Saturday, March 28, 2009

March 29, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, March 29
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Get Ready For Supper” Colossians 3:12-17
(Pastor Steve).

Monday, March 30
7:00 pm Maple Grove Preschool Board of Directors

Tuesday, March 31
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT

Wednesday, April 1
9:15 am Precepts for Women Bible Study
6:00 pm Church Family Night (dinner and work night)
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, April 2
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Friday, April 3
10:00 am – 12:00 pm Pick-up of Corbi items from Preschool sale
MCC Relief Sale at Harrisburg Farm Show Complex
http://www.pareliefsale.org/

Saturday, April 4
Mulch Delivery – Youth Fund Raiser
MCC Relief Sale at Harrisburg Farm Show Complex
http://www.pareliefsale.org/
5:00 pm Settlers of Catan Game Night

Sunday, April 5
COMMUNION SUNDAY
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Communion of the Saints” Acts 2:42-47
(Pastor Steve). There will be recognition of Sunday School Children for Bible Memory work.
12:00 pm Luncheon for Sunday School Bible Memory Recognition
5:00 pm Rose of Sharon Orphanage Fund Raising Dinner
6:30 pm Evening Service with Elvin Kennel, Principal at West Fallowfield Christian School

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

March 29, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Jesus, Revelation 3:20)

We continue to be challenged to Grow Our Faith as we head toward Easter. Our Amaryllis bulb is growing; there is a bud! Will it bloom? How about our faith? It’s great to see signs of growth. Do you ever encourage others to grow in their relationship with God? Our relationship with others can help our faith grow our faith in God.
We plant the bulb of our faith when we make a commitment to Jesus. Our faith grows as we rely on God for daily nourishment. We need to trust that God is with us, even when things aren’t going well in our lives. We give God the thanks for the growth we see, realizing it’s nothing we have done. Finally, we need to encourage each other as we see their faith growing.

APRIL 5 IS COMMUNION
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.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our quarterly congregational meeting was held on Wednesday, March 25. CD recordings or MP3 downloads of the meeting are available from the church secretary.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that began on March 1. Each class is an independent unit. You can view a preview trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NhpvGyJ6tE&feature=related, and episode 2 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS1Fx8sLtdE. This week is the final episode.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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.”

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

The YOUTH MULCH SALE is underway. Triple ground premium mulch and black mulch is for sale by the youth group members. Delivery is Saturday, April 4. See a youth group member or Matt & Laura to place your order. Proceeds from the sale are for the July trip to the Youth Convention.

BIBLE QUIZZING ends this weekend with the invitational tournament in Archbold, Ohio. The regional tournament was at Lancaster Mennonite School last weekend. Abbie Weaver, Taylor Fritz, Denver Groff and Kaitlyn Nafziger all “quizzed out.” Abbie Weaver was recognized as being among the top quizzers of the ACC. Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. Get all the information at www.accquizzing.org.

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.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by Merv Stoltzfus, Conference Youth Minister.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

PENNY POWER is here. Bud Eby’s class is taking charge of Penny Power this year. There are two bottles in the foyer for your pennies. These will be taken to the MCC Relief Sale for projects of peace, relief and development. Go to www.pennypower.org for more information about Penny Power and to http://www.pareliefsale.org/ for info about the Relief Sale.

WORSHIP & MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

“Music in the Meadow” will be held in July. The date is still being worked on. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

PRECEPTS FOR WOMEN
A 3 week study on the Book of Titus is held on Wednesday mornings (9:15 to 11:30 am) on March 18, 25 and April 1st. Titus will teach us how to develop character and integrity in the midst of a society which has lost respect for God. Childcare will be provided.

The Ladies Bible Study meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm. They are meeting at the home of Sue Eby.

The SEWING CIRCLE is collecting for MCC Newborn Kits. 6000 of these kits were sent to Iraq for families displaced by the war. More kits are needed. Find more information and a list of items needed at http://www.mcc.org/kits/newborn/.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009
Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 noon. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

There will be a 100TH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE on April 5 at 6:30 pm. Mike King will lead in singing and Elvin Kennel, Principal of West Fallowfield Christian School will speak about the joint history of Maple Grove and WFCS (complete with photos) and bring us up to date on the ministry of WFCS today. MG / SFCS alumni are invited to bring photos to share during a time of fellowship following the service.

MAPLE GROVE PRESCHOOL
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out www.maplegrovepreschool.org for more information.

DELEGATES TO MCUSA ARE NEEDED
Maple Grove is looking for delegates willing to attend The Mennonite Church USA Convention, June 30 to July 5 in Columbus, OH. Our church is allowed 3 delegates and we may be able to help with expenses. Delegates need to be registered by April 1. See www.mennoniteusa.org for more information. Contact Pastor Steve if you are willing to consider participating at the convention.

MISCELLANEOUS

CD recordings of our Sunday morning worship services are available from the church office. MP3 downloads of the services are also available; give Chuck White your e-mail address and the date(s) of the services you want and he will send them to you.

Recycle Christian Literature
During the month of March a box is in the foyer (next to the mailboxes) for our Christian reading and study materials. These will be distributed to other English speaking countries.

The Church Secretary has organized a church photo directory. Photos will be taken June 8-10. Mark your calendars; more information will soon be available.

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

Friday, March 20, 2009

March 22, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, March 22
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “A Golden Opportunity” Exodus 32:1-26; Matthew 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
11:45 pm Bible Quizzers meet for lunch
1:00 pm Bible Quizzing Tournament at Lancaster Mennonite School

Monday, March 23
7:00 pm Leadership Team

Tuesday, March 24
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT

Wednesday, March 25
9:15 am Precepts for Women Bible Study
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)
7:00 pm CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Last date to place an order for MYF Mulch Sale

Thursday, March 26
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Friday, March 27
6:00 pm Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies meet at Naomi King’s
Bible Quizzers leave for Ohio Tournament
Men’s Retreat begins at Ponderosa Lodge

Saturday, March 28
Bible Quizzers in Ohio Tournament
Men’s Retreat continues at Ponderosa Lodge

Sunday, March 29
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Get Ready For Supper” Colossians 3:12-17
(Pastor Steve). There will be recognition of Sunday School Children for Bible Memory work.

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

March 22, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness ….” (Matthew 6:33)

We continue to Grow Our Faith as we head toward Easter. Our Amaryllis bulb is showing a few signs of life. Will it make it? We hope so. More importantly, we need to ask if our faith shows a few signs of life.
We plant the bulb of our faith when we make a commitment to Jesus. Our faith grows as we rely on God for daily nourishment. We need to trust that God is with us, even when things aren’t going well in our lives. Finally, we need to give God the glory for the growth we see.
As we head toward Easter, you are invited you to walk with Jesus through the desert. Lent, the period leading up to Easter, commemorates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert and was tempted by the devil. The devil took Jesus up on a high mountain and tempted him with worldly power (Mt. 4:8-9). Jesus could have this if he bowed down and submitted himself to the devil.
Jesus could have ruled the world, but he didn’t want to worship Satan’s to do it. Jesus chose to give all his devotion to God the Father. “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Mt 4:10). The world has a lot to offer: wealth, power, prestige. Do you give all of your devotion to God?

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm. The Leadership Team continues to meet with Sunday School classes about church concerns, passionate spirituality and an associate pastor. Leadership will have a report of the findings from these meetings at this congregational meeting.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that began on March 1. Each class is an independent unit. You can view a preview trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NhpvGyJ6tE&feature=related, and episode 2 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS1Fx8sLtdE.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

The MEN’S RETREAT is March 27-29 at the Ponderosa Lodge. Larry Constable will be the speaker. See Eric N or Nelson S to sign-up today!

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.”

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

The YOUTH MULCH SALE is underway. Triple ground premium mulch and black mulch is for sale by the youth group members. Delivery is Saturday, April 4. See a youth group member or Matt & Laura no later than March 25 to place your order. Proceeds from the sale are for the July trip to the Youth Convention.

BIBLE QUIZZING continues. The regular season ended last week (3/15); Abbie Weaver quizzed out. This week (Mar 22) is the regional tournament at Lancaster Mennonite School starting at 1:00 pm. Each team will quiz from 1 to 5 pm and the finals will follow. Come cheer on our teams! Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. March 27 to 29 is the Tournament in Ohio. Get all the information at www.accquizzing.org.

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.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by Merv Stoltzfus, Conference Youth Minister.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

PENNY POWER is here. Bud Eby’s class is taking charge of Penny Power this year. There are two bottles in the foyer for your pennies. These will be taken to the MCC Relief Sale in April for projects of peace, relief and development. Go to www.pennypower.org for more information.

WORSHIP & MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

“Music in the Meadow” will be held in July. The date is still being worked on. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

The RED HAT / PINK HAT LADIES will meet on Friday, March 27, 6:00 pm at Naomi King’s. Participants need to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

PRECEPTS FOR WOMEN
A 3 week study on the Book of Titus is held on Wednesday mornings (9:15 to 11:30 am) on March 18, 25 and April 1st. Titus will teach us how to develop character and integrity in the midst of a society which has lost respect for God. Childcare will be provided.

The Ladies Bible Study meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm. They are meeting at the home of Sue Eby.

The SEWING CIRCLE is collecting for MCC Newborn Kits. 6000 of these kits were sent to Iraq for families displaced by the war. More kits are needed. Find more information and a list of items needed at http://www.mcc.org/kits/newborn/.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009
Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 noon. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

There will be a 100TH ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE on April 5 at 6:30 pm. Mike King will lead in singing and Elvin Kennel, Principal of West Fallowfield Christian School will speak about the joint history of Maple Grove and WFCS (complete with photos) and bring us up to date on the ministry of WFCS today. MG / SFCS alumni are invited to bring photos to share during a time of fellowship following the service.

MAPLE GROVE PRESCHOOL
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out www.maplegrovepreschool.org for more information.

DELEGATES TO MCUSA ARE NEEDED
Maple Grove is looking for delegates willing to attend The Mennonite Church USA Convention, June 30 to July 5 in Columbus, OH. Our church is allowed 3 delegates and we may be able to help with expenses. Delegates need to be registered by April 1. See www.mennoniteusa.org for more information. Contact Pastor Steve if you are willing to consider participating at the convention.

MISCELLANEOUS

CD recordings of our Sunday morning worship services are available from the church office. MP3 downloads of the services are also available; give Chuck White your e-mail address and the date(s) of the services you want and he will send them to you.

Recycle Christian Literature
During the month of March a box is in the foyer (next to the mailboxes) for our Christian reading and study materials. These will be distributed to other English speaking countries.

The Church Secretary has organized a church photo directory. Photos will be taken June 8-10. Mark your calendars; more information will soon be available.

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

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

March 15, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, March 15
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Double Dog Dare” Deuteronomy 6:16; Exodus 17:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve). Dedication of Aubrey and Kaylie Ressler (daughters of Matt & Laura)
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Nafziger’s
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Lancaster Mennonite School

Monday, March 16
7:00 pm Ladies’ Bible Study at Sue Eby’s
7:00 pm Worship & Music Commission
7:00 pm Youth Ministry Commission

Tuesday, March 17
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT

Wednesday, March 18
9:15 am Precepts for Women Bible Study
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)
7:00 pm Family Life Commission

Thursday, March 19
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
7:00 pm Gift Discernment Committee

Sunday, March 22
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “A Golden Opportunity” Exodus 32:1-26; Matthew 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
11:45 pm Bible Quizzers meet for lunch
1:00 pm Bible Quizzing Tournament at Lancaster Mennonite School

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

March 15, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

“My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

We are Growing Our Faith as we head toward Easter. Our Amaryllis bulb isn’t doing very well. If it doesn’t grow or bloom, we’ll be a little sad. The more important question is, “How is your faith growing? If it doesn’t grow or bloom, it will be tragic. We plant the bulb of our faith when we make a commitment to Jesus. Our faith grows as we rely on God for daily nourishment. We need to trust that God is with us, even when things aren’t going well in our lives.
As we head toward Easter, you are invited you to walk with Jesus through the desert. Lent, the period leading up to Easter, commemorates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert and was tempted by the devil. The devil took Jesus to the highest point of the temple mount and dared him to jump, trusting that God would save him (Mt 4:5-6). The devil even quoted Scripture. Jesus could have jumped, but he didn’t want to give in to Satan’s challenge. Jesus chose to trust that God the Father was with him, without proving his presence. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Mt 4:7). Do you trust in God’s presence at all times? Even during difficult moments?

CHILD DEDICATION
Children are a gift from the Lord. Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord at the Temple (Luke 2:22). Children came 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 March 15 Matthew & Laura Ressler bring AUBREY LOUISE RESSLER and KAYLIE SUE RESSLER to present them to the Lord. In doing so, the parents, family and our congregation promise to do all they can to nurture Aubrey and Kaylie in the Christian faith.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
There will be a Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, March 25 at 7:00 pm. The Leadership Team continues to meet with Sunday School classes about church concerns, passionate spirituality and an associate pastor. Leadership will have a report of the findings from these meetings at this congregational meeting.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that began on March 1. Each class is an independent unit. You can view a preview trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NhpvGyJ6tE&feature=related, and episode 2 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS1Fx8sLtdE.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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

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.”

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

BIBLE QUIZZING continues. This week (Mar 15) the competition for our team is at Lancaster Mennonite School at 6:30 pm. Come cheer on our teams! Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. Last week (3/8) Taylor Fritz quizzed out. Get all the information at www.accquizzing.org.

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.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by a special guest.

FINANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Money Talks” is a 5 week Sunday School elective, every Sunday in March, sponsored by the Finance Commission.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

PENNY POWER is here. Bud Eby’s class is taking charge of Penny Power this year. There are two bottles in the foyer for your pennies. These will be taken to the MCC Relief Sale in April for projects of peace, relief and development. Go to www.pennypower.org for more information.

WORSHIP & MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

“Music in the Meadow” will be held in July. The date is still being worked on. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

PRECEPTS FOR WOMEN
A 3 week study on the Book of Titus will be held on Wednesday mornings (9:15 to 11:30 am) on March 18, 25 and April 1st. Titus will teach us how to develop character and integrity in the midst of a society which has lost respect for God. Childcare will be provided.

The Ladies Bible Study meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. They are meeting at the home of Sue Eby.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009
Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, April 19 at 12:00 noon. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

100 YEARS AGO, according to Joseph Kennel’s account, Edwin Walton was contracted to build the foundation wall. On Wednesday, March 17, 1909 the foundation was completed, 56 feet long and 40 feet wide. The mason work cost $117.15.

75 YEARS AGO on Sunday, March 18, 1934 M.S. Stoltzfus preached on 1 Samuel 21:8, the last clause” Because the King’s business requireth haste.” Joseph Kennel’s notes from the sermon stated, “When you know God’s will concerning you, do not delay doing it.” Leroy G. Lapp and Anna Mary Kauffman were married on March 3.

50 YEARS AGO on Sunday, march 15, 1959 Dwight Weibe spoke on “Christ, the Cross, in this 20th Century.” On Saturday, March 21 the youth watched the film “Contrary Winds” in Abner’s recreation room. The Youth Project Committee decided to plant one acre of tomatoes at Paul King’s that summer.

MAPLE GROVE PRESCHOOL
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out www.maplegrovepreschool.org for more information.

The Preschool is sponsoring a Joe Corbi Fundraiser. Pizza, Cookie dough, Calzones, and many other delicious items are for sale. Orders need to be in by April 3. Call the Preschool Office for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS

CD recordings of our Sunday morning worship services are available from the church office. MP3 downloads of the services are also available; give Chuck White your e-mail address and the date(s) of the services you want and he will send them to you.

Recycle Christian Literature
During the month of March a box is in the foyer (next to the mailboxes) for our Christian reading and study materials. These will be distributed to other English speaking countries.

DELEGATES TO MCUSA ARE NEEDED
Maple Grove is looking for delegates willing to attend The Mennonite Church USA Convention, June 30 to July 5 in Columbus, OH. Our church is allowed 3 delegates and we may be able to help with expenses. Delegates need to be registered by April 1. See www.mennoniteusa.org for more information. Contact Pastor Steve if you are willing to consider participating at the convention.

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

The Parkesburg Point will hold its 3rd Annual Fundraising Banquet on Saturday, March 21, 5:00 to 8:30 pm, at West Fallowfield Christian School. See Laura Demastus or Dan Bruner for tickets or more information. Check it out at http://theparkesburgpoint.com/.

Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties invites you to its 10th Chester County Garden Luncheon with award-winning author Jane Kirkland, Chester Springs, talking on “Backyard Sanctuaries for Birds and Butterflies.” This event, held at The Desmond Great Valley Hotel, Malvern, on Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., helps homeless families build better futures. To make reservations, call 610-380-1360 or visit www.bridgeofhopelcc.org.

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

Friday, March 6, 2009

March 8, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

Sunday, March 8
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “What Are You Hungry For?” Deuteronomy 8:1-5; Matthew 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 pm 100th Anniversary Committee Meeting
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Fritz’s
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Weaverland Mennonite

Monday, March 9
6:30 pm Leadership Team (Evangelism & Service Commission invited)

Tuesday, March 10
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT

Wednesday, March 11
8:00 am – 2:00 am Sewing Circle
6:30 pm Christian Education Commission
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, March 12
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Sunday, March 15
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Double Dog Dare” Deuteronomy 6:16; Exodus 17:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Nafziger’s
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Lancaster Mennonite School

March 8, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

As we head toward Easter let’s think about how we can Grow Our Faith. On February 22 the children helped Pastor Steve plant an amaryllis bulb. How is our bulb doing? Is it growing? More importantly, “How is your faith doing?” We plant the bulb of our faith when we make a commitment to Jesus. Our faith grows as we trust God for daily nourishment.
As we head toward Easter, you are invited you to walk with Jesus through the desert. Lent, the period leading up to Easter, commemorates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the desert and was tempted by the devil. Jesus was hungry and the Devil asked him to turn the stones into bread. (Mt 4:3) He could have done it, but he didn’t want to give in to Satan’s lure. Jesus chose to trust God the Father for his nourishment. “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4) Do you trust God for all your needs? Are you hungry for God?

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that will began on March 1. Each class is an independent unit. You can view a preview trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NhpvGyJ6tE&feature=related, and episode 2 at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS1Fx8sLtdE.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

The MEN’S RETREAT is March 27-29 at the Ponderosa Lodge. Larry Constable will be the speaker. Registration needs to be in by March 10.

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.”

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

BIBLE QUIZZING continues. This week (Mar 8) the competition for our team is at Weaverland Mennonite Church at 6:30 pm. Come cheer on our teams! Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. Last week (3/1) Dillon King & Abbie Weaver quizzed out. Get all the information at www.accquizzing.org.

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. Merv Stoltzfus, Atlantic Coast Conference Youth Minister, is this week’s speaker.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by a special guest.

FINANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS

“Money Talks” is a 5 week Sunday School elective, every Sunday in March, sponsored by the Finance Commission.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

The LANCASTER AREA MDS (Mennonite Disaster Service) will have their annual meeting on Monday, march 9, 7:00 pm at Pequea Brethren In Christ Church. Contact Henry Umble for more information.

PENNY POWER is here. Bud Eby’s class is taking charge of Penny Power this year. There are two bottles in the foyer for your pennies. These will be taken to the MCC Relief Sale in April for projects of peace, relief and development. Go to www.pennypower.org for more information.

WORSHIP & MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

“Music in the Meadow” will be held in July. The date is still being worked on. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

PRECEPTS FOR WOMEN
A 3 week study on the Book of Titus will be held on Wednesday mornings (9:15 to 11:30 am) on March 18, 25 and April 1st. Titus will teach us how to develop character and integrity in the midst of a society which has lost respect for God. Childcare will be provided.

The Ladies Bible Study meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. They are meeting at the home of Joy Sherman.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009
Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, March 8 at 12:00 noon. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

Check out the bulletin board in the foyer for wedding photos of our charter member. The next generation will be posted soon.

MAPLE GROVE PRESCHOOL
Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out www.maplegrovepreschool.org for more information.

The Preschool is sponsoring a Joe Corbi Fundraiser. There is Pizzsa, Cookie dough, Calzones, etc. Orders need to be in by April 3. Call the Preschool Office for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS
Reminder: Please contact the church office when repairmen are scheduled at the church facilities. Please lock doors when you leave.

CD recordings of our Sunday morning worship services are available from the church office. MP3 downloads of the services are also available; give Chuck White your e-mail address and the date(s) of the services you want and he will send them to you.

Recycle Christian Literature
During the month of March a box is in the foyer (next to the mailboxes) for our Christian reading and study materials. These will be distributed to other English speaking countries.

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

The Parkesburg Point will hold its 3rd Annual Fundraising Banquet on Saturday, March 21, 5:00 to 8:30 pm, at West Fallowfield Christian School. See Laura Demastus or Dan Bruner for tickets or more information. Check it out at http://theparkesburgpoint.com/.

Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties invites you to its 10th Chester County Garden Luncheon with award-winning author Jane Kirkland, Chester Springs, talking on “Backyard Sanctuaries for Birds and Butterflies.” This event, held at The Desmond Great Valley Hotel, Malvern, on Saturday, March 21, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., helps homeless families build better futures. To make reservations, requested by March 10, call 610-380-1360 or visit www.bridgeofhopelcc.org.

Book Signing and Church Tour at Hopewell Mennonite
March 1, 2009 - 3:00PM-4:00PM - A new book, Windows, by Harry Yocom - a theological and historical reflection on the stained glass windows of Hopewell Mennonite Church. Book signing and tour of the historical House of Worship, originally home of the German Second Reformed Church of Reading.

Panel Discussion with Poet Julia Spicher Kasdorf at Strasburg Mennonite Church
March 10 - 7 pm. “Fact and Fiction: Reconsidering the landmark, Rosanna of the Amish,” on Historian and genealogist S. Duane Kauffman will also speak. Amish half-moon pies, associated with the book’s Big Valley setting, will be available for sale at the event. Strasburg Mennonite Church address is 1514 Village Road, located on Route 741. Event is sponsored by the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society; call us for more information at (717) 393-9745