Announcements
Worship
Lenten Devotional Books
Pick up a devotional book for the Lenten Season in the lobby outside of the Sanctuary. We have Sanctuary for Lent Devotions and Activities for Kids. There is also Tell Me Something Good which follows our current sermon series and small group study.
Lenten Offerings 2026
Our Lenten Offerings this year will benefit two organizations, Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) and United Methodist Church Apportionments.
OAR is a community-based nonprofit organization that envisions a safe and thriving community where those impacted by the legal system enjoy equal civil and human rights. Through our Upstream work, we are confronting and dismantling individual racism and racism in the legal system and across all systems. Our Downstream work allows us to be on the journey with individuals returning from incarceration and their families. We also offer alternative sentencing options (including community service) and diversion programs so people can avoid the trauma of incarceration and instead help the community thrive.
UMC Apportionments is dedicated to outreach ministries overseen by the Virginia Annual Conference.
Thank you for considering a donation to one of these organizations!
Rev. Lan Davis Wilson, Guest Preacher
Next Sunday, March 8, our guest preacher will be Rev. Lan Davis Wilson. Rev. Wilson was appointed the Director of Belonging and Advocacy of the Virginia Conference on July 1, 2025. In this role, Wilson will lead the charge in developing and implementing accountability structures for intersectional justice, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the Virginia Conference as well as define and direct advocacy and intersectional justice and equity initiatives across the Conference, at all levels, doing so in leadership and partnership with the Bishop, Cabinet, Conference Office, Districts, local churches, general agencies, and the connectional structures of The United Methodist Church.
“I believe the work of belonging isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about transformation — and that’s what I believe keeps us near the cross,” Wilson said. “When every person is seen, heard, and valued, the Church becomes more like the kin-dom God calls us to build.”
Wilson is a Kentucky native who has been serving in ministry since the age of 10. He most recently served as Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusion in the Indiana Conference. Wilson comes from four generations of pastors and preachers and has traveled the world doing ministry. He is not only a minister and educator, but a trained coach and consultant. He is also a proud father and husband.
Community
Better Together
Join us for our next gathering of Better Together, this Sunday, March 1, 12:30 in the Fellowship Hall. As we face so many challenges and anxieties from federal jobs to immigration, to LGBTQ rights and DEI, how can we support and encourage each other? We’ll gather after worship at the Way, share a meal, and discuss ways that we can respond (making postcards to voters), rest, and resist. We’ll conclude our time together with meditation and ways to ground ourselves in hope. Lunch will be provided (pizza) although bringing a dish to share is always welcome.
Bethune-Cookman University Gospel Choir
Join us for an inspiring performance by the nationally renowned Bethune–Cookman University Gospel Choir on Tuesday, March 3, 7 PM in the Sanctuary. This powerful program weaves together songs of praise, introspection, and rejoicing that reflect the depth and joy of the gospel tradition. Come experience an evening of soaring voices, spiritual reflection, and jubilant celebration. Enjoy this video of the choir. BCC Gospel Choir Melodies From Heaven Video 2022
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Supper and Service
Looking for an easy service project? Join us for Supper and Service on Wednesday, March 11 at 6 PM in the Youth Area. A light supper is served followed by a service activity. Dinner and the activity last one hour, from 6-7 pm.
Invitation to Hear Pastor Sara at Lomax AME Zion!
Pastor Sara will guest preach at Lomax AME Zion (2704 24th Road South, Arlington, VA 22206) on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7 PM for their 2026 Lenten Preaching Series service on “The Passions of Christ.” All are invited to attend!
Volunteer with Community Assistance
It’s time to volunteer for Community Assistance. Please volunteer to help our neighbors in need receive some much-needed help with food and gift cards. Slots to volunteer are available from 8 AM through 12:45 PM. Sign up on the SignupGenius.
You can make a financial contribution to Community Assistance, at mountolivetumc.com/giving and indicate Community Assistance. Thanks for your continued support of our Community Assistance Ministry.
Racial Justice Webinar
The Virginia Conference United Methodist Men and United Women in Faith present Breaking Down Walls: a Racial Justice webinar. A Christian response to the Dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This panel conversation will equip Virginia United Methodists to live out our mission of unity in diversity – reflecting the reconciling love of Christ in a divided and hurting world.
When: Tuesday, March 17
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Zoom Webinar ID: 838 8143 6566
Passcode: 695853
Moderator: Heather Gomez. Panelists: Rev. James Page, Rev. Dr. James Melson, Rev. Dr. Victor Gomez, Rev. Hung Su Lim
Questions? Contact Rev. Joseph Moseray.
Spring Clean Up Day
Mount Olivet’s Spring Clean-up Day will be Saturday, March 21. Our outdoor projects will include planting spring flowers and mulching; our inside projects will include cleaning the Sanctuary pews. Have a project you’d like added to the list? Contact Ann Speicher.
Racial Equity Resources
It is Women's History Month. This year's theme is Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. Mary McLeod Bethune's life touched many aspects of sustainability: financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Learn about the impact that she made as an educator and advisor to several Presidents.
Preschool Now Enrolling for Fall 2026!
Mount Olivet Preschool is welcoming little learners ages 18 months–6 years. Our play based program nurtures curiosity, confidence, and joy every day. Core hours run 9:15–1:15, with optional afternoon care until 3:30 pm. Come grow, explore, and play with us! For more information call 571-562-0803 or visit us online.
We're an award-winning preschool for ages 18 months to 6 years serving Arlington, VA. We look forward to welcoming your family into an inclusive, loving community.
Caretakers of God's Creation
Would you like to turn your garden into a welcoming space for birds, butterflies and other native wildlife and help enhance the value of our urban green spaces? Get free advice on how to make your yard more wildlife friendly! The Northern Virginia Bird Alliance assists homeowners in restoring their home’s natural habitat by providing information on sustainable gardening practices. These practices include using native plants, removing invasive species, reducing use of pesticides and fertilizers, and creating space for native flora and fauna.
Clothes Drive for Clothesline
Clothesline is an organization that takes donations of “cool” school-ready clothes for kids and teenagers whose families are struggling. This is a great opportunity to donate like-new clothes your kids have grown out of, and they especially need coats, pants, shoes, and pajamas. Adult sized clothes are also welcome. Twice a year Clothesline has a free store where kids can shop in a retail environment. You can drop off your donations on Sundays, from March 1-31, in the Youth Area.
Food Drive
During these difficult times, we are helping the families at Glebe Elementary School put food on their tables by donating canned goods. Place your items in the basket in the Preschool Lobby on Sunday or leave in the bin on the 16th Street porch (entrance door #1). The following low sugar and low sodium items are needed:
- Canned fruits
- Canned tuna
- Canned soups
- Canned vegetables
- Canned tomatoes
- Peanut butter (in plastic jars)
- Cereal
Contact Linnea Carlson with any questions.
Adults
Online Lenten Study
Tell Me Something Good! Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news? Join us for this five-session Lenten study, as we delve in to the good news of the gospel through scripture, art, poetry and hymns. Thursdays, February 26 - March 26 at 7:15 on Zoom. Contact Rev. Stephanie Bekhor for more information.
Children & Families
Summer Camp
We have some Mount Olivet kids attending Westview on the James this summer! It is a United Methodist sleepaway camp, located in Goochland, VA just outside Richmond. We are sure they would love some of their church friends to join them! Contact Linnea to learn more!
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Potluck and Playdate
Join us on Friday, March 6 at 5:30 PM for Potluck and Playdate. We have a potluck supper at a church member's home and enjoy some relaxing conversation. Everyone is welcome. Be prepared, there are lots of kids running around!
Youth
Confirmation Class
What is Confirmation? At baptism, we are initiated into the new covenant in Jesus Christ. For many, this happens at a very young age. Baptized infants are a part of the church — the family of faith — but are not yet capable of sharing everything involved in membership. Confirmation is an opportunity to respond to the grace of God available to us, as acknowledged in baptism, and to promise to live as a person of faith. Confirmation is the response of commitment and profession of faith.
Mount Olivet's Youth Ministry is committed to building a compassionate space where all are welcome to explore their faith. Our confirmation study for 8th graders or above begins on March 1 at 4 PM in the Youth Area. There will be 6 sessions (skipping Palm Sunday and Easter). Confirmation Sunday will be April 26. Contact Evan or Pastor Sara at skeeling@mtolivet-umc.org with questions or to register.
Fire
Fire Update
Progress continues toward finalizing our fire side restoration. We are in the final stretch and waiting on county inspections. Installation of all furniture will be complete on February 26.
As a reminder, until the restoration project is finished, we continue to be 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. We look forward to opening the doors to our new space soon!
