June 21, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)

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 Chapter 11 challenged us to be people of faith. From Hebrews 12:1-2 we learned that faith is like a long bicycle ride. We don’t want to carry too much extra weight, we need to pace ourselves, and we need to keep our focus. Jesus helps us with each of these things.
Today we consider Hebrews 12:7-13. Today is Father’s Day. Not everyone has the example of a good father in their lives. God is the model of a good parent. God loves us, cares for us and even disciplines us. The discipline part can be a little hard to take at times, but eventually we learn that it’s good for us. When hardships come, we are to endure them like we do discipline (12:7). Because difficulties are a part of life, we need to do two things to get ready for them: prepare ourselves with spiritual strength (12:12) and get the obstacles out of our way (12:13). This way, hardships and discipline will be beneficial for our spiritual life.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, July 7, 7:00 pm. Audible Truth will lead worship and Nicholle Saunders (Keystone Evangelical Free Church) is the 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.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

THANK YOU to all who helped make VBS a great success!

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

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.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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.

FAMILY LIFE wishes everyone a HAPPY FATHER’S DAY with a special recognition on June 21.

YOUTH MININSTRY 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 round of Mini Golf. Contact Brandon and Rhonda Umble for more information.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

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. Check it out at http://www.emm.org/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=425:global-fair&catid=60:events-main-list&Itemid=75.

MDS (Mennonite Disaster Services) is working on building a house in Gap. Contact Mahlon Newswanger at 717-629-7558 for more information.

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.

RED HAT / PINK HAT LADIES will meet at the church on Thursday, June 25 at 6:00 pm. The meeting is a service project: baking cookies for Music in the Meadow and repairing hymnbooks. Bring cookie dough ready to mix and a basket of finger food to share.

Cathy Case will hold a CPR CLASS on July 5th following worship. See Cathy for more information.

ETCETERA – ITEMS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY

CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAMS!
The Maple Grove Men’s team has no scheduled games this week, but check for news of make-up games at http://allprosoftware.net/lanchestersoftballleague/.
The Maple Grove Women’s team plays the Rusty Buckets on Tuesday, June 23, 6:45 pm at Gap Park.

PASTORAL SEARCH AND ELDERS
Thank you for your prayerful nominations for Elder and for members of the Pastoral Search Committee for Associate Pastor. The Leadership Team is seeking God’s direction as we contact people to fill these positions from your nominations. Please make this a matter of prayer.

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAPLE GROVE
Printed invitations and envelopes to our 100th Anniversary Celebration on August 16 are available in the foyer. Please take what you need to make a personal invitation to a friend or family member.

MUSIC IN THE MEADOW
July 12 is the date for Music in the Meadow. Sunday School for Children and Worship for Adults is at 9:30 am. Music in the Meadow starts at 1:00 pm and The Birdsong Family at 6:00 pm. There are posters available in the foyer; please take some and put them up around the community.

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.