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 Bridges to Independence.
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.
Bridges to Independence is a nonprofit, founded in 1985, as the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless. Currently, Bridges serves about 500 individuals annually across Arlington County. Their short-term goal is to help individuals and families right now – whether they are unable to pay a utility bill or are experiencing emergency homelessness. Long-term, Bridges aims to empower today’s struggling youth or adults to be tomorrow’s successful community members. Historically, Bridges’ focus has been on families, especially the children.
Thank you for considering a donation to one of these organizations!
Community
Butterfield’s Brigade and Mount Olivet 1861-1862
Completed just before the Civil War, Mount Olivet's original structure was reduced to its foundations by the end of the conflict's first year. It was variously used by the United States Army as – possibly – a hospital, storehouse, picket post, and stable.
In this talk, local historian, Michael Schaffner, will explore the likely uses of the building before focusing on the soldiers camped nearby from September 1861 till May 1862. Their story reveals surprising connections to some of the war's great battles, the United States Colored Troops, and the Army's early efforts at graves registration.
Please join our history team on Sunday, February 22 at 3:00. Let us know you are coming by emailing Monte Campbell or texting at 703-819-5311.
Join VAUMC for Public Witness in D.C. at Faithful Resistance
The Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice is happening in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, February 25. Bishop Sue and the Cabinet invite you to join us for an upcoming ecumenical gathering and peaceful march calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. The event will take place in Washington, DC on Wednesday, February 25 and opens at 10 AM with worship at Capitol Hill UMC (421 Seward Square SE, Washington, DC, 20003).
A prayerful march to the U.S. Capitol will follow, accompanied by congressional visits in the afternoon for those interested in attending. This is a powerful opportunity to show solidarity for immigrants and call upon Christians everywhere to live out Christ’s call on all of us to resist evil, oppression and injustice in whatever forms they present.
Caretakers of God's Creation
Rain gardens are more than an interesting feature for your landscape. They slow rainwater and snow runoff and absorb some pollutants before they can reach waterways. How can you make one? Attend a free workshop at the Lubber Run Community Center on February 28.
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
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.
Preschool Now Enrolling for Fall 2026!
Mount Olivet Preschool is welcoming little learners ages 18 months–6 years. Our playbased 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.
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.
Racial Equity Resources
What current theologian is expanding our understanding of race, Christianity, and society? Meet Willie James Jennings, author, professor, and pastor as he explores the foundations of Christianity and its impact throughout history and today.
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!
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!
