Sunday Worship 9am | Education Hour 10:30am
Contact Us: 509-966-2190
info@mountoliveyakima.org
7809 Tieton Drive, Yakima WA 98908
Office Administrator: Paola Ditter
A Word of Welcome....
We are a member church of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We've been serving West Valley in Yakima for 60 years. Times may change, but Jesus Christ and His saving grace is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
We welcome all people, whether they are long-time Lutherans, spiritual seekers, or new to this whole idea of Church and Gospel. Come on a Sunday and see for yourself... Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Elder Enlightenment
First of all, many thanks to the members and friends of Mt Olive for their patience during our Pastoral Vacancy. We continue to be blessed by our visiting Pastors and our Elders who lead our Worship Services in the absence of an Ordained Pastor.
However, starting in July, Mt Olive will be contracting with Pastor Toby Joeckel who will serve Mt Olive as a part-time, full-service Pastor who will lead Worship Services on the First and Third Sundays (with Communion). He will also do some visitation, have a few Office hours and provide other services as mutually agreed upon by the Elders and Pastor Joeckel. This schedule will continue indefinitely except for a few breaks to accommodate Pastor Joeckel’s schedule. The Elders will continue to lead the Worship Services when Pastor Joeckel (or his substitute) are not available.
In the meantime, we ask you to pray for the LCMS who is currently conducting an election for the President of the Synod. This election is an important step in determining the direction of the future of the LCMS.
The LCMS will also be conducting its Triennial Convention in July in Phoenix (hot!!!) where the newly elected President will be leading the delegates in some important business that will also help determine the future direction of the LCMS.
Also continue your prayers for the Call Committee and the President of the Northwest District who will be eventually providing us with a list of potential Pastors for our consideration.
In other words, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY for the issues noted above.
In His service, Gary Treece
CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Call Committee continues to move forward in the pastoral call process and is grateful for the congregation’s participation and prayers. Recent survey results and demographic information have helped provide a clearer picture of Mt. Olive’s current ministry context and future opportunities.
One key finding is that approximately 65% of our membership is age 65 and older, while there are significant gaps among young families and elementary-age children. With zero children between the ages of 5-9. These insights will help guide the committee as we seek a pastor whose gifts and experience align with both our current congregation and our vision for future growth and outreach.
The committee’s next meeting is Monday, June 29, as we continue reviewing survey information and preparing for the next steps in the call process.
Pastor Nominations
Congregational participation remains an important part of the process. Pastor nomination forms are available on the Call Committee Information Board located in the hallway off the narthex leading to the Fellowship Hall. Completed forms may be submitted through the preschool payment slot next to the church office.
Please note that these are the only nomination forms that can be accepted by the District, and all sections must be completed in full. Incomplete forms cannot be processed. All nomination forms must be submitted no later than July 12.
As you consider potential candidates, we encourage you to do your due diligence. Pray for God’s guidance, review each pastor’s background and ministry experience, and thoughtfully consider how their gifts may serve Mt. Olive’s mission and ministry needs.
Stay Informed
The Call Committee Information Board will continue to be updated with important dates, process information, demographic data, survey results, and nomination materials. We encourage everyone to stop by, review the information, and keep the call process in your prayers.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
Thank you for your continued support, participation, and prayers as Mt. Olive seeks God’s guidance in calling its next shepherd.
The Call Committee
Get in Touch
We would love to hear from you! Send us a message, prayer request, or question. Someone will be in touch soon!