December 23, 2007 – Announcements

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
(from “Christmas Bells” written by Henry W. Longfellow in1864, in the midst of the U.S. Civil War)

Artwork of “The True Meaning of Christmas” by the Maple Grove Sunday School Children is on display in the foyer. The drawings will be on display through Christmas Eve. Children may take their artwork home after the Christmas Eve Service.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Send a card, call or visit someone who is spending their first Christmas without a loved one.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Jen McGowan on the death of her step-father, Jamie Harnish, on December 19.

Pastor Steve will be on vacation from December 27 to January 2. Please contact one of the Elders in an emergency.

The Youth Group has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Ruth Ann Bruner is collecting funds for Ralph Burkey. Ralph is the man who pulls a red wagon along Route 41 to collect cans. See Ruth Ann if you can help. There will be a Christmas Party for Ralph on December 23 at 2:30 pm at the Gap Fire Hall. The public is invited to participate.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week Debbie Groff, Kim Mast & Scott Umble will speak to the group. They recently completed one semester at the ECOLA Bible School. Get ready for the New Year’s Eve party starting at 7:00 pm on New Year’s Eve at the church.

COMING EVENTS

Don’t forget our Sunday Evening Worship on the first Sunday of each month. On January 6, 6:30 pm, Pastor Steve will speak on “The Archaeology of Christmas.”

“Bibles, Buyers and Bling: Can I Have It All?” is a conference that will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite on January 18 & 19. Jim Miller of MMA will lead us as we discuss our relationship to God and Money. Plan to attend. Childcare provided.

Women, mark your calendars for the Maple Grove Mennonite 2008 Women’s Retreat. The retreat will be held at the Eden Resort in Lancaster on Feb 22-23.