Monday, January 28, 2008

January 27, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, January 27
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. Mike Lusby will be our guest preacher. Mike is a counselor at the Family Resource & Counseling Center in Gap, and recently opened a private practice.
6:30 pm – Bible Quizzing Team at Hinkletown Mennonite

Monday, January 28
6:30 pm – Leadership Team meeting

Tuesday, January 29
8:00 am - Prayer & Praise meeting
9:15 am – Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT)

Wednesday, January 30
9:15 am – Precept Bible Study for Women
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting

Thursday, January 31
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
6:00 pm – Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies

Saturday, January 26
Dominican Republic Mission Team #2 returns and Team #3 departs
6:30 pm – Missionary Banquet at Hershey Farm Restaurant for Ryan & Bethany Umble

Sunday, February 3
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. “When God Calls” Matthew 4:18-20; Acts 2:38-39 (Pastor Steve)
12:30 pm – Evangelism & Service Commission meeting
2:00 pm – Bible Quizzing Team at Maple Grove, "Audible Truth" will open.

January 27, 2008 – Announcements

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“I suspect that for many of us today, as in Jesus’ time, his teaching seems to miss the struggle we engage in each week. High grocery bills, high medical costs, car payments, rising credit card debt loads, meager resources for retirement, postponing vacations … these are the things that worry us. Let’s imagine we can talk to Jesus about our experience. What do you think Jesus would say to us?”
(From Adult Bible Study Teacher, Winter 2007-08, page 54)

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Visit one of your neighbors and invite them to come to church with you next week.

“Audible Truth” will have a debut performance at Maple Grove on February 3, 2:00 pm to open the ACC Bible Quizzing Competition. They will also perform on February 6 Talent Night and for the X-treme Worship on Tuesday, February 12;.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONS TEAMS
Remember to Pray for our Mission Teams in the Dominican Republic. The third team will return on February 2. On Sunday, February 10 they will give a report of how the Lord has blessed them and used them to advance God’s Kingdom.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies will meet on Thursday, January 31 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to attend. There will be a Soup Sampler Supper and Ruthie Umble will demonstrate how to make peanut brittle.

The Maple Grove Valentine Social will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall. The Family Life Commission invites everyone to come and celebrate with us the Spirit of Love. A lite fare dinner will be served, and childcare will be provided. All are encouraged to attend, whether you are single, married, or widowed. A fun night of celebrating together is planned. Please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer.

FIRST WEDNESDAY is our Family Fellowship Night. February 6 is our TALENT SHOW. Sign-up on the youth group bulletin board. Bring the family for an evening of fun and talent.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have patience and like to work with children? A teacher for the 3-4 year old class is needed for March. Contact Denyce Copeland if you can help.

The Youth Group (MYF) has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one. Each ham loaf costs $8.

The Maple Grove Preschool needs ½ gallon milk or orange juice cartons. Rinse them out and put them in the box in the foyer.

The Evangelism & Service Commission is collecting Dutch-Way “Dollar Stretchers” to purchase items for families in need. Place your “Dollar Stretcher” coupons in the box in the foyer.

The Sewing Circle is collecting items for MCC Relief Kits. These kits will be distributed to families in need around the world. Please see http://mcc.org/kits/relief/ for a list of needed items. Place items in the box in the foyer.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

Support our Maple Grove ACC Bible Quizzing Team. Jeff Stoltzfus is the coach and the team members are: Taylor Fritz, Greg Hall, Collin Nafziger, Kaitlyn Nafziger, Abbie Weaver. On January 27 the competition will be held at Hinkletown Mennonite Church beginning at 6:30. On February 3 the competition will be held at Maple Grove starting at 2:00 pm. See http://www.accquizzing.org/ for all the information.

LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together) is a program for mothers of young children. LIFT meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:00. Nursery care and preschool classes are provided. This week Pastor Steve will lead a Bible Study.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week is a “Fun Night.”

THE LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY will begin a study of Genesis on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 starting on January 30. Contact Darlene Groff or the church office for a study book or for more information.

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

The Annual Maple Grove Talent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 6. Sign up your “act” on the youth group bulletin board by Feb 3.

EXTREME WORSHIP for Young Adults is coming on Tuesday, February 12, 7:00 pm. Worship will be led by the “Audible Truth” band and Dwayne Walton will be the speaker. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the worship time.

“Weekend to Remember” is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God’s design for marriage and family. It will be held in Hershey on February 15-17. Registration materials are available in the foyer or from a member of the Family Life Commission.

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.

THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(You can get more information about any of these events by looking at the bulletin board in the foyer or by calling the church office)

Christiana/Atglen Meals on Wheels needs a volunteer to deliver meals. The need is for a driver for about an hour on a Thursday once ever three weeks. Meals are picked up at Harrison House. Training is provided. Contact Selma Wells at 610-593-5467 or 717-354-7857.

The Lancaster Mennonite School Quilting Bee will be held February 25-29 in the Alumni Dining Hall Gathering Area. A free lunch is provided. Please call with dates you can help (717.653.5236).

Friday, January 18, 2008

January 20, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, January 20
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY. Guest Speaker: Kenneth L. Sensenig, Assistant Director of MCC East Coast. “Counting with the Tax Man” Matthew 6:19-24; Luke 19:1-10. (http://mcc.org/eastcoast/staff/Ken.htm)
6:30 pm – Bible Quizzing Team at Strasburg Mennonite

Tuesday, January 22
8:00 am - Prayer & Praise meeting
9:15 am – Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT)

Wednesday, January 23
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting
7:00 pm – Family Life Commission Meeting

Thursday, January 24
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting

Saturday, January 26
Dominican Republic Mission Team #2 returns and Team #3 departs
6:30 pm – Missionary Banquet at Hershey Farm Restaurant for Ryan & Bethany Umble

Sunday, January 27
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. Mike Lusby will be our guest preacher. Mike is a counselor at the Family Resource & Counseling Center in Gap, and recently opened a private practice.
12:30 pm – Evangelism & Service Commission meeting
6:30 pm – Bible Quizzing Team at Hinkletown Mennonite

January 20, 2008 – Announcements

Look for news from the Dominican Republic at http://pastorstevesmusings.blogspot.com/. Pastor Steve hopes to make an occasional post during the missions trip this week.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Recipe For Faithful Living
Live simply …
Love generously,
Serve faithfully,
Speak truthfully …
Pray daily …
And leave the rest to God.
(From Adult Bible Study Teacher, Winter 2007-08, page 49)

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Write a letter or visit one of the people on our prayer list.

How will you know when there is “Audible Truth” at Maple Grove? You’ll know it when you hear it!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONS TEAMS
Remember to Pray for our Mission Teams in the Dominican Republic. On Sunday, February 10 they will give a report of how the Lord has blessed them and used them to advance God’s Kingdom.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have patience and like to work with children? A teacher for the 3-4 year old class is needed for March. Contact Denyce Copeland if you can help.

The Youth Group (MYF) has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one. Each ham loaf costs $8.

The Maple Grove Preschool needs ½ gallon milk or orange juice cartons. Rinse them out and bring them to the Preschool office.

MISSIONARY FUNDRAISING BANQUET
Ryan & Bethany have been called to serve Christ in Cambodia. A banquet to support Ryan and Bethany will be held at Hershey Farms Restaurant in Strasburg, PA on Saturday, January 26 at 6:30 pm. RSVP by calling 717.656.7706 or to bebyjeby@msn.com.

The Evangelism & Service Commission is collecting Dutch-Way “Dollar Stretchers” to purchase items for families in need. Place your “Dollar Stretcher” coupons in the box in the foyer.

The Sewing Circle is collecting items for MCC Relief Kits. These kits will be distributed to families in need around the world. Please see http://mcc.org/kits/relief/ for a list of needed items. Place items in the box in the foyer.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together) is a program for mothers of young children. LIFT meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:00. Nursery care and preschool classes are provided. This week Pastor Steve will lead a Bible Study.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week there will be a Bible Study.

THE LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY will begin a study of Genesis on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 starting on January 30. Contact Darlene Groff or the church office for a study book or for more information.

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

The Annual Maple Grove Talent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 6. Sign up your “act” on the youth group bulletin board by Feb 3.

The Maple Grove Valentine Social will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall. The Family Life Commission invites everyone to come and celebrate with us the Spirit of Love. A lite fare dinner will be served, and childcare will be provided. All are encouraged to attend, whether you are single, married, or widowed. A fun night of celebrating together is planned. Please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer.

“Weekend to Remember” is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God’s design for marriage and family. It will be held in Hershey on February 15-17. Registration materials are available in the foyer or from a member of the Family Life Commission.

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.

THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(You can get more information about any of these events by looking at the bulletin board in the foyer or by calling the church office)

Lancaster Mennonite High School will present “The Robe” on Thursday through Saturday, January 24-26 at 7:00 pm in the Fine Arts Center. Call 717-299-0436, x340 for tickets and information. http://www.lancastermennonite.org/lmhs/announcements.html

The Lancaster Mennonite School Quilting Bee will be held February 25-29 in the Alumni Dining Hall Gathering Area. A free lunch is provided. Please call with dates you can help (717.653.5236).

Friday, January 11, 2008

January 13, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, January 13
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. Pastor Steve, 2 Corinthians 13:7-10, “My Grace Is Sufficient”

Monday, January 14
6:30 pm – Leadership Team
7:00 pm – Care Team

Tuesday, January 15
8:00 am - Prayer & Praise meeting
9:15 am – Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT)

Wednesday, January 16
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting

Thursday, January 17
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting

Friday, January 18
7:00 pm – Stewardship Workshop: “Bibles, Buyers & Bling”

Saturday, January 19
Dominican Republic Mission Team #1 returns and Team #2 departs
9:00 am – Stewardship Workshop: “Bibles, Buyers & Bling”

Sunday, January 20
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service. STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY. Guest Speaker: Kenneth L. Sensenig, Assistant Director of MCC East Coast. (http://mcc.org/eastcoast/staff/Ken.htm)

January 13, 2008 – Announcements

“Bibles, Buyers & Bling” Can I have it all?
Does God care about your finances? A workshop on Christian stewardship will be held on Friday, January 18, 7:00-8:30 pm and Saturday, January 19, 9:00 am – 2:15 pm. Childcare is provided. Call the church office to register.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
I never look at the masses as my responsibility.
I look at the individual.
I can love only one person at a time.
I can feed only one person at a time.
Just one, one, one.
You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other.
(From Mother Teresa, Words to Love, 1983)

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Is there someone you haven’t seen in worship lately? Give them a call; they may need a word of encouragement from you.

UP-DATE FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Leadership Team (Elders and Pastor) continues to work to provide spiritual vision, oversight and direction for the congregation. The issues raised from our congregational consultation continue to be addressed and a renewed vision is being developed. A recent meeting with consultant Marcus Smucker and our Conference Minister Merv Stoltzfus has helped define our process. In February the Leadership Team has scheduled a retreat to pray and address the roles of pastors, elders and how they relate to the congregation. A congregational meeting will be held at a later date as a public forum for your questions and concerns. Please contact the pastor or one of the elders if you have any questions.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONS TEAMS
Remember to Pray for our Mission Teams in the Dominican Republic. On Sunday, February 10 they will give a report of how the Lord has blessed them and used them to advance God’s Kingdom.

BE PREPARED! “Audible Truth” will soon be heard at Maple Grove. “He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matthew 11:15)

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Do you have patience and like to work with children? A teacher for the 3-4 year old class is needed for March. Contact Denyce Copeland if you can help.

The Youth Group (MYF) has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one. Each ham loaf costs $8.

The Maple Grove Preschool needs ½ gallon milk or orange juice cartons. Rinse them out and bring them to the Preschool office.

MISSIONARY FUNDRAISING BANQUET
Ryan & Bethany have been called to serve Christ in Cambodia. A banquet to support Ryan and Bethany will be held at Hershey Farms Restaurant in Strasburg, PA on Saturday, January 26 at 6:30 pm. RSVP by January 19 by calling 717.656.7706 or to bebyjeby@msn.com.

The Evangelism & Service Commission is collecting Dutch-Way “Dollar Stretchers” to purchase items for families in need. Place your “Dollar Stretcher” coupons in the box in the foyer.

The Sewing Circle is collecting items for MCC Relief Kits. These kits will be distributed to families in need around the world. Please see http://mcc.org/kits/relief/ for a list of needed items. Place items in the box in the foyer.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together) is a program for mothers of young children. LIFT meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:00. Nursery care and preschool classes are provided. This week Pastor Steve will lead a Bible Study.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week there will be a Bible Study.

THE LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY will begin a study of Genesis on Wednesday mornings at 9:15 starting on January 30. Contact Darlene Groff or the church office for a study book or for more information.

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

The Annual Maple Grove Talent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 6. Sign up your “act” on the youth group bulletin board by Feb 3.

The Maple Grove Valentine Social will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 6:00 pm in the fellowship hall. The Family Life Commission invites everyone to come and celebrate with us the Spirit of Love. A lite fare dinner will be served, and childcare will be provided. All are encouraged to attend, whether you are single, married, or widowed. A fun night of celebrating together is planned. Please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer.

“Weekend to Remember” is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God’s design for marriage and family. It will be held in Hershey on February 15-17. Registration materials are available in the foyer or from a member of the Family Life Commission.

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.

THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(You can get more information about any of these events by looking at the bulletin board in the foyer or by calling the church office)

Lancaster Mennonite High School will present “The Robe” on Thursday through Saturday, January 24-26 at 7:00 pm in the Fine Arts Center. Call 717-299-0436, x340 for tickets and information. http://www.lancastermennonite.org/lmhs/announcements.html

The Lancaster Mennonite School Quilting Bee will be held February 25-29 in the Alumni Dining Hall Gathering Area. A free lunch is provided. Please call with dates you can help (717.653.5236).

NEWS FROM BECKY AT URBAN IMPACT IN PITTSBURGH
(Received 1/4/8) Hey Everyone, I just want to keep you informed as you are praying for the ministry. Winder basketball starts up again this Monday. I would like to ask for prayer for … Jason and I (and the rest of the staff) as we plan, coordinate, train volunteers and teach. We both are teaching the devotion at our gyms this Monday. The volunteers as they lead their teams and build relationships, especially the new ones coming in because it can be really intimidating at first. The kids, that they would come, know they are valued, and be receptive to what God is teaching them. I’m excited to return to the gym after the break for Christmas. I hope you had a great Christmas and Happy New Year! It was really good to see many of you over the break. Thanks for your prayers, Becky. (http://www.urbanimpactpittsburgh.org/)

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

In Memory of ARTHUR E. SMOKER, SR.

Christian Sympathy is offered to the family of Art Smoker who went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 6. Funeral services will be held at the Frazer Mennonite Church on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 am. Art and Dorothy became members of Maple Grove in May of 1995.

You may read the complete obituary and leave comments at
http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?action=view&obit_id=2038515

Friday, January 4, 2008

January 6, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, January 6 (Epiphany – King’s Day)
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Heavenly Lights” Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12 (Pastor Steve) The Three Stargazers will be our special visitors this week.
6:30 pm – Evening Worship, Pastor Steve will speak on “The Archaeology of Christmas”

Monday, January 7
7:00 pm – Finance, Personnel and Property Commission
7:00 pm – Worship & Music Commission

Tuesday, January 8
8:00 am - Prayer & Praise meeting
9:15 am – Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT)

Wednesday, January 9
All Day – Sewing Circle
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting
7:00 pm – Coordinating Body meeting

Thursday, January 10
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
7:00 pm – Christian Education Commission

Saturday, January 12
Dominican Republic Mission Team #1 departs

Sunday, January 13
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service, “My Grace Is Sufficient” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (Pastor Steve).

January 6, 2008 – Announcements

THE FIRST EVER MAPLE GROVE PING PONG TOURNAMENT
After 4 hours with 144 ping pong matches that involved 70 people, playing the best of 3 games … the 2008 Maple Grove Junior Champion is KENT LANTZ. The top female participant was NAT LANTZ who made it to the semi-finals in her bracket. The winner of each adult bracket played in the final four: 4th place – KYLE KING; 3rd place – BRIAN CAMPBELL; 2nd place – ARLIN KENNEL, and …the champion of the First Ever Maple Grove Ping Pong Tournament and winner of the Golden Paddle is JOE LUSBY JR. Joe was also the only player who went undefeated all night.
Thanks to all who participated and/or came to cheer and share in the set-up, preparation, and helped to clean-up.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Based on the story of the wise men, Epiphany is a Sunday to explore the wisdom of God coming into our world through the birth of Jesus the Christ. It is a day to spin out the implications of Jesus’ incarnation for Christians and for the whole world. As the apostle Paul states, “So here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8 in Eugene H. Peterson, The Message, Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1995). [From today’s Adult Bible Study lesson, page 36]

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Invite a friend to go with you to visit a nursing home; read scripture and pray with the people you visit.

UP-DATE FROM THE LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Leadership Team (Elders and Pastor) continues to work to provide spiritual vision, oversight and direction for the congregation. The issues raised from our congregational consultation continue to be addressed and a renewed vision is being developed. A recent meeting with consultant Marcus Smucker and our Conference Minister Merv Stoltzfus has helped define our process. In February the Leadership Team has scheduled a retreat to pray and address the roles of pastors, elders and how they relate to the congregation. A congregational meeting will be held at a later date as a public forum for your questions and concerns. Please contact the pastor or one of the elders if you have any questions.


EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together) is a program for mothers of young children. LIFT meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:00. Nursery care and preschool classes are provided. This week Cathy King will lead a Bible Study.

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

The MYF Boy’s Camp Out is Saturday and Sunday, Jan 5 & 6. Contact the youth leaders for more information.

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

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

“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.

The Annual Maple Grove Talent Night will be held on Wednesday, February 6. Sign up your “act” by Feb 3.

“Weekend to Remember” is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God’s design for marriage and family. It will be held in Hershey on February 15-17. Registration materials are available in the foyer or from a member of the Family Life Commission.

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.