August 31, 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 when members 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 Sunday we were reminded that a healthy church regularly baptizes new believers. This Sunday and next week we continue our look at a healthy church by considering the second characteristic from Natural Church Development. In a healthy church, believers serve in ministries where three things happen: they recognize their gifts (talents, abilities), they feel called, and they are affirmed.
The first three Characteristics of a Healthy Church (from Natural Church Development):
1. A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
2. In a healthy church Christians serve in their area of giftedness.
3. A healthy church has passionate spirituality.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE September 7, 6:30 pm
Kevin King, Executive Director of Mennonite Disaster Service, will speak about the ministry of MDS. Maple Grove has supported MDS for many years. This year we approved $3000 of our church budget for the ministry of MDS. Come learn about this ministry supported by our congregation.

THE NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR will kick-off on Sunday, September 7. Adult SS Teachers will meet for breakfast at 6:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Teachers will be recognized in the morning worship service. Adult Sunday School books for the Fall Quarter are available in the foyer.

FISHING TIME
It’s time again to go fishing! There is a fishbowl in the foyer with the names of our school students. We would like every one of our students to have a prayer partner for the new school year.

HOLY CONVERSTAION
A Sunday School elective will be held September 21 to December 7. Holy Conversation is a 12-week class to help us speak about our faith to non-Christians. The class is limited to 14 participants. Contact Tim Fritz to sign-up.

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

X-TREME WORSHIP
Calling all youth, college and young adults to the next X-treme Worship on Tuesday, September 2 at 7:00 pm. Audible Truth will lead in praise and worship. Ruben Bender will speak. Food and fellowship will follow. Come check it out!

RED HAT / PINK HAT
Ladies, please keep Thursday, September 11 open. The Red Hat and Pink Hat Ladies will meet at Nicole Eby’s.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER
The Family Life Commission is sponsoring a Progressive Dinner on Sunday, October 5, 2008. Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the foyer. Hosts are needed.

THE 3RD ANNUAL CHURCH BUILDING FUND AUCTION will be held on November 5.

WOMEN’S 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. The Speaker will be announced soon.

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)

PARKESBURG MENNONITE CHURCH will hold an open house to celebrate the new church addition and remodeling. The open house will be held Sunday, September 7 from 12 to 3 pm.

Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society presents our 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 14, 3-7 pm, “Down By the Old Millstream,” a 1950s Theme Party. More information at www.lmhs.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/)

AUTHOR, PAULA D’ARCEY will be at Neffsville Mennonite Church on Saturday, September 27. The public presentation at 7:00 pm costs $15 and you can also attend the meet the Author Reception (5:00-6:30 pm) for $50 (includes public presentation). Get additional information or order tickets at www.On-the-Journey.org or by calling Kairos School of Spiritual Formation (717-669-2957).

HELP WANTED
Ridgeview Mennonite Church is seeking a Youth/Young Adult Pastoral Team Member. This individual would serve half to full-tim as a pastoral team member focusing in youth and young adult ministry. For more information and a ministry description contact Ridgeview Mennonite Church at ridgeviewchurch@frontiernet.net or call 717-768-3143.

Vice President of Lending is needed at Mennonite Financial. The position would be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the credit union’s consumer, real estate, and business lending functions and programs. Contact North Group Consultants at: lbishop@northgroupconsultants.com or fax to 717-299-9300 your letter of interest, resume, and salary request.

Friendship Community is seeking a PT Assistant to the Director of Finance (20-30 hours/week) Contact Bob at 717-656-7591 for more information.

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.