Mount Olive has several small groups which meet during the program year. Newcomers are always welcome.

Book group

The Monday Book Group gathers to discuss a wide variety of literature including classics, fiction, poetry, humor, memoirs, history, mystery, Minnesota authors, and youth inspired works. Individuals are welcome to discuss one book or attend every month to discuss them all! We have leaders volunteer each month to lead the discussion. The group meets the second Monday of the month, September to May, at 6:30 pm at Mount Olive in the library meeting room. Please join us for some wonderful discussion and fun! If you have any questions, please contact Jodi Schoer at mjschoer@charter.net.
The book selections for 2024-2025 are:

Monday Book Group
Date Title Author
September 6
6:30 pm
The Second Life of Mirielle West  Amanda Skenandore
October 14
6:30 pm
The Death of Ivan Ilyich   Leo Tolstoy
November 11
6:30 pm
Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus
December 9
6:30 pm
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club J. Ryan Stradal
January 13
6:30 pm
News of the World Paulette Jiles
(Library Book Bag)
February 10
6:30 pm
Lilac Girls James Herriot
(Library Book Bag)
March 10
6:30 pm
97 Orchard Jane Ziegelman
(Library Book Bag)
April 14
6:30 pm
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek Kim Michele Richardson
(Library Book Bag)
May 12
6:30 pm
Root Beer Lady: The Story of Dorothy Molter Bob Cary
(Library Book Bag)
Months that a library book bag is available are indicated above.
The books are available for pick up at the previous month’s meeting or in the office at church.

Brews Brothers

Brews Brothers is a fellowship opportunity for Mount Olive men. They meet at a local brewer on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 4:30-6:00 pm. Watch the monthly newsletter or weekly bulletins for the meeting locations. Feel free to drop in after work or stay for the entire 90 minutes.  The only agenda is to chat, get to know new people, and enjoy a good beer. Please come join your fellow Brews Brothers. Contact Keith Hanson at kjhanson17@gmail.com with questions.

Fellowship Tables

Traditionally, Fellowship Tables have been groups of seven to nine adults that meet three or more times during the program year to share a meal and fellowship in homes. In recent years, we have added Restaurant Tables, a group that has their meals in restaurants. Once again, this year there will be both options for Fellowship Tables. These groups are all a great way to branch out, meet new people, and bond with long-time friends without a huge time commitment.

Restaurant and Home Fellowship Tables are formed for one program year and are open to adult couples and singles. Please indicate your preference for one of these groups on your registration form. Pick up your forms at the information table in the entry or in the Gathering Area and return by October 21. Each group will have a volunteer organize their first meeting. Most groups will begin gathering in November, but anyone may join in any-time during the year. Following the first meeting, the group sets its own schedule for the remainder of the year.

Direct any questions to nancy@molive.org.

Men’s Discipleship Group

This multigenerational group meets on Saturdays at the church from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and seeks to develop meaningful relationships and a better understanding of what it means to be disciples of Christ. This gathering focuses on scripture or a book that helps us to walk closer to the Lord and to our families, and encourages us in being disciples of Jesus. Come as your schedule allows. If you have questions, you can talk with Mark Masbruch, Paul Johnson or Mark Schoer.

Ripe Olives

ripe_oivesRipe Olives, the group for Mount Olive’s seniors, meets during the program year on the 2nd Friday of the month at 9:30 a.m. for education and fellowship opportunities. At each meeting, breakfast is provided with a freewill donation. Everyone is welcome to attend. Sign up in the Gathering Area prior to each event. Watch the bulletin, and The Messenger newsletter for further information about programs coming up this year! Contact Nancy Britson, Director of Congregational Life, with questions – 288-1580 ext. 202 or nancy@molive.org

Women’s Ministry at Mount Olive

welca

All women of Mount Olive are welcome to participate in the women’s ministry, often referred to as WELCA or Women of the ELCA.  This group focuses on fellowship, Bible study, and service. There are six small groups, often called circles, that meet monthly during the program year for Bible study, discussion and spiritual care. Meeting times vary and include morning, afternoon, and evening groups. Some groups meet online during the winter months. These meetings are a great time for fellowship and forming life-long friendships. Spending time together in Bible study is also a wonderful way to learn about the Bible in a comfortable setting. Currently the Bible study used comes from Gather magazine. Mount Olive women also host fellowship events throughout the year. All women are welcome to attend, whether they participate in a small group or not. Contact Women’s Ministry Facilitator, Cathy Hanson at  or 507-398-3917 with questions or for information about joining one of the groups.  Look for updates about coming events in weekly bulletins or the newsletter.

Women’s Monthly Coffee Meet Up

Mount Olive women are invited to meet on the first Friday of each month at 9:00 am on for coffee/tea at the Market Grille at Hy-Vee West Circle at 4221 West Circle Drive. Come each month for fellowship and good conversation. If you have questions, ask Cathy Hanson at 507-398-3917 or kchanson89@gmail.com.