Frequently Asked Questions (and answers!)
On this page you will find helpful answers to some commonly asked questions heard at Mount Olive.
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When are worship services held?
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The general worship schedule is here. There are some seasonal variations and additional services during Advent/Christmas and Lent/Easter seasons so refer to the calendar on the Worship page.
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What is the style of worship?
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Worship at Mount Olive is rooted in the liturgical tradition of the Lutheran Church, following the pattern of gathering, Word, Meal, and sending. Hymns, old and new, figure prominently. Read more here.
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Do you allow children in worship?
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The absolute best way to teach the faith is when children and parents worship together. The liturgy, hymns, and lessons every Sunday have sufficed to pass on the faith for thousands of years. In addition, parents are the best teachers of the faith - no one else and nothing else can do as good a job. That being said, if you have young children who "lose it" in worship, it is always appropriate to bring them to the nursery, etc. Children grow into worship just as they grow into faith.
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How often is communion?
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Every Sunday. The flow of Worship gathers us to hear the Word, then to share a family meal together (The Lord's Supper). We are then sent back into the world strengthened by this sacrament of grace.
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Who can participate in communion?
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All are welcome, believing in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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I see young children taking bread and wine. What age do you allow children to commune?
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Just as God's invitation to baptism and promise of grace has no age, God's invitation to the table has no age. Just as babies sit in high chairs at a family meal, all ages are invited to commune as the parents see fit. Mount Olive has a fifth grade first communion program, but schedules home visits to educate children and parents at whatever age parents feel their child is ready for Holy Communion.
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How many congregation members are there?
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Right around 1000.
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How do I become a member of the congregation?
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We are all on a faith journey that lasts our whole life. Thus, you can join whenever you say you want to join. There are no classes or preparation you must take before hand. However, as a member, we are committing to help one another walk in faith. You are encouraged to find education classes, fellowship opportunities, and service opportunities that make sense to you.
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How is the offering used?
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About 60% provides salaries and benefits for the Pastors and staff.
Nearly 20% goes for the building mortgage, heat, lights, insurance, etc.
Just over 13% is given as benevolence to the ELCA and its charities.
The rest is for other work of the church: Education, music, youth programs and so on.
Please read about the Stewardship philosophy at Mount Olive.
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What is the process for baptism?
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No process, really. When your children (or you) are ready to be baptized, contact one of the pastors to discuss it.
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What is the process for confirmation?
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Mount Olive has education offerings for all ages, but specific instruction for Confirmation is done in grades 6 through 9.
Prior to Confirmation, each student will meet with a pastor and is expected to write a Faith Statement, which they read at a Church Council meeting.
The Confirmation, or Affirmation of Baptism, ceremony is typically done on Reformation Sunday in the fall of their 10th grade year, though some do this on their own schedule when they are ready.
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Weddings?
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Talk to a pastor.
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Funerals?
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Talk to a pastor. Actually, folks don't always plan ahead for this, but one of the best comforts you can give your family in their time of loss is to plan some of the details surrounding your funeral.
Mount Olive offers an end-of-life planning session every few years and a packet of planning materials is available anytime in the office.
It can be an emotional exercise, but most everyone who does this planning is glad they did.
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