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Mt. Olivet UMC 315 High Street

Seaford, DE 19973 302-629-4458

FAX: 302-629-4452

Email: secretary.mtolivet@gmail.com

web site: www.mountolivetseaford.org

Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The early “Methodist” movement was a powerful experience of renewal that grew from deeply rooted habits of faith. Individual lives were ignited, and the whole country of England felt the im-pact. John Wesley led a social campaign that ended the practice and the commerce of slavery in England, a century before that happened in the United States. Methodists reaching out to prac-tice acts of justice and mercy founded some of the earlies public hospitals, schools, and libraries.

This 21 “Wesley Challenge” is a 21 Day call to prayer and reflec-tion and an opportunity to refresh and renew our own roots and habits.

In our own time there are the impact of committed, practicing Christians can change communities. The issues that we ad-dress, and our responses to them, cannot be defined for us by other pressures. They must grow from those same roots of faith and habits of love.

The Challenge itself is simply a list of 21 questions for each of us to ask ourselves. Everyone will see one question each day beginning Sunday September 9th. (The questions will be pub-lished through email, and Facebook and our website, www.mountolivetseaford.org.)

A companion study guide is also available for your personal use, and/or to share with others. For questions, or to order a book, please call,629-4458,

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2)

1. Pastor Christine 2. Attendance/Misc 3. Bulletin Bd. 4. Sept. Bdays/Anniver. 5. Preschool/Prayer Shawl 6. Misc. 7. T.E.A.M. 8. Youth Ministry 9. Youth Ministry 10. Giving/Handbell/Choir 11. Misc. 12. Sunday School/Misc. 13. Adventures of Linda 14. Calendar

What’s INSIDE

September 2018

The MESSENGER

A Publication of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church

September 2018

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July/Aug 2018

ATTENDANCE Worship

8:30 11:00 Total

July 1 23 66 89 July 8 28 32 60 July 15 36 51 87 July 22 30 27 57 July 29 30 36 66 Aug 5 33 35 68 Aug 12 42 91 143 Aug 19 26 44 70 Aug 26 30 55 85

Bless My Steps! Exploring the Beatitudes

Sunday September 16, 23 & 30

secretary.mtolivet @gmail.com

Our Mission and Vision

B.L.E.S.S.

We exist as a people together to... BRING people into a relationship with Jesus Christ; LEAD people into commitment to God; ENABLE people to grow in Chris- tian living, unity & worship SEND people into the world as ambassadors of Jesus Christ; SO that God is glorified.

Regular Services

Sunday 8:30 AM: Informal Service in our Chapel 9:45 AM: Sunday School 11:00 AM: Traditional Service in our Sanctuary

We have child care available from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

every Sunday.

WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.mountolivetseaford.org

September 2018

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Save the Date

(See Calendar for complete list)

Sept. 3 Labor Day, ofc closed Sept. 4 5 p. Teen Challenge Dinner 7 p. SPRC, Lounge 1st day of Preschool Sept. 6 5:15 p. Bells, Sanct. 6:30 p. Reunion Choir Sept. 9 Sunday School begins

10:15 a. Reunion Choir 4 p. Church Picnic Sept. 10 7 p. Finance, Lounge Sept. 13 5:15 p. Bells, Sanct. 6:30 p. Reunion Choir Sept. 16 1 p. Council, Lounge Sept. 17 7 p. Bd of Trustees, Lounge Sept. 18 6 p. UMM Dinner Mtg. Sept. 20 5:15 p. Bells Sept. 24 7 p. Nominations, Lounge Sept. 25 7 p. SMA Leadership, RC Sept 27 5:15 p. Bells, Sanct.

The next MESSENGER will be the October issue.

Articles are due no later than Sept. 15th

If you serve as a chair of a committee, please submit an article. If you have a

praise, blessing or testimony you want to share, please do so. Pictures are

requested of everything that happens so please send me pictures!!!!!

LUNCH BUNCH Will resume our

Lunch/Fellowship time on Wed., Sept. 19th at Noon! Fall begins this month on

September 22nd!!!

September 2018

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2nd Garrett & Christy Sammons 16th Jerry & Suzanne Barnes 8th Bill & Bev Roupp (56 Yrs.) 22nd Mike & Suzette Kraft Scott & Debbie Morgan 29th Randy & Ann Sammons

1st Richard W. Taylor 11th Connie Chapman 20th Kelly Sellers

Terri Roscoe Curtis Carneal Gracyn Harrison

2nd Lauren Harrison 12th Teresa Lindell 21st Karen Owens

4th Bill Zemitis 15th Cason Willey Kris Mitchell

5th Luther Lee, Jr. 16th Katherine Livingston 22nd Bill Roupp

Dawn Tucker Kim Marine Shannon Bradley

Katherine Andersen Matthew Wasson 23rd Alan Longstreet

8th April Cheesman 17th Lois Ewing (92) Emily Genshaw

9th Judy Evans Kevin Beard 24th Trevor Whaley

10th Eleanor Hickey (92) Kyle Shockley 25th Leigha Fry

Dorothy Bongard Max Massey-Johnson 26th Jason Genshaw

Ann Covey 19th Rachel Fry 27th Bruce Vincent

30th Shirley Lee

September 2018

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Welcome Back, Mt. Olivet Preschool Teachers and Kids!

We sure have missed you. Hope you all had a great summer!

________________________________________________________________________________

Was summer on fast forward? It seems to be ending! By Linda Stephenson

We are once again approaching the First Day of School and preparations for the 2018-2019 school year are reaching high gear. The Preschool has a new banner this year; have you noticed it near Court 4 on Stein Highway? The playground is getting attention in prep for the preschoolers return, carpets have been cleaned, and classrooms are being readied for visits after the Parent Meeting, August 28th.

Summer break is a lovely change of pace for folks in education but it isn’t just the students who miss seeing their friends all summer long. School starts Tuesday, September 4th at 9:00 complete with book bags, new clothes, excitement and fear of the unknown. We have been blessed with a team of women who minister to our students through their love of the Lord and the talents they have been given and refined. Pray for us as we meet new families, welcome back returning families and look forward to another wonderful year full of surprises, challenges and joy.

Time for needles and hooks . . . . .

Summer vacation is over for the ladies who have faithfully been pro-ducing shawls, scarves and ear wraps. Our first gathering of the season will be on Wednesday, September 12th from 6:30-7:30 in the choir room. We meet the second Wednesday of the month to share patterns, exchange ideas and distribute materials. Though not all of us can be on the producer end of this ministry it takes ALL OF US to be on the distribution side in supporting friends and family when comfort is needed. A call to the church office will hook you up with whatever you may require.

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Dear Friends,

As a congregation, we are involved in so many ministries that it's hard to keep track of everything. But it's also important to be able to let our visitors know where they can get involved through this congrega-tion. With your help, we can put together a list of the things that we do, both through the church, and

independently in the community. So, what are you doing? Please send me a 2-sentence description of your ministry, and we will create a list to share with our visitors. Please also include the things that you do independently of Mt. Olivet, say Meals on Wheels as an example, we don't want to claim credit, but we can let people know how to get connected to these community ministries as well.

Just two sentences would be a tremendous help. And not just for visitors by the way, there are almost certainly peo-ple already a part of our church family who don't know what you're up to! And they might like to help, if they knew. Please get a reply back to me as soon as possible. Anything and everything that you're doing counts! It doesn't have to be church related or specifically service related, it can be purely social, if your group is open to new participants.

Thank you, Pastor Christine

Tuesday Morning Prayer Circle

A small group continues to meet on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 to pray specifically for the ministry of Mt. Olivet U.M.C. Recent topics have included everything from The Wesley Challenge to Sunday School. Whatever you are involved with in the church,

YOUR ministry is being lifted up in prayer. Please come and join us as we pray for each other.

In this Messenger, look for more information about these ways to join your friends at church this fall:

• Challenge yourself with The Wesley Challenge. • Start a new season of Sunday School. On September 9th,

Sunday School kicks off for adults and for children. Our newest children’s teacher is Amy Pearson, who will be tak-ing the 4th and 5th grade class. Susan Carey will be leading the Serendipity group in a new Bible-based life experience called “Be the Gift” by Ann Voskamp.

• Come to the Picnic! Bring your friends and family to Blades Park on Sunday September 9th at 4:00 for food, fun and prizes!

• Learn more about T.E.A.M (Teach Enable Affirm Mentor) which is a program of sustaining ministry to our community through LOVE INC. See the T.E.A.M. article inside to find out more and see what you can offer.

• Come to worship. See “Bless My Steps”. • Pray for a vital new season of learning and worshipping together.

September 2018

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Summer 2018

Dear Church,

T.E.A.M. (Teach Equip Affirm Mentor) is Love INC of Mid Delmarva’s newest program. It is a transformational ministry, offered by the local churches facilitated by Love INC. T.E.A.M. is meeting needs through classes and mentoring with indi-viduals and families in our local community. Christ called us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Food, clothing and physical needs are important, but our neighbors are asking for love and for more…..

Although each Love INC affiliate has their own name for their TM program, the classes and mentoring programs are truly transforming lives in communities around the nation. The calls coming in to our local Clearinghouse from neighbors clearly indicates the need for more right here in Sussex County….more hand ups, not handouts, more learning, more relationships, more love for our neighbors through one on one interaction. This is a multi-church effort, with people from the Church using their God given skills and gifts for teaching, mentoring, greeting, administrative skills, helping, childcare, and many other things. This program is a relationship based connection between church and the community.

So what is the next step in the process of our “T.E.A.M.” program? We have followed God’s calling and are sending three volunteers to Idaho for their final training in July. These individuals will attend a 4 day intensive training in “Affirming Poten-tial”, which is the core class of our T.E.A.M. program (life skills, spiritual restoration and hope for those in need). We are certain they will return well prepared to train and teach.

Next, we will train others to teach, and begin our classes this Fall. Neighbors will be invited, and chosen to participate based on an application and interview.

Budget coaching and mentoring is already happening here at with our program! Our first budget coaching class began in April, and we had 3 participants commit to 5 weeks of classes. We were blessed to see the participants learning, and earning incentives. They are ready to learn more from the members of the Body of Christ and our wholistic approach. The Harvest is plenty!

Through the classes, participants will earn practical things like supplemental food, toiletries, personal care products, gas cards, and other items. If they attend, and complete homework, they earn these items. This gives each individual or family a sense of responsibility and dignity as they learn and grow. We are using a tried and true model that has proven results in other commu-nities.

As we plan and prepare, Love INC is reaching out to churches and individuals, asking them to partner with us, helping with the expenses. We are asking your fellowship to consider investing in this program. Would you prayerfully consider supporting this endeavor? The classes offered in the Fall and Spring will incur fees such as materials for classes and childcare program, incentives, and administrative and printing costs.

The mission of Love INC is to “mobilize the local Church to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ”. As we pursue our mission, we would love to see you partner with us to accomplish God’s work in Sussex County. Thank you for your time!

In His service, Robin Smith TM Director, Love INC of Mid-Delmarva Personal cell: 302-236-9416 Email: robinloveinc@gmail.com

September 2018

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Be Still- Cherokee 2018 As we reflect on our 2018 Cherokee mission trip the words that come to mind first are blessings & love! We go each year to spread God’s love and bless the people of Cherokee but we come home having ex-perienced His love and receiving many blessings ourselves.

This year’s team was 31 members strong. A group of 11 joined us again this year from Union UMC. We had 6 from other churches and the remaining 14 were Mt. Olivet youth and adults. There were 3 construc-tion crews that did many different jobs. Some of the jobs were power washing, painting, staining, replac-ing kitchen cabinets, repairing decks and putting tin roofs on porches. The younger youth hosted a vaca-tion bible school for the children of Cherokee UMC. They had a great time-sharing bible stories, doing crafts, playing games outside and singing praises to God! The VBS crew also helped to do some yard work one day and they also helped with the painting of the girls bunkhouse. While in Cherokee we do all our own meal planning, prepping and cooking. There were 4 full time kitchen workers with extras for breakfast work. Cooking for that many means a daily trip to Food Lion. As you have read this team ac-complished so much in one week! It’s always great to witness the team work and fellowship that goes with getting so much done. This year we went to the Cherokee Museum and had a local man, Mr. Crow come and speak with us so that we are able to learn more about the culture, history and traditions of the people we serve. Another very important part of this mission trip is the time we spend with God. Each year we have a scripture that we focus on through the team meetings and the entire time we are in Cher-okee. This year’s verse was Psalm 46:10- Be still and know I am God. The scripture was one that every-one could relate to, as we all get so busy in our everyday lives. We had devotions each morning that were great reminders to take time each day to just be still with God. We did services on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. The services were all amazing, they helped us to strengthen our relationships with Christ and we come home wanting to continue to take time each day to Be still and know He is God. In closing, we want to thank each of you for supporting this mission trip each year. It would not be possible without your prayers and fi- nancial support.

September 2018

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CHEROKEE 2018 (CONTINUED)

BACK TO SCHOOL & YOUTH GROUP BEGINS WITH POOL PARTY!

It’s back to school time which also means it’s time for youth group! We will have our first gathering on Saturday, September 1st - A Pool Party at the Whitaker’s from 2-5! Bring your suit, towel and some ideas of what you might want to do in youth group. I’m looking for-ward to a new year of fun, fellowship and building relationships with each other and most importantly God! If you have questions or ideas please give Kathy a call @ 841-8925.

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Online giving is available for most of the common types of giving. You may designate money to go to the operating budget or roof fund. You may pay for bulletin covers or flowers just to name a few. It is easy to use and it is safe. In-structions on how to set up an account can be found at Mt Olivet’s web site:

www.mountolivetseaford.org. Click on Online Giving, click on HERE in step 1.

Your e-mail account is used as your online giving username. Don’t want to set up an account; you can do Quick Give which takes you directly to a one time giving form. Online giving accepts debit cards, check cards, Visa, or Master Card. Why use online giving? Maybe all your other giving is done online. You can set up recurring amounts so that your contribution is given on the frequency that you want. Maybe you are going on vacation or unable to attend. An easy way to make sure your tithe still gets to Mount Olivet is to use online giving. The options are very flexible. Let’s say you want to give $200 to the roof fund. You can set up a recurring amount of $20 per month for 10 months to happen on the 5th of the month. Donations given online will be noted on your quar-terly statements the same as donations given in the offering. for questions/more information, contact Sally Andersen or Scott Bagshaw.

It is time to start practicing again. Where did the summer go? We will meet on Thursday, September 6th at 5:15 p.m. This week we will polish the bells. We welcome all to come and ring with us. I usually say that you only have to be able to count to 4. Come and join the fun!

SINGERS….It is time for choir to begin again. I have found some new books for us to review which have familiar and new songs with 2 part harmony. We will plan to meet as we did last year on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:15 a.m. We meet twice a week since not eve- ryone can make it to practice on Thursdays and others can not make it on Sundays. We will take a look at the books on Thursday and Sunday to see what we like. If you enjoy singing, please come join the choir!

Nothing to report this month

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Jesus directed His disciples to share the Good News to all people. As today’s disci-ples we have the same challenge. By joining with Love INC. We have an opportuni-ty to serve His people here in Seaford. The clients can be introduced to Christ and a

new way to live a calmer, more self-sufficient way of life. Summer worship was a joy. A series of sermons on the Sabbath reminded us why God gave us a day of rest. The sermons on the Ark gave us a new perspective on the Ark, its contents and why it’s relevant today. With school starting soon, so will Sunday School. We have classes for all ages and interests. We are never too old or wise to learn. A church picnic will celebrate Opening Day, September 9th , in Blades Park. The Cherokee Mission trip offered a way to grow the Faith, both for the Helped and the Helpers. Our thanks to all who went in the name of Christ.

How do I get my Messenger on line? Go to the website on the home page: www.mountolivetseaford.org Select Current month under The Messenger – Our Newsletter. That will take you to a page with a link that goes directly to the Messenger. (No need and no link to “download” anything, simply a link di-rectly to the newsletter itself)

Maybe this kid is onto something!

L

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Lean on….Stand on…. Provided by Eleanor Hickey Build your life on the One who never moves

Sunday School starts September 9th

Pre-K & K: led by Melissa & Steve Ferree

K & 1: led by Alisha Carneal

2nd & 3rd: led by Debbie Harrison

4th & 5th: led by Amy Pearson

Middle School: Led by Susan Human

High School: led by Kathy Whitaker & Ann Carson

Adult Classes:

Chapel class led by Chuck Harrison in the Chapel

Koinonia class led by Betty Wilbanks in the Lounge

Serendipity class led by Susan Carey in the Choir room

Men Under Construction class led by Bill Whitaker in Ricks Conference room

And don’t forget to come out to Blades Park at 4:00 for the Family & Friends Picnic

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The Adventures of our Linda.

Three wise women, riding rather than walking. Ancient Petra, Jordan

Standing on the Mount of Olives, with the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mound in Old Jerusalem.

September 2018

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The Messenger

September 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2:00p. Youth Group Pool Party at Whitakers

2 8:30a. Chapel Serv. 11:00a. Worship, Sanct.

3 Labor Day Holiday! (Office Closed)

4 First Day - Preschool 4:00p. Emmaus Reun-ion Group, Lounge 5:00p. Teen Challenge 7:00p. SPRC Lounge

5

6 5:15p. Bells, Sanctuary 6:30p. Reunion Choir, Sanctuary

7 6:00p. Womens’ Em-maus Team Mtg, F. Hall

8

9 8:30a. Chapel Serv. 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00a. Worship, Sanct. 1:00p. Girls Chrysalis Team Mtg, F. Hall 4:00p. Church Picnic 10:15a. Reunion Choir

10 7:00p. Finance Mtg, Lounge

11 4:00 Emmaus Reunion Group, Lounge

12 6:30p. Prayer Shawl Team, Lounge

13 5:15p. Bells, Sanctuary 6:30p. Reunion Choir, Sanctuary

14 6:00p. Womens Em-maus Team Mtg, F. Hall

15

16 8:30a. Chapel Service 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00a. Worship, Sanct. 1:00p. Church Council, 2:00p. Boys Chrysalis Team Mtg, F. Hall 10:15a. Reunion Choir

17 6:30p. Emmaus Board Mtg, Chapel 7:00p. Board of Trus-tees, Lounge

18 4:00p. Emmaus Reun-ion Group, Lounge 6:00p. UMM Dinner Mtg, F.Hall

19 NOON – Lunch Bunch 1:30 – Lois Circle

20 5:15p. Bells, Sanctuary 6:30p. Reunion Choir, Sanctuary

21 6:00a. Girls Chrysalis Send Off, Sanctuary 6:00p. Womens Em-maus Team Mtg, F. Hall

22

238:30a. Chapel Serv. 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00a. Worship, Sanct. 2:00p. Boys Chrysalis Team Mtg, F. Hall 4:00P. Girls Chrysalis Homecoming, Sanct. 10:15a. Reunion Choir

24 7:00p. Nominations Mtg, Lounge

25 4:00p. Emmaus Reun-ion Group, Lounge 6:30 p. Lydia Circle 7:00p. SMA Leadership Mtg, Ricks Conf Rm

26 27 5:15p. Bells, Sanctuary 6:30p. Reunion Choir, Sanctuary

28 6:00p. Womens Emmaus Team Mtg, F. Hall

29

30 8:30a. Chapel Serv. 9:45a. Sunday School 11:00a. Worship, Sanct. 1:00p. Boys Chrysalis Team mtg, F. Hall