October 5, 2008 – Announcements

“God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” John 4:24

A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church; Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body. Last week we considered the need for a church structure that is functional for ministry. This week we consider the way we worship. Jesus calls us to worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23). Our worship should reflect our spiritual commitment to our Lord and His Kingdom.
The Eight Characteristics of a Healthy Church (from Natural Church Development):
A healthy church has leadership that empowers the members for ministry.
In a healthy church Christians serve in their area of giftedness.
A healthy church has passionate spirituality.
A healthy church has functional structures.
A healthy church has inspiring worship services.
A healthy church has holistic small groups.
A healthy church has need-oriented evangelism
A healthy church has loving relationships

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION
Thank you to all who attended our Annual Meeting last week. We give a special thanks to RuthAnn Bruner for preparing the Annual Report booklet and to the Elders for leading the meeting. A new Women’s Ministry Commission was affirmed and Melba King was affirmed as Chair of the Centennial Celebration Committee. All affirmations were unanimous. The Leadership Team presented some minor changes to our By-laws; these will be presented in written form and affirmed at a future congregational meeting.

COMMUNION SUNDAY IS OCOTBER 12
Communion is a time to renew our commitment to love God and love others. We remember and receive the symbols of Jesus’ death to help renew our spiritual lives and we wash each other’s feet because Jesus washed his disciples and as a reminder that we are called to a humble community of faith.
How can you prepare your hearts and minds? The scripture tells us that we should receive communion in a worthy manner and each person should “examine himself” (1 Cor 11:27-28).
* Spend some time each day this week reading Scripture, praying and evaluating your life.
* Ask forgiveness for the things you thought and did, that offended God.
* If you have offended or hurt another person, seek them out and ask forgiveness and offer to make it good.

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.

LADIES PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY: We welcome you to study Genesis 3-11. Classes begin on September 24 and will be held every Wednesday (except 2nd Wednesday) from 9:15 to 11:30 am. Child care is provided. Please contact Darlene Groff for more information.

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

Our church is participating in the MCC GROCERY SHARING PROJECT. Grocery bags and instructions are in the foyer. Please return the bags to Sunday, October 19. The will be taken to the ACC Fall Assembly and then on to MCC.

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.

Lancaster Mennonite High School needs host families for several international students. Host families receive a monthly stipend. Contact Donna Edwards (717-397-5455) for more information.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) Material Resource Center needs volunteers on Thursday, October 16 from 9:00 to 3:00 pm. Check out www.mcc.org.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER is needed for the two-year-old 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.

THE PARKESBURG POINT needs volunteers. See the list on the bulletin board in the foyer or visit http://theparkesburgpoint.com for more information.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE ANNUAL FALL ASSEMBLY is Saturday, October 25. See www.atlanticcoast.nemmonite.net for information.

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.

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)

WEST FALLOWFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL will hold its 27th Annual Country Auction on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11. See www.wfcs.org for more information.

Lancaster Mennonite School will hold the Fall Open House on Sunday, October 12. See www.lancastermennonite.org for more information.

DON & BARB JOHNSON, YWAM Directors in Nicaragua will speak at Bart Mennonite Church on October 17-19. Contact the church for more information 610-593-6505.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.