July 27, 2008 – Announcements

A HEALTHY CHURCH
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.

Last week we considered the church in Thessalonica as an example of a healthy church. We saw that their FAITH produced work, their LOVE prompted labor and their HOPE inspired endurance. (1 Thess 1:3). We are reminded that the greatest of these is love (1 Cor. 13:13).

This week we consider our first characteristic of a healthy church: a healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry. Who are the ministers of a healthy church? Every one of us is a minister! Every member ministers in the area and in the way that the Lord has called them. The main job of church leaders is “to prepare God’s people for works of service” (Eph. 4:12).

LOOKING BACK
99 years ago … Sunday, July 25, 1909 our congregation held their last service at the Old Sadsbury Church building. Our church met there for about three and a half years. In January of 1909 a building committee was named and “work began at once” on a new building, according to our church history. The new Maple Grove Amish-Mennonite Church building was dedicated on Saturday, August 7, 1909 and the first regular worship service was held the following day.

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 “Turning Your Scars into Stars.” The panel will share about how going through our valleys of weeping has made them stronger and better persons as promised in Psalm 68:5-7.

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

X-TREME WORSHIP
Calling all youth, college and young adults to the next X-treme Worship on Tuesday, August 5 at 7:00 pm. This will be an outdoor service, so please bring blankets or lawn chairs. We will move indoors if the weather insists. Joins us as Dave Klingensmith of Sandy Hill Community Church leads in praise and worship. Kendall Kurtz, Associate Pastor of Old Road Mennonite Church will speak. Food and fellowship will follow. Come check it out!

MAPLE GROVE SOFTBALL
Come Cheer on our team! The Women’s Softball team will play on Tuesday, July 22 at 6:45 at Gap Park (Salisbury Township Park). The men’s team is in playoffs.

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 seasoned bikers are invited to endure a ride on country roads around Lancaster, PA on Saturday, August 6 as the Nightmare part of the 2008 Dream Ride. This is a fun way to raise money for Bridge of Hope. 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.
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/.

BRIDGE OF HOPE OF LANCASTER AND CHESTER COUNTIES invites you to its 20th Anniversary “Hope Lives On” celebration on Sunday, September 21, 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Maple Grove Mennonite Church. A dessert reception will be followed by a special program of memories and a concert by Kindred Cross. Don’t miss this evening of gratitude. We hope to see you there! Bring your memories. For more information visit http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.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.