February 10, 2008 – Announcements

THANKS to everyone who made our talent night a special event. Special thanks go to the youth group for hosting the event.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Gardener God, you have planted and protected us by your faithful hand. Send us the sap of your grace from Christ, the true Vine, and make us blossom and bear the fruit of love as a sign of your life in us. Let the sweet fragrance of the shoots you have planted give you praise forever and ever. Amen. (Prayer of Pilgram Marpeck, a 16th century Anabaptist leader, Adult Bible Study, page 67)

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
We will have a congregational meeting on Sunday, February 17 at 7:00 pm. The Leadership Team will give an up-date on progress with our consultation recommendations. We will discuss the creation of a Youth Ministry Commission and the need for a Youth Pastor. Your presence and participation is important!

THANKS go to Dawnell Groff for designing the cover of our worship bulletin and for preparing the PowerPoint presentation of the mission teams to the Dominican Republic. Thanks to all who shared about their experience in the Dominican Republic in our worship service.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Pray for someone you know who is being tempted to move away from what God wants for their lives.

EXTREME WORSHIP for Young Adults will be here 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.
“Audible Truth” gave a wonderful performance at the Talent Night.

MAPLE GROVE SUPPORTS THE ROSE OF SHARON ORPHANAGE
The Rose of Sharon Orphanage
(Orfanato La Rosa en el Desierto)
Pueblo Nuevo, San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic

Mission Statement:
The purpose of The Rose of Sharon Orphanage is to glorify God in partnerships by ministering spiritually, physically, socially and educationally to the boys, in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Goal of the Rose of Sharon Orphanage is to have the following needs of the boys met monthly:
* Food
* Clothing
* Medical Care
* Dental Care
* Facility Maintenance
* Spiritual Growth
* School
* English & Music Classes

A brief history of the orphanage:
The Rose of Sharon Orphanage is a ministry of “Full Gospel World Ministries,” (Raleigh, NC) which has founded 2 orphanages and 22 churches in the D.R. The Rose of Sharon orphanage was founded in 1985 by the Rev. Gerald Wiggs. Rev. Gerald Wiggs continues as Executive Director and his son, Rev. Brad Wiggs is Executive Vice President. Full Gospel World Ministries has one full-time missionary working in the Dominican Republic, Pastor Robert Strickland.
The Rose of Sharon Orphanage cares for approximately seventy five boys who represent the poorest of the poor in the Dominican Republic. They come mostly from cities and towns in the Southwest section of the D.R. An increasing number of special needs boys have been coming into the orphanage.
Calvary Baptist Church (State College, PA) first visited the orphanage in 1998 and then came alongside the Full Gospel World Ministries in 1999 with a work team. Calvary teams have returned every year since then. Brooks and Sharon Way lead the effort.
Maple Grove Mennonite Church joined the effort in 2002. Eric and Sue Nafziger coordinate our church’s effort. The orphanage costs over $8,000 per month to operate.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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. See http://www.accquizzing.org/ for all the information you need.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week there will be a Bible Study.

LIFT (Learn 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 Tami Horst will speak about “Ratty Bathrobes and Other Romantic Moments”.

THE LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY is studying Genesis on Wednesday mornings at 9:15. Contact Darlene Groff or the church office for a study book or for more information. This week there is no study so everyone can participate in the sewing circle.

Are you looking for rewarding experiences? Come teach Sunday School! Talk with Lynda King or Denyce Copeland if you can help?

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

“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.

Men, mark your calendars for the Men’s Retreat held April 4-6. More information will follow.

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).

If you would like to enjoy “Lunch with Ralphie” every Tuesday at noon, there is a table reserved for “Ralphie and Friends” at Dutch-Way. Ralph Burkey is the man the community came together to help.