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Balaam
The legend of Solomon's ring, the adventures of Dr. Doolittle, the attempt to decipher the dots and dashes of dolphins, and the attempt to teach chimpanzees to type out their thoughts on computers all reflect our ancient dream of being able to talk with the animals. As fascinating as a message from outer space would be a message from the inner space of a great blue heron or a common house cat sunning herself on the kitchen linoleum. Their mute gaze suggests a vision of reality beyond our imagining. What do they see in their ignorance that we in our wisdom are mostly blind to?
In the book of Numbers, Balaam's ass sees an angel of the Lord barring the way with a drawn sword in his hand and thereupon lies down in the middle of the road with Balaam still on his back. When Balaam clobbers him over the head with a stick, the ass speaks out reproachfully in fluent Hebrew, and then Balaam sees the angel too.
This is perhaps a clue to the mystery. Whereas people as a rule see only what they expect to see and little more, animals, innocent of expectation, see what is there. The next time the old mare looks up from her browsing and lets fly with an exultant whinny at the empty horizon, we might do well to consider at least the possibility that the horizon may not be quite as empty as we think.
- Fredrich Buechner, Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABCs of Faith, copywrite 2004.
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| This Sunday: Unfolding the Story: Balaam's Donkey |
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This Sunday we continue our journey through the Old Testament. Pastor Beth will preach on Numbers 22:20-35.
Adult Education Forum at 9:45 a.m. PhD candidate and Pastor Erick Thompson will join us on May 15 and 22 to discuss the scripture for each week.
(The book image is a sculpture in a series called "Unfolding Stories" by British graduate student and visual artist Joe Clews.)
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| Is God at the movies? |
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Finding God in popular culture!
Pastor John Strommen will examine the presence of God in popular culture. Is God a participant in pop culture or a critic? Or perhaps he has better things to do! We will explore how movies, music, art and entertainment can be powerful vessels of God's presence. These sessions will be held May 11, 18 and 25 and are FREE - and open to all. Please let us know if you plan to attend by signing up at the Welcome Counter or by emailing Joy Miller.
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| Summer Fun: SportsLife Camp and Camp Olivet |
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Are you ready for summer? Are your children ready for an amazing week at SportsLife Camp? Mount Olivet will host SportsLife Camp June 20-24 for children entering grades one through five from 9:00 a.m. - noon. The core purpose of SportsLife Camp is to develop children's faith in Jesus through sports and arts programs. Coaches work with children to develop their athletic and artistic passions and skills while teaching from the Bible and modeling Jesus' love. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Counter or on the MO website - deadline to register is May 22. Be sure to bring a friend!
Camp Olivet FAMILY Bible Camp - where all ages are invited to join in the fun! Curriculum will specifically be geared towards families with children age three years old to fourth grade, but younger or older siblings are also welcome. Our time together will be held August 1-4 from 6-8:00 p.m. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends and neighbors are all invited to join as we dig into 1 John 3:1: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
To help with Camp Olivet, contact Deb Rodgers. For more information about either camp, contact Director of Children & Families Emily Dalen.
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| Seen & Heard: Jim Boge |
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Jim Boge is about to marry into the Mount Olivet family - he is engaged to Beth Schon, daughter of long-time members Don and Lynne Schon. Don and Lynne are thrilled that Jim is joining the family and proud of the journey he is embarking on this week.
Jim and his cousin have begun a two month, 3800+ mile bike ride across the United State (San Francisco to Boston) to raise awareness and funds for Habitat for Humanity. Their first leg from San Francisco to Sacramento began yesterday. Follow their journey on their website.
Jim and Beth will be married on September 4. Best wishes to the happy couple for a long and blessed life together - and welcome to the family, Jim.
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Bike For Homes |
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| Worship This Summer! |
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Relax - Rejuvenate - Rejoice
and take a break from your routine
but DON'T take a break from your faith family!
Worship will continue at the same times as during the program year: 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings and 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Weather permitting, worship will be outdoors on Sundays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Our journey through God's Unfolding Story will continue with the Old Testament stories of Joshua, Samson, Deborah, Ruth & Naomi, Samuel, David & Goliath. Plan to attend - You won't want to miss a thing!
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| Whole Farms Co-op Orders Due May 18 |
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MOUNT OLIVET IS A DELIVERY SITE FOR WHOLE FARM COOP, an organization of about 30 local farmers "dedicated to sustainable farming practices that aim to provide wholesome food, a vibrant rural economy and a healthy environment." Information is available on their website. MO delivery days are the fourth Wednesday of each month - May 25. Place your order online by the third Wednesday of the month - May 18. Then be sure to drop off a cooler prior to the delivery day - coolers should be labeled and placed under the coat rack across
from the kitchen.
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Order online |
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