December 9, 2007 – Announcements

As followers of Jesus Christ in communion with the Maple Grove Mennonite Church all of us should:
- Assume the best of each other.
- Speak the truth in loving ways.
- Acknowledge that God has led our decision making process.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: find someone in the church you don’t know very well and invite them to share a meal with you.

We extend our Christian sympathy to Ann Kennel and family on the death of Ann’s husband, Earl J. Kennel on Tuesday, December 4. A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 8 in the Maple Grove Mennonite Sanctuary.

Do you like to draw? See your Sunday School teacher for the Christmas Drawing Activity sheet or pick one up in the foyer. Your drawings need to be given to Pastor Steve by December 16.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you want to experience the joy of giving this Christmas? Of course you do! The Evangelism and Service Commission is looking for people to help out a family in need in the Octorara School District. We can show Christ’s love by helping another family to have a merry Christmas this year by providing gifts and a meal. Please contact Tim Fritz, Director of Evangelism and Service.

A local man is in need of someone to help with house cleaning, a donation of dinnerware and carpentry work. Contact Jim Groff (610-593-6612) if you can help.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2008
We are sponsoring two mission teams this year, January 12-19 and 19-26. Please sign-up on the sheet posted in the reception. See Eric or Sue Nafziger for more information.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

Sunday School Resources
Our youth and adult Sunday school classes use curriculum based on the uniform series. We offer a number of resources for further study into the Sunday school lesson.
“Purpose” is the discipleship magazine for older youth and adults and is distributed in weekly parts. Contact the church office if you do not already receive this in your church mail box.
“Rejoice!” is a daily devotional guide that uses the Daily Bible Readings. You can receive this quarterly in your mailbox.
“Adult Bible Study Online” provides special insight and application for the weekly Sunday school lesson. Look for this at www.mph.org/abs.

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.

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

COMING EVENTS

“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.