June 15, 2008 – Announcements

Discovering Jesus’ Miraculous Power
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WEEK AT MGMC
Sunday, June 15 to Thursday, June 19
5:15-5:45 pm – Dinner served for helpers and their families
5:50 pm - Announcements
5:55 pm – Preschool Crews dismissed
6:00 pm – Crew Leaders are outside gathering their crews

LOOKING BACK AT VBS
In 1945 Maple Grove Mennonite held its first Summer Bible School (now called Vacation Bible School). Records are sketchy for the Summer Bible School Committee, but the results are notable. Summer Bible School was a means of mission and outreach. Even before there was a permanent committee, Summer Bible School was held at the Coatesville mission in 1934 with about 200 participating.

Over the years the Summer Bible School Committee worked with the Maple Grove Missions Committee to help establish new congregations and mission outreaches. For example, in 1953 Summer Bible Schools were held at Maple Grove and eight mission stations with a total enrollment over 1300.

Who would have thought that the VBS vision would persevere for this many years? The details, themes and style of VBS have changed over the years, but one thing remains the same. We have a strong desire to reach out to the children in our area with the Gospel message. Pray that the Lord will bless the 64th Annual Maple Grove Mennonite Church VBS.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MUSIC in the MEADOW
MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th. You are invited to help– many hands are needed. There will be a meeting on June 22 following worship. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

Relay for Life is June 20 & 21 for Lancaster and Western Chester County. Ruth Ann Bruner put together a team from Maple Grove Mennonite. Contact Ruth Ann to help. The Maple Grove Mennonite Team is located at the Octorara High School Track, across from the bleachers at Site 23. See http://lanchesterrelayforlife.org/ for more information.

LEND A LAP
Carly Kauffman is preparing the Lend A Lap schedule for 2008/2009. Please contact Carly if you don’t want to be on the list.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
We will have a baptism service on August 24. Instruction classes will begin soon. Please contact Pastor Steve if you are interested in finding out more about baptism and the Christian faith.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
The computer and the internet have provided us with both tremendous possibilities and horrific problems. As Christians we need to be aware of the dangers to ourselves, our family and our friends. Chuck White will teach the next two Elective Classes.
June 22 – Protecting You and Your Family from Your Computer and the Internet
June 29 – Protecting Your Friends and the Internet from You and Your Computer

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.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MAPLE GROVE RED HAT AND PINK HAT LADIES will meet on June 26 at the home of Joe & Cathy King. Meat and drink will be provided; bring a covered dish.

MAPLE GROVE MEN’S SOFTBALL
Cheer on our team! Call the church office for this week’s games.

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)

PROGRAM OF MIDDLE EAST TRIP
On June 16 at 7:00 pm at Conestoga Mennonite Church, six people will share about walking in many places where Moses and Jesus and the Apostles walked. Refreshments will follow the program.

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE in Parkesburg will have an outdoor concert on Saturday, June 21 starting at 10:00 am. Bring blankets or lawn chairs.

HOUSE OF HIS CREATION will hold a Motorcycle Benefit Ride on Sunday, June 29 from 1 to 6 pm. The ride is through Lancaster County.

CHURCH OFFICE
The church secretary’s office is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and occasionally at other times. Ruth Ann reminds us that items for the weekly printed church bulletin need to be in the church office by Thursday of each week. You can also send your contributions to mgchurch@netzero.net.

PASTOR’S STUDY
Pastor Steve has office hours every morning except Wednesday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and occasionally at other times. Some days Pastor Steve has meetings in other places, so please call before you come to visit.