October 26, 2008 – Announcements

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church; Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body. Today we consider Jesus and the 12 disciples as an example for a small group. They met together for encouragement and learning. They went out in service, ministering to the whole person: mind, body & Spirit. Characteristic of a Healthy Church #6: A healthy church has holistic small groups.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

LADIES IN FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER - LIFT meets on Tuesdays at 9:15 am. All the information can be found at http://ladiesinfellowshiptogether.blogspot.com/. Check it out. This week Tami Horst will teach about “Giving our Children Confidence.”

LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY led by Darlene Groff: We welcome you to study Genesis 3-11. Classes began on September 24 and are held every Wednesday (except 2nd Wednesday) from 9:15 to 11:30 am. Child care is provided.

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. This week Pastor Steve will speak to the group.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Our church participated in the MCC GROCERY SHARING PROJECT. 30 Grocery bags were taken to the ACC Fall Assembly and then on to MCC for distribution. Thank you!

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 SUBSTITUTE TEACHER is needed for the kindergarten class. Contact Denyce Copeland if you are interested.

PRESCHOOL NEEDS
The Maple Grove Preschool is a ministry of our church. There is a need for scholarships for a number of families. If you are able to contribute to this cause, please write your check to the church and indicate that it is for Preschool Scholarships.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

MYF POTATO BAR
Everyone is invited to the MYF Potato Bar following worship on October 26. Baked potatoes, toppings, salad and dessert will be provided for a donation. Come support our Youth.

THE 3RD ANNUAL CHURCH BUILDING FUND AUCTION will be held on November 5. The Auction Preview and Dinner begins at 5:15 pm and the Auction will start at 6:30 pm.

WOMEN’S RETREAT
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 Kaleidoscope 2008 – Driving for Hope: Exploring the Lincoln Highway. Join us Saturday, November 1, 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Ridgeview Mennonite Church. For more information visit http://www.bridgeofhopelcc.org.

POSTMODERNISM AND THE CHURCH
Tel Hai Retirement Community is sponsoring a series on Postmodernism, Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm. Dr. Kenneth Miller, professor at Evangelical Theological Seminary is teacher. The theme for October 26 is “The Many Faces of Postmodernism: What Are We Talking About Anyway?” Check out this link for more information: http://www.telhai.org/~telhai/pages/index.php?pID=48

Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society has an open house and book signing with Ervin Stutzman on Sunday, October 26 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. Visit the website for more information www.lmhs.org.

Mellinger Mennonite Church will hold a WOMEN AND PRESCHOOL conference on Monday, October 27, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Gerald and Marlene Kauffman will lead the workshop on “Encouraging One Another.” See www.mellingerchurch.org for more information.

The Hebron School will have a fundraiser on October 28 at Yoder’s Restaurant on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:30 pm. Request information and tickets from Lemar and Lois Ann Mast at mast@masthof.com. The Hebron School is a ministry of Holy Land Ministries www.holylandministries.org. Maple Grove has supported this ministry in the past.


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.