March 21, 2025
This Sunday, I am happy to be joining Mount Olivet in worship as I bring a Lenten message reflecting on the themes of suffering, repentance, and God’s mercy. Drawing from Psalm 40 and Luke 13:1-9, we’ll explore how God meets us in the midst of our trials and struggles. Both scriptures acknowledge the reality of brokenness and hardship in life, but they also offer us an invitation. In Luke 13, Jesus calls us to focus less on why tragedy strikes and more on how we respond to it. Instead of getting caught up in questions of blame, Jesus invites us to turn our hearts toward God in repentance—a continual turning toward Him, even in difficult seasons.
Psalm 40 offers a powerful image of lament and hope. The psalmist cries out from a place of deep despair but ends with a confident trust in God’s faithfulness to deliver. Even when we feel stuck or overwhelmed, there is always hope for renewal. This Lenten season is a time for us to pause and reflect: How are we responding to life’s challenges? How are we turning toward God? We are reminded that in our struggles, God is patient with us, giving us time to repent, to grow, and to bear fruit. No matter where you find yourself, God’s invitation is always there—inviting us to turn to Him, to receive His mercy, and to trust that He is working in us to bring about new life.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Jay Dyrland
March 14, 2025
Welcome to our Season of Lent
We each have a unique image of God. This image is shaped by what we’ve learned from others, our own reading of the Bible, and our personal experiences. These factors together form our understanding of God, which directly impacts how we feel and connect with God in our every day.
It’s important to understand that our image of God is not static, but evolves over time. As we grow and mature, our understanding may deepen, or negative life experiences may lead us to feel more distant and removed from God.
Reflecting on my own faith journey, I’ve come to understand the profound impact that my childhood image of God had. It shaped not only how I saw God, but even more so, how I saw myself in relation to God. If someone had asked me as a child what God was like, I would have described “an old man with a long white beard, distant in the sky, pointing a finger, always ready to catch me making a mistake.”
In short, I saw “God as an angry parent.” My response to this image? Submission, silence, and fear. Consequently, I felt more secure the further I was from God. This idea of “God as an angry parent in the sky” is surprisingly common, touching both those in the church and those outside of it. Thankfully, our Gospel story presents an image of God that stands in stark contrast to this one.
The Pharisees came to Jesus, warning him to escape Herod’s threat, saying, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus replied, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!“
In this beautiful passage, Jesus compares himself to a hen protecting her chicks, showing his immense love and care for God’s people. This image of the hen is really something to think about. It’s a feminine image that pushes us to rethink who God is. It shows us that God is a loving, nurturing presence—a parent who deeply cares and a mother who fiercely protects her own.
March 7, 2025
Welcome to our Season of Lent
The Gospel reading for the First Sunday of Lent recounts Jesus’ time in the wilderness. While the specific temptations Jesus faced were real, the overarching meaning of this story lies in the universality of temptation.
Fundamentally, temptation seeks to fracture our connection with God, drawing us away from the relationship that grounds our identity. The temptations Jesus faced weren’t simply about satisfying physical hunger or gaining worldly power; they were about compromising his relationship with his Father and adopting a false sense of self.
The story of Jesus’ wilderness experience can be seen as a symbolic representation of the struggles we all encounter in our spiritual journeys. The wilderness, a place of struggle and vulnerability, mirrors the times in our lives when we feel most susceptible to temptation. The tempter symbolizes the external and internal forces – the voices – that strive to undermine our faith and lead us astray. These forces can manifest in various ways, from doubts and fears to the allure of worldly possessions and the pursuit of power.
Jesus’ experience in the wilderness also teaches us the importance of spiritual disciplines. Through prayer and fasting – the disciplines of Lent – we can cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives and strengthen our resistance to temptation.
As we journey through the wilderness of Lent, let us remember that we are not alone. God is with us, guiding and sustaining us, even in, and most especially in, the face of temptation and life struggles.
February 27, 2025
Mount Olivet has a history of capable committed Chairs. Shawna McGhan, a dedicated and capable leader, has served as the Chair of Mount Olivet for the past three years. Throughout her tenure, Shawna consistently demonstrated a deep love and commitment to this community of faith. Her strong ties to the community, both personally and through her family, fostered a deep desire to see Mount Olivet flourish.
Shawna’s experience working in team settings provened invaluable in guiding council meetings. She skillfully navigated the council’s diversity, encouraging members to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. This collaborative approach has ensured that the council effectively worked together to fulfill Mount Olivet’s mission statement:
To Know Jesus, and to Make Him Known.
Mount Olivet is fortunate that Shawna will continue to serve on council. Her ongoing support will facilitate a smooth transition to the new Chair and ensure that her unique abilities continue to benefit both the council and the faith community. Shawna’s unwavering commitment to living out her baptismal calling is a testament to her faith and dedication. Her service is deeply appreciated, and her continued presence on the council is a blessing to us all.
This week’s council meeting was joyful, and a highlight of that was due to the election of Maryls Cooper as our new Congregational Chair. Maryls’s deep-rooted love for MOLC and her unwavering commitment to serving our community in various capacities have consistently enriched our shared experiences. Her exceptional administrative and leadership skills make her an ideal candidate for this role, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing the positive impact she will have as she assumes this new responsibility.
Maryls’s election was not merely a matter of chance; it was a divine calling. The Holy Spirit’s guidance was evident throughout the selection process, and I am both grateful and humbled that we were led to choose Maryls as our new Congregational Chair. Her dedication to living out her faith, combined with her natural abilities, will enable her to lead us with grace, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to us.
The Holy Spirit’s guidance was also evident in the election of Ken Grahlman and Brad Halsey to church council during the AGM. Their addition to the council brings fresh perspectives, diverse experiences from various churches and nonprofit organizations, intellectual capabilities, and a strong desire to serve the church. These qualities will prove invaluable to council and the church as a whole. We extend a warm welcome to Ken and Brad as they join the 2025 church council, and we look forward
to their contributions.
February 20, 2025
Invitation to attend our AGM this Sunday at 11:15am
When I was a teenager, my dad insisted I attend Annual General Meetings (AGMs). Those experiences left a lasting impression. Throughout my life, I’d see the same people at worship services, sharing communion and fellowship. But at AGMs, a different side emerged. I witnessed shouting matches across the room, heard angry voices shaking at the microphone, and saw people walk out in frustration, never to return. These conflicts weren’t about theology or practice; they were about things like new hymnals, changing the pews, finances, or social issues.
And then, there were the AGMs that dragged on for hours… Sadly, my experience with AGMs isn’t unique. While the details of our memories might differ, I know many of you can relate. And as a result, attendance is often very low – I get why.
It is important to remember that the Lutheran church is governed by its membership, which makes AGM attendance important. This Sunday’s AGM will be smooth and efficient, with no major issues on the agenda. The church is flourishing and financially strong. Treasurer Larry will provide a detailed financial report, and attendees will have a say in the budget for this year. Larry will also facilitate the adoption of the updated Constitution and Bylaws. The purpose of this process is to align our policies with our practices.
February 14, 2025
Jesus came down with the twelve and stood on a level place (Luke 6:17).
Jesus’s ministry was revolutionary in its simplicity and profound in its impact. He didn’t preach from a position of authority; instead he descended from the heavens and placed himself squarely amidst humanity’s struggles and joys.
The word “with” encapsulates the essence of his ministry – his active participation in the lives of those he came to save – meeting us where we are at and saying, “I am with you.”
Jesus’s “with-ness” was a departure from the approach of religious leaders who saw themselves as elevated above and distinct from the “great unwashed.” He was aloof, delivering judgment from afar. Rather, he fully embraced the human experience, walking intimately alongside people, sharing their struggles, and offering them his constant, unwavering support.
This “with-ness” is at the heart of the Gospel message. It’s not solely about Jesus’ words, but about the life he lived. He shared meals with sinners, showing that all were welcome. He touched lepers, challenging social norms and demonstrating that the “untouchables” were worthy of love and compassion. He listened to the marginalized, those ignored, and affirmed their inherent dignity.
His “with-ness” was not limited to specific moments or interactions. It was a constant posture, a way of being in the world. He was present with people in their moments of celebration and sorrow, in their successes and failures.
Jesus’s “with-ness” is a powerful invitation for all of us to live likewise. He calls us to reject judgment and instead embrace compassion, to move beyond our comfort zones and enter the lives of others, sharing their burdens and celebrating their joys.
January 31, 2025
Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Baptism is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a divine gift, a powerful act of God’s grace, that is not earned through faith, actions or achievements. God’s grace is offered to everyone regardless of background, beliefs, or past mistakes. Through baptism, we are united with Christ and welcomed into his all-encompassing embrace.
Moved by the Holy Spirit, Chad Sager has asked to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Through this sacred act, Jesus will affirm his ongoing presence of unconditional love and acceptance in his life. Jesus who is the Christ will yoke himself to Chad making him a member of his body – the Church.
All of which is an act of pure grace.
Secondly, Chad will become a member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. We receive members via baptism, transfer of membership from other Lutheran or Anglican churches, and through public affirmation of faith in the Apostles Creed.
Membership is not a requirement to participate in the life of MOLC or to call our faith community yours. That being said, MOLC is owned and operated by its members, and therefore, membership carries certain responsibilities. These responsibilities include ensuring the continued well-being of our church, both physically and spiritually, as well as actively participating in and supporting our various church activities and ministries.
We currently have a number of individuals seeking to become members,
and we will be holding a special Sunday service sometime this spring to welcome them into the fold.
If you would like to have a conversation about membership, please connect with me at 780.995.9494. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and discuss the membership process in more detail.
February 7, 2025
How My Early Years in the Church Shaped My Pastoral Identity
A member from Messiah Lutheran Church in Camrose reached out to me, requesting that I share some childhood stories for their 125th anniversary booklet. As I recalled memories and wrote my experiences, I was struck by the profound impact my formative years of faith formation had on shaping my pastoral identity.
Throughout my childhood and adolescence, I was deeply embedded in the life of the church. I diligently attended Sunday School for seven years, participated in two years of confirmation classes, and rarely missed a worship service. Yet, as I reflect upon those experiences, I find that my recollections of specific biblical teachings or theological concepts are surprisingly minimal. What remains vivid, however, is the unshakeable sense of belonging I felt within that faith community. The adults surrounding me – pastors, teachers, and fellow congregants – consistently demonstrated their care and concern for me in countless ways. Their unwavering support and guidance fostered a deep sense of security and identity within me. They instilled in me a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity that has remained with me throughout my life and ministry.
Reflections from Sunday School
“My memories of Sunday School are hazy; the specific lessons and bible stories taught have faded with time. However, amidst the blur of forgotten details, one aspect remains vividly clear: the genuine care and concern my teachers showed me. Their warmth and kindness created a safe and welcoming environment where I felt valued and loved. While content may not have left a lasting impression, the emotional connection forged with my teachers had a profound impact on my formative years. Their presence and support helped shape my spiritual journey and instilled in me a sense of belonging within the church community.
In my grade five Sunday School class Mr. Leroy Johnson was our teacher. While we were learning about the story of Jacob and Esau and the significant bowl of lentil stew, our entire class received a special invitation to Mr. Johnson and his wife Dianne’s home. The memory is vivid: all of us gathered around their dining room table, each presented with our own bowl of lentil stew. This was a new moment for me, as it was the first time I had ever tasted lentils in any form, making the experience truly unique.
What has remained etched in my memory was not just the unique culinary experience, but the profound message behind it: Mr. Johnson cared enough about us to extend his lesson beyond the classroom walls and into his personal life, providing us with a tangible experience to connect with the story he was teaching. It wasn’t simply about the lentils; it was about the lengths he was willing to go to for his students. The message I received loud and clear was that Leroy Johnson genuinely cared about me and my classmates. His actions spoke volumes about his dedication as a teacher and his compassion as a person.
Ms. Betty Ostenrud, my grade seven Sunday School teacher, was a woman who deeply cared about her students. As we approached confirmation, which took place in grades eight and nine, she took it upon herself to ensure we understood and had memorized Luther’s Small Catechism. This foundational text was a cornerstone of our Lutheran faith, and Ms. Ostenrud believed that internalizing its teachings was crucial for our confirmation and our lifelong journey as Christians.
To incentivize our efforts, Ms. Ostenrud offered a reward, a box of Rosebud chocolates. These weren’t just a few loose chocolates and they made the effort of memorization all the more worthwhile.
The memory of those Sunday School classes and Ms. Ostenrud’s dedication has stayed with me throughout my life. Even today, the simple act of eating a Rosebud chocolate transports me back to those formative years. The taste evokes memories of Ms. Ostenrud’s kind smile, her patient guidance, and warm memory from my past.
Leroy and Betty’s unwavering dedication and sincere care had a profound impact on shaping my faith formation. Their influence, coupled with the contributions of many others who selflessly gave of themselves, instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and the importance of giving back. Their guidance and the collective efforts of those who supported me have left an enduring mark on my spiritual journey, and for that, I will be eternally thankful.”