By God's grace, Mt. Olive continues to grow. Sunday morning worship attendance is averaging about 170. Already this Fall attendance has topped 200 several times. We have added a new pew and have regularly set up chairs in the back of the church. Finding a parking spot has also gotten to be a challenge. And, have you noticed all the young children in church? What a joy and blessing!

Recognizing these facts, the Voters Assembly has decided to expand our ministry by adding a second service on Sunday. This change will make another worship opportunity available for members of Mt. Olive, and we believe it will free up space at church for greater outreach to the community.

One of the joys of being part of Mt. Olive has always been the fellowship time after church. We will continue to enjoy fellowship time between services. People from the first service who stay for fellowship will be able to have time with second service people who come for fellowship during education hour. We will also plan for special times when everyone can be together and celebrate the unity we have at Mt. Olive. As you might expect, a number of details need to be worked out as we make this change; there may be some glitches that we could not plan for, but with patience and cooperation the change should go smoothly.

The goal of every Christian church should be to grow. But simple growth in numbers is empty growth. Our Lord's greater desire for us is that we grow in faith and in the ability to serve. This happens by the power of the Spirit as we worship together, study together, strengthen each other, encourage one another, and build each other up until we attain the full measure of faith in Christ Jesus, Our Lord.

May God continue to bless the growth of Mt. Olive, as we work together under His grace and mercy.

-- Pastor Possehl