June 8, 2008 – Announcements

CHILDREN’S DAY – Directed by Cathy King
Our worship service on June 8 will be a different service because we are honoring the children of our church and their parents. This service was planned to help us all appreciate them and develop a passion for their spiritual growth. As you look at them may you feel the importance of interacting with them. I pray that many of you will feel the call to help in the children’s ministries that take place every Sunday. We need help, especially in the Primary Department. Let Denyce Copeland know of your willingness to help. Thank you – for Christ and His little ones, Cathy King.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
We extend our sympathy and prayers to Mike & Chrissy Weaver. Chrisy’s Father, Pastor Chuck McCulloh entered God’s Eternal Kingdom on Saturday, May 31. Maple Grove had a good representation at the funeral on June 4.

We extend our sympathy to the family and friends of Sarah Smoker, who was laid to rest on Thursday, June 5. Sarah is the sister-in-law of Naomi Stoltzfus.

THANK YOU
On behalf of the Virginia Board of Missions I thank you for your generous contributions for the meal on Sunday in behalf of my going to Albania. (from Allen Umble)

Thanks to all who helped work on VBS decorations at the Family Night last week.

Thanks to the members of our Mennonite Panel Discussion last Sunday.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MAPLE GROVE CHURCH PICNIC
We will gather on Sunday, June 15 at Gap Park (Salisbury Township Park, behind the Hess gas station) for a time of fun and fellowship. Worship will be at 10:30. Bring a hot and cold dish to share. The Family Life Commission will provide everything else, including fun activities.

GO TEAM!
Cheer on our Men’s softball team at the West Fallowfield Christian School! This week they play Honeybrook on Tuesday, June 9 at 8:30 pm and Media on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 pm.

PINK HAT / RED HAT
The Red Hat and Pink Hat Ladies (and Men) will meet on June 26 at the home of Joe & Cathy King. Meat and drink will be provided. Please bring a covered dish to share.

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Beth Moore Live in Deleware: October 16, 2008 at the Bob Carpenter Sports & Convocation Center of the University of Delaware in Newark.. Tickets are $35 per person. Contact Ruth Ann Bruner for more information.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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
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
The Jewish people at the time of Jesus knew all about baptism. Archaeologists continually find the remains of baptismal pools (called mikvah) all over Israel that were in use at the time Jesus walked the earth. On the southern end of the Temple mount in Jerusalem there was a large complex of baptismal pools. Anyone who wanted to go to the Temple had to be baptized before they could climb the steps up to the Temple. Baptism represented that your sins were washed away.
Jesus’ followers were baptized when they made a decision to become disciples. They needed to repent of their sins, ask God’s forgiveness and be baptized as part of the process to follow Jesus. The Jewish people had to be baptized every time they wanted to get close to God (the Temple); Jesus’ followers generally were only baptized once as a sign that they made a life changing decision to follow Jesus forever. The Apostle Paul tells us that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” for followers of Jesus.
We will have a baptism on August 24. Instruction Classes 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 “Nooma Bullhorn” let by Pastor Steve. How do we share the good news of God with others?

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.

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)

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.

HYMN SING
Bart Mennonite church will have a Community Hymn Sing on Sunday, June 15 at 7:00 pm. Mr. Arnold Moshier will be the conductor and Thelma Bowman and Becky Karreman are the accompanists. A time of refreshments and fellowship will follow the hymnsing.

David W. Shenk will be speaking at Neffsville Mennonite Church on Saturday, June 21 at 7:00 PM on Engaging the Panorama of the Global Church in this Decade. Please join us as David shares about this being one of the most fruitful and fulfilling times of his life! Call 569-0012, ext 3 for more information. A free will offering will be received.