Olivet Newcomers

A seven day-a-week expanding Church Family, striving to be obedient and discerning servants, growing in the knowledge and love of God.

Sunday Morning Schedule

8:00	Holy Eucharist (Rite I), Chapel: classical liturgy and no music
9:00	Contemporary Service, Church: Holy Eucharist with praise band
10:20	Christian Education (all ages)
11:15	Holy Eucharist (Rite II), Chapel: contemporary liturgy with choir

Nursery care is provided from 9:00-12:30 for infants and young children on the third floor of the church.

Wednesday noon service: Holy Eucharist, with healing on the first Wednesday of each month.

Staff

The Rev. Dr. David Harper, Rector
Donna Harper, Administrative Assistant
Rebecca Belkoski, Praise Band Director
Beth Evans, Organist
David Evans, Choir Director
Donna Harper, Christian Educator

We are part of The Episcopal Church, USA and The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. Our worship is based on the Book of Common Prayer (BCP).

Our Congregation

There is no simple characterization of our parish; we are diverse in ages, ethnic and cultural background, theological viewpoints, and worship styles. However, we all love Jesus Christ and each other. We have about 350 active baptized members and an average Sunday attendance of about 150. Half of us are between the ages of 40 and 60. We have between 35 and 50 new members each year.

Parish Mission

	Glorify God through a variety of worship services, education, fellowship, community outreach, joyful music, service to youth, and our church family.
	Offer strong Christian pastoral and lay leadership to help us learn and spread God's word and make disciples who love and serve one another.
	Provide to the community a historic Episcopal church with a friendly congregation, embracing the authority of scripture and growing together in Christ's love.

Role of Scripture

As Episcopalians, we believe that God inspired its human authors, that God speaks to us through it, and that it contains everything necessary for salvation. Our worship services include several readings from scripture; on Sundays, these readings are chosen according to a three-year lectionary and are followed by a sermon that generally expounds on these readings. Members of Olivet are expected to do additional Bible study and there are several small groups that meet for this purpose.

Stewardship and Pledging

We believe that all of creation belongs to God and that we are the stewards of that creation. As Episcopalians we are called `to boldly claim God's abundant provision in our lives; to offer extravagantly our time, talent, and money to do God's work; and to practice tithing as a minimum standard of giving'. To help Olivet carry out God's work among ourselves, in our community, and in the world, members of Olivet are encouraged to pledge a portion of their financial tithe to Olivet each year. In addition to pledges, the second Sunday of each month is designated `Outreach Sunday' and the loose offering and any specified gifts are given to a selected organization. We expect members to contribute a portion of their time and their talent to Olivet.

Expansion Plans

We have architectural plans for a new building to hold our main worship area and a nursery and have raised funds toward its construction.

Wedding Ministry

Our historic Chapel is available to our neighbors for weddings.