Saturday, July 28, 2007

July 29, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, July 29
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service “The Jailor’s Family” Acts 16:22-33 (Pastor Steve)

Monday, July 30
7:00 pm – Leadership Team Meeting

Tuesday, July 31
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Small Group Fellowship at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, August 1
7:00 pm – MYF at King’s
7:00 pm – Care Team Meeting

Thursday, August 2
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all

Friday, August 3
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Honeybrook at West Fallowfield School

Saturday, August 4
8:30 am – Baptism Instruction Class meet at church to go to Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society

Sunday, August 5
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – “Living with Jesus” Colossians 3:1-7 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
6:30 pm – Evening Worship Service (Vernon Stoltzfus)

July 29, 2007 – Announcements

Today is Family Worship Sunday. There is no child care or Junior Church. Everyone will come together in the sanctuary following Sunday School. We encourage families to sit together and worship together. The Youth will share their experiences at the MCUSA Youth Convention in San Jose, CA. Pastor Steve will have a participatory sermon.

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue in the final stage of our building program. Everything inside has been completed and inspectors will come this week. Construction on the new septic system will continue; please be careful in the parking lot – it’s a mess! The retaining wall along the road has been completed. Please be careful and patient as you move around the building and grounds.

The Leadership Team has approved a list of nominees for church leadership positions that has been prepared by the Gift Discernment Committee. Church members are invited to participate by casting their vote on the “Affirmation Ballot” on Sunday, August 5. Please see Joe Lusby if you need an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be returned to Joe no later than the morning of August 5.

There will be no Baptism Instruction Class today (July 29). We will meet at the church on Saturday, August 4 at 8:30 am to go to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society.

Concert of Christian Music
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! Check them out at http://www.birdsongfamilymusic.com/home.html.

Preschool Teachers-aids are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teachers helpers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

UP-COMING YOUTH EVENTS
Jr MYF “Survivor” – August 12-13
MYF Dinner – Wednesday, August 15

Friday, July 20, 2007

July 22, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, July 22
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service “We forgive those who sin against us” Matthew 18:21-35 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class

Monday, July 23
6:30 pm – Finance, Personnel and Property Commission meeting

Tuesday, July 24
6:45 pm – Women’s Softball vs. Octorara at Octorara High School
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Shockers at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, July 25
7:00 pm – MYF Pool Party at Kauffmans
7:00 pm – Christian Education Commission meeting (at church)
7:00 pm – Family Life Commission meeting (Nafzigers)

Thursday, July 26
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all
7:00 pm – Leadership Team meeting

Friday, July 27
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Faith Reformed at West Fallowfield School

Saturday, July 28
7:00 am – 2:00 pm – MYF Carwash at Dutch-Way Market

Sunday, July 29
7:00 am – 7:00 pm – Jr. MYF Beach Olympics
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – Family Worship Sunday “The Jailor’s Family” Acts 16:22-33 (Pastor Steve)

July 22, 2007 – Announcements

REPORT FROM CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
The Building Committee proposed four issues at the congregational meeting of July 15. Here are the results:
1. Pave and stripe the parking lot in the spring of 2008. (approved)
2. New heating / cooling system in South end of building. (approved)
3. Steeple. (not approved)
4. Faith symbol (cross or other) on north end of building. (approved)
The adjusted final cost for the addition is $1,104,000. To date we have received contributions for $816,705. $40,000 will be included in the 2006-07 church budget (capital improvement fund) and $20,000 in the 2007-08 budget. There is a balance of $227,295 needed to complete the project

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue in the final stage of our building program. Almost everything inside has been completed. Final work is being done on the elevator and the new floors will be coated this week. The new septic system will continue; channels will be dug in the parking lot this week. Work on the retaining wall along the road will continue. Shelving and cupboards in closets have been installed (and filled). Please be careful and patient as you move around the building and grounds.

Please check out the “Lend a Lap” (Sunday nursery workers) schedule on the bulletin board. If you need to change a date contact Carly Kauffman asap.

The Affirmation Ballot for 2007-08 church leaders is posted on the bulletin board in the foyer. The vote will take place on Sunday morning, August 5. Absentee ballots are available at the church office or from a member of the Leadership Team.

Preschool Teachers are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teachers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

NEXT SUNDAY, July 29 is Family Worship Sunday. There will be no child care or Junior Church. Everyone will come into the sanctuary following Sunday School. We encourage families to sit together and worship together. The Youth will share their experiences at the MCUSA Youth Convention in San Jose, CA. Pastor Steve will have a special participatory sermon.

NOOMA is the name of one of our adult Sunday School electives. The non-word “nooma” is the English pronunciation of the Greek word “pneuma,” which means “spirit,” “wind,” “breath” and sometimes even “soul.” In the New Testament “pneuma” is often coupled with the words for “holy” and “of God.” The NOOMA series seeks to breathe God’s Spirit into the words of the Scripture.
This weeks lesson (July 22) is entitled “Luggage” and is about forgiveness. Next week (July 29) is entitled “Noise” and is about dealing with silence.

UP-COMING YOUTH EVENTS
MYF Car Wash - Saturday, July 28, 7 am to 2 pm at Dutch-Way Market
Jr MYF Beach Olympics – Sunday, July 29 all day
Jr MYF “Survivor” – August 12-13
MYF Dinner – Wednesday, August 15

Monday, July 16, 2007

July 15, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, July 15
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service
Forgive us our Sins” 1 John 1:8 – 2:2 (Pastor Steve)
6:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
7:00 pm – Congregational Meeting (Building Project Considerations)

Monday, July 16
7:00 pm – Worship Team Meeting
8:15 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Rockville at West Fallowfield School

Tuesday, July 17
6:45 pm – Women’s Softball vs. Blank’s Garage at Octorara High School

Wednesday, July 18
7:00 pm – MYF at Kelly King’s
7:00 pm – Coordinating Body Meeting

Thursday, July 19
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Millwood at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, July 22
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “We forgive those who sin against us” Matthew 18:21-35 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class

July 15, 2007 – Announcements

(Oops! We’re late posting again, sorry)

Please check out the “Lend a Lap” schedule on the bulletin board. If you need to change a date contact Carly Kauffman before July 21.

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue in the final stage of our building program. The final part of the new carpet will be completed in the new stairway and area outside the kitchen. The last of the ceiling tiles and doors are being installed. The elevator will be completed this week and inspection scheduled. Workers have started the new septic system. Please be careful and patient as you move around the building and grounds.

REPORT FROM CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Because this is being posted on Monday, July 16, we can include a report from the congregational meeting of July 15. There were four issues presented and voted on:
1. Pave and stripe the parking lot in the spring of 2008. (passed)
2. New heating / cooling system in south end. (passed)
3. Addition of steeple. (not passed)
4. Faith symbol (cross or other) on north end of building. (passed)
The adjusted final cost for the addition is $1,103,317. To date we have received contributions for $816,703. There is a balance of $286,614 needed to complete the project. To do this $40,000 will be included in the 2006-07 church budget (capital improvement fund) and $20,000 in the 2007-08 budget. The balance of $226,614 will be borrowed

Preschool Teachers are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teachers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

Maple Grove Mennonite is a Missionary Church
The Lord has blessed our congregation with a love for missionary outreach. A large portion of our members are involved in ministries that reach beyond the doors of our building, into the community and into the world.
We give of our time. Last year many of our folks participated in mission trips to Ecuador, Chile and the Dominican Republic. The Preschool and LIFT touch lives in our community. Our VBS brings in many children who do not go to church. Some volunteer at The Point, Relay for Life, Bridge of Hope, West Fallowfield Christian School and many other causes.
We give of our resources. Much of our budget is dedicated to missionary outreach. We try to have our hearts in the right place. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (see Matthew 6:19-21). We try to use our treasure (time and financial resources) for the advancement of God’s Kingdom in this world.

The combined youth/adult Sunday School class has a missionary emphasis. Skip Tobin, EMM missionary in SE Asia will speak. He is mentor for Ryan and Bethany Umble who will also speak. They have been appointed to missionary service in Cambodia.

UP-COMING YOUTH EVENTS
MYF Car Wash - Saturday, July 28, 7 am to 2 pm at Dutch-Way Market
Jr MYF Beach Olympics – Sunday, July 29 all day
Jr MYF “Survivor” – August 12-13
MYF Dinner – Wednesday, August 15

Sunday, July 8, 2007

July 8, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, July 8
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service
Good Lookin’ Feet” Romans 10:8-15 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class

Wednesday, July 11
All Day Sewing Circle
6:00 pm – All Church Picnic at Gap Park

Thursday, July 12
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all
7:00 pm – Leadership Team

Friday, July 13
8:15 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Media at West Fallowfield School

Saturday, July 14
11:00 am – 3:00 pm – Eastern Mennonite Missions Global Fair
at Lancaster Mennonite School

Sunday, July 15
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Forgive Us Our Sins” 1 John 1:8 – 2:2 (Pastor Steve)
6:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class (note time change)
7:00 pm – Congregational Meeting

July 8, 2007 – Announcements

Plan to attend the CHURCH PICNIC on Wednesday, July 11 at 6:00 pm at Gap Park. Sandwiches, drinks, plates, cups and plastic ware will be provided. If your last name begins with A to L bring a large dessert, M to Z bring a large salad. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair. (Organized by the Family Life Commission)

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue in the final stage of our building program. The kitchen, bathrooms basement and youth room look good. Carpet will be laid in the new part of the basement and work on the elevator continues. Thanks go to those who helped remove the playground so the new septic system could be installed this week. Access to the cemetery is being worked on. Please be careful and patient as you move around the building and grounds.

Building Fund News
We thank everyone for their sacrificial giving toward our building addition. The final cost for the addition is $1,008,000.00. To date we have received contributions for $807,801.00. Prayerfully consider making a gift (or an additional gift) to the Building Fund. This month we will borrow the balance needed to complete the project. There will be a congregational meeting on July 15 to consider additional items such as parking lot paving, a cross and a steeple to complete the project.

Randy and Melanie Umble are our Missionaries serving in Ecuador. We enjoyed Randy’s message to the combined youth/adult Sunday school on July 8. Randy and Melanie have been serving with HCJB since 1999. They began as Working Visitors and are now career missionaries in Shell. Randy teaches 7th and 8th grades at Nate Saint Memorial School while Melanie takes care of their four children--Jonny, Natalie, Erik, and Katie. Learn more at http://www.umbles.com/.

Preschool Teachers are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teachers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

New addresses for Leroy and Fern Umble, and Nick and Jessie (Lusby) Buckwalter were listed in the bulletin. Contact the church if you would like these new addresses.

Maple Grove Mennonite is a Missionary Church
The Lord has blessed our church with a spirit for missionary service. The church has produced and sent many preachers, church planters and missionaries over the years.
Currently we have a number of missionaries from our congregation serving in a variety of places. Randy and Melanie Umble in Ecuador, Becky Boll in Pittsburgh, Dale and Kathy Mast in Southern Chile, Garry and Ruth Denlinger in Israel. There are many from our church family who have been on short-term missions and ministry trips. Currently Ryan and Bethany Umble are preparing for ministry in Cambodia. Being a part of God’s mission and ministry around the world is important to our congregation!

Next Sunday morning Skip and Carol Tobin will be sharing with us during the Sunday School hour. The Tobins are mentors for Ryan and Bethany Umble who have been appointed as missionaries in Cambodia.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

July 1, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

(Oops! Sorry that this is being posted late)

Sunday, July 1
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service “True Freedom” John 8:31-36 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
6:30 pm – Evening Service (Eric Nafziger)

Monday, July 2
6:30 pm – Finance Commission Meeting
7:00 pm – Building Committee Meeting with Trustees, Steering, Finance and Leadership.

Tuesday, July 3
6:45 pm – Women’s Softball vs. Octorara Team at Octorara HS
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Honeybrook at West Fallowfield School

Thursday, July 5
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all
8:15 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Old Road at W Fallowfield School

Friday, July 6
8:15 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Small Group Fellowship at W Fallowfield School

Sunday, July 8
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Good Lookin’ Feet” Romans 10:8-15 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class

July 1, 2007 – Announcements

This week is the Biennial Assembly of the Mennonite Church USA and National Youth Convention. Pray for our delegates, youth leaders and youth as they attend these events in San Jose, CA.

Plan to attend the CHURCH PICNIC on Wednesday, July 11 at 6:00 pm at Gap Park. Sandwiches, drinks, plates, cups and plasticware will be provided. If your last name begins with A to L bring a large dessert, M to Z bring a large salad.

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue in the final stage of our building program. The kitchen, bathrooms and youth room are basically finished. Carpet, dividers and ceiling tiles will be installed in the basement this week. Work on the elevator continues. The playground will be removed on Monday. The installation of the new septic system will begin at the end of the week. Access to the cemetery is being worked on. Please be careful and patient as you move around the building and grounds.
Building Fund News
We thank everyone for their sacrificial giving toward our building addition. The final cost for the addition is $1,008,000.00. To date we have received contributions for $800,970.00. Prayerfully consider making a gift (or an additional gift) to the Building Fund. In July we will borrow the balance needed to complete the project. There will be a congregational meeting on July 15 to consider additional items such as parking lot paving to complete the project.

Randy and Melanie Umble are our Missionaries serving in Ecuador. They are visiting with family and will speak to the Sunday School on July 8. Randy and Melanie have been serving with HCJB since 1999. They began as Working Visitors and are now career missionaries in Shell. Randy teaches 7th and 8th grades at Nate Saint Memorial School while Melanie takes care of their four children--Jonny, Natalie, Erik, and Katie. Learn more at http://www.umbles.com/.

Preschool Teachers are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teachers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details