Announcements
Worship
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Why Do We Give?
Mount Olivet is my spiritual home. This is why I give. I love to sit in the balcony occasionally and look down on all my friends sitting below. Waves of memories wash over me. This is the room in which I have attended weddings and funerals of dearly beloved friends. These are the people with whom I have shared deep personal needs in prayer group, grown in my faith in Sunday school studies, worked beside on mission projects and social outreach. This is the community where I have watched children grow to adulthood nurtured and shaped in Christian love. This is the community that has made a difference in the life of Arlington and in my life. This is the community where I am at home. It goes without saying that it will be a priority for my financial support. And when I am gone, I know the work will go on because my estate plan giving will help to secure that future.
Monte Campbell
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We'll Match Your Contributions
Members of Mount Olivet have given $2,000 to match contributions from first-time givers in the first quarter of 2023. These members will continue to match contributions of first-time givers up to $50 per month (or $600 total) for 2023! Give Now
Advent & Christmas
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Christmas Cookies
We need your help to make 2,500 Christmas Cookies to give to our Community Assistance guests on Saturday, December 9. Bring your cookies to church on Sunday morning, December 3 and leave them in the main kitchen on the lower level (near the Fellowship Hall). Note: Because we have to pack the cookies on top of each other...no icing, please!
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Christmas for Others
Please join us in making a special Christmas for Glebe School families who otherwise would not have gifts under the tree. You can choose a gift from the Christmas for Others Sign-Up Genius. Please return your gift to Mount Olivet wrapped and clearly marked with the GIFT NUMBER no later than Sunday, December 10. Collection bins will be outside the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Questions? Email xmasforothersmto@gmail.com. Thank you for your generosity!
Advent Offering
NOVA Friends of Refugees (NFOR) helps meet urgent needs of recently arriving refugees and asylum seekers, especially Afghan and Ukrainian newcomers, when other sources of aid have ended. Many refugee families are nearly destitute. Your support of the Advent Offering can help pay for next month’s rent, a car repair, temporary tuition support, English classes, school supplies, a doctor visit, or fees for refugee doctors seeking to practice in the U.S. NOVA Friends of Refugees is a joint ministry of Mount Olivet and St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Advent Study
The pastors will lead a Wednesday evening study during the season of Advent. It will be hybrid — in the youth area and via Zoom — starting on November 29 at 7 PM. We will study Will Willimon’s Heaven and Earth. The study will include a video component and then our discussion. A book is not required, but of course, it makes the experience better! You can order a copy here.
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Scout Troop 167's Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale
Mount Olivet UMC and its members have strongly supported the troop’s Christmas sales over the years, the proceeds of which support activities for the troop's boys and girls. Fraser Fir Trees and holiday wreaths will be available.
The sales stand at Mount Olivet will be open again this weekend on Saturday, December 2 from 10 AM to 6 PM and on Sunday, December 3 from 10 AM to 6 PM.
For more information and to order online select Learn More.
Advent Party
Join us on Sunday, December 3 between 5-7 PM in the Fellowship Hall for our annual Community Advent Party! All ages are invited to participate! Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas. We will make ornaments, create Advent Calendars, Advent wreaths, and more! You can choose which crafts/activities you would like to do. There will be a pizza dinner served. If you would like to bring a side dish or dessert to share, that would be great! Please RSVP so adequate supplies and food can be ordered. Questions? Contact Linnea Carlson.
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Christmas Tea
It’s been a few years, but it’s teatime once again. You’re invited to join members of United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) on Saturday, December 9, 2-4 PM in the Youth Area. The afternoon will include a short program featuring Rev. Sara Keeling and Rev. Stephanie Bekhor, along with Christmas music and festive refreshments. You don’t have to be a member – or even a woman – to attend. All are invited!
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The Mount Olivet Festival of Lessons and Carols
During our regularly scheduled traditional worship service, the Mount Olivet Choir, Ringers, and Children’s Choirs will present their annual Festival of Lessons and Carols. The service will include venerable favorites as well as newer settings of traditional carols. There will be ample opportunity for congregational singing so you can lift your voice in the joy of the season. Please plan to arrive early; the seats will fill quickly! All ages are welcome.
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Fa La La! Festive Food and Fun!
Join us for a fun potluck dinner on December 16 at 5 PM in the Fellowship Hall with carols to sing and music from many of our Mount Olivet talented musicians. We will also have activities for the kids. Everyone is welcome. Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions!
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Join the Christmas Eve Choir!
You're invited to sing with the Mount Olivet Choir on Sunday, December 24 at the 7 PM Christmas Eve service. Rehearsal on the Wednesday immediately prior is optional but helpful. To RSVP and to learn more, contact Bryan Holten.
Community
Volunteer with Community Assistance
It’s time to volunteer for our next Community Assistance event on December 9. We hope you can volunteer for a slot on the Signupgenius link.
We are hoping to provide additional assistance to our guests with additional food and/or gift cards. If you would like to make a donation to our Community Assistance program go to Visit This Page. Financial contributions are tax deductible. Thank you for your continued support of our Community Assistance Ministry!
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Racial Equity Resources
As certain languages have become dominant world-wide, many indigenous languages have been lost or are in danger of becoming extinct. But language is an essential part of cultural heritage and its loss has profound impacts. This week learn more about efforts to save North American languages. View Resources
Estimate of Giving Reminder
Just a reminder. Support Mount Olivet by making your estimate of giving for 2024. Give Now
Children & Families
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Potluck and Playdate
We are starting a new group for families with kids that are babies up through Grade 5. Our first meeting will be on Friday, December 1 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the home of one of our church members. This is a chance to bring the kids, have dinner, meet some new folks and relax. There will be some fun activities for the kids. Sign up to bring a dish for the dinner by visiting the link below. Once we receive your sign up, you will receive the host's address. Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions
Adults
Advent Study
The pastors will lead a Wednesday evening study during the season of Advent. It will be hybrid — in the youth area and via Zoom — starting on November 29 at 7 PM. We will study Will Willimon’s Heaven and Earth. The study will include a video component and then our discussion. A book is not required, but of course, it makes the experience better! You can order a copy here.
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Senior Adult Christmas Lunch
Join us for a Senior Adult Christmas lunch on December 14, Noon at Ruthie’s All Day (3411 Fifth Street South, Arlington) for great food and fellowship. RSVP to Tina Marcus.
Youth
Fire
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Update on Fire
Mount Olivet’s Phoenix Taskforce continues to work closely with our insurance company, Church Mutual, to move our recovery forward. We have selected a restoration contractor who will work on the roof and building repairs and we are in the midst of the legal contract process. In the meantime, our architect is finalizing drawings that will be submitted to Arlington County for permitting, early in 2024. We are also working with a fire and life safety code consultant to provide recommendations for fire protection solutions for Mount Olivet moving forward. The construction start date will be determined by the permitting process, but we are hopeful to begin repair work in early spring 2024. In the meantime, the church continues to operate with a reduced footprint. We are limited to the sanctuary, pre-school, youth area, fellowship hall and L-8 and L-9. Staff continue to work at home. We thank you for your patience as we move through the recovery and restoration process and are so grateful for your continued support and prayers!
