The Olive Branch
The Twice-Monthly Newsletter of
Olivet Lutheran Church 5840 Monroe Street - Sylvania, OH
Office 419-882-2077 - Fax 419-824-0213
www.olivetsylvania.org
Nathan J. Tuff, Lead Pastor
Melissa Micham, Associate Pastor
Donna Mens, Director of Faith Formation
Shannon Walker, Director of Operations
Our Vision Celebrating the power of the Holy Spirit
by inviting all people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus
Our Three-Fold Mission
~ Create a safer place for growing, learning, listening and loving
~ Address social issues by focused engagement in community partnerships
~ Make direct connections for learning, mutual support and relief with people around the world
November 18, 2018
Twenty-sixth Sunday of Pentecost
November 25, 2018
Christ the King Sunday
Prayer for Veterans:
Heavenly Lord, we bring before You
the men and women who have been
called to serve our country in the armed
forces – on land, sea and in the air, and
who have spent much of their lives participating in the pro-
tection of our shores and land, from the enemy that would
seek to do us harm. Thank You for the selfless way that so
many have been used to maintain our freedoms through
their courageous acts – both at home and abroad. Thank
You for each one and bless them abundantly, and we pray
that You would be their strength and stay – and that You
would graciously supply them with all they need to contin-
ue to serve our country in a retired capacity. And Lord, for
veterans and those in the armed forces that do not yet
know You as their Savior, we do pray that You would
draw near to each one and make Yourself known - so that
they may come to trust in Jesus as Savior and come to be a
soldier in the army of the King of kings and Lord of lords,
in Whose name we pray, Amen. Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com
Prayer for the Residents of Southern California:
God, have mercy on those living through this terrible threat
of fire in Southern California. Protect the lives of the brave
men and women fighting the flames. Give courage to all
those who have lost their homes. Give wisdom to those
who must make important decisions about their property
and the property of others Lord, you are Lord of the weath-
er. We ask you now to calm the winds, increase the humid-
ity and slow the advance of these blazes. Guard those for
whom the smoke is a health threat. You can extinguish
these fires. We ask boldly that you would. We pray this in
Jesus’ name. Amen. Source: www.beliefnet.com
A Prayer of Thanksgiving:
O God, You are so good. You are faithful and gracious and
You have blessed me beyond measure. Thank you for eve-
ryday blessings to which I have become accustomed, but
never want to take for granted: clean drinking water, elec-
tricity, food in my pantry, hot showers, a roof over my
head, and a bed to sleep in.
Thank you for legs that carry me where I need to go
and hands that enable me to accomplish many things.
Thank you for my hearing and my vision and for a sound,
healthy mind.
Thank you my family, my friends, my job, my neigh-
bors. Thank you for freedom to attend my church, for my
pastors, and for my small group(s) and my many relation-
ships.
Thank you for the things You are doing in my heart
and in my life. I’m grateful that by the power of Your Holy
Spirit, I am much different today than I was 10 years ago,
or a year ago. I am even different than I was at the begin-
ning of this year, and it’s because of Your power at work
in me, continually transforming me into Your image.
I love and adore You, Lord, and my heart overflows
with gratitude for all these blessings. In the precious name
of Jesus, Amen. Source: https://www.crosswalk.com
Advent by Candlelight
Thursday, December 6, 2018 7:00 p.m.
Ladies, reserve this evening for a beautiful beginning to the
Advent Season.
While some of the hostesses have family and
guests from outside Olivet, there are others eager
to have you join them at their table. You do not
need to be invited by a particular hostess –
ALL women are invited.
Sign up at the tables in the Atrium or by the CLC.
Last day to sign up—DECEMBER 2.
Giving Trees will be up by
November 25.
Please take a look at the different
paper ornaments indicating person-
alized gift, store gift certificate or
grocery store gift card. Take one or
two of these with you when you go
Christmas shopping. Gifts are due December 9.
NOVEMBER 27, 2018 Make a donation online : www.olivetsylvania.org
OR Write a check, dated Nov. 27, and have it at the church
office by 3 pm Tuesday. It must be marked GIVING TUESDAY
Last year, Olivet received $6200 for our missional efforts
December 2 in the Atrium Children of all ages!
Celebrate the start of the Advent
season! Arts, crafts, devotionals and
ideas for “gift-giving that make a
difference” will be on display! “Bead for Life” and
SERRV products are featured.
Christmas Concerts
Rejoice & Jubilee Handbells
Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Sacred and Secular Music
Rejoice Handbells Free Concert
Friday, December 14, 2018 ~ 7:00 p.m.
Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle
Pre-Concert Dinner
Sunday, Dec. 2 ~ 5:30 p.m. Before our annual Handbells Concert, why not enjoy a
scrumptious dinner in the Christian Life Center to
benefit our youth programs? Our cooks are preparing a
fabulous menu:
Beef Stew, Salad, Rolls and Brownies or Sugar
Cookies with Peppermint Ice Cream for dessert.
Tickets are available on Sundays or in the church of-
fice: $7.00 for adults and $5.00 for children to age 12.
Tuesday, Nov. 27 through Tuesday, Dec. 18
Study Matthew’s account of Jesus’ birth with Pastor Nate on Tuesday nights leading up to Christmas. Meet in the
Teen Room at 7:00 p.m. We’ll look for you!
Olivet Choir will present “Darkness Into Light” by Mary McDonald
Sunday, December 16, 2018 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
in the Sanctuary Invite your friends to join you for this beautiful and timely program.
Come to our gathering
on Sunday, November 18
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Activities, Food, Prayer
and Devotions
NEXT GATHERING: DECEMBER 16
SPARK and Club 345
Spark is for children ages 3-2nd grade
Club 345 is for children in grades 3-5
Families begin in Worship together,
then children will head to their class
rooms after the pastor’s time with
“Kids of the Kingdom.” Children
return in time for Communion.
NO SPARK or CLUB 345
on November 25.
Reserve this date: Sunday, Dec. 16! - Our children are
going to sing at Oak Leaf Village. More info will be
forthcoming. The residents always LOVE to hear our kids
sing for them!
Infants & Toddlers
with their parents Meet Sunday, December 2
at 10:10 a.m. in the
SPARK ROOM.
Join us!
...or come on Wednesday,
Dec. 5 at 9:15 a.m.
.
SUPPORT SYLVANIA AREA FAMILY SERVICES
One goal of the Community Mission emphasis team
is to partner with Sylvania Area Family Services
(SAFS) as volunteers and grow their financial
base. This year, the Meijer Store on W. Central Ave
will again support the SAFS Food Pantry through its
annual Simply Give campaign. Customers may pur-
chase $10 donation card(s) which are converted to a
Meijer Food-Only Gift Card and donated directly to
the SAFS food pantry. The holiday Simply Give
campaign runs through, Saturday, December 29.
On Friday, December 7 only, every gift is doubled
– your $10 donation becomes $20!! Please join the
Community Mission Emphasis Team is supporting
our neighbors who hunger.
WINTERLAND
CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW
SAT. December 8
9:00-3:00 p.m.
Sylvania Area Family Services
5440 Marshal Rd., Sylvania, OH
Handmade jewelry, wood art, candles,
essential oils, home décor, custom
gifts, crafts and so much more!
Body Shop is underway with great partic-
ipation! We meet twice a month with
lunch, large group activities and small
group discussion. Our study this year will
be focused on the Ten Commandments
and the Beatitudes.
Adults and ministry groups who love interacting
with youth – please consider providing lunch for our
group once during the Body Shop year (through the
first weekend in May)! You provide a simple lunch and
enjoy breaking bread and learning with our students!
You’ll be glad you did! We provide the paper products,
and can also provide drinks and dessert if needed.
Please see Donna Mens for open schedule dates!
BODY SHOPPERS—KEEP THIS DATE OPEN:
SUNDAY, December 9
On this date, we will participate in our annual “Cookie
Caper!” We always have the greatest time making,
decorating and delivering cookies to special people.
They appreciate it so much and you will be re-paid
with many smiles!
Thank you for participating in
Operation Christmas Child!
60+ boxes were sent to
Samaritan’s Purse to be
sent all around the world!
Events in our Area
Hope Lutheran Church 2201 Secor Road, Toledo
invites you to a concert by contemporary
Christian artist, Abby Pakvan
December 18, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
Sylvania Women’s Connection West Lunch, Songs, and Message
Friday, Dec. 14 ~ 11:15-1:30
Highland Meadows Golf Club
7455 Erie St., Sylvania
Reservations: Julie 419-466-9701
Sunday 18 9:00 AM Worship-w/Spark & Club 345
10:10 AM Bible Study-AE
10:00 AM Global Missions - Liobrary
11:00 AM The Vine-CLC w/Spark & Club 345
Noon Boday Shop
6-8 PM Sr. High youth
Monday 19 11:10 AM OCNS program-CLC
Tuesday 20 6:30 AM Parables at Panara
9:30 AM Women's Bible Study-TR
10:30 AM Quilters-Ad Ed room
11:10 AM OCNS program-CLC
6:30 PM Financial Peace-AE
Wednesday 21 5:15 PM Daily Bread Meal-CLC
6:45 PM d'Vine practice-CLC
6:45 PM Thanksgiving Worship-Chapel
7:30 AM Olivet Choir
Thursday 22 Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday 23 all closed
Saturday 24 no events
Sunday 25 9:00 AM Worship -Sanctuary no/Spark/Club 345
10:10 AM Bible Study-AE
11:00 AM Worship-The Vine-CLC no/Spark/Club
Monday 26 Tuesday 27 6:30 AM Parables at Panara-Talmadge
9:30 AM Women's Bible Study-TR
10:30 AM Quilters - AE
7:00 PM Pr. Nate Bible Study-TR
6:30 PM Financial Peace-Ad Ed
Wednesday 28 5:15 PM Daily Bread-CLC
6:45 PM Worship-Chapel
7:30 AM Olivet Choir
Thursday 29
Friday 30 Saturday 1 9:00 AM Altar Guild Decorating
2:00 PM Shower in TR
Sunday 2 9:00 AM Worship-HC
10:10 AM Advent Festival - Atrium
10:10 AM Frolic-Spark Room
10:10 AM Bible Study-AE
11:00 AM The Vine-CLC w/Spark & Club 345
noon Body Shop
5:30 PM Pre-Concert Bell Choir Dinner
7:00 PM Bell Choir Concert - Sanctuary
Monday 3 12-3:00 pm Leisure League - CLC
Tuesday 4 6:30 AM Parables at Panara
9:30 AM Women's Bible Study-TR
10:30 AM Quilters-Ad Ed room
6:30 PM Financial Peace-AE
7:00 PM Bible Study- Matthew Nativity - TR
Wednesday 5 9:15 AM Frolic-Teen Room
5:15 PM Daily Bread Meal-CLC
6:45 PM d'Vine practice-CLC
6:45 PM Worship-Sanctuary
7:30 AM Olivet Choir
Thursday 6 7:00 PM Advent By Candlelight
Friday 7 Sat 8 no events
Sunday 9 9:00 AM Worship-w/Spark & Club 345
10:10 AM Bible Study-AE
11:00 AM The Vine-CLC w/Spark & Club 345
Noon Body Shop-Cookie Caper
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
When grocery shopping, don’t forget to
help stock the food pantry. We are in
need of the following: stuffing mix,
instant potatoes, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and
jelly.
KROGER CARES PROGRAM
Thanks to the 47 households who shopped and
designated Olivet as the recipient of the Kroger
Cares dollars. $294.00 check just received!
NOTE FROM THE KITCHEN
If you are having an event here at church and are in
need of mustard or ketchup...PLEASE do not
purchase any. We have an over abundance
to be used up.