A Family Growing In Christ

Sunday, May 10, 20265th Sunday after EasterActs 17:22-31Pastor Joe GawelPaul demonstrates a sincere interest in the people with whom he shares the Gospel, and we would all do well to imitate it. Seeing the world as filled with fellow recipients of God's mercy is a far greater way to view other humans than any other.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, May 3, 20264th Sunday after EasterJohn 14:1-11Pastor Tim PrieweWe are often tempted to "forge our own path" or "find our own way" in this world, but nothing on our own can lead us to God's presence. Thankfully, our loving Savior came to forge a path for us and travel it in our place!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, April 26, 20263rd Sunday after Easter1 Peter 2:19-25Pastor Robert RaaschWe were never promised a care-free earthly life, and we were never promised earthly justice for wrongs we feel we've endured. God has already granted us the most important promise - salvation and life eternal in heaven. While we pass through this earthly life, we must forsake notions of earthly vengeance or entitlement. The blessings and mercy given us are for us to share!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, April 19, 20263rd Sunday after Easter1 Peter 1:17-21Pastor Tim PrieweOur lives are marked by sin as soon as we come into existence, but our God has power and love to overcome all the sin of all people. Thank God for the abundant mercy and grace to pay for our sins with Jesus' holy blood!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, April 12, 20262nd Sunday after EasterJohn 20:19-31Pastor Joe GawelJesus shows us yet another example of a patient invitation to experience his mercy. Rather than rebuke Thomas or shame him, he beckons him to see for himself what will confirm his trust in a seemingly impossible miracle.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, March 29, 2026Palm SundayMatthew 21:1-11Pastor David WenzelHumility and sacrifice - not terms typically associated with positions of leadership and power, but our savior is no typical leader. Jesus' holy love and perfect life are given to us freely, with no tax or fee expected. Our sinful expectations are exceeded by a God who loves us deeply and grants us mercy beyond our understanding.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, March 22, 20265th Sunday in LentRomans 8:11-19Pastor Tim PrieweFrom the moment we enter existence, we are in dire need of a spiritual cure. Our Lord Jesus offers a spiritual transplant of his perfect life and sacrifice to replace our broken and sinful lives - ushering us forth ultimately to our heavenly home.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Saturday, March 14, 20264th Sunday in LentIsaiah 42:14-21Pastor Joe GawelJesus patiently guides us through darkness and misery with his loving words and gentle hands. May we respond to his tender mercy everyday with an sense of awe and grateful joy!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, March 8, 20263rd Sunday in LentJohn 4:4-26Pastor Joel ZankOur Savior reveals both his identity and his compassion in this story from John's gospel. No matter what metaphorical wells we keep going to back too for water that leaves us empty inside, he lovingly offers us the water of eternal life.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, March 1, 20262nd Sunday in LentJohn 3:1-17Pastor Robert RaaschWe of this mortal world are incapable of achieving the holiness of God, and would rightly despair if he demanded it. Thankfully, Jesus came to earth to offer up his life and death for all the sins of the entire planet. We are therefore reborn when the Spirit creates faith in Christ's all-powerful sacrifice!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, February 22, 2026First Sunday in LentRomans 5:12-19Pastor Joe GawelGod's impossibly loving sacrifice is the ultimate closure for the uncertainty fostered in our sinful lives. The mercy and grace of Jesus' perfect life and resurrection far overpowers the pollution of our species' sinful state.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, February 15, 2026Transfiguration SundayMatthew 17:1-9Pastor Tim PrieweJesus' true identity as God is revealed to us in this glimpse he provided his disciples. The importance of this moment is something we can continue to dwell on for generations, as we desperately need these glimpses of glory on which to anchor our hope!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, Feb 8, 20265th Sunday after EpiphanyExodus 19:1-8Pastor Joe GawelGod's awe-inspiring and terrific power combined with his tender mercy and deep compassion is beautifully manifested time and time again throughout his word. May we contemplate and dwell on that power he uses for our salvation, and be filled with a reflection of his holy love!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, Feb 1, 20264th Sunday after EpiphanyMatthew 4:12-23Pastor Joel ZankGod shines the light of salvation into our lives through Christ, and through it he delivers the ultimate assurance of hope. May our lives on this earth be transformed by his love, that we may shine a reflection of Christ's holy mercy to all we encounter!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, January 25, 20263rd Sunday after EpiphanyMatthew 5:1-12Pastor Robert RaaschGod has already given us his grace, mercy, and righteousness. Filled with the hope of his promise, we are given his permission to be meek, to be merciful, and to hunger for righteousness while in this broken world. We are assured the kingdom of heaven is already ours!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, January 18, 20262nd Sunday after EpiphanyJohn 1:29-41Pastor Joe GawelOur loving Savior did not enter this world to overpower and dominate it through might, or even to rightfully condemn it. Instead, he quietly walked beside us to offer his perfect life in our place, and to grant us his perfection as a merciful gift of his love.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, January 11, 2026The Baptism of Our LordMatthew 3:13-17Pastor Tim PrieweAs God so clearly declared when Jesus' fulfilled this stage of his prophesied journey, he declares also to us by the sacrificial exchange of our sin for Christ's glory. "These are my children, whom I love; with them I am well pleased."Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, January 4, 2026Epiphany of Our LordEphesians 3:2-12Pastor Joe GawelThe mystery of God's grace and mercy is revealed to us through the coming of Jesus - salvation and reconciliation for all the world.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, December 28, 2025Sunday after ChristmasMatthew 2:13-23Pastor Robert RaaschThe sinfulness of the world cannot rob us of the peace God intends to bring through his Son. Christ the Savior is born, and through his life, God brings us into the family. He gives us the rights of redeemed sons and daughters, the privileges of inheritance.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, December 21, 20254th Sunday of AdventIsaiah 7:10-14Pastor James FischerGod's unstoppable love and infinite wisdom culminate perfectly in Christ's faithful life and sacrifice. He knew that in our sinful state, no part of our redemption could be left up to us - and his fulfillment is delivered to us perfectly through faith he plants by grace from his holy word. Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, December 14, 20253rd Sunday of AdventIsaiah 35:1-10Pastor Joe GawelThe prophecy God reveals to us in Isaiah shares a promise of a relief, but relief that might look different than what our human hearts desire. May God grant us all the wisdom and patience to see that his perfect relief for our true source of suffering has already been granted through his Son Jesus - so we may share that joy with all who need it.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, December 7, 20252nd Sunday of AdventMatthew 3:1-12Pastor Tim PrieweThe gospel message of John the Baptist often sounds to our sinful ears like a harsh warning, but it also contains the assuring comfort of our eternal forgiveness and ultimate peace with God!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, November 30, 2025First Sunday of AdventPhilippians 4:4-7Pastor Joe GawelEven as we navigate this earthly life of turmoil and challenges, we are encouraged by our God through the writings of Paul to "Rejoice in the Lord always" and to "let your gentleness be evident to all." My God's overwhelming love and mercy never cease to overflow from our own hearts!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, November 23, 2025Last Sunday of the Church YearHabakkuk 1:1-3; 2:1-4Pastor Tim PrieweOur anxious anticipation of God's fulfillment is reassured today in the message revealed through the prophet Habakkuk. God's promises are true and his powerful glory will accomplish his purpose. Not our purpose, and not our timeline, but God's holy and merciful purpose.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, November 16, 202523rd Sunday after Pentecost2 Thessalonians 1:5-10Pastor Joel ZankOur impatience with God's judgement on this world is not only the attitude of a spoiled child unwilling to wait, but it is wrathful retaliation wished upon a world that God so loved that he sent his Son to die for it. God is just, and we are not. May we bask in the mercy our Lord bestows and pray for it to be received joyfully by all!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, November 9, 202522nd Sunday after PentecostMark 14:3-9Pastor Robert RaaschAll things in this life are blessings from God, and as such we can always use these blessings to his glory.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

It is easy to feel like "the world" is our enemy. We must remember that "God so loved the world" and that when we are tempted to "draw our swords" to fight with fellow humans, we should "let our gentleness be evident to all." Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, October 26, 2025Reformation DayJohn 8:31-36Pastor Joe GawelBy the gift of his word, God reveals to us that our sinful selves are in desperate need of salvation which we cannot attain. Thankfully, Jesus Christ freely grants us the righteousness he earned as a payment for our debt.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, October 19, 202519th Sunday after Pentecost2 Corinthians 5:18-21Pastor Tim PrieweOur state of being in this broken world is one of separation from God the instant we begin to exist, and we are unable to satisfy his holiness through our actions. But thankfully our merciful God offers such shocking love to his creation that he reconciles us to himself by his own design.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, October 12, 202518th Sunday after PentecostRomans 5:8-10Pastor Joe GawelAll of humanity is in dire need of salvation which none of us are capable of achieving. Thankfully, God,in his inconceivable mercy, gives us his own Son's holy life as a gift of his immeasurable love for each and every one of us. He did this while we still existed ignorant of his love and offers it despite our failure to grasp to depth of its meaning.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, October 5, 202517th Sunday after PentecostDeuteronomy 8:10-18Pastor Tim PrieweIt is all too easy for us to look at material comfort or success and congratulate ourselves for "not needing a hand-out" or "putting in the work". In God's word, Moses gives us a blunt reminder that nothing good in our lives happens without God and we owe all thanks therefore. The gifts we are given were never ours, and therefore let us be generous with them!Don't forget to visit ⁠⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on ⁠YouTube⁠.

Sunday, September 28, 202516th Sunday after PentecostLuke 16:19-31Pastor Robert RaaschIn his parable of Lazarus and the rich man, Jesus bluntly reminds us that the earthly wealth we hoard in this life will serve no purpose in eternity. Instead, our hearts should be transformed by his own grace and mercy for giving us free salvation so that we cannot help but overflow with that same mercy to others.Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, September 21, 202515th Sunday after PentecostEcclesiastes 5:10-20Pastor Joe GawelWe are reminded and humbled by God's word today and it's overt call for generosity. Too often our performative acts are still selfish at heart, and we truly fail at pour out what we are given in surplus. Thankfully God's almighty generosity is most poignantly demonstrated in his Son's death and resurrection, taking away our sins with no expectation of repayment.Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, September 14, 202514th Sunday after PentecostLuke 15:1-10Pastor Robert RaaschChristians don't gather together in church to hear God's word because we think we're better; we come because we know how lost we are. God's unconditional mercy and love are discussed today in no uncertain terms. Praise Jesus for his sacrifice and grace, and may we overflow with that same grace to all the world!Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, September 7, 202513th Sunday after PentecostDeuteronomy 30:15-20Pastor Tim PrieweWhile it can often seem that we as Christians are caught in an endless cycle of failure, repentance, and failure again - God assures us continually of his promise fulfilled. Christ's holiness and triumph over death is the only choice that matters, and he has chosen YOU.Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, August 31, 202512th Sunday after PentecostJames 2:1-13Pastor Joe GawelToo often we are plagued with thoughts of "Am I good enough?" while simultaneously casting judgement so easily on other's worthiness. In the reading from James, we are confronted with our failings and our own need for mercy. Thankfully our savior sees us as dear children and grants us his own perfection and holiness to cover all our failures!Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, August 24, 202511th Sunday after PentecostLuke 13:22-30Pastor Robert RaaschAll the world is granted Christ's free offering of salvation and forgiveness through his death and resurrection, but yet so many would still reject this gift. Jesus gently reminds us time and again, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Don't forget to visit ⁠mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, August 17, 202510th Sunday after PentecostHebrews 12:1-13Pastor Tim PrieweToo often in this life we perceive any hardship or struggle as a sign of either God punishing or abandoning us. The chaotic truth of what our loving God allows into our lives is that we are shaped and formed by these experiences, which are temporary bumps along the path laid out for us. This path forged by Jesus Christ will lead us to our heavenly home.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, August 10, 20259th Sunday after PentecostLuke 12:22-34Pastor Joel ZankMortal life on this broken earth is filled with cause for worry, but our Savior reassures us that we can trust his promises. Unlike a human pep talk, God's reminders that he will provide for us come from the creator of all things and the redeemer of our eternal souls. Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, August 3, 20258th Sunday after PentecostLuke 19:1-10Pastor Matt BehmerJesus shows time and time again throughout his life on earth, that his gifts to us are given freely by his love and mercy. How can we help but overflow with the very same mercy afforded us by at least sharing our earthly gifts in generosity and hospitality? May God transform us by his grace to extend it outward and glorify his name.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also listen to this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, July 27, 20257th Sunday after PentecostLuke 11:1-13Pastor Robert RaaschGod reminds us continually throughout his Word that he hears our prayers and invites us to pray persistently. But prayer is about more than asking God to grant earthly outcomes we desire, rather it is about God making his will know to us through his answers - regardless of our comprehension.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, July 20, 20256th Sunday after PentecostLuke 10:38-42Pastor Joe GawelFar too often our human minds default to a binary reduction of more complex and contextual matters. Jesus' words to Martha are not an indictment of the will to serve and act out our faith, but a reminder of what is in fact the core of such actions.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also listen to this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, July 13, 20255th Sunday after PentecostRuth 1:1-19aPastor Tim PrieweHardships and struggle are always nearby, but God has shown us kindness for this very purpose. We are placed near suffering to pour out the very kindness that overflows from our cup by God's mercy.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also listen to this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, July 6, 20254th Sunday of PentecostEzekiel 2:9-3:11Pastor David Scherbarth"The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." With these words, Jesus begins a call to any and all with a heart for public ministry. This call comes with promises: the path will be challenging, but the rewards will be precious.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also listen to this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, June 29, 20253rd Sunday after PentecostLuke 9:51-62Pastor Robert RaaschOur dedication to Christ is imperfect, but fortunately our salvation comes from his commitment and compassion. Jesus gives blunt reminders today of the perfection demanded and our inability to fulfil it - not to discourage us, but to remind us of what he gives us freely.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, June 22, 20252nd Sunday after Pentecost2 Timothy 1:3-10Pastor Joel ZankOur loving God saved us with no need for our effort or achievement, and his mercy continues in the gift of his Word. His scripture is all we need to share, and the Spirit promises to plant seeds of faith. All the aspects of salvation are gifts freely given by God in his love and mercy.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also listen to this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, June 15, 20251st Sunday after PentecostRomans 5:1-5Pastor David WenzelWe have peace because the love of the Father has been demonstrated in his Son and poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This peace is the anchor of our hope!Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, June 8, 2025PentecostActs 2:1-21Pastor Joe GawelThe Holy Spirit pours our faith generously to our hearts, and therefore we are called to share. Let us never lose sight of the incomparable mercy God showed us when we walk through this earth and show the fruits of patience and mercy likewise to others whom God has redeemed.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, June 1, 2025Ascension SundayActs 1:1-11Pastor Tim PrieweIn his final miraculous departure from this earth, Jesus assures of his power over all things while simultaneously reminding us to trust in his timing. Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.

Sunday, May 25, 20256th Sunday of EasterActs 14:8-22Pastor Robert RaaschThe faith God miraculously bestowed on Paul empowered him to preach steadfastly in all circumstances. This same faith is what the Holy Spirit has put inside you by grace, and therefore you can be confident in God's strength and wisdom - not your own.Don't forget to visit ⁠https://www.mountoliveappleton.com⁠ to learn more about our ministry and God's love for you!You can also watch this sermon and more from Mount Olive Lutheran Church on YouTube.