A Message From Vicar Kathy Paulson

May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. -Galatians 1:2

Change: Difficult, Uncomfortable, and Necessary

After spending 2/3’s of my life in North Dakota and living in LHC the past two years, I realize I do miss the seasonal changes, just not the “winter” ones! But I think I was used to the “signs” that the weather was changing, as in the greens to brown/red/orange/yellow, thus bare trees, grass turning brown, temperatures cooling, birds migrating, and the wind…..always the wind! I follow on Facebook a wonderful writer named E. Hamilton, and want to share her poem that speaks to me about November.

“The earth has never forgotten how to give.
Even after the frost, the long dark, careless feet that trample what is tender, still,
something breaks the soil.

A green insistence. A stubborn grace. Life pushing through where life had no business being.

And we, with our hands full and our memories short, forget the rain, the waiting,
the hands that sowed what we now gather.

We forget that nothing grows alone. There is bread enough when hands are open,
room enough when hearts are wide, and grace enough to reach beyond our
own small patch of earth.

So let us bring what we have gathered, the bruised and the beautiful, the meager and the plentiful.
Let us remember whose hands held ours when the ground was hard.
And when the harvest comes, may we have the courage to leave the gate open.”

     What do you hear in this poem? I hear familiar terms: Resilience “something breaks the soil” shows life persists despite hardship, frost, and neglect. Interdependence “nothing grows alone” and remembering “whose hands held ours” point to gratitude for others’ care. Generosity “bread enough when hands are open” calls us to share rather than hoard what we’ve gathered. Our November worship “back home” centered on the “harvest”, as we celebrated fall as the completion of many long and laborious farm hours.

We served a big meal; our “mission” was then “gathering and sending” our offering to many different missions, local and worldwide. I remember sometimes in November a missionary we supported would come to speak and share their experiences in foreign and far-away countries. I was always intrigued. In later years, the women of the church would present a “Thankoffering” service and the fruits of their labors were sent to those in need. In other words, leaving “the gate open” was the mission of our ministry.

     I see Mount Olive in the above poem: resilience in persisting in spreading God’s word, living in God’s ways, and moving forward in filling the pastoral position; interdependence in recognition and encouragement of those talents within our congregation, in council leadership, facilitating and equipping the SAMs helping our interim pastor; and generosity in supporting our current mission and ensuring our needs are taken care of to continue ministry. We give thanks with much gratitude for all the hands and feet who shape and provide for Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. May we always “leave the gate open!”

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good for His steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 107:1

-Vicar Kathy Paulson
Synod Authorized Minister
Praise Band Director

What Is Outreach?

Sharing God's Love, Serving Others

From Mount Olive's Outreach Committee

Have you ever wondered what Mount Olive's Outreach Committee does and how it serves our community?

Our Outreach Committee has been sharing God's love for more than two decades! Established in the early 2000s by Pastor Jim and Cathy Price, the committee began with a simple mission: to reach beyond the walls of our church and make a difference in the lives of others. One of its first projects was purchasing banners for the church, followed by welcoming first-time visitors with a special luncheon—a tradition that continues today!

Our mission is simple:

Reach out to our community, spread God's love, and lend a helping hand to those in need.

Through our outreach efforts, we support nonprofit organizations throughout Lake Havasu City that provide assistance to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. These organizations serve children, families, those experiencing homelessness, and others who need compassion and support.

Some of the wonderful organizations and groups we assist include:

• Arizona Children's Association

• Arizona Department of Child Safety

• Child and Family Resources

• Elementary School Nurses (six schools)

• Faith and Grace, Inc.

• Local Food Bank

• Havasu Helping Girls

• Havasu Community Health Foundation

• Haven

• Pregnancy Care

• Southwest Behavioral 

Each fall, we also help spread the word about Mount Olive by distributing church brochures and worship schedules to local hotels, motels, and RV parks. Whether someone is visiting Lake Havasu City for a weekend or spending the winter with us, we want them to know they have a church home waiting for them at Mount Olive! 

A Heartfelt Thank You!

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who has generously donated to Outreach over the years. Your kindness and contributions make it possible for us to continue helping others and sharing God's love throughout our community. Every donation, large or small, makes a meaningful difference!

Would You Like to Get Involved?

Our Outreach Committee may be small, but our hearts are big! We are always looking for new members, fresh ideas, and helping hands. If you have a passion for serving others or an idea for a community outreach project, we would love to have you join us!

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 3:00 PM in the church library.

Together, we can continue to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope, kindness, and God's love to those who need it most.

Your Brothers and Sisters Working in Christ,

Mount Olive Outreach Committee

Contact: Herbert E. Anderson
Phone: 928-302-6310