August 17, 2008 – Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING AUGUST 17, 6:30 PM
Childcare will be provided. The following items will be considered:
* Vote of Affirmation of the 2008-2009 Church Budget.
* Vote of Affirmation of church leadership.
* Vote of Affirmation of Pastoral Discernment Committee.
* Consideration of a Centennial Celebration Committee.
* Consideration of an emblem for the north gable of the church building

Congratulations to George Metzler and our Maple Grove Bike Team (Bill Umble, Matt Ressler, Ryan McBride & Collin Nafziger) for riding in the Lancaster Nightmare Ride 2008. The ride was around the periphery of Lancaster County on Saturday, August 16. They raised funds for Bridge of Hope of Lancaster and Chester Counties.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

On Sunday, August 17 there will be a FELLOWSHIP MEAL in honor of our missionaries. The meal will follow worship; everyone is invited.

On Wednesday, August 20 there will be a FELLOWSHIP MEAL provided by the MYF. Everyone is invited to this cookout dinner starting at 6:30 pm.

On Sunday, August 24 there will be a FELLOWSHIP MEAL in honor of those being baptized. The meal will follow the baptism service. Hot dogs and drink will be provided. Last name beginning with A to M are requested to bring a dessert to share and those with last name beginning with N to Z should bring a dessert to share.

The JR MYF (grades 6 to 8) are invited to join their Prayer Partners at eh Fellowship Meal on August 17. After the meal they will go to Doug & Wanda Lapp’s for swimming and activities. Contact Jonna King if you have any questions.

LADIES RETREAT
You asked for a whole weekend get-away, and we responded … Mark your calendars for our annual Ladies Retreat to be held again at the Eden Resort Inn and Suites in Lancaster, PA. Dates for the retreat are: February 20-22, 2009. Speaker to be announced soon.

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)

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
Today, August 17: Missionary Presentation
Next Sunday, August 24: Archaeology and the Bible Series - Video & Discussion – “Where Jesus walked: The Life and Times of Jesus as Revealed by Archaeology,” part 2

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.
This is a time of fun and spiritual growth for youth in grades 9 to 12. This week the MYF will provide a Cookout Appreciation Dinner for the church at 6:30 pm.

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)

Paula D’Arcy at Neffsville Mennonite Church. Saturday, September 27. $15 for the public presentation (7:00 pm) and $50 for both the Meet the Author receiption (5:00-6:30 pm) Get additional information or purchase tickets for the event online (http://www.on-the-journey.org/) or by calling Kairos School of Spiritual formation (717-669-2957).

CORNERSTONE PREGNANCY CARE SERVICES (formerly Brephos Pregnancy Center) is a ministry that has been supported financially by Maple Grove for many years. CPCS is moving to a new location in Gap in September. Individual Volunteers and Groups are needed for grounds upkeep and painting the new facility once it is ready.
Also needed are volunteer client advocates (peer counselors) to meet with the young mothers and young couples to help with young couples. All training needed is provided. The clients are young women who need a Christian influence in their lives.
Contact Michelle Forwood at mic@cornerstonepcs,com or 610-998-2447 or visit the web page www.cornerstonepcs.com for more information.

LANCASTER MENNONITE HISTORICAL SOCIETY presents the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 14 from 3 to 7 pm. “Down by the Old Millstream” is a 1950s theme party.

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/)

ETCETERA

CHURCH OFFICE
The church secretary office is normally 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.

Pastor Steve, our interim pastor, posts this blogspot from items in the weekly church bulletin. Anyone feeling called to take over this responsibility should contact him.