September 21, 2008 – Announcements

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” Luke 12:35

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.
Today we continue to evaluate our spiritual passion. We need to keep our spiritual passion high as we wait for the Lord’s return. Are we “on fire” for the Lord? “Let your light shine before me, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
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.

LOOKING BACK – LOOKING AHEAD
One year ago, on September 9, we dedicated the new addition of our building. The Lord has certainly blessed us with facilities useful for the Kingdom of God. We pray that this building may be a used for the benefit of humanity and the glory of God. Every time we enter, we should renew the words of dedication: “We set apart this house for the worship of the true and Living God and the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Next year we will celebrate 100 years of service to our Lord in this place.

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.

The Maple Grove Preschool is having a fundraiser at Chuck E Cheese’s in Downingtown on Monday, September 22.

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 28 to December 14. 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.

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

Now is the time to start thinking about going on a MISSION TRIP to the ROSE OF SHARON ORPHANAGE in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.
Groups will depart and return on Saturdays:
January 17-24
January 24-31
January 31 to February 7
There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. Contact Eric Nafziger for more information.

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

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PROGRESSIVE DINNER
The Family Life Commission is sponsoring a Progressive Dinner on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

BROKEN VESSELS and MINDY BOYD in Concert at Maple Grove Mennonite on Sunday, October 12 at 6:30 pm

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE MENNONITE WOMEN will have the Fall Banquet on Friday, October 24 at Conestoga Mennonite Church in Morgantown on Friday, October 24. Make reservations with Ruth Ann Martin (717-565-8028); the cost is $14 per person.

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)

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.

Neffsville Mennonite Church invites us to celebrate the Ordination to Christian Ministry of Mary Elizabeth Jarrett on Sunday, September 21 at 4:00 pm. Neffsville Mennonite Church is located at 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. A reception will follow the ordination service.

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.

Cornerstone Pregnancy Care Services will hold their Annual Partnership Banquet on Thursday, October 9 at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. There are two banquets that day, at 12:00 noon and 6::00 pm. Please make your reservations by September 26 to 610-998-2447 or adminoffice@cornerstonepcs.com. The cost of the banquet is by donation.

LIVING SINGLE … LIVING WELL is a seminary to help you navigate your life more effectively and helps set you on the path God has for your life. October 18 at Christian Life Center, New London, PA.

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.