Celebrating a Decade of Faithful Ministry

Honoring Pastor Craig Corbin’s 10 Years at Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

This year, Mount Olive Lutheran Church celebrates a meaningful milestone: ten years of faithful pastoral ministry by Pastor Craig Corbin. What began as an unexpected call to serve in the Arizona desert has become a decade marked by steady leadership, deep pastoral care, and aheart firmly rooted in Christ-centered ministry.Pastor Craig often reflects with humility on the journey that led him to Mount Olive, “Who would have ever thought I would be serving a congregation in Arizona?” he once remarked. Yet over the past 10 years,Mount Olive has been blessed by a pastor whose life experiences, vocational calling, and love for God’s people have shaped the congregation in enduring ways.

Before arriving at Mount Olive, Pastor Craig served in a variety of ministry settings across the country, including parish ministry, inner-city work, and many years in outdoor ministry. Alongside his wife, Kim, he raised their family while faithfully serving the church, with outdoor ministry remaining a consistent and formative calling throughout his career, one that emphasized experiential faith, discipleship, and encountering Christ through God’s creation.

His favorite Scripture, Romans 8:38–39, has long served as a theological anchor:

“For I am convinced that nothing in all creation, neither height nor depth, things present nor things to come, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That assurance has shaped his preaching, pastoral care, and encouragement to the congregation through seasons of joy, challenge, and transition.

In September 2025, Pastor Craig announced his intention to retire, with his retirement set for August 2026. As Mount Olive looks ahead to this transition, the congregation does so with gratitude for the years already shared, and for the months still to come. While retirement plans may include travel, quiet time by a north-country lake and perhaps even that long-anticipated Alaska cruise or European adventure, the impact of Pastor Craig’s ministry at Mount Olive will continue long after his final Sunday in the pulpit.

With thanksgiving to God, Mount Olive Lutheran Church honors ten years of faithful service, celebrates a life of ministry well-lived, and extends heartfelt blessings to Pastor Craig and Kim as they prepare for this next season. Well done, good and faithful servant and may the road ahead be filled with rest, joy, and the abiding peace of Christ.

Thank You Pastor Craig for a blessed Ten years of Service to Mount Olive

This Month in Mount Olive’s History                                      February Edition

Did you know...?

February has often been a month of dedication, growth, and meaningful beginnings at Mount Olive.

In February 1967, ground was officially broken for Mount Olive’s first church building, a windy but faith-filled day that marked a major step from mission beginnings to a permanent home. Just a few years later, in February 1971, the church balcony was first used for worship, expanding space as the congregation continued to grow.

February has also been a time of artistic and spiritual enrichment. In February 1985, Mount Olive’s beautiful stained-glass windows, designed by local artist Robert Metcalf, were installed. The windows  continue to reflect God’s light and storytelling through color and design.

More recently, February has marked moments of renewal and community care. In February 1993, Pastor Mel Soderberg arrived and was soon installed as Senior Pastor, and in later years, ministries like Respite Care expanded, offering compassionate support to families in need.

From breaking ground to building faith, February reminds us that God is always at work, shaping spaces, strengthening people, and growing His church in love.

Important Dates for 2026

February Important dates

• • Young Adults Group starts Feb 15th @11:30am

• • Highschool Group starts Feb, 9th @ 6pm

• • White Burro Sale set up Feb 9-11th 8am-12pm, Sale dates Feb 12-14th 8am -2pm

Look Out for Soup Meal Sign Ups!

Sign up will be out February 7th-8th to bring Soup lunch or Supper and/or assist with set-up or clean-up.

Lent meals are 11:30am & 5:15pm February 25th – March 25th, 2026

Holiday Office closures for 2026:

• • President’s Day - February 16th

• • Good Friday (recognized on Monday) - April 3rd

• • Memorial Day - May 25th

• • Independence Day – (recognized on Friday) July 4th

• • Labor Day – September 7th

• • Veteran’s Day – November 11th

• • Thanksgiving & Friday after – November 26th & 27th

• • Christmas Day - December 25th

Special Dates

• • Ash Wednesday – February 18th

• • Season of Lent – February 25th – March 25th

• • Palm Sunday – March 29th

• • Maundy Thursday – April 2nd

• • Good Friday - April 3rd

• • Easter Vigil – April 4th

• • Easter Sunday – April 5th

• • Camp formation – June 29th – July 3rd

• • Reformation – October 25th

• • All Saints – November 1st

• • Season of Advent – November 29th – December 20th

• • Christmas Eve – December 24th