September 14, 2008 – Announcements

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

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.
September 14 we begin to evaluate our spiritual passion. Are we running all over the place or are we walking with the Lord? God wants us to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.
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.

Sunday, September 14, 10:30 am – Christiana Community Worship Service
The Maple Grove Children’s Ministry, led by Cathy King, will lead the children’s worship for the Christiana Community Worship Service beginning at 11:15 am. Lil’ Wranglers’ Round-Up is the name of the Children’s Church Service held at the Lions Club Community Building in Christiana Park.
Parents are encouraged to support the children in Christiana. We will hold worship at Maple Grove, but we encourage anyone interested to participate in the worship service in Christiana.

LOOKING FORWARD – LOOKING BACK
Our church affiliation is important. 64 years ago, on September 19, 1944, our congregation voted (69% in favor) to remain in the Ohio and Eastern Amish Mennonite Conference. This action further severed ties with the Millwood Mennonite Congregation (which joined the Lancaster Conference). Presently we are part of the Atlantic Coast Conference of the Mennonite Church USA. The ACC will hold their annual Vision Dinner on September 23, 6:15 pm at Yoder’s Family Restaurant in New Holland. Pastor Steve has room at his table – let him know if you want to join him.

VISION CASTING MEETING
All Commission members are requested to stay following worship on September 28. We will share a meal together and then work on our vision for the coming year. Child care is provided. Information is in your mailboxes.

CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING
We will hold our Annual Meeting on Sunday, September 28 at 6:30 pm. Written reports will be presented of our ministry over the past 12 month. We will consider the creation of a Women’s Ministries Commission. Leadership will give an up-date.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

LADIES IN FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER - LIFT begins September 23. All the information can be found at http://ladiesinfellowshiptogether.blogspot.com/. Check it out.

LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY: We welcome you to study Genesis 3-11. Classes begin on September 24 and will be held every Wednesday from 9:15 to 11:30 am. Child care is provided. Please contact Darlene Groff for more information.

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) normally meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This is a time of fun and spiritual growth for youth in grades 9 to 12. This week there will be no meeting so the group can go to the Solanco Parade.

GOSHEN COLLEGE TRIP
High school students are invited to sign-up and join a charter bus trip to Goshen College leaving Thursday evening, October 30 from Lancaster and arriving home Sunday morning. The purpose of the trip is to acquaint prospective students with the college. There is no fee, donations are welcome. Contact Steve Leinbach 215-723-8230 or steveberdine@verizon.net.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER is needed for the two-year-old class. Contact Denyce Copeland if you are interested.

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.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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.

A group of ladies are going to see Beth Moore on October 16 in Delaware. There is a poster in the foyer with more information. Let Ruthann know if you are going.

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 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)

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.

Sandy Hill Community Church will host a RECEPTION AND BOOK SIGNING for Author, Martha Kauffman Weaver on Saturday, September 20 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

A BENEFIT DINNER and concert for The Factory Youth Center will be held on Saturday, September 20 at 6:00 pm at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster. Hear about The Factory and enjoy an evening of music by the Harmony Gospel Quartet and the Hagans Family. See Darlene Groff for tickets.

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.

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).

The Central Union Association of the American Baptist Churches USA, celebrates their 300th anniversary with a concert by Ken Medema on September 28, 3:00 – 6:00 pm. There will also be many inspiriting denominational speakers honoring 300 years of the Baptist work in our area. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Call the Parkesburg Baptist Church for tickets, 610-857-9135.

LYME DISEASE INFORMATION MEETING will be held at Octorara High School on October 11, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Contact Sally Stees, 610-593-6538, 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.