Friday, May 30, 2008

June 1, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, June 1
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – Allen Umble will share about his missionary calling; the membership class will share their testimonies; Pastor Steve will speak about sharing the Gospel message.
12:00 pm – Missionary Support Luncheon for Allen Umble (everyone is invited)
6:30 pm – Evening Service – Panel Discussion: What does it mean to be a Mennonite?

Monday, June 2
7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study (Sue Eby’s Home)

Tuesday, June 3
7:00 pm – Xtreme Worship (Mike King will speak)
8:30 pm – Men’s Softball game vs. Rockville at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, June 4
6:00 pm – Family Night dinner and VBS work & training night
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship).

Thursday, June 5
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise meeting
7:00 pm – Youth Ministry Commission
8:30 pm – Men’s Softball game vs. Faith Reformed at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, June 8
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – Children’s Day Worship directed by Cathy King

June 1, 2008 – Announcements

X-TREME WORSHIP
Calling all youth, college & young adults! It’s time for Xtreme Worship! Tuesday, June 3, 7:00 pm. “Audible Truth” will lead us in worship and Mike King, author of “The Mike King Story” will speak. Prepare to be blessed by the Lord!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MENNONITE?
Tonight a panel of Mennonites from our congregation will answer that question. You may be surprised at the answers. This would be a good evening for newcomers to Maple Grove Mennonite Church, especially those without a Mennonite background. We will also find out the answers to some very intriguing questions, like, “What is a Mennonite ethical dilemma?” and “What is the difference between a Mennonite and a canoe?”

PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH LEADERS
Remember to pray for the leaders of our congregation. The Youth Ministry Commission will meet on Thursday, June 5. The purpose of the Youth Ministry Commission is to give oversight, direction and spiritual guidance to the ministries of the church for junior youth through young adult. Contact Linda Yost, chairperson, or a commission member if you have comments or concerns to be brought to their attention.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
We extend our sympathy and prayers for the family of Mary Stoltzfus. Mary went to be with the Lord on May 24; funeral services were held in our church building on May 28. Mary is the sister-in-law of Erwin and Robin Stoltzfus.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY NIGHT
Join us on June 4 at 6:00 pm for Family Night provided by the VBS committee. Those signed up as crew leaders and helpers will have training following the meal. Everyone else is invited to stay and help make decorations for VBS.

GO TEAM!
Cheer on our Men’s softball team at the West Fallowfield Christian School! This week they play Rockville on Tuesday, June 3 at 8:30 pm and Faith Reformed on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 pm.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MISSIONARY SUPPORT DINNER
Maple Grove’s own Allen Umble is preparing to leave for missionary work in Albania. Allen will speak to us in worship on Sunday, June 1. Everyone is invited to attend the missionary support fellowship meal for Allen following worship that day. Contributions may be made to the church for Allen Umble to return to Albania for missionary service with the Virginia Mennonite Missions. Mark your check with “VMM-Allen Umble;” these gifts will go in addition to the church budget contribution.

PRODUCE JUNCTION
Has the Lord abundantly blessed your garden? Leave your excess produce in the vestibule to share with others. Everyone is invited to take what they want. (Sponsored by the Care Team)

VBS IS COMING June 15-19
On the bulletin board you will find sign up sheets for the different jobs. Please look over the different needs and see where you fit in. Sign up to help! There is also a list of items needed for VBS posted. Please put your contributions in the box in the foyer. Register online at https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/maplegrove.

MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th.
Save the date for:
- an afternoon and evening of music
- an outdoor open air concert
- featuring local talent
- including traditional hymns
- an evening concert by the Birdsong Family (returning by popular demand)
Come help with the planning – many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble, Concert Coordinator, if you can help.

The RELAY FOR LIFE is June 20 & 21. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. There is a sign-up table in the foyer.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
Should you be baptized? If you are reading this announcement, you’re probably not an infant. We don’t baptize babies. Christian parents present their children to the church and ask God and the church family to help them do everything possible to raise the chi ld in a Christian environment. We call that a baby dedication.
One of the main beliefs of a Mennonite Christian (also called Anabaptists, which means “rebaptizer”) is believer’s baptism. Baptism signifies a personal decision to follow Christ. Nobody can make that decision for you, not your parents, grandparents, friends or even the pastor. You have to make that decision. Not making a decision is as good as saying “no” to Jesus; God wants everyone to say “yes.”
We will have a baptism service on August 24. We’ll find another date if that doesn’t work for you. Instruction Classes will begin the week after VBS. Please contact Pastor Steve if you are interested in finding out more about baptism and the Christian Faith, or are interested in being baptized.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
May through August there will be “optional” classes taught in the main auditorium. There will be a different topic each week. This week’s topic is “Christian Business Ethics.”

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
A Women’s Bible Study is held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Eby. Melba King leads the study on the book “Woman of God” by Cindy Bunch. All women are invited.

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.

STEWARDSHIP

May 25 Offering $6198
The Building Fund current loan amount $49,600

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)

LATTA MEMORIAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church is celebrating 135 Years in Ministry in Christiana with their 4th Annual Strawberry Social on Sunday, June 1 from 1-3 pm.

THE PARKESBURG POINT will have a chicken barbecue fund raiser on June 7. Contact the point for more information (http://theparkesburgpoint.com/).

CAMP HEBRON FUND RAISER
Camp Hebron (www.camphebron.org) will hold a fund raising event on Saturday, June 14. Phredd McNaughton will give a children’s concert and there will be a chicken barbecue. Check the web page for more information.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

May 25, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, May 25
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service: “Living Stones” 1 Peter 2:2-12 (Pastor Steve)

Tuesday, May 27
7:00 pm – Leadership Team
7:00 pm – Men’s Softball game vs. Faith Bible at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, May 28
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) Mini Golf

Thursday, May 29
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
8:00 am – Prayer & Praise meeting

Sunday, June 1
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service: Allen Umble will share about his Missionary Calling
12:00 pm – Missionary Support Luncheon for Allen Umble
6:30 pm – Evening Service: Panel Discussion “What does it mean to be a Mennonite?”

May 25, 2008 – Announcements

MISSIONARY LUNCHEON
Everyone is invited to the Fellowship Meal after worship on Sunday, June 1 (no reservations necessary). Donations will be accepted for Allen Umble as he prepares to return to Albania later in the month.

X-TREME WORSHIP
Join us for X-treme Worship (Second Tuesday) on June 3 at 7:00 pm. “Audible Truth” will lead worship and we welcome Mike King as our guest speaker. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.

LOST AND FOUND
Please check the lost and found box in the new stairway and the items hanging on the coat rack. These things will be donated to the ReUzit Shop at the end of May.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MUSIC in the MEADOW
MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th. You are invited to help– many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

VBS is coming June 13-19. Sign up to help on the bulletin board in the foyer. A list of items needed is posted. Prayer advocates are needed.

Relay for Life is June 20 & 21 for our area. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. June 6 is a fund raiser for the Relay fund raiser, the 4th annual LanChester Golf Outing at Moccasin Run Golf Course. Ruth Ann has a table in the foyer with more information and to sign up. See http://lanchesterrelayforlife.org/ for more information.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MENNONITE?
Just ask two Mennonites and you’ll get three different answers. For our Sunday evening g service on June 1, a panel of Mennonites from our congregation will answer that question. In addition, Rick Umble will lead us in worship. Come and find the answers to some of life’s persistent questions like, “How many Mennonites does it take to change a light bulb?” and “How do we know that Adam was a Mennonite?”

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
Are you interested in Baptism? After hearing the gospel message the eunich asked Phillip, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” Read Acts 8:26-39 for the full story. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward decision to give your life to Jesus.
We will have a baptism service on August 24. Instruction classes will begin the week after VBS. Please contact Pastor Steve if you are interested in finding out more about baptism and the Christian faith.

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 the youth will go to Village Greens for a night of mini-golf.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY NIGHT IS JUNE 4
Please join us at 6:00 pm for Family Night. The VBS Committee will provide the meal. This is a night for training for crew leaders and helpers; everyone else will make decorations for VBS. Please plan to attend and help!

MAPLE GROVE MEN’S SOFTBALL
Cheer for our team on Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 pm at the West Fallowfield Christian School. Our guys will play Faith Bible Church.

STEWARDSHIP

May 18 Offering $6443
The Building Fund current loan amount $50,600.

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)

LATTA MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 23 Green Street in Christiana, will hold its ANNUAL STRAWBERRY SOCIAL on Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 3 pm.

Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts at Frazer Mennonite
Calling All Artists! Frazer Mennonite Church is soliciting original works of art for Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts which will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 1 - 9pm. The festival will provide an intersection of faith, art and peacemaking that is designed to spark an interactive exchange that is authentic and visionary. Original work will be accepted in many mediums. For more details please contact Sharon Thompsonowak at artofpeace@frazermennonite.org.

RUTHANN 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 them to mgchurch@netzero.net.

Friday, May 16, 2008

May 18, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, May 18
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – Jared Stoltzfus, guest preacher
12:15 pm – Evangelism & Service Commission
7:00 pm – Congregational Meeting

Monday, May 19
7:00 pm – Women’s Bible Study (Sue Eby’s Home)
8:30 pm – Men’s Softball game vs. Media at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, May 21
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship).
7:00 pm – Family Life Commission

Thursday, May 22
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise meeting
6:00 pm – Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies at Harry’s Restaurant (see http://www.harryshotdogs.com/ for menu and directions)
8:30 pm - Men’s Softball game vs. Shockers at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, May 25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – “Living Stones” 1 Peter 2:4-12 (Pastor Steve)

May 18, 2008 – Announcements

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Tonight (May 18, 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall) we will have our quarterly congregational meeting. The agenda will include a vote on the building improvement projects, Leadership Team up-date, the creation of a women’s ministries commission, and the creation of a Pastor-Congregation Relationship Committee (PCRC). Absentee ballots are available in the foyer for member who will not be able to attend tonight’s meeting.

SOME LESSONS FROM NOAH’S ARK
1. Don’t miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.
4. Stay fit. When you’re 100 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you’re stressed, float a while.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

CHILD DEDICATION
Children are a gift from God. Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord at the Temple (Luke 2:22). People brought their children to Jesus for prayer and a blessing. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:13-14). We continue to bring our children to the Lord.
On May 18, Brandon & Rhonda Umble bring Grant Jordan Umble to present him to the Lord. In doing so, the parents and the congregation promise to do all they can to nurture Grant in the Christian faith.

LOST AND FOUND
Please check the lost and found box at the top of the new stairwell and items left on the coat racks in the foyer. These items will be donated to the Re-Uzit shop (http://www.reuzit.com/) at the end of May.

PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS
Remember to pray for the leaders of our congregation. The Evangelism & Service Commission will meet today following worship. The purpose of the Evangelism & Service Commission is to seriously pursue the mandate of Jesus Christ to make disciples of all people by going forth in evangelism, mission and service. Contact Tim Fritz, Director of Evangelism & Service, or a commission member if you have comments or concerns to be brought to their attention.
The Family Life Commission will meet on Wednesday, May 21. The purpose of the Family Life Commission is to enrich family living in our congregation and to provide a forum for families in crisis. Contact Nelson Stoltzfus, Director of Family Life, or a commission member if you have comments or concerns to be brought to their attention.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

RAH! RAH!
Cheer on our Men’s softball team at the West Fallowfield Christian School! This week they play Media on Monday, May 19 at 8:30 pm and the Shockers on Thursday, May 22 at 8:30 pm.

ATTENTION WOMEN
The Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies will meet for fun and fellowship on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm at Harry’s Diner in Sadsburyville. (see http://www.harryshotdogs.com/ for menu and directions) Give your RSVP to Sue Eby by May 18.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MISSIONARY SUPPORT DINNER
Maple Grove’s own Allen Umble is preparing to leave for missionary work in Albania. Allen will speak to us in worship on Sunday, June 1. Everyone is invited to attend the missionary support fellowship meal for Allen following worship that day. Contributions may be made to the church for Allen Umble to return to Albania for missionary service with the Virginia Mennonite Missions. Mark your check with “VMM-Allen Umble;” these gifts will go in addition to the church budget contribution.

Thank you
With the help of everyone, we were able to provide 53 relief buckets for MCC. There was a total of $1541 collected. Thanks to all who contributed.

VBS IS COMING June 15-19
On the bulletin board you will find sign up sheets for the different jobs. Please look over the different needs and see where you fit in. Sign up to help! There is also a list of items needed for VBS posted. Please put your contributions in the box in the foyer. Register online at https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/maplegrove.

MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th.
Save the date for:
- an afternoon and evening of music
- an outdoor open air concert
- featuring local talent
- including traditional hymns
- an evening concert by the Birdsong Family (returning by popular demand)
Come help with the planning – many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble, Concert Coordinator, if you can help.

The RELAY FOR LIFE is June 20 & 21. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. There is a sign-up table in the foyer. June 6 is the 4th Annual LanChester Golf Outing at Moccasin Run in support of Relay for Life. Everyone is encouraged to sign-up.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
May through August there will be “optional” classes taught in the main auditorium. There will be a different topic each week. This week we continue the series on “Ten Financial Commitments” led by George Metzler.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
A Women’s Bible Study is held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Eby. Melba King leads the study on the book “Woman of God” by Cindy Bunch. All women are invited.

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.

Are you looking for rewarding experience? Come teach Sunday school. Talk to Denyce Copeland; a teacher for the 3&4 year old class is needed to start in September.

STEWARDSHIP

May 11 Offering $9383
The Building Fund current loan amount $51,900

RELIEF FOR MYANMAR
We are collecting funds to aid the cyclone relief and recovery in Myanmar (formerly Burma). See the insert in this week’s news bulletin or http://www.mcc.org/myanmarrelief/ for more information. Contributions should be clearly marked MCC – Myanmar and placed in the offering plate.

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 SCHOOL will hold a Spring Open House Today, Sunday, May 18 for parents and students exploring Christian education in grades preK to 12. The open house will run from 1 to 3 pm in the Alumni Dining Hall of the Lancaster Campus and will include campus tours, refreshments and information about the four campuses. The high school Spring Concert will follow at 3 pm in the Fine Arts Center. For more information visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org/.

CAMP HEBRON FUND RAISER
Camp Hebron (www.camphebron.org) will hold a fund raising event on Saturday, June 14. Phredd McNaughton will give a children’s concert and there will be a chicken barbecue. Check the web page for more information.

Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts at Frazer Mennonite
Calling All Artists! Frazer Mennonite Church is soliciting original works of art for Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts which will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 1 - 9pm. The festival will provide an intersection of faith, art and peacemaking that is designed to spark an interactive exchange that is authentic and visionary. Original work will be accepted in many mediums. For more details please contact Sharon Thompsonowak at artofpeace@frazermennonite.org or check out the web-page http://www.frazermennonite.org/home.htm.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Maple Grove Mennonite Preschool has an opening for an assistant teacher in the 3 year old class for the 2008-2009 school year. Please contact Judi Woods, Preschool Director, for more information (610-593-1159 or mgpreschool@epix.net).

Friday, May 9, 2008

May 11, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, May 11 (Pentecost / Mother’s Day)
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – “Our Pentecost” Deut 16:9-12; Acts 2:1-21 (Pastor Steve)

Monday, May 12
7:00 pm – Leadership Team

Tuesday, May 13
8:30 pm – Men’s Softball game vs. Honeybrook at West Fallowfield School

Wednesday, May 14
All Day – Sewing Circle
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship).

Thursday, May 15
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
8:00 am – Prayer and Praise meeting
9:00 am – 2:00 pm – MCC Work Day

Sunday, May 18
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service – Guest Speaker: Jared Stoltzfus
12:15 pm – Evangelism & Service Commission
7:00 pm – Congregational Meeting

May 11, 2008 – Announcements

SORRY
We were all disappointed that the Family Life Conference was cancelled last weekend. The Kanagys had a medical emergency. The Family Life Commission plans to re-schedule the conference, possibly in the fall.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

ATTENTION WOMEN
The Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies will meet for fun and fellowship on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm at Harry’s Diner in Sadsburyville. Give your RSVP to Sue Eby by May 18.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Work Day is May 15 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Everyone is invited to help. Please bring your own lunch. Contact Henry Umble for more information or for a ride. (Check out MCC at http://www.mcc.org/)

VBS IS COMING June 15-19
On the bulletin board you will find sign up sheets for the different jobs. Please look over the different needs and see where you fit in. Sign up to help! There is also a list of items needed for VBS posted. Please put your contributions in the box in the foyer. Register online at https://www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox/myvbs/maplegrove.

MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th.
Save the date for:
- an afternoon and evening of music
- an outdoor open air concert
- featuring local talent
- including traditional hymns
- an evening concert by the Birdsong Family (returning by popular demand)
Come help with the planning – many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble, Concert Coordinator, if you can help.

ALLEN UMBLE TO ALBANIA
Allen will speak in worship on June 1st. A fellowship meal to raise funds will follow worship. Contributions may be made to the church for Allen Umble to return to Albania for missionary service with the Virginia Mennonite Missions. Mark your check with “VMM-Allen Umble;” these gifts will go in addition to the church budget contribution.

The RELAY FOR LIFE is June 20 & 21. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. There is a sign-up table in the foyer. June 6 is the 4th Annual LanChester Golf Outing at Moccasin Run in support of Relay for Life. Everyone is encouraged to sign-up.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVES
May through August there will be “optional” classes taught in the main auditorium. There will be a different topic each week. May 11 begins the series on “Ten Financial Commitments” led by George Metzler.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
A Women’s Bible Study is held on the first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at the home of Sue Eby. Melba King will lead the study on the book “Woman of God” by Cindy Bunch. All women are invited.

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 Buzz Tyson will speak to the group.

Are you looking for rewarding experience? Come teach Sunday school. Talk to Denyce Copeland; a teacher for the 3&4 year old class is needed to start in September.

STEWARDSHIP

May 4 Offering $6214
The Building Fund current loan amount $53,400
April Interest Payment: $541

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 SCHOOL will hold a Spring Open House on Sunday, May 18 for parents and students exploring Christian education in grades preK to 12. The open house will run from 1 to 3 pm in the Alumni Dining Hall of the Lancaster Campus and will include campus tours, refreshments and information about the four campuses. The high school Spring Concert will follow at 3 pm in the Fine Arts Center. For more information visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org/.

Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts at Frazer Mennonite
Calling All Artists! Frazer Mennonite Church is soliciting original works of art for Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts which will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 1 - 9pm. The festival will provide an intersection of faith, art and peacemaking that is designed to spark an interactive exchange that is authentic and visionary. Original work will be accepted in many mediums. For more details please contact Sharon Thompsonowak at artofpeace@frazermennonite.org or check out the web-page http://www.frazermennonite.org/home.htm.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The Maple Grove Mennonite Preschool has an opening for an assistant teacher in the 3 year old class for the 2008-2009 school year. Please contact Judi Woods, Preschool Director, for more information (610-593-1159 or mgpreschool@epix.net).

Saturday, May 3, 2008

May 4, 2008 – This Week’s Schedule

Sunday, May 4
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service: “Grace and Peace” Romans 51-5 (Pastor Steve)

Tuesday, May 6
7:00 pm – X-treme Worship

Wednesday, May 7
6:00 pm – Family Night – Musical Mystery Dinner
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship).

Thursday, May 8
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer meeting
8:00 am – Prayer & Praise meeting
7:00 pm – Christian Education Commission

Saturday, May 10
7:00 pm – “Comedy Expedition” at Octorara Area High School

Sunday, May 11 (Pentecost)
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service: “Our Pentecost” Deuteronomy 16:9-12; Acts 2:1-21
Mother’s Day Recognition

May 4, 2008 – Announcements

X-TREME WORSHIP
Join us for X-treme Worship (Second Tuesday) on May 6 at 7:00 pm. “Audible Truth” will lead worship and we will welcome a special guest speaker. Refreshments and fellowship will follow.

BRIEF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
We will vote on the building projects on Sunday, May 11 at the beginning of worship. The project includes three parts: a new roof for the sanctuary and office area ($20,000); Parking lot re-wiring, block retainer wall (5360.00 and volunteer labor); MCUSA logo for north end exterior peak ($1200). Detail for the project is in this week’s bulletin.

HOW OLD IS MAPLE GROVE MENNONITE CHURCH?
Our answer depends on where we want to start. Do we go back over 200 years to our Amish roots? Do we begin 126 years ago when a part of that group split to build a church building in Millwood? Should we look back 102 years ago when church meetings were first held in our area? Or should we start 99 years ago when the first part of our church building was constructed? Is it 64 years ago when Maple Grove split off of Millwood and became a separate congregation?
The answer, of course, is that all of this is part of who we are. These are our roots and our heritage. Next year we will celebrate the centennial of the building of our house of worship. We live out our faith very differently than the people who constructed this building. Our history of faith encourages us to build on the past and trust the Lord for a bright future.

SOME NOTES FROM MAPLE GROVE HISTORY
1882 – Established as part of Millwood Amish-Mennonite Church which withdrew from the Old Order Amish and built a meeting house.
1906 – Sunday School was organized at the Sadsbury Friends Meeting House.
1909 – Maple Grove Amish-Mennonite Church meeting house constructed.
1922 – First church fire and rebuilding
1933 – First Annual Open Air Singing
1935 – Maple Grove building enlarged to accommodate growth
1940 – Second church fire and rebuilding
1944 – Maple Grove Mennonite Church splits from Millwood Mennonite Church and becomes a separate congregation
1950 – Remodel of the church building
1952 – Third church fire and rebuilding
1964 – Last Annual Open Air Singing
1967 – Fourth church fire, rebuilding and building addition
1985 – New addition to accommodate the preschool program
2007 – New addition and remodeling to accommodate growth

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Work Day is May 15 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Everyone is invited to help. Please bring your own lunch. Contact Henry Umble for more information. (Check out MCC at http://www.mcc.org/)

MUSIC in the MEADOW
MAPLE GROVE WILL HOLD AN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT on July 13th. You are invited to help with the planning – many hands are needed. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

VBS is coming June 13-19. Sign up to help on the bulletin board in the foyer. A list of items needed is posted.

Maple Grove Preschool is collecting money to help Chuck and Jen Hadley. Jen is a teacher at the Preschool and her husband Chuck goes to Hershey Medical Center every day for radiation therapy. Please see Sarah Byler or Ruth Ann Bruner if you wish to contribute.

Relay for Life is June 20 & 21 in our area. Ruth Ann Bruner is looking for people to be on her team. June 6 is a fund raiser for the Relay fund raiser, the 4th annual LanChester Golf Outing at Moccasin Run Golf Course. Ruth Ann has a table in the foyer with more information and to sign up. See http://lanchesterrelayforlife.org/ for more information.

EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES

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 the youth will go to Village Greens for a night of mini-golf.

LIFT (Learning In Fellowship Together) is a program for mothers of young children. LIFT meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:15 to 11:00. Nursery care and preschool classes are provided. This week’s program marks the closing of the program year with a farewell brunch.

Are you looking for rewarding experience? Come teach Sunday school. Talk to Lynda King or Denyce Copeland; teachers are greatly needed for next quarter. A teacher for the 3 & 4 year old class is needed to start in September.

FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY NIGHT MEAL
The Music and Worship Commission invites you to a Musical Mystery Meal on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:00 pm. A delicious meal will be provided, but you will determine the order that you will eat each course. You need to match a song with a meal item. Entertainment will be provided. Donations will go towards the youth group projects.

COMEDY EXPEDITION
A comedy show will be held at Octorara Area High School on May 10 at 7:00 pm. The program features Taylor Mason and Thor Ramsey. All proceeds will benefit 6 local fire departments. (Sponsored by Freedom Life Church)

STEWARDSHIP

April 27 Offering $4702
The Building Fund current loan amount $53,300.

From the Building Stewardship Committee: Thank you for supporting the building fund through laughing during the “Ryan and Friends” performance and through participating in a time of renewal of Faith Commitments. “Ryan & Friends” raised $1900 and last two Sunday’s special offering totaled $26,510, plus about $71,000 in future commitments.
If you were unable to participate in the April 20 renewal time for Faith Commitments, you can find additional forms in the friendship pads or beside the offering box in the foyer. Place completed forms in the offering box or basket, or give to Rhonda Stoltzfus.

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)

CHRISTIANA EXPRESSO
Christiana Espresso is a coffee house on Friday, May 9 at the old Christiana Freight Station at 10 Railroad Avenue from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. This week features Bob Peiffer and Waiting for Cadence. (Sponsored by Christiana United Methodist Church and Latta Memorial Presbyterian Church)

LANCASTER MENNONITE SCHOOL will hold a Spring Open House on Sunday, May 18 for parents and students exploring Christian education in grades preK to 12. The open house will run from 1 to 3 pm in the Alumni Dining Hall of the Lancaster Campus and will include campus tours, refreshments and information about the four campuses. The high school Spring Concert will follow at 3 pm in the Fine Arts Center. For more information visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org/.

Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts at Frazer Mennonite
Calling All Artists! Frazer Mennonite Church is soliciting original works of art for Speaking of Peace: A Festival of the Arts which will be held Saturday, May 31, 2008, from 1 - 9pm. The festival will provide an intersection of faith, art and peacemaking that is designed to spark an interactive exchange that is authentic and visionary. Original work will be accepted in many mediums. For more details please contact Sharon Thompsonowak at artofpeace@frazermennonite.org.

RUTHANN 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 them to mgchurch@netzero.net.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Change in Schedule

The Family Life Conference scheduled for Sunday, May 4 has been postponed to a date to be announced later. We are sorry for this inconvenience. The Kanagys, our guest speakers, have a medical emergency.

Sunday School and Worship will meet as customary and there will be no fellowship dinner.

Pastor Steve will preach on "Grace and Peace" from Romans 5:1-5.