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Announcements

The announcements are updated every Thursday and sent out via email in a newsletter called the eNews, which you can subscribe to using the form in the footer. Skip to a section by choosing a category:

Worship

Traditional Worship in Fellowship Hall…Don’t Sweat It!

Traditional Worship in Fellowship Hall…Don’t Sweat It!

March 2, 2025 11:15 AM

Due to the A/C work for the Sanctuary, we will have combined worship in the Fellowship Hall in March at 11:15 AM. At the moment, it looks as though A/C work will begin February 24 and then impact the first 3 (though possibly 4) Sundays of March (March 2, 9, 16 and 23). All of this is contingent on removal of scaffolding and other construction factors. Weather has impacted this schedule already and it may still change due to inclement weather this past week. We will work to make the service as hospitable to the traditional service as possible, with hymns, etc. Remember last summer when we didn’t have A/C in the Sanctuary, this inconvenience will ensure that we will not be sweating through worship this summer. We should be back in the Sanctuary for Easter and we had already planned to worship at Walker Chapel for Ash Wednesday (March 5).

Community

Last Weekend of the Youth Play!

Last Weekend of the Youth Play!

February 14, 2025 7:00 PM

You have a few more chances to catch the fabulous youth mission play, The Mysterious Murder at Manchester Manor presented by the Mount Olivet and Walker Chapel Youth on February 14, and 15 at 7 PM. Ticket price: $0. Donations for youth missions encouraged.

Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration

Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration

February 16, 2025 4:00 PM

The Arlington Coalition of Black Clergy cordially invites you to a special event honoring the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for a community celebration on Sunday, February 16 at 4 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, (1601 13th Road South, Arlington). This year’s program promises to be a day of enlightenment, inspiration, and fellowship as we reflect on the dream of building a Beloved Community.

Mrs. Willie Pearl Mackey King will be the featured speaker. Mrs. King is an extraordinary figure who played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. She had the distinct honor of typing the historic Letter from Birmingham Jail for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and served as an administrator at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) during his leadership. Her firsthand accounts and experiences will provide invaluable insights that inspire and empower us for 2025. Dr. King once said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” This event will not only honor his legacy but also inspire us all to carry his vision forward into our communities.

We encourage you to plan now to be present for this impactful event and to share this invitation with others. Let us join together as community leaders to reflect, learn, and be empowered to continue the work of building a Beloved Community. We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful celebration. Livestream available at www.mtolivebc.org

Worship at The Jefferson

Worship at The Jefferson

February 18, 2025 9:30 AM

Join Pastor Stephanie and others for worship at the Jefferson on February 18 at 9:30 AM. Contact Pastor Stephanie if you would like to attend or have any questions!

Roller Skating! Everyone Welcome

Roller Skating! Everyone Welcome

February 22, 2025 6:00 PM

Join us for roller skating at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on February 22. Skating is from 6-9 PM. Go online, purchase your ticket and meet us there. Advance ticket sales begin on Sunday prior to the event and end at noon on Saturday. Everyone age 2 and up must purchase a ticket to enter. Skates and learn-to-skate "walkers" are available for rent for an additional charge. Tickets for moon bounces and concessions may also be purchased for an additional charge. Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions.

Together We Rise: Worship, Service, and Joy | Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event

Together We Rise: Worship, Service, and Joy | Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event

March 2, 2025 1:00 PM

In the Bible, Jesus demonstrated the deep connection between worship, service, and celebration. He attended and participated in community gatherings—turning water into wine at the Wedding at Cana, sharing meals at Passover, and teaching that true worship is not just words or rituals but loving God through serving others.

Following His example, Mount Olivet is bringing worship and service together by packing 10,000 meals with Rise Against Hunger on Sunday, March 2. During communion, we will bless the meal ingredients before they are shipped overseas to nourish those in need. To serve and worship in joy, we will share in a special BBQ lunch, listen to live music, and celebrate our progress with the ringing of a gong! Come be part of this meaningful day.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

March 4, 2025 5:30 PM

Join us on Tuesday, March 4 from 5:30 - 7 PM for our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. We will be serving pancakes, sausage, bacon, fruit and beverages. Please sign up here and note any dietary restrictions. Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions.

Climate Summit

Climate Summit

March 8, 2025 9:30 AM

The VA Board of Church and Society’s Creation Justice Team is holding the 1st VAUMC Climate Summit on Saturday, March 8, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm at Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA. YOU ARE INVITED!  We are gathering VAUMC leadership (stakeholders) at Conference, District and Church levels to rethink our understanding and action around Climate change/justice and its intersection with racial justice. We will gather to connect and learn why we are the key to VAUMC response to Sustainability in climate change, and our response to the Net Zero by 2050 resolution passed at 2024 Annual Conference. We are also asking our youth to come-special workshops for them and for youth leaders at a reduced price of $5.

We have a nationally known Keynote Speaker (Michele Roberts-Scientist turned Climate Activist,) time to connect with other conferees and the choice of two workshops in the afternoon. Lunch at Randolph Macon’s cafeteria is included in the $25 registration fee.

If you have questions, or would like to carpool, please contact Karen McElfish (james.mcelfish@verizon.net) or Jaydee Hanson (jaydeehanson@gmail.com)

Caretakers of God's Creation

Have you ever found something in your refrigerator that was a week past its “use by” date and thought you should throw it away? Confusion about the dates on food causes edible food to be discarded, adding to food waste. Other than baby formula, whose use by date really means what it says, “sell by,” “use by,”  and “best if used by” dates refer to peak quality rather than food safety.

Racial Equity Resources

Did you know that the poet, Langston Hughes', full name was John Mercer Langston Hughes? He was named after his great uncle, John Mercer Langston, a man who accumulated a long list of "firsts" during his lifetime and who was recognized in Arlington with the 1925 naming of the Langston School for him. Learn more about his accomplishments in this week's resources.

Adults

Senior Adult Book Group

Senior Adult Book Group

Mount Olivet’s Senior Adult Book Group meets via Zoom at 10 AM on the first Wednesday of each month. Books the group will discuss next are:

For March 5:  Two Hills by George Axiotis. Two Hills tells the story of what is now Arlington County during and after the Civil War. Mount Olivet and the founding members of Mount Olivet play prominent roles in the story. 

For April 2:  The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA, by Liza Mundy

If you would like to participate in the book group discussions, please contact Jim Dake.

Care Team Meeting

Care Team Meeting

February 18, 2025 7:00 PM

The Care Team will meet on Wednesday, February 18 from 7-8 PM via zoom. If you would like to join the team or attend the meeting contact Pastor Stephanie for the Zoom link. You can help the team in a variety of ways including writing cards, visiting, or assisting with the Mount Olivet gathering at The Jefferson Retirement community.

He Said What?! A Brief Study of the Beatitudes

He Said What?! A Brief Study of the Beatitudes

February 20, 2025 7:00 PM

What could Jesus have meant when he called the most vulnerable members of society--the poor, the hungry, the outcast--blessed? Let's put our heads together and reflect on the Lucan gospel readings known as the Beatitudes. Zoom study, Thursdays, February 20 and 27 at 7 PM. For more information, contact Rev. Stephanie Bekhor.

Children & Families

Roller Skating! Everyone Welcome

Roller Skating! Everyone Welcome

February 22, 2025 6:00 PM

Join us for roller skating at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on February 22. Skating is from 6-9 PM. Go online, purchase your ticket and meet us there. Advance ticket sales begin on Sunday prior to the event and end at noon on Saturday. Everyone age 2 and up must purchase a ticket to enter. Skates and learn-to-skate "walkers" are available for rent for an additional charge. Tickets for moon bounces and concessions may also be purchased for an additional charge. Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions.

Youth

Last Weekend of the Youth Play!

Last Weekend of the Youth Play!

February 14, 2025 7:00 PM

You have a few more chances to catch the fabulous youth mission play, The Mysterious Murder at Manchester Manor presented by the Mount Olivet and Walker Chapel Youth on February 14, and 15 at 7 PM. Ticket price: $0. Donations for youth missions encouraged.

Fire

Update on Fire Restoration

Update on Fire Restoration

The recent snow stalled work on the roof for a few days, but progress continues on Mount Olivet's restoration after a large fire damaged our church in late 2022. The framing repairs have been completed and any surface fire damage to the rafters was soda blasted and sealed to remove any remaining smoke smell. The gutter installation is in progress and interior demolition has been completed. This week work on the HVAC and duct work begins!

The restoration is scheduled to be finished by late 2025, depending on weather and other factors. We are looking forward to being able to "Open the Doors" and use our full building.

Meanwhile, the church continues to operate with a reduced footprint. We are limited to the sanctuary, preschool, 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 restoration, and remain grateful for your continued support and prayers.

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