October 28, 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.

Today (November 4) is MENNONITE HERITAGE SUNDAY. For the Anabaptists, the Bible was and is the basis of our faith. Mennonites are a branch of the Anabaptists. Each of our Mennonite distinctives comes directly from the Scripture: commitment to discipleship, community, and nonresistance all arise out of our unique approach to the Bible. The written Word of God was and is central to our faith and life. Because of this commitment, Anabaptists in Century Europe were persecuted for their faith.. Mennonites also have a rich heritage of sacred music. Every Mennonite family that migrated out of Europe had a wooden trunk that contained the family belongings. Among the varied possessions you could always find three treasured belongings: the family Bible, the Anabaptist Hymnal and “The Martyrs Mirror.” You can learn more with a visit to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society (http://www.lmhs.org/).

During November we will consider some of the recommendations made by our church consultant. As Christians in communion with the Maple Grove Mennonite Church we should:
-Assume the best.
-Speak the truth in the appropriate settings, in respectful ways.
-Once a decision is made, live with it, even if you don’t like it. Stop re-doing decisions in the parking lot.

MISSIONS SUNDAY is November 11. The offering that day goes to the Mennonite Mission Network. Mennonite Mission Network exists to lead, mobilize and equip the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. MMN envisions every congregation and all parts of the church being fully engaged in mission - across the street, all through the marketplaces and around the world. You can learn more about the Mennonite Mission Network at http://www.mennonitemission.net/. Mr. Dwayne Walton, Director of the Parkesburg Point will be our speaker that morning.

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!

The 8th Annual Pumpkin Olympics will be held on Sunday, November 11 from 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Join the annual family fun at the farm of Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus. There will be pumpkin games and snacks for everyone. This year there will be fundraising activities to benefit the Ryan and Bethany Umble mission fund.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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. The Sewing Circle will meet at the Reuse-it Quilt shop in Spring Garden on Wedensday, October 31.

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

HELP! Helpers for the 2 year old class are needed during worship time. Next quarter teachers are needed for the Kindergarten class. Substitutes are always needed for all ages. Contact Denyce Copeland if you feel called to this ministry.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN CHURCH MEMBERSHIP? Pastor Steve will lead a class for those who want to know more about officially joining our congregation. The class will be held in November during the Sunday School hour. Contact Pastor Steve if you have any questions.

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 Jalisa Gingrich will speak about “Help! I’m Unorganized.”

The Women’s Precept Bible Study meets on Wednesday at 9:15 am; this week’s lesson is on 1 Corinthians 12-14, “Confused About Spiritual Gifts?” 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 Buzz Tyson will speak to the group. Buzz is Executive Director of the Lighthouse Youth Center in Oxford, PA.

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 House of His Creation invites you to a public re-open house October 28 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. HoHC is located at 720 Buck Run Road, Coatesville (Ercildoun).

TASTE OF HOPE
Announcing Kaleidoscope 2007 “Taste of Hope,” a Latin American marketplace event hosted by Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties on Saturday, November 3, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ridgeview Mennonite Church, 3723 Ridge Road, Gordonville. Entertainment will include a Brazilian Capoeira Group and a Puerto Rican vocal group. Children ages 4-11 can attend the Kids’ Café with a Latin American theme complete with a “kid-friendly” meal, crafts, games, and entertainment including a Brazilian Drummer’s Circle. For more details call 717-394-7406 or visit www.bridgeofhopelcc.org. Reservations requested by November 1.

The Factory Youth Center in Paradise will hold a bountiful breakfast buffet on Saturday, November 17 from 7:00 – 10:00 am at the Kinzer Fire Hall. Adults are $7 and children under 10 are $4.

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.