Monday, October 27, 2008

October 26, 2008 – This Week at Maple Grove

Oops! Sorry this was posted late.

Sunday, October 26
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service: “Jesus’ Small Group” Mark 6:6-13, 30-32 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 pm Potato Bar (everyone invited, sponsored by MYF)

Tuesday, October 28
8:00 am Praise & Prayer Meeting
9:15 am LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together)
6:30 pm Maple Grove Leadership Team

Wednesday, October 29
9:15 am Women’s Precept Bible Study
6:00 pm Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF)

Thursday, October 30
6:00 am Men’s Prayer meeting

Sunday, November 2
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “Sharing Christ” Luke 6:26-36 (Pastor Steve)
6:30 pm Evening Worship, Francesca Crane, Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties.

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.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

October 19, 2008 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, October 19
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages. Dale & Kathy Mast will have an elective class in the Sanctuary.
10:30 am Worship Service: “The Book That Transforms Nations” 2 Chronicles 17:9-10 (Dale Mast) Kathy Mast will bring the Children’s Sermon. Dale and Kathy are missionaries with YWAM.
MCC Grocery Bags are due today!

Monday, October 20
7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study at Sue Eby’s

Tuesday, October 21
8:00 am Praise & Prayer Meeting
9:15 am LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together)

Wednesday, October 22
9:15 am Women’s Precept Bible Study
6:00 pm Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) Barn Party at Goff’s

Thursday, October 23
6:00 am Men’s Prayer meeting

Friday, October 24
6:30 pm Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Banquet at Conestoga Mennonite Church.

Saturday, October 25
9:00 am to 4:00 pm Atlantic Coast Conference Annual Fall Assembly at Conestoga Mennonite Church

Sunday, October 26
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “Jesus’ Small Group” Mark 6:6-13, 30-32
12:00 pm Potato Bar (everyone invited, sponsored by MYF)

October 19, 2008 – Announcements

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”
Psalm 33:12

We welcome Dale and Kathy Mast with us this morning. They are missionaries with YWAM supported by Maple Grove for many years. They recently completed missionary service in Chile and relocated to YWAM Richmond, VA.

Jesus told us that his “nation” is not of this world. We are thankful that people from Chile, the USA and every other earthly nation, can be equal citizens in “the nation whose God is the Lord.”

WE WELCOME “Calli Ann King” to this world, born on October 11, 2008. Matt & Missy King are the proud parents. Congratualtions!

A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church; Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body. Next Sunday we will 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.

MAINTAIN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE
Daily devotions are important to our spiritual growth. We have two resources we make available to our church family. REJOICE is a daily devotional published by the Mennonite Church. The OUR DAILY BREAD is published by the Radio Bible Class. Current editions of both quarterlies are available in the foyer. In addition, REJOICE is available online at http://www.mennonitechurch.ca/resources/rejoice/; OUR DAILY BREAD can be found at http://www.rbc.org/odb. You can also request Our Daily Bread to be sent each day to your e-mailbox.

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 Sharon Charles will teach about “Halloween Alternatives.”

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) 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 meet at Dale & Darlene Groff’s for a Barn Party.

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.

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.

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

ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE MENNONITE WOMEN will have the Fall Women’s 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.

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
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)

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.

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.

Friday, October 10, 2008

October 12, 2008 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, October 12
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “A Small Group Activity” Matthew 26:20-30 (Pastor Steve) Celebration of the Lord’s Supper and Foot Washing
6:30 pm CONCERT: Broken Vessels & Mindy Boyd

Monday, October 13
7:00 pm Youth Ministry Commission

Tuesday, October 14
8:00 am Praise & Prayer Meeting
9:15 am LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together)

Wednesday, October 15
9:15 am Women’s Precept Bible Study
7:00 pm Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF)
7:00 pm Coordinating Body

Thursday, October 16
6:00 am Men’s Prayer meeting
9:00 am to 3:00 pm Word Day at MCC
4:45 pm Women meet at church to go to Beth Moore Program

Sunday, October 19
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: Dale & Kathy Mast, Missionaries with YWAM

October 12, 2008 – Announcements

OCTOBER 12 IS COMMUNION SUNDAY
“Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” John 13:1b

A HEALTHY CHURCH
We want to be a healthy church; Jesus deserves a strong and healthy body. Last week we considered our ability to worship in spirit and in truth. Today we are reminded that Jesus formed a small group. The final act of that group before Jesus death and resurrection was an intimate meal together. That act is a constant reminder of the tie that binds us together. 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 Sonya Pena will lead in “Living as Lovers: Lifestyle of Worship.”

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) 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 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.

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.

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
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 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.

POSTMODERNISM AND THE CHURCH
Tel Hai Retirement Community is sponsoring a three week series on Postmodernism, Sunday evenings, October 12, 26 and November 9 at 6:00 pm. Dr. Kenneth Miller, professor at Evangelical Theological Seminary is teacher. The theme for October 12 is “Postmodernity: Where Did It Come From? The Promise and Failure of Modernism.”

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.

Pastor Steve will be away, October 17 to 19. Please contact an Elder with your pastoral concerns at that time.

Monday, October 6, 2008

MAPLE GROVE CONCERT SERIES

Come join us on October 12 at 6:30 pm for a Concert

Broken Vessels and Mindy Boyd will be here

Maple Grove Mennonite Church, 549 Swan Road, Atglen, PA

Broken Vessels: Joined together on a worship team, this group of friends discovered a unique blend of harmony and an incredible joy in singing together.
The name “Broken Vessels” was chosen as a reminder; sort of a checklist, for each member of the group. Their desire is to be broken before God; able to be used as a vessel to share Christ with others.
The group has enjoyed singing in competitions, conventions and local churches (Music in the Meadow); but their greatest love is simply meeting God’s family all over the place!
“The greatest encouragement we have is to watch God open doors for us to meet another branch of His family. It is our passion to thank God publicly for His gifts of salvation, to live lives that are authentic and to encourage others to find Him”

Mindy Boyd is a songwriter, and has been writing her own music since the age of 6. As a little girl on a swing in her front yard, she would sing her thoughts and feelings about life, family, nature, and God.

Now as an adult, she continues to express her thoughts and feelings about these things in a style that both captivates the listener and conveys the emotions of her heart. Her years of experience, both in leading worship and performing on-stage, have given her the ability to communicate in a way that is natural and easy to relate to.

Authenticity and vulnerability are what she strives for in her music, and when listening to Mindy sing, you quickly realize that you have been invited into the most candid entries of her journal.

The invitations she has received have given her opportunities to share her music nationally, as well as internationally in countries such as Germany, Hungary, Bolivia, and Hong Kong. Her most recent album, Coming Home, was was released in October 2006.

October 5, 2008 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, October 5
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “Connecting With God” John 4:19-26 (Pastor Steve)
4:00 pm Progressive Dinner
7:00 pm Evening Service with Gregg Horst, Tel Hai Camp & Retreat (Dessert will follow)

Monday, October 6
7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study at Sue Eby’s

Tuesday, October 7
8:00 am Praise & Prayer Meeting
9:15 am LIFT (Ladies In Fellowship Together)
6:00 pm Leadership Team
7:00 pm Xtreme Worship (Preacher: Mary Wilson)

Wednesday, October 8
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sewing Circle
7:00 pm Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF)

Thursday, October 9
6:00 am Men’s Prayer meeting

Sunday, October 12 COMMUNION SUNDAY
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “A Small Group Activity” Matthew 26:20-30 (Pastor Steve)
6:30 pm CONCERT: Broken Vessels & Mindy Boyd

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.