February 3, 2008 – Announcements

CONGRATULATIONS to Joe & Kristen Lusby on the birth of Cody Mark on Wednesday, January 30th. Cody joins his brothers Anthony, Rodney & Chase.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
To follow God’s summons is to become involved in the work God gives us to do. We are more likely to depend on God when we are vulnerable; no extra money or provisions for our task. When we are successful in what we do, we should remember the Source of our power. How might we cultivate a “culture of call” so that young people can prepare to become leaders for the new post-modern era of church life? (From Adult Bible Study Teacher, Winter 2007-08, p.57)

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

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONS TEAMS
The Mission Teams to the Dominican Republic have all returned. The third team was blessed with an extra day in San Juan, Puerto Rico because of connection problems.
This Sunday, February 10, they will give a report of how the Lord has blessed them and used them to advance God’s Kingdom.

Congratulations to Pastor Bill Blank! On February 3 Pastor Bill began a new ministry as interim pastor of the East Petersburg Mennonite Church. Please continue to remember Pastor Bill, Glenda and Emily in your prayers.

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. Please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer.

FIRST WEDNESDAY is our Family Fellowship Night. February 6 is our TALENT SHOW. Dinner starts at 6:00 pm and the talent show will follow. Bring the family for an evening of fun and talent.

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. 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 you need.

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 Jackie Martin will teach about “Parenting By the Spirit”.

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.

COMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars)

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).

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.