August 19, 2007 – Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING on Wednesday, August 22 at 7:00 pm. Doug Sider will present the results of the consultation for our congregation that began in May.

THE MENNONITE YOUTH FELLOWSHP (MYF) thanks everyone for coming to their dinner last week.

BUILDING PROGRAM UPDATE
The septic system passed inspection this week and we have full use of our new addition. Thanks to those who worked to prepare for the heating/cooling system being installed inn the NW side of the building. The system will be completed this week and we will be in charge of framing and drywall for the ductwork. Curtains and furnishings are being added. Pray that everything will be complete for our building dedication service on September 9.

Concert of Christian Music Tonight!
Maple Grove Mennonite Church will host THE BIRDSONG FAMILY in concert on Sunday, August 19 at 7:00 pm. The Birdsong Family is a well known professional group whose music focuses on joyfully worshiping and praising our Lord! They are young and energetic musicians who present the gospel message in a variety of styles from contemporary to bluegrass. Check them out at http://www.birdsongfamilymusic.com/home.html. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend this special concert. Fliers to share are available in the foyer.

PRE-SCHOOL NEEDS
Preschool Teachers-aids are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teacher’s helpers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEEDS
Sunday School teachers are needed to begin in September. Specifically needed is a helper for the kindergarten class and a half-time teacher for the 3-4 year old class until March. Contact Kim Stoltzfus if you can help.

ELECTIVE CLASSES
The Adult and Youth Sunday School classes have been combined during the summer quarter because of the remodeling and new construction. There are two electives to choose from. This week the NOOMA series will continue in the sanctuary; this week’s lesson is entitled “Rhythm: what does it mean to have a relationship with God.” The traditional curriculum class is held in the new classrooms; this week the lesson is about “Zechariah: Call for Repentance.” Next week’s NOOMA lesson is “Matthew: Suffering the loss of someone we love can be the most difficult thing in life to deal with” and the traditional curriculum class will consider “Malachi: Living Responsibly in the community of faith.”

The Sewing Circle is collecting hand towels and bars of soap (any size) for MCC. Please place them in the box in the foyer.

A weekly Ladies Bible Study will begin on Wednesday September 5 at 9:15 am. Contact Darlene Groff for more information.

Tel Hai Camp will have a work day on August 25. Bring brushes and rollers to help paint the cabins. Call the camp office (610-273-3969) if you can help.

AUGUST 26 IS BAPTISM SUNDAY
After worship we will all go to Mel’s Pond for a baptism service. There will be a fellowship meal following the baptism; bring lawn chairs and a dish to share: last name A to R bring a salad or side dish; last name S to Z bring a dessert.

DEDICATION OF CHURCH BUILDING
On September 9 we will dedicate our church meeting house. Morning service will be as usual. At noon we will have a congregational meal; please sign up if you will join us for lunch. Children’s activities will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. The building dedication service will take place at 2:00 and open house will follow the service until 5:00 pm.

AUGUST IN MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE HISTORY
98 years ago, on Saturday, August 7, 1909, dedication services were held in German for the new church meeting house of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church. The total cost of the meeting house, including land, was $2,444.36; there were 208 members (both Maple Grove and Millwood) at the time. The first regular service was held on Sunday, August 8. At that time, worship services were conducted in German, but Sunday School was in English. Weekly services alternated between Millwood and Maple Grove from 1909 until July 1943 when each church began holding weekly services.
In August 1931 Maple Grove held the first tent meetings in Coatesville and a year later, construction began on the Coatesville Mennonite Church building.
In August 1938 Maple Grove led the first Sunday School meetings in Parkesburg; these led to the founding of the Parkesburg Mennonite Church.
On Sunday, August 25, 1940 arsonists set the Maple Grove church building on fire. Three fire companies responded (Atglen, Christiana & Parkesburg); part of the sanctuary floor and benches burned, windows were broken from the heat, and the entire building was smoke damaged. It took church members 6 weeks to repair the damage.