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
This 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.
Serve Communion on Easter
As Easter Sunday approaches, we would like to request your assistance in serving communion during our Easter services. We will provide training and guidance to ensure that all servers feel confident and prepared. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve the church community and participate in the Easter celebration. We hope that you will consider joining us in this important ministry. If interested, please email Pastor Sara.
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday
March 29
Regular services at 9:15 AM (Traditional) and 11:15 AM (the Way)
Maundy Thursday, Communion and Tenebrae Service
Thursday, April 2, 7:00 PM
Traditional Communion and Tenebrae service. Tenebrae (the Latin word for darkness) is a service held during the three days preceding Easter Day, and characterized by gradual extinguishing of candles, and by a loud noise taking place in total darkness near the end of the service.
Easter Morning
Traditional Worship at 9:15 AM, Sanctuary
A festive service with choir and brass. This service will be live-streamed.
Children will be invited to Children’s church after the children’s message to hear the Easter story and make a craft.
Easter Breakfast, 10 AM – 11:15 AM
Join us for Easter breakfast! Please register so that we will have enough food to serve and if you would like to help prep breakfast casseroles or serve breakfast. Sign Up Now
Family Worship at 11 AM, Sanctuary
Child-friendly Easter worship experience.
The Way (Modern worship) at 11:15 AM in the Fellowship Hall
Children will be invited to Children’s church after the children’s message to hear the Easter story and make a craft.
Children’s Activities from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us for fun activities on the playground including, glitter tattoos, crafts and a petting zoo.
Nursery for kids 3 and under available from 9 AM until 12:30 PM.
Community
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.
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Supper and Service
Looking for an easy service project? Join us for Supper and Service on Wednesday, March 18 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.
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.
Easter Egg Hunt
It’s time for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt! We’re gathering at beautiful Woodlawn Park (1325 N. Buchanan Street) to hunt for all the best goodies! Children will be divided by age – but don’t be late because we have some expert egg hunters and it goes by fast. Bring a basket and invite your friends. (We may even have a special guest stop by!) Parking is available in the church lot and it’s a short walk down the block to Woodlawn Park. Please check your child’s eggs for allergens.
Access Small Group
Sarah Whiddon, along with members of the Outreach committee, are starting a new ministry concentrating on access for people with disabilities. The first meeting will be on April 19, 12:30 in the Youth Area to talk about goals for the group. Some suggestions include arts and crafts, games, music, and field trips on Metro. Lunch provided. The group will meet on a quarterly basis. Questions? Contact Sarah Whiddon.
Haiti Update: New Laptops for Jesus Joy Club
Mount Olivet's Haiti ministry is bringing kids in Haiti new classroom laptops and learning software. You can see and hear the excitement of the kids in the video provided here, as our friend on the ground, Eddyson Charles, tries to keep a little order.
Mount Olivet has had a Haiti ministry that has assisted people in this beleaguered country since after the earthquake in 2010. The effort has changed over time as circumstances have changed.
Eddyson was an interpreter and aid for several of our Haiti mission teams, and has re-started a faith based kids club and learning supplement program, called the Jesus Joy Club (a very Haitian name). His original JJC was in the school where we originally served. After moving and overcoming many challenges, Eddyson is now in Cap-Haitien, where he and others recently relaunched the JJC. The JJC works in cooperation with a local church. Instruction includes music, computer literacy, computer instruction, Bible Study, sports, games, hygiene training, and more.
So far, we have supplied 5 refurbished laptops and a server containing classroom software from Kahn Academy in Haitian Kreyol and French. These were provided for free by the computer refurbishment ministry at Bethel UMC in Warrenton. Our Haiti Education fund at Mount Olivet covered the cost of shipping and customs in Cap-Haitien. Now we are sending a second shipment of free laptops and server.
We are also providing digital printing equipment and supplies for Eddyson to use to start a small printing business and support the JJC. Some of our Haiti team members are covering the costs. In addition to the equipment, shipping into Haiti and through customs is complicated and costly. Eddyson's resourcefulness found a way to reduce the shipping costs.
You are encouraged to learn about Haiti and our ministry at Mount Olivet. Kenn Speicher or any of our Haiti veterans can tell you more. If you would like to support this effort by getting involved or with a donation, please talk to Kenn or Marilyn Traynham. It is exciting to see this initiative move forward amidst all the hardship and violence taking place in Haiti.
Caretakers of God's Creation
It’s time for Arlington residents to start gathering things to dispose of at the Spring E-CARE event, March 28 at Wakefield High School. You can dispose of old electronics, household hazardous waste, and small metal items.
Racial Equity Resources
Sadly, the origin of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church mirrors the creation of the AME denomination: a northern church in the late 1700s with Black and White worshippers became unwelcoming to their Black brethren, who then started their own church. Learn more about this vibrant Black denomination.
Are You Handy?
The church is in need of some volunteer assistance from a handyman/handywoman. Some tasks include changing light bulbs, assembling furniture, opening Columbarium niches, small painting jobs and minor repairs. If interested or questions, contact Tina Marcus.
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
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Potluck and Playdate
Join us this 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
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!
