October 21, 2007 – Announcements

Every Sunday is a family reunion for the family of God. If you notice that one of the “family” is not here, please let them know that they were missed.

Next Sunday is MENNONITE HERITAGE SUNDAY. Maple Grove Mennonite Church was born out of a rich heritage of faith. Many people have chosen to be adopted into this heritage when they joined the church. Mennonites (known as Anabaptists) began forming in the early 1500s and became known as part of the radical reformation because they wanted to make more radical changes than the Protestant reformers such as Luther and Calvin. Because of this, Mennonites were heavily persecuted. Anabaptists reacted to this persecution by forming a belief system based on the Bible, believers baptism, peace, justice, non-resistance, separation from the world’s values, and gift based ministry. We thank God for the rich heritage that has set the foundation for our congregation.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is offered to Naomi King on the death of her husband, Art King who went to be with the Lord on Friday, October 19. You can read the obituary at http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?action=view&obit_id=1993153.

A MEMBERSHIP CLASS will be held during the Sunday School hour throughout November. See Pastor Steve if you are interested in learning more about church membership.

HELP Do you have an old family Bible in German that was brought to America by your ancestors? Would you be willing to loan it to Pastor Steve? Contact Pastor Steve.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Mennonite Youth Fellowship will hold a POTATO BAR after worship on October 28. There will be baked potatoes with an assortment of toppings, salad, drinks and dessert. Come and support the youth!

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MCC GROCERY BAGS were distributed last Sunday. Please fill them and return them to the church this week.

PRODUCE JUNCTION is in the foyer. Bring your excess garden produce to share with those in the congregation who do not have gardens. There is a table in the foyer to place the excess blessings from your gardens. Everyone is invited to take what they can use. Share the harvest!

THE SEWING CIRCLE is collecting hand towels and bars of soap (any size) for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Please place your contributions in the box in the foyer.

MEALS ON WHEELS of Parkesburg is looking for volunteers to deliver meals one day a month. Call Marie Castetter 610-857-3666 if you can help.

Volunteers are needed to work the food stand for the Ken & Marilyn Umble’s cow sale on November 17. Maple Grove will run the lunch stand. Proceeds from the lunch stand will go to the MYF and the building fund. Food donations are also needed. Contact Grace King for more information or to sign-up.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

NEW BOOKS have been added to our church library. A list was published in the weekly bulletin. Look them over and check them out!
LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together) meets every Tuesday, 9:15 – 11:00 am. This is a time of fellowship and learning for mothers of young children. Childcare and preschool classes are provided. This week the LIFT Staff will lead “The Greatest Recipe Swap Ever.”

The Women’s Precept Bible Study meets on Wednesday at 9:15 am; this week’s lesson is on 1 Corinthians 11. All women are invited. Childcare is provided.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. This week George Metzler will speak to the group.

PARTICIPATION IN THE GREATER BODY OF CHRIST
(Contact the Church Office or check out the bulletin board in the main foyer for more information about any of these items)

The Atlantic Coast Mennonite Women Annual Dinner will be held on Friday, October 26 at Ridgeview Mennonite Church in Gordonville.

October 27 is the Fall Assembly of the Atlantic Coast Conference at Ridgeview Mennonite Church. All members of ACC churches are encouraged to attend.

TASTE OF HOPE
Stroll the alleys of a Latin American marketplace while tasting rice and beans at Rosa’s Café or tortillas at Pedro’s Casa at Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties Kaleidoscope 2007 “Taste of Hope,” Saturday, November 3, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ridgeview Mennonite Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville. This is a family affair, adults will enjoy entertainment, food and a silent auction of over 100 items while the children enjoy their own Latin American experience. Register now by calling 717-394-7406 or visiting www.bridgeofhopelcc.org. Reservations requested by November 1.

The Deacons of the Penningtonville Presbyterian Church invite local residents over the age of 60 to the ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DINNER on Saturday, November 17 at noon. RSVP to 610-593-2173 by Nov 13.