INTRODUCTION TO THE 2008-09 WOMEN’S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY
Saturday, September 13th, 9:30am, Lounge

The Hidden Hand of God: Wisdom Stories from Ruth, Daniel, and Esther

Most circles use this bible study and enjoy the enrichment it offers. This year, the wisdom stories of Ruth, Daniel 1-6, and Esther help us think about our call to discipleship in the complexity of today’s world. You will see three recurring “H” themes throughout the study.
Hesed is a Hebrew word meaning extravagant loving loyalty that goes beyond the expected. Exploring it in these books will help us to examine how God is calling us to express hesed in our lives.
Heroic actions involve great risks to the one performing them. They are brave actions for the sake of others. Studying the leading characters in these stories will challenge us as we think about the risks God calls us to take as a part of faithful discipleship.
Hidden hand refers to the often unseen presence of God in all three books. Discovering how God works in these stories allows us to reflect on how God sometimes seems hidden in our lives or in the lives of those we love, and how we are called to live through such times.
As we study these books together, we pray that we grow in confidence of God’s never-ending love for us and that we gain courage to take the risks God may be calling us to. Consider joining us at any of the following circle gatherings listed to the right, and experience God’s hidden hand of wisdom in your life through the hesed offered. Lutheran Women Today magazine that we use for the bible studies can be ordered by calling 1-800-328-4648 or order online at www.augsburgfortress.org.

 

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING
Members of Olivet Lutheran Church create prayer shawls for those in need of comfort, care, warmth, healing and prayers. Each handcrafted knitted or crocheted shawl is made with care and filled with prayer. These shawls are delivered to people in need by our Pastors or Parish Nurse. You are welcome to join the ministry at any time. If you do not know how to knit or crochet, members are willing to teach you. There are a number of ways for you to participate…you can make the shawls, provide the yarn, and pray for those who are making the shawls and receiving them. We welcome you to be a part of this ministry. Our meetings are held every 2nd Monday evening from September – May. Our next meeting will be Monday, September 8th at 7:15pm at Luna’s Coffee. Thank you and blessings to all who knit, crochet, or sew for the Olivet Prayer Shawl Ministry! The shawls are a blessing to many!

SISTERS CIRCLE
Ever wanted your sister to live closer? Miss those meaningful conversations and moments of laughter? Join Sisters Circle this fall following Coffee Talk. We will meet the 2nd Saturday of each month September through May.

 

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) – September through May
Are you a mother of a preschooler(s) ages 0-5? Then MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is for you! MOPS is a place where mothers feel welcome, make connections, and know they are not alone during these sometimes trying times. MOPS meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday morning of each month starting in September here at Olivet. MOPS is looking for a MOPPETS(childcare) Coordinator and MOPPETS workers. There are paid and volunteer positions. The Coordinators hours are 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month; 8:30-11:30 am. The workers hours are 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month; 8:45-11:15 am. Contact Kelly at 261-1282 or Alesha at 277-5550.

 

 

MEDITATION ON MONDAYS
Every Monday from noon-1pm, you are invited to join in a time of silent prayer. This time is meant to create space as we listen for God’s will in our lives individually and collectively. The calm invites us into deeper awareness of how God’s presence is constant. Come to the chapel on Mondays and feel free to bring a friend.

 

FIRST THURSDAY
Cancer Support Group for Women
Newly diagnosed or cancer survivors are welcome to this informal supportive gathering. It is designed for women who have or have had cancer; it is a time for supporting each other, learning how to cope, and having a good time. New members are always welcome! The women of this support group meet every 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00pm at Olivet Lutheran Church during the months of September – May. We will resume on Thursday, September 4th…..all are welcome. Questions? Please contact Bev Gravdahl, Parish Nurse at 235-6603 or Kim Ranstrom at 293-9658.

 

COFFEE TALK
Women of Olivet join together for coffee the 2nd Saturday of each month. We get to know each other and make connections. Our next meeting will be September 13th. We meet at 8:30am, Luna’s Coffee. Come and relax! Questions: call Pastor Tiffany at 235-6603.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

The Prayer Shawl Ministry holds regular meetings the second Monday of every month, September through May, at 7:15pm in the Lounge. Come to the meetings to meet others, share your knitting and crocheting tips, or learn how to knit or crochet. We have recently expanded to include fabric shawls. If you can’t knit or crochet but would like to sew, please join us for more information. These shawls are given to those who are suffering or in need of comfort. Questions, contact Kim Johnson at 277-0281.

 

CIRCLES OF FRIENDS – September-May
Circles have a way of bringing women together for unforgettable fellowship and food for the body and soul. Many women have bonded as sisters in Christ around the Word by sharing life together. If you are not already involved, find a circle of new friends here at Olivet. There are many circles to choose from, including:3rd Tuesday Morning
9:15am - Priscilla, Lounge
9:30am - Miriam, Nursery
9:30am - Martha
9:30am - Naomi
9:30am - Ruth3rd Tuesday Evening
7:30pm - Mary3rd Thursday Afternoon
1:00pm – Dorcas/Lydia, Lounge2nd Saturday Morning
9:30am – Sisters Circle at Borna's Bagels
Ever wanted your sister to live closer? Miss those meaningful conversations and moments of laughter? Join the new Sisters Circle this fall following CoffeeTalk. We will meet the second Saturday of each month starting in October. We will meet at 9:30 am over at Borna's Bagels.

 

Understanding God’s grace will change your life forever!
“WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCE 2008”
October 17-18
Excel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Picture you and 18,000+ women worshipping God together, growing in faith and learning to live the life God dreamed for YOU! Bring your friends, moms, sisters and join us on October 17-18 in St. Paul for a fun and unforgettable girls’ weekend. All women are welcome - over 50 churches were represented in our group last year! By contracting as a group, we are able to offer tickets for $75 vs $85 if purchasing directly from Women of Faith. Register now and don’t delay. Register online soon, as 227 out of 260 tickets are already spoken for, and the bus that leaves on Friday is getting full. Registrations are taken at FARGOSTUFF.COM or by signing up in the church office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Tiffany at tsundeen@olivet.org or at the church office at 235-6603.