Rebuild. Reconnect. Rejoice. These are words that I invite you to ponder as you consider your financial contribution to the ministry and mission of Mount Olivet.
The prefix “re” indicates repetition, meaning “back” or “again.” We sometimes long to return, to go back to what was, to experience good memories of past times.
We also plan for a future that we cannot see or predict, planting seeds for trees we may not see mature and flourish.
As we think and dream about how to REBUILD our physical space that was damaged by the fire, I invite us to think not only about the place that Mount Olivet has on Glebe Road but also in our lives.
We seek to be a church that Loves God and Loves People.
For generations, Mount Olivet has been a place of spiritual formation, community engagement, and life-changing relationships.
In our divided, hostile world, we long to be a place of gentleness and peace for people to wrestle with difficult questions of faith and to grow in love of God and one another.
A place where we can RECONNECT. We are a place where children can learn about God, sacred music, caring for creation, and loving our neighbor.
We are a place where people of all ages can engage in profoundly inspiring worship services of different styles, build life-long relationships in small groups, and live out our commitments in service and justice ministries.
Plus our coffee is really good!
We give not for ourselves, not so that we have a worship service that we enjoy, not so that we sing the songs we love, not so that we have a place of connection and service, but ultimately we give so that others may find and experience this as well. So that others can come to know an inclusive faith community. So that others can find a place to mourn and a place to dance with joy. So that others might find strength and nourishment around the Communion Table for the journey of life.
We REJOICE in all that God has done for us and the ways God is leading us forward. We rejoice that we have the opportunity to be a beacon in our community for God’s peace, love and grace as we make disciples for the transformation of the world.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Sara