbakkel Baking

6:30pm Musicians Rehearsal

6:30pm Recovery Through Christ

2 6:30am Men’s Bible Breakfast 7:30am Men’s Prayer Group

7-11am Cookie Walk Set-up

3 7:30-10am COOKIE WALK

5:30 Worship

4 8am Worship/HC 8:30am Bible Fellowship

9:15am Kids’ Church Leaders’ Meeting 10am Worship S.M. Commissioning 10am Kids’ Church

11:15am Children’s Ministry Team Mtg.

5 9am Building Meeting

4:15pm Bible Study for Persons with Special Needs

6-7:30pm Stephen Ministry Cont. Ed.

6 6:30am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Small Group Study 10:30am Prayer Circle

11:45am Deacons Meeting 6pm Prayer Gathering

6:45pm Co-Ed Bible Study

7pm Co-ed Bible Study 7pm AA

7 10am Bible Study

5pm Youth Band Rehearsal

6pm Bible 101

6pm Youth Ministries Family Dinner

6:45pm Confirmation

6:45pm Youth Group

8 11:30am Young at Heart Lunch


7pm Bible Books


10 8:30am-1pm Mansfield Baby Shower

9-10:30am Kids’ Church Pageant Rehearsal

5:30 Worship/Holy Communion

11 8am Worship/HC 8:30 am Bible Fellowship

9:10am Connections Team Meeting

10am Worship/ Holy Communion 10am Kids’ Church

12 9am Building Meeting


13 6:30am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Small Group Study 10:30am Prayer Circle 6pm Prayer Gathering 6pm Leadership Team Mtg. 6:45pm Co-Ed Bible Study


14 10am Bible Study

5pm Evangelism Team Meeting

5pm Youth Band Rehearsal

6pm Bible 101


6:45pm Confirmation

6:45pm Youth Group

15 10am -1pm LCMC Ministerium



17 9am Salvation Army Blessing

1-3pm Kids’ Church Pageant Dress Rehearsal

TBD—Hembd Baby Shower

5:30 Blue Christmas Service

6:30pm Youth Band Set-up

18 8am Worship/HC 8:30 am Bible Fellowship

10am Worship/Youth Band/Kids’ Church Pageant 10am Kids’ Church

19 Monthly Beacon Deadline 9am Building Meeting


6-7:30pm Stephen Ministry Cont Ed.

20 6:30am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9:15am Small Group Study 10:30am Prayer Circle

11am Staff Meeting (offsite) 6pm Prayer Gathering



21 10am Bible Study

6pm Bible 101


6:45pm Confirmation

6:45pm Youth Group

22 4pm Collins/Everhart Wedding & Dinner



7pm Christmas Eve Worship Service/Holy Communion

24 Christmas

Eve

2-4-6 pm Candlelight

Services Holy Comm.

25 CHRISTMAS

DAY

10am Worship/ Holy Communion

11am Christmas Dinner with Pastor Dave and Family

26

Office Closed

27 6:30am Women’s Bible Breakfast & Prayer Group 9am Staff Meeting 9:15am Small Group Study 10:30am Prayer Circle 6pm Prayer Gathering



28 10am Bible Study

6pm Bible 101


6:45pm Confirmation

6:45pm Youth Group

29 6:30pm Musicians Rehearsal


31 5:30 Worship


Hospitality Team . . . Jane Binnebose, Team Leader

Come for lunch, then stay for some entertainment and socializing. Anyone age 55 and over is invited to attend. Bring a friend or neighbor who would enjoy some companionship and a nice meal out.

December’s meal will feature a Christmas dinner—ham, turkey, and all the fixins’! Olivet will provide the ham and turkey. Please sign up at the Connection Center to bring a side dish or dessert and to RSVP.

Join us for a potluck lunch & fellowship

Thursday, December 8

11:30 a.m. Olivet Fellowship Hall

served each week. Of course, some weeks as few as 30 neighbors are served, but we have had over 150

served on a Monday also. These peo-ple come from all walks of life. They may be elderly on a fixed income, they may be a construction worker, a young mother with small children or a young adult in need of friend-ship. The meals vary--from Olivet's famous meatballs and mashed pota-toes to a simple meal of hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Most of the food (raw materials) for the

meals is obtained from Hunger Task Force at no charge and is prepared in Trinity's won-derful kitchen. Please keep the staff at Hunger Task Force and the volunteers from the area churches in your prayers as we complete our tasks in 2016 and plan for 2017. Most of all, keep those who attend Monday Meals in your prayers.

MONDAY MEALS

If you would like to follow the example of Jesus and help the poor and those in need, please think about volunteering for Monday Meals. Monday Meals is a consortium of seven area churches of various denominations. Each Monday a hot meal is served by one of these churches, at no charge, at Trinity Lutheran Church on the north side of La Crosse. Olivet’s next opportunity to serve is January 23. Please prayerfully consider be-ginning 2017 by volunteering for Monday Meals. Watch for the signup sheets at the Connections Table.

We recently attended a joint meeting of the area Monday Meals churches to summarize 2016 and to plan for 2017. A few numbers were presented as part of the summary. Let me share a few of those: A total of 4,984 meals were served in the ten months report-ed. That breaks down to approximately 113 people

Plans are underway to offer a weekly lunch to the crew working on our building addi-tion. We will be looking for volunteers to head up a team for one or more weeks, help cook and serve the meal, donate des-sert, etc. Watch for more details soon!

If would like to help out in some way, please mark the back of your worship card or contact the church office.


Olivet to offer membership class Saturday, January 7, 2017 Olivet will offer its next “Mission Partner Class” in one session on Saturday, January 7, from 9—11 a.m.

We welcome people wherever they are on their Spir-itual journey. Come and hear more about who we are as a church, what we believe and how we oper-ate. Then decide if you are ready to make a deeper commitment by becoming a Mission Partner (member) of Olivet.

Led by Pastor Dave and Pastor Andrew, the class will cover such topics as:

Olivet’s history, mission, vision and values.

What is a Mission Partner? What are the expecta-tions of the church? Of the Mission Partner?

The importance of worship, intimacy with God and prayer, and more.

Learn about the opportunities available for spiritu-

al growth.

Explore your personal gifts and strengths and learn about ways you can serve and partner with Olivet.

If you or someone you know is interested in attend-ing the Mission Partner class, please register with the office.

Olivet will be holding its next baptism celebration service on Saturday, January 21. This worship service will focus entirely on baptism from beginning to the end.

At Olivet we teach that Jesus instituted Holy Bap-tism; that God truly acts in this sacrament; and that faith is essential for its effectiveness.

We will begin with a required class from 9:30-10 a.m. and follow with the service from 10:15-11:15 a.m.

Pre-registration is required. Please contact the church office for more information or to register.

Baptism Celebration Service

Saturday, January 21

Annual Budget Review Meeting: January 19, 2017, 6:00 p.m.—Review, discussion and a vote to pass the 2017 budget as proposed by the Leadership Team.

Celebration of Mission: We will share stories and praise reports from our ministry teams during each of our worship services on Saturday, January 21, and Sunday, January 22, 2017.

Annual Business Meeting and Potluck: Sunday, January 22, 2017, 11:30 a.m.—Potluck meal, fellowship and business meeting, including voting for officers for open positions on the Leadership Team as presented by the Nominating Committee.

Notice of Annual Meetings


CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Lots of kids practicing lines, singing carols, and being fitted for costumes—it must be the Christmas season! Thank you kids for all your hard work, thank you parents and families for your family’s involvement, and thank you to our awesome adult leaders and youth helpers for investing in the lives of Olivet’s children. We look forward to a wonderful Christmas pageant on Sunday, December 18 (10:00 am service)—come see our kids celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior and invite your family members, friends, and neighbors too!

We have had a great start to the year with our new rotational system. We began the year studying Creation and the book of Daniel and have now transi-tioned to Advent and the Christmas season. In January, we begin the book of Isaiah! Our new rotational system has been such a big blessing—each week, kids rotate to a different station where they learn the Bible from a unique per-spective like “Story,” “Cooking,” “Crafts,” “Games,” and “Music.” It’s a great time to be part of Kids’ Church!

We are implementing a new check-in system at Kids’ Church. We now have a computer kiosk where parents or other approved family members can check children in and out elec-tronically. This will allow for greater safety for our children and will streamline many administrative tasks for our leaders and the office.

The kids are just as excited for the new building pro-ject as the adults! Recently, they made a handmade thank you banner for our construction workers. What a blessing!

The word is out if you are in Middle School or High School—Olivet is the place to be on Wednesday evenings! Youth start gathering around 5:30 for fun and fellowship and then eat a great meal all together at 6:15 p.m. We then study God’s Word and worship together as a big group and then divide into specific ages for more personalized study, prayer, and life application. We end it all in a large group format and then have dessert at the end! Our Olivet youth continue to bring their friends and our numbers keep growing. Thank you King Jesus!

Please keep our youth ministry in your prayers:

Pray that the Gospel would find root in the hearts of all our youth

Pray for unity among the youth

Pray that our youth would be witnesses to their family and friends

Pray a blessing of God’s wisdom and joy for all of our amazing adult leaders

Groundbreaking Crew


It has been a very long time since I have had any Christmas Spirit. It seemed the last few years that it was a struggle to feel the true spirit and I was just going through the motions for my family’s sake. I felt myself dreading to have to sing Advent and Christ-mas songs and pretend they meant something. I made my heart hard and crusty so the happiness these songs held could not penetrate my musical soul. Sometimes it is easier to not feel than to make the effort to let that guard down and explore the in-side of your being and make peace with yourself. It is also hard to work in a place where Jesus is banned and saying Merry Christmas is frowned upon.

This all was on my mind last week when I decided to put our Christmas tree up early. I worked hard all weekend digging out the tree and all the trimmings. I cleaned and sorted and displayed all of my orna-ments, as well as all of the beautiful decorations that had belonged to my mom. I trimmed the tree, put out the nativity set, plugged everything in, and then just sat and looked around. It felt good to have that task out the way so I could go about my busy week with a lighter load on my plate.

Then my son Kyle called and said that he was going to pick up a couple pizzas and come over for supper. Well of course Grandma and Grandpa were on joy overload thinking about our beautiful granddaughter coming for a visit. They arrived a few minutes later. Ari held out her arms and I took her from Kyle and got my customary hugs and kisses. (She loves her grandma the best—do not tell gramps!)

Ari looked over my shoulder and saw all the lights and twinkles and she made the most adorable con-tented sigh I had ever heard. I looked at her and won-dered what she would do when she saw the tree, so we walked into the living room where the tree was. The look on her face and her eyes that shone in amazement made me tear up and hold her very close. It was one of the best moments of my life. To experi-ence a child’s innocence and wonder at the season of

the birth of our Savior fills my heart with so much love. First, for a Savior that makes all of this possi-ble, and second, for the beautiful little girl who has softened my heart to be able to feel it again.

I took her over to look at my nativity set that I display next to my mom’s nativity set and I told her about Jesus and his mama and daddy and all the important people who came to see him. She looked at me telling the story and tried to repeat what I was saying in be-tween a lot of excited arms and legs moving and it was all so very beautiful.

The wonder of Christmas is in her and I think, thanks to her, it is back in me. I am now looking forward to the Christmas Season. I am looking forward to the services, the shopping, the cooking and the fellow-ship. This Christmas Season I am going to see it all through the eyes of a special little girl who helped her Grandma enjoy life again and to look forward to the season of sometimes forced happiness.

Joy to the World the Lord is Come!

Emma Blank Saturday Music Leader

Ari sharing her joy!


From Melanie Wuensch, Event Chair: The “Suds and Hot Air” Event took place over three days—October 19, 20 & 21—at four local laundromats. We had seven volunteers, five of whom were new to the Servolution team. The Olivet community donated $200 in quarters, so each team went out to a laundromat armed with $50 in quarters to pre-load the machines.

A variety of people were served—young, old, new to the area, college students—all walks of life. Many patrons were curious as to why we were doing this and who we were. Many peo-ple were grateful, while some said “no thank you.” Two people, who agreed to have their machines started for them, later came back and donated the money back for others. They said they were business owners and didn't really need the help and that the Holy Spirit had spoken to them. We talked to a woman from Idaho who didn’t have a church home yet.

Our volunteers also felt blessed, had a great time and would do it again. One of our members commented that they had donated quarters, but didn’t feel they could help at the laundromats because “they wouldn’t even know how to put the money in the machines.” This person had been blessed in their life and had never had the need to use a public laundromat facility. Others aren't as fortunate to have the space for a washer or dryer or even afford the machines for their home. We forget sometimes that clothing—clean clothing, warm cloth-ing—is needed sometimes just as much as food.

I thank the Lord we can serve our community in this way. It feels good to be able to offer this service. Thank you for another successful Servolution event!

Report from Glenn Green, volunteer at a laundromat near Viterbo University:

This was my first time as one of the volunteers going out to the laundromats, and I must say it was an amazing bridge-building opportunity.

There were numerous chances to share our blessings with others, all of whom took the time to share their life-story after getting over the shock of Olivet paying for their laundry. We had such a diverse group. There was a well-to-do lady whose dryer had broken and who had not been in a laundromat for 35 years–turns out she and her husband are personal friends of the Marshalls from Olivet. Another very introverted woman eventually

opened up and shared that she had been married at Olivet to her first husband many years ago, but had since moved to the south side of La Crosse. I also spoke with several college students pursuing very diverse careers – one of whom was in the “Servant Leadership Program” at Viterbo and thought our RAK event truly reflected all he had learned about servant leadership.

My favorite of all was Jenny. Jenny is a challenged individ-ual with a big heart. She accepted our generous blessing, but had so many questions even though she forgot my name and our church’s name numerous times. Questions like: What does your church believe? How do you live out what you believe? How are we different from the other churches she had visited, because she felt so judged by them? Is there a bus route from La Crosse to French Is-land? What time are our services? WOW – did we learn a

lot!

We heard some great stories and felt God’s presence the entire time we were there. Thanks to all who donated their quarters, time and prayers to this Servolution RAK event. Thank you for your unselfish hearts. And a special thank you to the laundromats for not only allowing us into their businesses, but also for donating quarters of their own to this event!

SERVOLUTION REPORT—SUDS AND HOT AIR EVENT


Friday night’s date night was a success. Eighty-seven attendees enjoyed the movie, popcorn and desserts.

Sixty-three people attended the Saturday matinee showing and were treated to a light meal of chili dogs, chips and dessert.

It was a wonderful movie and we heard numerous positive comments. One couple that came to the Friday night event was from another church. They have been to numerous Servolution events at Olivet. They have been always impressed with the emphasis Olivet has ex-hibited in providing fellowship opportunities like this movie where they have felt comfortable connecting with the Olivet attendees and pastors.

Thank you to the team, all the volunteers and our event coordinator Penny Becker for all of your efforts in making this a meaningful outreach Servolution event at Olivet.

EVANGELISM TEAM REPORT MOVIE EVENT HELD

NOVEMBER 4 & 5

Missions and Benevolence . . . Karen Menagh —Sharing the Light of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to all who participated in the various sharing opportunities this Christmas season.

The members of Olivet filled and sponsored 88 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Imagine the smiles of a child receiving the shoebox filled with gifts, maybe the first gifts ever received, and the joy filling the child as they learn about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

As I write this we are still collecting peaches for the Salvation Army. Thank you for assisting the Salvation Army provision a Christmas food basket for those in our community who have need.

The Caring Tree is a wonderful ministry which shines the light and love of Jesus in our neighborhood. The tags have been going quickly and gifts are already piled under the tree! There are tags for children, young adults with special needs, senior citizens and families. There are also tags for gift cards for those of you who don’t like to shop. If you would like the Olivet elves to wrap your gifts for you, simply bring your gift(s) in a bag, along with the tag and we will do the rest. Please return all gifts to Olivet by Sunday, December 11, to allow time for sorting and delivery. Thank you for your generosity!

No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed.

Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

Luke 8:16-17


Tuesdays:

Women’s Prayer Group @ 7:30 a.m.

Co-ed Prayer Circle @ 10:30 a.m. (Praying for Revival and Renewal)

Evening Prayer Group @ 6 p.m.

Fridays:

Men’s Prayer Group @ 7:30 a.m.

Prayer Groups

Tuesdays:

Women’s Bible Breakfast @ 6:30-7:15 a.m.

Co-ed Bible Study @ 7 p.m. (Galatians)

Wednesdays:

Co-ed Study @ 10:00 a.m.

Fridays:

Men’s Bible Breakfast @ 6:30-7:15 a.m.

Sundays:

Olivet Bible Fellowship (O.B.F.) @ 8:30 a.m.

Life Groups (Follow the Worship Theme)

Small Group Study

Tuesdays:

Co-ed Bible Study @ 9:15 a.m. (True Worshipers)

Co-ed Bible Study @ 7:00 p.m. (December will follow worship theme)

Wednesdays:

Bible 101 @ 6:00 p.m.

Olivet’s Deacons/Deaconesses are:

Patti Barney, Donna Jobe, Steve Kemp, Marge and Mike Marshall.

Prayer Partners

The Tuesday evening prayer group meets at 6 p.m. in the library and focuses on the prayer concerns and requests of our faith community here at Olivet. This will include your prayers submitted on the weekend connection cards, as well as any prayer requests made through the office.

If you would like to deepen your prayer life, this is a great place to come. If you are already a “Prayer Warrior”, please come and join your voice with ours as we pray for others. If prayer is a new practice for you, come and be part of this group. The best way to learn to pray is to learn from others who are praying.

at Olivet

Tuesday Evening Prayer

Updated format for Bible 101: The New Testament Snowball! Wednesdays @ 6:00 p.m.

Maybe you’ve heard of Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball where a person tackles the smallest debts first to create momentum that will carry them through to conquer-ing the whole task. The idea is the little accomplishments first serve as motivation to keep going, and second makes provision where the gained resources can then be applied toward bigger things.

Well, that is exactly the principle of the NT snowball. The Bible 101 class will be on a rapid and comprehensive course of learning the New Testament starting from the smaller (and lesser known) books in the back and progressing through the larger ones in the front; this format will not only help people learn the Bible, but to also see its interconnectedness and credibility as truth in a world full of decep-tion.

Please don’t be intimidated by the concept of learning the entire NT; this study will be like a walk by the lake, where it can be appreciated without having to swim in the depths. Just like viewing a lake, there is no require-ment for starting at one particular vista before seeing another; thus it will be with this study, the lessons will be interwoven, not built upon one another.

If you’ve always wanted to dive into the Bible, but were afraid of getting lost in the depths, join the 101 class and take a walk along the perimeter… though we might dip our toes, I promise we’ll stay off the high-dive.


What Is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry is a system through which mem-bers of Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church are trained and organized to help provide Christian care-giving to members of our congregation and commu-nity. This will multiply the amount of caring ministry that Olivet can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life.

Humans like to be in control, having the power to choose exactly what is going to happen and when. Unfortunately, life isn’t like that—we only think we’re in control. So when something happens and we realize we’re not in control, we feel lost, over-whelmed, angry, even terrified. Stephen Ministers are trained to help when things are out of control. They provide support and encouragement while helping a person put faith and trust in God.

If you would like to know more about Stephen Minis-try, please contact one of our pastors or one of our Stephen Leaders—Judy Knutson, Mike Pavel, KC Pavel or Kristi Josephson.

Testimonials:

“As a man, I found it difficult and awkward to reach out for help. But I’m glad I did. I probably could have made it alone, but it sure was a lot easier having a Stephen Minister to talk to.”

“The beset thing about Stephen Ministry was it was so confidential. Nobody even knew I had a Stephen Minister.”

“I had never felt so alone as I did after my wife died. I had never opened up to anyone else before. My Ste-phen Minister helped me work through the painful feelings and helped me find hope again.”

* * * * *

A prayer for those who are suffering:

Compassionate Father, there are those among us whose hearts are heavy and who are facing their struggles alone. Yet you have called us, saying, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” and you have promised us “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding.” Help those among us who are hurting recognize they need not struggle alone, that you created us to be in com-munity, to bear one another’s burdens. Give the si-lent sufferers among us the courage to seek the help they need, whether from a pastor, Stephen Leader, Stephen Minister, friend, or someone else, so that we can make your promises real to them and bring com-fort and healing to their hearts. In your name we pray. Amen.

Stephen Ministry

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Mission Statement:

Serving God by Caring for Others.

Vision Statement:

Stephen Ministry at Olivet Lutheran Church is inspired by Jesus’ model

of love and compassion; and trains, equips and empowers

women and men to offer confidential and distinctively Christian care

to individuals needing care in their lives.


October/November Worship Attendance and Offering

Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving

Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account. Credit & Debit Card Giving allows you to make offerings automatically on a pre-determined schedule using a credit or debit card. Online Giving allows you to go to the Giving tab on our website to set up an automatic donation plan, change your plan, make a one-time donation or view your dona-tion history.

As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Authorization forms and additional information are available from the church office and at the Connection Center.

Date Attendance Automatic Giving

Saturday, October 29 86 General $7,532.50 October 24 through November 25:

Sun., October 30 8am 78 Mort/Prin $738.00 General $13,817.50

Sun., October 30 10am 156 Designated $6,616.50 Mortgage $4,372.50

Kids' Church 27 Designated $1,480.00

Total 347 TOTAL: $14,887.00 Total: $19,670.00

Above totals not included in figures to the left

Saturday, November 5 103 General $9,016.80

Sun., November 6 8am 72 Mort/Prin $2,170.00 Mortgage Principal Balance

Sun., November 6 10am 206 Designated $2,289.29 As of 11/28/2016: $394,839.91

Kids' Church 43

Total 424 TOTAL: $13,476.09 November Principal Paid $6,681.87

November Interest Paid $1,882.13

Saturday, November 12 106 General $5,382.00 Additional Principal Paid

Sun., November 13 8am 93 Mort/Prin $925.00 Principal Paid YTD $121,932.25

Sun., November 13 10am 165 Designated $725.00 Interest Paid YTD $24,086.05

Kids' Church 37

Totals 401 TOTAL: $7,032.00

Saturday, November 19 111 General $6,654.50

Sun., November 20 8am 63 Mort/Prin $1,980.00

Sun., November 20 10am 164 Designated $1,191.50

Kids' Church 37

Totals 375 TOTAL: $9,826.00

Thanksgiving Eve 142 General $5,165.80

Advent Service & Tea 70 Mort/Prin $4,860.00

Saturday, November 26 71 Designated $1,818.73

Sun., November 27 8am 69

Sun., November 27 10am 170

Kids' Church 37

Totals 559 TOTAL: $11,844.53

2016 Contributions

Reminder: Any contributions/donations you are counting on for tax purposes for 2016 must be received by Saturday, December 31, to be noted on your 2016 contribution statement.

Thank you for your faithful support of

God’s mission at Olivet and beyond.


Women’s Clothes Closet Fall & Winter Clothing Items Being Accepted

The Women’s Clothes Closet at Our Saviors Lutheran Church is now accepting gently used fall and winter clothing and shoes. Jeans, purses and other accessories are accepted anytime.

Place your donations in the barrel located to the left of the Fellowship Hall doors.

WAFER & Onalaska Food Basket

Suggested items for the month:

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Non-perishable food items and personal items can be put in the grocery cart located by the Fellowship Hall doors.

99 items were donated to WAFER in November.

The Shepherds’ Song (Tune: Jingle Bells)

Dashing through the fields, On the way to Bethle’m town, Trying to find the king, looking all around.

Found him in a cave, wrapped in swaddling clothes, Lying in a feed box, yet still his glory shows.

Oh, Ring the bells, Ring the bells, Ring them loud and clear. Let the countryside announce the baby king is here.

Ring the bells, Ring the bells, Make a holy noise, So all of God’s creation Can sing and shout Rejoice!

Emmanuel Is Coming to Town

(Santa Claus is Coming to Town)

Let’s sing and rejoice, Let’s cheer and let’s shout, Girls and boys, whoever’s about, Emmanuel is coming to town.

He’ll come as a babe In swaddling clothes, Born in a manger, Hope ev’ryone knows, Emmanuel is coming to Town.

His appearance is surprising, So weak and yet so strong, Salvation he’s revising, Let’s explain it in this song.

He’ll come to bring life, He’ll come to bring love, He’ll come to be God On Earth as above, Emmanuel is coming, Emmanuel is coming, Emmanuel is coming to Town.

Up In The Steeple (Tune: Up on the Housetop)

Up in the steeple church bells ring, Come to church, hear the angels sing. Listen, Mary, to what I say, News of the Christ child born today.

Joy, joy, joy, it’s a boy. Joy, joy, joy, it’s a boy. Up in the steeple church bells ring. News of the Christ child angels bring.

Salvation Army Hygiene Kits

This Christmas, give the gift of dignity to the less fortunate in our community by sponsoring a personal hygiene kit for $3.00. Each bag contains shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and other essential toilet-ries we take for granted. The kits will be handed out in person by a group of volunteers from our SERVOLUTION team on Saturday, De-cember 17 at 9 a.m. at the Salvation Army emergency shelter. Please visit the display in the narthex to sponsor a kit or sign up to deliver hope in person with the SERVOLUTION team.

Update on Jeep Norris, Olivet Custodian

As some of you know, our custodian, Jeep, fell while out for a walk at home and broke his hip quite badly. He has been recuperating for the last couple of months. If you would like to send him a card with a note of encouragement, his home address is: N3545 Evergreens Trail, La Crosse, WI 54601.

Drakes—Men’s Grief Support Group

Please note: The Drakes will not be meeting during the month of December. Monthly meetings and lunch will resume on January 18, at 11:30 a.m., and continue the third Wednesday of each month.


Hear Messages Online

Have you ever missed a worship message because you were out of town or ill? Or, if you would like to hear a message again, you can go to Olivet’s website www.OlivetLutheran.org where you will find links to the messages from the past weekend.

If you don’t have access to a computer, you can re-quest a CD of the service from the office – we will make a copy for you.

Loop System at Olivet

Olivet is equipped with a loop system in the Sanctuary and in the classroom behind the kitchen. You will benefit from this if you wear a hearing aid with the T-coil feature.

If your group meets in the classroom, be sure to tell the class leader that you would like to have the unit turned on during the class.

Funeral Team for December:

Caller : Carol Maier

Kitchen lead: Penny Becker

Provide dessert:

Carolyn Baker, Vi Bartsch, Tina Brettingen, Sara Connor, Carol Halvorson, Jackie Henke, Sheila Horstman, Kristi Josephson, Greta Lake, Becky Lakowske, Carol Maier, Mary Stone, Irene Wood, Shirley Yeske

Serving & Cleanup:

Penny Becker, Kathy Cuellar, Kristi Josephson, Greta Lake, Becky Lakowske, Carol Maier, Irene Wood, Shirley Yeske Please call Ann Wuensch at 781-2107 if you are no longer able to serve and want to have your name removed from the list, or if you would like to be added to a list for future months. Thank you for

Communion served:

2nd and 4th weekends

of each month and

every Sunday at 8:00am

All are welcome to receive communion at Olivet.

Communion is served by intinction (dipping of the wafer into the grape juice). Gluten-free wafers and individual servings of grape juice are also available.

For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are

announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.”

1 Corinthians 11:26

Monthly Beacon Available on our Website

You will find both the Weekly and the Monthly Beacons on our website: www.olivetlutheran.org.

If you would prefer not to receive a paper copy of this publication, please advise the office.

Memorials

In Memory of Donna Howe:

Dorothy Nolte - Building Fund

In Memory of Ron Howe:

Dorothy Nolte - Food Pantry

http://www.OlivetLutheran.org


“The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18

BIRTHDAYS

12/2 Sally Christ, Ann Wuensch 12/3 Sophie Sila 12/4 Martin (Jerry) Moe, Rose Linder, Braidiann Burch 12/5 Barb Wilder, Maurie Pearson, John Olson 12/6 Judy Skamser 12/7 Mattie Thomason, Aryiah Wing 12/8 Dorothy Nolte, Sue Johnson, Michael Scheel, Michelle Wendtland, Shannon Mollet 12/9 Linda Revels, Ron Hoover, Emma Blank, Jodie Szewczyk, Jon Tudahl, Margaret Ackerman 12/10 Ellie Apuan 12/12 Deb Best, Jennifer Oefstedahl, James Bartsch 12/13 Gloria Brockmiller, Kelly Remus, Bryce Weymiller, Isabella Pierce, Shiloh Hauser 12/14 Russ Dresdow 12/15 Marian Whitewater, Ryan Blank, Avery Herold 12/16 Steve Thurman, Mary Stone, Omarion Cox-Bey 12/17 Glenn Wood, Erna Brauer, Tim Fitzpatrick, Macy Tilson, Sadie Stroik 12/18 Kathy Tabbert, Gianna Hutchinson 12/19 Richard Abraham, Cindy Cossette, Kowen Hasz, Tatum Harter 12/20 Jane Binnebose, Tracy Wavra, Phillip Wanke, Amy Strain 12/21 Mary Abraham, Heather Hauser, Tara Knutson, Susan Morris, Alyssa Szewczyk 12/23 Pat Haskey Nelson, Randi Pueschner, Teri Walensky, Bianca Smith 12/24 Collin Hodgins 12/25 Nicholas Gibbons 12/27 Barb Swertfeger, Laura Anderson, Lynn Bartsch, Desirae Pauls, Ashlyn Hamilton Brickl 12/28 Dan Fagan, Sue La Point, Shaylee Wavra, Nathan Bakalars 12/29 Ray Serres 12/30 Carol Melcher, Bernie Duerkop, Glenn Green, Wally Tulare, Marilyn Daniels, Samuel O’Keefe 12/31 Lindsey Passe

Happy Birthday!

"This is the day the Lord has made;

Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

ANNIVERSARIES

12/1 Brad and Melanie Wuensch 12/4 Frank and Alice Gerken 12/5 Dan and Kimberly Warner 12/6 Al and Diane Brague 12/18 John and Sheri Harrison 12/21 Gary and Marsha Vance 12/31 Keith and Gloria Barney - 64 years! Larry and Sara Rugotzke Jim and Carol Thiele

JOB OPENINGS

Custodian—We have an opening for a custodi-an. Duties include general cleaning of the church building, room setup, minor mainte-nance and other duties as needed to keep the church neat, clean and safe. Prior custodial ex-perience not required, but is preferred. Must be able to operate cleaning equipment, lift heavy objects and have an eye for detail. Flexible work hours, 10-15 hours per week. For more infor-mation and a full job description, please contact Dorothy in the church office—783-1484 or [email protected].

Nursery—We are also looking for one more adult to work in the nursery on Sunday morn-ings every other week. Hours are 7:45 to 11:15 a.m. to cover both of our Sunday morning ser-vices. This is a paid position and applicants will be subject to a background check.

For more information or to apply for either of these positions, please contact the church office.

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

La Crosse, WI 54603

Permit No. 521

Address Service Requested

Olivet Beacon of Light Lutheran Church 2100 Bainbridge Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 Pastors David Baldukas/Andrew Fortuine

Every weekend at Olivet we are having a B.Y.O.B. party at our worship services. We encourage you to bring Bring Your Own Bible to worship and Bible studies.

Worship Service Times:

Saturday @ 5:30 pm

Blended Worship

Sunday @ 8:00 am

Traditional Worship

Sunday @ 10:00 am

Contemporary Worship

Pastors’ Letters 2-3

Worship Assistants 4-5

December Calendar 7

Youth & Family 10

Attendance & Offering 16

Kids’ Church at 10:00 am

Isaiah 40:1-5

Isaiah 52:7-0

Isaiah 40:9-11

Genesis 3:8-15

Genesis 15:1-6

Deut 18:15-19

Psalm 89:1-4

What is advent? Advent means coming. During advent we look back to the birth of Jesus, his first coming, and expectant-ly look forward to when he will come again. Listed below are Bible verses to read each day as you look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and look forward to when he will return again.

The Bible verses are from: http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/advent-bible-verses/

Isaiah 11:1-10

Zechariah 6:12-13

Micah 5:2-3

Malachi 3:1-6

John 1:1-8

John 1:9-18

Mark 1:1-3

Luke 1:5-13

Luke 1:14-17

Luke 1:18-25

Luke 1:39-45

Luke 1:46-56

Luke 1:57-66

Luke 1:67-80

Isaiah 7:10-13

Luke 1:25-35

Isaiah 9:2-7

Matt 1:18-25

Luke 2:1-20

Matthew 2:1-2

Luke 2:21-35

Documents

OLIVET ONTHLY BEACON · Dan Lock, KC Pavel, Steve Plopper, Kimberly Warner, and Anne Zeisler. Our Stephen Ministers wear distinctive blue badges like the one shown to the right. More