June 1, 2008 – Announcements

X-TREME WORSHIP
Calling all youth, college & young adults! It’s time for Xtreme Worship! Tuesday, June 3, 7:00 pm. “Audible Truth” will lead us in worship and Mike King, author of “The Mike King Story” will speak. Prepare to be blessed by the Lord!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MENNONITE?
Tonight a panel of Mennonites from our congregation will answer that question. You may be surprised at the answers. This would be a good evening for newcomers to Maple Grove Mennonite Church, especially those without a Mennonite background. We will also find out the answers to some very intriguing questions, like, “What is a Mennonite ethical dilemma?” and “What is the difference between a Mennonite and a canoe?”

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERS
Remember to pray for the leaders of our congregation. The Youth Ministry Commission will meet on Thursday, June 5. The purpose of the Youth Ministry Commission is to give oversight, direction and spiritual guidance to the ministries of the church for junior youth through young adult. Contact Linda Yost, chairperson, or a commission member if you have comments or concerns to be brought to their attention.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
We extend our sympathy and prayers for the family of Mary Stoltzfus. Mary went to be with the Lord on May 24; funeral services were held in our church building on May 28. Mary is the sister-in-law of Erwin and Robin Stoltzfus.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY NIGHT
Join us on June 4 at 6:00 pm for Family Night provided by the VBS committee. Those signed up as crew leaders and helpers will have training following the meal. Everyone else is invited to stay and help make decorations for VBS.

GO TEAM!
Cheer on our Men’s softball team at the West Fallowfield Christian School! This week they play Rockville on Tuesday, June 3 at 8:30 pm and Faith Reformed on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 pm.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MISSIONARY SUPPORT DINNER
Maple Grove’s own Allen Umble is preparing to leave for missionary work in Albania. Allen will speak to us in worship on Sunday, June 1. Everyone is invited to attend the missionary support fellowship meal for Allen following worship that day. Contributions may be made to the church for Allen Umble to return to Albania for missionary service with the Virginia Mennonite Missions. Mark your check with “VMM-Allen Umble;” these gifts will go in addition to the church budget contribution.

PRODUCE JUNCTION
Has the Lord abundantly blessed your garden? Leave your excess produce in the vestibule to share with others. Everyone is invited to take what they want. (Sponsored by the Care Team)

VBS IS COMING June 15-19
On the bulletin board you will find sign up sheets for the different jobs. Please look over the different needs and see where you fit in. Sign up to help! There is also a list of items needed for VBS posted. Please put your contributions in the box in the foyer. Register online at https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/maplegrove.

MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th.
Save the date for:
- an afternoon and evening of music
- an outdoor open air concert
- featuring local talent
- including traditional hymns
- an evening concert by the Birdsong Family (returning by popular demand)
Come help with the planning – many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble, Concert Coordinator, if you can help.

The RELAY FOR LIFE is June 20 & 21. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. There is a sign-up table in the foyer.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
Should you be baptized? If you are reading this announcement, you’re probably not an infant. We don’t baptize babies. Christian parents present their children to the church and ask God and the church family to help them do everything possible to raise the chi ld in a Christian environment. We call that a baby dedication.
One of the main beliefs of a Mennonite Christian (also called Anabaptists, which means “rebaptizer”) is believer’s baptism. Baptism signifies a personal decision to follow Christ. Nobody can make that decision for you, not your parents, grandparents, friends or even the pastor. You have to make that decision. Not making a decision is as good as saying “no” to Jesus; God wants everyone to say “yes.”
We will have a baptism service on August 24. We’ll find another date if that doesn’t work for you. Instruction Classes will begin the week after VBS. Please contact Pastor Steve if you are interested in finding out more about baptism and the Christian Faith, or are interested in being baptized.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
May through August there will be “optional” classes taught in the main auditorium. There will be a different topic each week. This week’s topic is “Christian Business Ethics.”

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
A Women’s Bible Study is held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Eby. Melba King leads the study on the book “Woman of God” by Cindy Bunch. All women are invited.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
This is a time of fun and spiritual growth for youth in grades 9 to 12.

STEWARDSHIP

May 25 Offering $6198
The Building Fund current loan amount $49,600

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)

LATTA MEMORIAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church is celebrating 135 Years in Ministry in Christiana with their 4th Annual Strawberry Social on Sunday, June 1 from 1-3 pm.

THE PARKESBURG POINT will have a chicken barbecue fund raiser on June 7. Contact the point for more information (http://theparkesburgpoint.com/).

CAMP HEBRON FUND RAISER
Camp Hebron (www.camphebron.org) will hold a fund raising event on Saturday, June 14. Phredd McNaughton will give a children’s concert and there will be a chicken barbecue. Check the web page for more information.