July 20, 2008 – Announcements (Oops! posted late)

A HEALTHY CHURCH
What does it take to be healthy? Exercise? Good nutrition? Stress reduction? The first step is a desire to be healthy. We want a healthy church! Maybe we’re not particularly sick, but we need to work on being healthy.

Last week we say that a healthy church is full of people (like Kenaniah, 1 Chronicles 15:22), who recognize their gifts, are called to service and are willing to serve.

This week we look at the church in Thessalonica. The Apostle Paul tells us that this is a model of a healthy church. Were there problems? Of course, but they dealt with them in a healthy way.

We must remember that a church is a group of Christians committed to working together for the common goal of serving Christ. Church health begins with members who are both spiritually healthy and committed to working together. The Apostle Paul wrote, “You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body.

LOOKING BACK
65 years ago … on Sunday , July 18, 1943, the united Millwood / Maple Grove congregation voted on the question of opening both houses of worship each Sunday because of crowded conditions. Until that date the entire congregation met one week at Millwood and the next week at Maple Grove. The question passed with a vote of 143 in favor and 139 opposed.

Was it a peaceful decision? You can ask some of the senior members of our congregation about that.

Was it a good decision? The church earnestly prayed over the vote, so we believe God guided the vote. Each church became a strong witness for Jesus. Maple Grove went on to help establish many new congregations (such as Ridgeview and Sandy Hill), start new para-church ministries (such as Tel Hai and the PA Relief Sale), and church programs (such as Bible School and revival meetings). We pray that we may continue to be a vital witness for our Lord Jesus!

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MUSIC IN THE MEADOW will have a wrap-up meeting on Sunday, July 27 following worship. All volunteers are encouraged to attend. Bring a bag lunch.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
This week the elective class is “On Standby.” The panel consists of Marilyn Hershey, Aldus King, Sandy Lusby and Gwen Null, who will share what the family experiences and needs as they standby a loved one who is gravely ill. There will be a time for questions and suggestions from the audience.

MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) usually 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 SOFTBALL
Come cheer on our team! The Women’s Softball team will play on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:45 at Octorara High School. The men’s team is off this week.

The RED HAT / PINK HAT meeting scheduled for this week has been canceled. There will be no meeting in July or August.

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)

BRIDGE OF HOPE BENEFIT BIKE RIDE
All bikers are invited to enjoy a ride on country roads around Marietta, PA on Saturday, July 26 as part of the 2008 Dream Ride. A fun way to raise money for Bridge of Hope, casual riders and families with children can enjoy the 10 mile route. Also available are 20, 30 62.5 and 100 mile routes. George Metzler is coordinating a riding group from Maple Grove.
The Bridge of Hope Nightmare Tour is a 200 mile ride around the perimeter of Lancaster County. Truly dedicated bikers are encouraged to consider joining George for this ride on Saturday, August 16.
Get more information at http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org/attend_event.htm#bike.

THE FACTORY YOUTH CENTER will hold “Motorcycle Benefit Ride” on August 9. Enjoy a 100 mile ride through farms and woodland country of southern York County and northern Maryland. Helmets are required in MD and preferred in PA. This event is held rain or shine. For more information call 716-687-9594 or check out their web page http://www.thefactoryyouthcenter.com/.

THE PARKESBURG POINT will hold a bowling fundraiser on Saturday, August 9 from 4:00 to 9:00 pm. The event will be held at the Downingtown Bowling Palace. See Dan Bruner for more information or check out http://www.theparkesburgpoint.com/.

MENNONITE MEDIA will show documentaries about Hallmark Issues of Addictions, Hunger, Forgiveness, & Aging airing on The Hallmark Channel in August. You can view the programs on Sundays in August at 7:00 am. Check out their web page http://www.mennomedia.org/.

5 WAYS FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHANGED HIS WORLD (AND OURS) is a presentation and discussion and book signing with author Wendy Murray on September 5, 2008, 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Neffsville Mennonite Church. See http://www.wendymurraywritersblog.blogspot.com/.

A MEN’S BREAKFAST AT HOPEWELL MENNONITE CHURCH (Reading, PA) will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 8:00 am. British Evangelist, Rev. Victor Dunning, will be the guest speaker. (http://www.hopewell--reading.pa.us.mennonite.net/)

CHURCH OFFICE
The church secretary 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.
Ruth Ann is missing her personal church phone directory (the one with hand written extras in it). If you mistakenly picked this up, please return it to the church office.

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.