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).