Monday, August 27, 2007

August 26, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, August 26
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Alive to God” Romans 6:1-11 (Pastor Steve
12:30 pm – Baptism Service and picnic

Wednesday, August 29
6:30 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) Amazing Race 2007

Thursday, August 30
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise at Church (all welcome)

Sunday, September 2
8:45 am - Prayer
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Workin’ For The Kingdom” Matthew 11:25-30 (Pastor Steve)
6:30 pm – Evening Worship Service

August 26, 2007 – Announcements

CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE WHO WERE BAPTIZED TODAY
Bret Davis
Taylor Fritz
Kacie Hershey
Allison King
Kaitlin King
Kristy King
Lauren King
Lucas King
Collin Nafziger

BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE
Final details are being done to prepare for the dedication and open house on September 9. Sunday School Classes will begin using their new rooms on Sunday, September 2.

BUILDING FUND AUCTION
November 7 is the date for our building fund auction. Watch for details.

PRODUCE JUNCTION
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!

A NEW SCHOOL OF FISH
Check out the “A New School of Fish” display in the foyer. There is a fishbowl with fish that have the names of all our students who are about to go back to school. We are looking for prayer partners for them. So, go fishing and print your name next to the student you pick. You will find the child’s name, address and birthday on the fish. Contact Denyce Copeland if you have any questions.

TEACHERS ARE NEEDED for Sunday School starting this week: helper for the kindergarten class and a half-time teacher for the 3-4 year olds through March. Contact Kim Stoltzfus if you can help.

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.

PRECEPTS FOR LADIES
A ladies Bible study will be held on most Wednesdays beginning September 5, from 9:15 to 11:15 am. Contact Darlene Groff if you have any questions.

SUMMER WAS A TIME TO SING IN MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE HISTORY
Our church held a singing in the woods one day every summer from 1933 to 1964. The first year, about 150 gathered to sing hymns and share testimonies under the trees in Kennel’s woods. The next year there were more than 500 in attendance; and the numbers grew until an estimated 7500 people gathered during the summer of 1950. Attendance started to decline and the last singing was held in 1964 with only 1800 in attendance.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

August 19, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, August 19
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service “What Are You Looking At?” Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 (Pastor Steve)
2:00 – 4:00 pm – Viewing hours at Church building for Vernon Kennel
6:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
7:00 pm – The Birdsong Family Concert

Monday, August 20
10:00 – 11:00 am – Viewing at Church building for Vernon Kennel
11:00 am – Funeral Service at Church building for Vernon Kennel

Tuesday, August 21
6:30 pm – Women’s Softball at Gap Park (Sadsbury Park)

Wednesday, August 22
6:30 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) Service Project at Matt & Missy King’s.
7:00 pm – Congregational Meeting with Doug Sider

Thursday, August 23
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all

Sunday, August 26
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – “Alive To God” Romans 6:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
12:30 pm – Baptism Service at Mel’s Pond and Picnic to follow

August 19, 2007 – Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING on Wednesday, August 22 at 7:00 pm. Doug Sider will present the results of the consultation for our congregation that began in May.

THE MENNONITE YOUTH FELLOWSHP (MYF) thanks everyone for coming to their dinner last week.

BUILDING PROGRAM UPDATE
The septic system passed inspection this week and we have full use of our new addition. Thanks to those who worked to prepare for the heating/cooling system being installed inn the NW side of the building. The system will be completed this week and we will be in charge of framing and drywall for the ductwork. Curtains and furnishings are being added. Pray that everything will be complete for our building dedication service on September 9.

Concert of Christian Music Tonight!
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! They are young and energetic musicians who present the gospel message in a variety of styles from contemporary to bluegrass. Check them out at http://www.birdsongfamilymusic.com/home.html. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend this special concert. Fliers to share are available in the foyer.

PRE-SCHOOL NEEDS
Preschool Teachers-aids are needed. The Maple Grove Preschool needs teacher’s helpers for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEEDS
Sunday School teachers are needed to begin in September. Specifically needed is a helper for the kindergarten class and a half-time teacher for the 3-4 year old class until March. Contact Kim Stoltzfus if you can help.

ELECTIVE CLASSES
The Adult and Youth Sunday School classes have been combined during the summer quarter because of the remodeling and new construction. There are two electives to choose from. This week the NOOMA series will continue in the sanctuary; this week’s lesson is entitled “Rhythm: what does it mean to have a relationship with God.” The traditional curriculum class is held in the new classrooms; this week the lesson is about “Zechariah: Call for Repentance.” Next week’s NOOMA lesson is “Matthew: Suffering the loss of someone we love can be the most difficult thing in life to deal with” and the traditional curriculum class will consider “Malachi: Living Responsibly in the community of faith.”

The Sewing Circle is collecting hand towels and bars of soap (any size) for MCC. Please place them in the box in the foyer.

A weekly Ladies Bible Study will begin on Wednesday September 5 at 9:15 am. Contact Darlene Groff for more information.

Tel Hai Camp will have a work day on August 25. Bring brushes and rollers to help paint the cabins. Call the camp office (610-273-3969) if you can help.

AUGUST 26 IS BAPTISM SUNDAY
After worship we will all go to Mel’s Pond for a baptism service. There will be a fellowship meal following the baptism; bring lawn chairs and a dish to share: last name A to R bring a salad or side dish; last name S to Z bring a dessert.

DEDICATION OF CHURCH BUILDING
On September 9 we will dedicate our church meeting house. Morning service will be as usual. At noon we will have a congregational meal; please sign up if you will join us for lunch. Children’s activities will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. The building dedication service will take place at 2:00 and open house will follow the service until 5:00 pm.

AUGUST IN MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE HISTORY
98 years ago, on Saturday, August 7, 1909, dedication services were held in German for the new church meeting house of the Maple Grove Mennonite Church. The total cost of the meeting house, including land, was $2,444.36; there were 208 members (both Maple Grove and Millwood) at the time. The first regular service was held on Sunday, August 8. At that time, worship services were conducted in German, but Sunday School was in English. Weekly services alternated between Millwood and Maple Grove from 1909 until July 1943 when each church began holding weekly services.
In August 1931 Maple Grove held the first tent meetings in Coatesville and a year later, construction began on the Coatesville Mennonite Church building.
In August 1938 Maple Grove led the first Sunday School meetings in Parkesburg; these led to the founding of the Parkesburg Mennonite Church.
On Sunday, August 25, 1940 arsonists set the Maple Grove church building on fire. Three fire companies responded (Atglen, Christiana & Parkesburg); part of the sanctuary floor and benches burned, windows were broken from the heat, and the entire building was smoke damaged. It took church members 6 weeks to repair the damage.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Until we meet again!

Christian Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Aaron S. Glick, husband of Susie Glick. Aaron went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 13. Viewing hours will be held at the church on Thursday, August 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the church on Friday, August 17 at 12 noon with viewing hours for 1 hour before the service.

Christian Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Vernon I. Kennel, husband of Mildred Kennel. Vernon went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 16. Viewing hours will be held at the church on Sunday, August 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and the Funeral Service will be held at the church on Monday, August 20 at 11:00 am with viewing hours one hour before the service.

Obituaries can be found at http://obits.lancasteronline.com/

Friday, August 10, 2007

August 12, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, August 12
8:45 am – prayer time
9:30 am – Sunday School
10:30 am – Worship Service “Faith Based Initiatives” Hebrews 11:1-16 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 noon – Junior MYF “Survivor” begins
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class at Lapp’s

Monday, August 13
7:30 am – Work at church (volunteers needed)
12 noon – Junior MYF “Survivor” concludes

Tuesday, August 14
9:00 am – LIFT Committee Meeting

Wednesday, August 15
6:30 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship Dinner for the Church Family.

Thursday, August 16
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise for all

Sunday, August 19
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – “What are you looking at?” Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 (Pastor Steve)
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
7:00 pm – THE BIRDSONG FAMILY IN CONCERT

August 12, 2007 – Announcements

THE MENNONITE YOUTH FELLOWSHP (MYF) invites everyone to a church dinner on Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30 pm. Following dinner the youth will speak about the activities of the past year.

BUILDING PROGRAM UPDATE
Hooray! We passed the use and occupancy inspection on Monday. We can move in! The septic system inspection will be next week. Thanks go to all who helped clean the building inside and out on Wednesday. New furniture for the foyer has arrived. The parking lot has been patched and the entire lot will be paved in the spring. The installation of the heating/cooling system on the NW side of the building will begin this week. Curtains and furnishings will be added during the next few weeks. Pray that everything will be complete for our building dedication service on September 9.

All of the names on the affirmation ballot were approved on August 5. Every name was approved between 93 and 100%. We are thankful for the leaders God has given our church. Those newly elected will begin their terms on September 1.

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! They are young and energetic musicians who present the gospel message in a variety of styles from contemporary to bluegrass. Check them out at http://www.birdsongfamilymusic.com/home.html. Invite your friends and neighbors to attend this special concert. Fliers to share are available in the foyer.

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

Sunday School teachers are needed to begin in September. Specifically needed are a lead teacher for the kindergarten class and a part-time teacher for the 3-4 year old class. Contact Kim Stoltzfus if you can help.

ELECTIVE CLASSES
The Adult and Youth Sunday School classes have been combined during the summer quarter because of the remodeling and new construction. There are two electives to choose from. This week the NOOMA series will continue in the sanctuary; this week’s lesson is entitled “Dust” and asks the question, “Does God believe in us?” The traditional curriculum class is held in the new classrooms; this week the lesson is about “Ezekiel: Personal consequences of sin!” Next week’s NOOMA lesson is “Rhythm: what does it mean to have a relationship with God” and the traditional curriculum class will consider “Zechariah: Call for Repentance.”

The Sewing Circle is collecting hand towels and bars of soap (any size) for MCC. Please place them in the box in the foyer.

A weekly Ladies Bible Study will begin on Wednesday September 5 at 9:15 am. Contact Darlene Groff for more information.

HOUSE OF HIS CREATION NEWS
The House of His Creation will sponsor an auction and chicken barbeque on Saturday, August 18 beginning at 12 noon at 720 Buck Run Road, Coatesville. See the web-page for more info: www.hohc.org.

PARKESBURG POINT NEWS
Rider’s Restaurant will benefit the Parkesburg Point on Friday, August 17 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. See the web-page for more info: http://www.parkesburgpoint.com/.

Tel Hai Camp needs someone to board 2 or 3 horses beginning August 26. Call Bruce Gregory at the camp office (610-273-3969) if you can help.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 7:00 PM
Our church consultation continues with a report from Doug Sider concerning the findings from his investigation. This is a follow-up from the July 15 meeting. Plan to be there.

AUGUST 26 IS BAPTISM SUNDAY
After worship we will all go to Mel’s Pond for a baptism service. There will be a fellowship meal following the baptism; bring lawn chairs and a dish to share: last name A to R bring a salad or side dish; last name S to Z bring a dessert.

Monday, August 6, 2007

August 5, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, August 5
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Living with Jesus” Colossians 3:1-17 (Pastor Steve
5:00 pm – Baptism Instruction Class
6:60 pm – Evening Worship (Vernon Stoltzfus)

Tuesday, August 7
6:45 pm – Women’s Softball vs. Blank’s Garage at Gap Park (Salisbury Park)
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball vs. Old Road at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, August 8
8:00 am – Sewing Circle (all day)
1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Church Cleaning Frolic; Supper will be served from 5:30 to 6:30
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) at King’s

Thursday, August 9
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer at Church
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise at Church (all welcome)
5:30 pm – Red Hat Ladies meet at Cottonwood House

Sunday, August 12
8:45 am - Prayer
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Faith Based Initiatives” Hebrews 11:1-16 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 noon – Junior MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) “Survivor” at Lapp’s (activities will conclude at noon on Monday.

Monday, August 13
7:30 am – Volunteers needed to help prepare for heat/ac construction in the North end of the building.

August 5, 2007 – Announcements

PRODUCE JUNCTION
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!

A NEW SCHOOL OF FISH
Check out the “A New School of Fish” display in the foyer. There is a fishbowl with fish that have the names of all our students who are about to go back to school. We are looking for prayer partners for them. So, go fishing and print your name next to the student you pick. You will find the child’s name, address and birthday on the fish. Contact Denyce Copeland if you have any questions.

VOLUNTEER WORKERS NEEDED
On Monday, August 13 beginning at 7:30 am, workers are needed to help get ready for the ac/heat construction on the north-west end of the building. Please contact Kyle, Rich or Ruth Ann if you can help.

CONGRATULATIONS to Glenda and Seth Byler on the birth of Cole David Byler on July 28.

TEACHERS ARE NEEDED for Sunday School starting in September: lead teacher for the kindergarten class and a part-time teacher for the 3-4 year olds. Contact Kim Stoltzfus if you can help.

PLEASE BE PATIENT as we continue the final details of our building program. The elevator is finished and passed inspection. The new addition did not receive the occupancy permit because the entrance paving has not been completed. All of the patch paving will be completed this week; the final paving is planned for next spring. The sewer system should be completed this week. The playground will be re-installed soon. Work on the new heat/air system for the NW end (basement, offices, classrooms) will begin the week of August 13.

PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED: The Maple Grove Preschool needs teacher aides for the fall. Contact Judi Woods, Director at 610-593-1159 for details
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.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the MYF COOKOUT on August 15, 6:30 pm at the church. The MYF provides this as a thank you to the church family for all our support. The youth will speak about the highlights of the past year.

CHRISTIAN MUSIC CONCERT ON AUGUST 19
The Birdsong Family will present a concert of live Christian music. They use a variety of instruments and music styles (from contemporary to bluegrass) to convey their faith in Christ. Invite your friends.