Moments of Meaning: Greg Mueller

MOMENTS OF MEANING: TELLING STORIES OF HOW FAITH, SHAPED IN THIS COMMUNITY, HAS HELPED SOMEONE FIND MEANING IN THEIR LIFE.

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Greg Mueller: Finding God in work:

I have been involved in  the Hospitality Industry for 30 years starting off at McDonald's in high school, bar-tending through college, then on to Management and Directing.  I enjoy working in a Team dynamic, to achieve a common goal.  As a restaurant operator I am inspired by the people that work around me: vendors, servers, hosts, dishwashers, etc. all to achieve our goal: 'The Friendly and Generous Reception and Entertainment of Guests, Visitors and Strangers. 

I take great satisfaction in coaching and grooming employees seeking out the Hospitality Industry.  In this industry, I see God all around me.  I see God with the kindness to strangers, not because of expected gratuity or monetary gains, but kindness in connecting with strangers.  A stranger sought me out, to visit where I work, to experience what my team has to offer, if anything, for the sake of an adventure.  It's about connecting with people through cuisine.  This industry has taken me across the world to see different cultures, cuisines, and ways of life.  There are valuable lessons to pass down to my children, to be kind to strangers, to use your manners, to treat people with respect.

Being a part of Mount Olivet allows me to serve my community when called on.  Weather it's just to consult on the design of the new community kitchen, or to lead BBNBBQ food and beverage program.  Aside from volunteering with Mt. Olivet, the Hospitality industry is a terrific industry to give back.  I've been involved with local and national food based charities to aide in feeding those who are in need.  I work in this industry not for recognition, but to connect with people, to give back, to be thankful for what I have.  The feeling I get when helping someone in need, anonymously, is sacred to me.  I enjoy being around and connecting with people.

Moments of Meaning: Marlene Stimpson

Moments of Meaning: Telling stories of how faith, shaped in this community, has helped someone find meaning in their life.

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Marlene, by her own admission, is not the kind of person to stay at home with needlework; she was intentional about looking for something to get her out of the house and engaged in the community. Her Bible studies, meditations, book studies, and the people she associates with encourage (and nudge) her to keep on even when she's tired. Her sense of purpose, all the way back to her being a girl scout, comes from a desire to leave a place and people in a better place or condition than when she found them.

For Marlene, it’s important to have something to do to make a difference. When she works at the front desk and people come in with tears or frustration, she notices how they calm and leave relaxed after talking with one of the PRISM caseworkers and getting groceries. There is satisfaction in watching the change in people as the staff at PRISM do their jobs well. It’s also exciting to see people celebrate their last visit at the food shelf because they had life changes happen and they no longer need PRISM’s services. She’s inspired by the smiles of children receiving KidPack, the appreciation of what is given at PRISM (by staff and families), seeing the emotional changes in families through their PRISM encounters, and seeing that people have been fed.

When Marlene was choosing a place to volunteer, it mattered to her that the organization was well-established, sticking close to its vision, goals & values. It needed to be a place the community trusts to provide food for families and that had kind staff. PRISM appealed to Marlene because of her early involvement in the group that formed the organization to respond to community needs, and because it continues to be faithful to the original vision.

When working at the front desk of PRISM, Marlene says it’s hard to try to calm some people – those who come in angry at first. But, she’s learned that people just want to be listened to for a few minutes, and then they relax after being heard. She chooses to come close, even though it might not be comfortable at first. In order to do this emotionally difficult work, she cares for herself and her wellbeing through prayer, going for a walk, and discussion with close friends help her regain a sense of balance or to see the chaos from a different perspective.

Marlene keeps a carefully planned calendar to keep balance with friends, family, church and volunteering. She works hard to keep commitments from overlapping –whether neighbor, family, volunteer, or church, so that she can be faithful to and honor each of her relationships. She’s grateful for her health which make it possible for her to be engaged in so many activities outside her home, and that she has the time and money that help create space for volunteering.

When asked about the difference her faith, formed in the community at Mount Olivet, makes in her life, she answers “Mount Olivet influences ways we can help and work in [the] community. Meaningful book studies, MO Talks, and other learning opportunities lead us toward compassion – both learning what others at church [such as youth] are up to and also knowing that others will listen when you want to say something.”

That she hopes her volunteering (and whole life) brings joy to the people she encounters and most of all that people can see her work as giving glory to God.

Written/Interview by Beth McGrew-King.

 

You Responded in a BIG WAY!

Greetings Mount Olivet Community,

Just a few short months ago, our community decided to cast a vision just as the founders of our church took a bold step to build the first Mount Olivet church building in 1880.  We asked you to contribute your time and money in support of the Open Tables phase of the BE OPEN vision.  

You responded in a big way.   

We could not have imagined such a response to God’s call.  Our youth raised money for their future, our families boldly responded to grow into a vision that responds to our community needs and our elders contributed to a legacy that will be cherished for many years.  To date, a total of 252 families have contributed to the Be Open vision.  

The initial goal of $500,000 for the Open Tables was met and significantly exceeded with a pledged total of $624,400!

In worship this past Sunday, we read from John 21, where the disciples were hesitant to cast out their nets after fishing without success. Yet Jesus still called them to act and to trust in God’s abundant presence. We, too, may have been hesitant to approach such a bold goal; yet with the Holy Spirit and a vision that emerged from deep listening, the catch in our nets has exceeded our expectations.”

Now that the resources available for the Open Tables phase are known, we have the flexibility to accomplish a larger part of the Be Open vision while providing a solid base from which to continue with the Open Doors phase in the future.  The Building and Design team has finalized options and plans with the  architect on the renovations to the kitchen and the north entry.  Request-For-Proposal documents have been created and distributed for review by potential contractors.   Bids will be received in the next month and construction is expected to begin in June with a grand opening later this fall.

We aim to start the community meal through Loaves and Fishes in the late fall as well; a team of Mount Olivet members is already making preparations.

We will provide you with updates by email as the work progresses and there will be MO Talks throughout the summer that provides a showing of the construction as it progresses.

We are excited to launch what we have envisioned, and we are equally excited to see where God leads us as we continue to listen and discern God’s call by being open.

Mark Schmidt, Church Council President                       Ron Frehner, BE OPEN Leader