January 4, 2009 – Announcements

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (Jesus, John 12:46)

CHILD DEDICATION
Children are a gift from God. Mary & 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).
Daryl and Kim Stoltzfus bring NOLAN JEFFREY STOLTZFUS to present him to the Lord. In doing so, the parents and our congregations promise to do all they can to nurture Nolan in the Christian faith.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended to the family and friends of …

LUCY N. LAPP, who went to be with the Lord on December 26, funeral service was held on December 30.

NANCY E. TREPHAN RUNKLE, who went to be with the Lord on January 29, funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5, 3:00 pm, at Living Water Community Church in Harrisburg.

DOROTHY MAILIN SMOKER, who went to be with the Lord on January 2, funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 11:00 am, at Frazer Mennonite Church.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009

100 YEARS AGO (1909)
In the fall of 1908 the Directors of Old Sadsbury Church decided not to rent the church any longer, but kindly consented that we could use the church until a new location could be located.
Counsel was taken at Millwood Church on Sunday, January 3, 1909, to build a new church and another meeting was called at Sadsbury Church on Tuesday January 19. 1909. Here quite a struggle ensued, but a building committee was finally appointed as follows. Isaac K. Mast, Cochranville: Amos B. Smoker, Atglen; John A. Kennel, Atglen.
(from “History of Maple Grove Church” by Vernon Kennel)

75 YEARS AGO (1934)
Maple Grove & Millwood Bishop John A. Kennel had a busy week. Monday, January 1 was the wedding of John E. Kauffman & Margaret Riehl. Wednesday, January 3 was the funeral service for Henry M. Umble who went to be with the Lord on December 31, 1933. On Sunday, January 7, he preached on Matthew 6:6-8. John served as Sunday School Superintendent when Maple Grove was founded (1909) and was chosen by lot and ordained to ministry in 1917 and became bishop in 1926.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

On January 11 & 18 the Adult Sunday School classes will have a joint class on dealing with depression led by Mike Lusby.

FELLOWSHIP AND INSPIRATION COMING EVENTS

X-TREME WORSHIP will be on Tuesday, January 6 at 7:00 pm. “Audible Truth” will lead in praise and worship. Nicholle Saunders will speak. Food and fellowship will follow.

Would you like to learn to quilt? There will be a “Basic How-to” class on Wednesday, January 14 during the Sewing Circle time. Contact Patti White with any questions.

A SWEETHEART SOCIAL will be held on Wednesday, February 11 at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The Cost is $20 per person.

The LADIES’ RETREAT will be held at the Eden Resort Inn and Suites in Lancaster, PA on February 20-22, 2009. Mary Wilson, Care Coordinator at Living Truth Fellowship Church, will be our speaker. The cost is $110 per person. Registration must be turned into Missy King by Sunday, January 18.

The MEN’S RETREAT is March 27-29 at the Ponderosa Lodge. Larry Constable will be the speaker.

A FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE will be held on Sunday, May 3. Gerald and Marlene Kauffman will be our speakers. They are the authors of “Monday Marriage.”

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Church Offering Envelopes for 2009 have been placed in mailboxes. Contact Bill Umble if you did not receive envelopes.

YOUTH MINISTRIES

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.

The MYF has ham loaves available for those who missed the sale. Contact Rhonda Umble to purchase a ham loaf for $8.50 each.

THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(See the bulletin board in the foyer for more information and additional announcements)

Expand your world and your family through Serving And Learning Together (SALT). If you are 18-27 years old, consider serving oversees for 11 months through Mennonite Central Committee’s SALT program. Visit www.mcc.org/salt for more information.

MCC is collecting AIDS Care Kits. You can help by assembling a kit. See www.mcc.org/kits/aids for more information.