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/)