June 14, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and the he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Instructions for the Christian life from the Book of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is full of instructions to guide us in our walk with Jesus. Last week Hebrews 10:19-25 challenged us stay close to God by staying close to each other.
Today we consider Hebrews 11:1 – 12:2. Spiritual Passion is a measure of our faith. Chapter 11 has a number of regular people who rose up to be faithful to God’s calling. Because these people were faithful, those of us who live on this side of the cross, have confidence that we can be faithful.
We need to return to the lettuce patch to find instructions to help us remain faithful. Let us throw off the sin that slows us down (12:1); let us move forward with perseverance (12:1); let us keep our eyes fixed on the object of our faith – Jesus (12:2). Following these instructions will add our names to the list of the faithful.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, July 7, 7:00 pm. Audible Truth will lead worship and we will have a special guest speaker.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. See Ken Umble if you can help. Large potted plants are needed to decorate the stage. Contact Sue R if you are able to loan your plants.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

INTERGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
Classes begin on June 28. We will study 1 Peter. Class assignments are posted on the missions’ bulletin board. See Nicole Eby if your name is missing.

BROWSE AND BUY
The Maple Grove Library is a ministry of the Christian Education Commission. They will have a “Browse and Buy” event on May 31 and June 7 - 10. Mennonite Publishing Network will make their publications available in the foyer on these dates. Place orders and receive your books in time for summer vacation reading.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVE
The Parenting Your Teenager Sunday School elective continues. The last class is June 28 – Discipling Your Teenager. Join us in classroom #7.

Elementary Grade Sunday School teachers are needed for the fall. Contact Jen McGowan if you can serve in this way.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS THIS WEEK
VBS is June 14 - 18 this year. Get all the information and register at www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox.myvbs/MapleGroveVBS2009.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

CHURCH PICNIC
On Sunday, June 14, we will gather at West Sadsbury Township Park (on Moscow Road off Rt. 30). The Church service will begin at 10:00 am with special participation by the children of the church. A meal will follow our church service. Hot dogs will be provided. If your last name begins with A-K, bring a dessert; L-Z bring a salad.

Did you miss the Family Life Conference at the beginning of the month? A 3 CD set that includes all three sessions is available from the church office.

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

The Junior Youth will go to Black Rock Retreat on Monday, June 15 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

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 help with VBS.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

RELAY FOR LIFE is June 19-20. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Walkers and sponsors are needed. See Tammie Bromley, Rana Watterson, or Amy Umble for more information.

GLOBAL MISSIONS FAIR
The Global Missions Fair of Eastern Mennonite Missions will be held at Lancaster Mennonite School on Saturday, July 11 from 11 am to 3 pm. Everyone is invited to see what God is doing throughout the world.

PRAY FOR RENEWAL. Renewal Prayer Meetings are held every first and third Monday at 7:30 pm at the church. Join us in prayer for renewal as we prepare for renewal meetings in September.

RENEWAL SERVICES will be held September 20 - 23. Pray for renewal at Maple Grove. Dwayne Walton, director of the Parkesburg Point, is our evangelist.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

The Ladies Bible Study will meet 3 times in June, on Mondays June 1, June 22 and June 29. They meet at 7 pm at the home of Sue Eby.

ETCETERA – CHURCH FAMILY COMMUNITY ITEMS

CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAMS!
The Maple Grove Men’s team plays Media Mennonite on Monday, June 15, at 8:00 pm at West Fallowfield Christian School.
The Maple Grove Women’s team has a bye this week.

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
A baptism instruction class will begin after VBS. The class is for anyone interested in learning the basics of the Christian Faith and preparing for baptism. It will be held one evening every week through the summer months. Baptism is August 30. Contact Pastor Steve for more information or to sign-up.

WEDDING PHOTOS WANTED. Were you married after 1979? Your wedding photo is requested to be posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(More information for most of these items is available on the bulletin board in the foyer)

SummerFest ’09 is sponsored by many local churches and held on the grounds of The Open Bible Church, 101 E. 1st Ave in Parkesburg on Saturday, June 20th. The “Summer Fest ‘09” will begin at 10 am and continue until dusk. Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

[please contact Pastor Steve Crane, pastorscrane@epix.net, if you see anything that needs to be corrected on this page]