Maple Grove Mennonite Church

Check out our Website

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The end of the blogspot is near.
Visit Maple Grove Mennonite Church at
www.maplegrove-atglen.org

WELCOME ZOE MEGAN RESSLER

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We welcome
Zoe Megan Ressler
Born Friday, May 21st
7lbs, 7oz.
Congratulations to the proud parents,
Matt & Laura Ressler
and the happy sisters, Aubrey and Kaylie.

Sunday, May 23, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, May 16, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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WELCOME MATTHEW AARON BARNES

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PRAISE THE LORD!

for the birth of
Matthew Aaron Barnes
on Wednesday, May 5, 2010
and
CONGRATULATIONS
to the new parents, Char and Thad Barnes.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY

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Christian Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of
AARON SMOKER
who went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 5, 2010.
A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 9, 6:00 pm at the Chapel of Garden Spot Retirement Community. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
A private family interment will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite Cemetery on Monday, May 10 at 10:00 am.
View the obituary at:
http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2509263

Sunday, May 2, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, April 18, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Jon and Shiela Henson, and Micah

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Bio of Associate Pastor Candidate

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Meet Jonathan D. Henson
Jon grew up in a ministry family; his father was a pastor in Canada and Pennsylvania and now serves in foreign mission work. Born in the USA, Jon’s family moved to Canada when he was an infant. At age 11 they moved to PA where Jon attended Mennonite elementary and junior high schools. He graduated in 2002 from Garden Spot High School. Jon was baptized at Petra Christian Fellowship, New Holland, PA in March 1996.

Following high school, Jon completed a five-month program at the Discipleship Training School of Cowboys With A Mission (CWAM) in Meeteetse, WY. One of these months was in outreach in the country of Turkey. Following this training, Jon joined the full-time staff of CWAM for a two year commitment. He served as part-time as youth pastor of Victory Fellowship Church in Cody, WY for 3 years and currently serves as part-time senior pastor of The Light of Christ Church in Powell, WY since 2008. Jon was ordained by Kingdom Expansion Ministries in June of 2008 when he began his ministry with The Light of Christ Church. Jon has great recommendations, some of which come from people well known by members of the Search Committee.

In 2005 Jon married Shelia Charles; they have a nine-month-old son, Micah. Jon’s work experience includes horseshoeing, insulation installation, framing carpenter and delivery driver for an electric supply company. Jon enjoys hunting, fishing and golf.

Sunday, April 11, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Holy Thursday April 1, 2010

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Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, March 14, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, March 7 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, February 28, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, February 14, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Please have a time of Prayer and Bible reading at home this morning.

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

All morning activities have been cancelled today.

(Sunday School and Worship)

As of this time Bible Quizzing will go on as scheduled this afternoon.

Pastor Steve was going to let you know who would win the big game, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Psalm 85:8

Sunday, January 24, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, January 17, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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In Memory - Miriam Z Hershey

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We offer our prayers of sympathy to the family and friends of MIRIAM Z HERSHEY
Miriam went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 6, 2010.
A funeral service will be held at Maple Grove on Sunday, January 10 at 3:00 pm
Viewing hours begin at 2:00 pm and continue until the time of the funeral.

You can view Miriam’s obituary at the following:

Lancaster Online Obit: http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2446557

Shivery Funeral Home Obit: http://www.shiveryfuneralhome.com/Site/Current_Obituaries.html

Sunday, January 10, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, January 3, 2010 Church News Bulletin

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In Memory - Jeffrey Wayne Stoltzfus

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Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Jeffrey Wayne Stoltzfus

Who was taken from our presence to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 19.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 23 at 2:00 pm at Maple Grove

Viewing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22, 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday, December 23 beginning at 12:30 pm until the time of the service.

You can view the complete obituary and post comments at:

http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2439505

Sunday, December 20, 2009 - Snow Day

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CANCELLED!
The Children's Program and Christmas Worship Scheduled for the morning of Sunday, December 20 has been cancelled.

We will reschedule both, hopefully for next Sunday. There has been much preparation for this special Sunday Christmas Celebration.

The Longest Night Service will continue on Monday, December 21 as planned.

It's interesting to note that the last time this much snow fell in our area on a weekend in December was in 1909. We'll have to check the records, but it is likely that folks made it to worship that day, probably by horse drawn sleigh.

Sunday, December 13, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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In Memory - Naomi K. Stoltzfus

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Our prayers go out to the family and friends of

Naomi K. Stoltzfus

who went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26, 2009.

View Naomi's obituary and leave your comments at:

http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2428839

Sunday, November 29, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Mortgage Burning Nov 15, 2009

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Sunday, November 22, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Mortgage Burning Nov 15, 2009

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Sunday, November 15, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, November 8 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, November 1, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, October 25, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Sunday, October 18, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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October 11, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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October 4, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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Christian sympathy and prayers are offered to the family and friends of

LEROY UMBLE

who went to be with our Lord on Thursday, September 24, 2009

A funeral service will be held at Maple Grove on Tuesday, September 29, 11 am.
Visitation is at the church on Monday, September 28, 6 to 8 pm and Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the service.

You can view Leroy's obituary at:
http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2396045

September 27, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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September 20, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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September 13, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Pray for the Todd Miller family

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Christian Sympathy is extended to

Todd & Kim Miller and Family

on the death of Todd's father

Kenneth Miller

There will be a viewing on Wednesday, September 9, 6-8 pm at Shivery Funeral Home, Christiana.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2 pm at Limeville United Methodist Church in Gap.

Please remember the family in your prayers.

You can view the obituary at:

http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2385310

or
http://www.shiveryfuneralhome.com/Site/Current_Obituaries.html

September 6, 2009 Church News Bulletin

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August 30 2009 Church News Bulletin

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Bulletin info for August 23 - sorry this is late.

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Sunday, Aug 23 8:45 AM Prayer Time
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Worship Service
Offertory Jada Davis
Guest Speaker: Nathan Conrod, World Team missionary to the Baka people of Cameroon (and married to Pastor Steve’s niece).
“How To Cut Grass" Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
6:30 PM Congregational Meeting

Wed., Aug 26 7:00 PM MYF Amazing Race

Sunday, Aug 30 8:45 AM Prayer Time
9:30 AM Sunday School
10:30 AM Worship Service - Pastor Steve
“Our Identity In Christ” Hebrews 13:11-14
Testimonies by Baptism Candidates
Baptism at Umble's Pond
Lunch at church following the Baptism
We will travel to Ken & Marilyn Umble's Pond for the Baptism Service and return to church for a Fellowship Meal. Hot Dogs and drink will be provided. Last name begins with A-K, please bring a large salad. Last name begins with L-Z please bring a large dessert.

Mon., Aug 31 7:00 PM Leadership Team Meeting

Tue., Sept. 1 7:00 PM X-treme Worship with John Quinn,
Professional Wheelchair Body Builder

Jr MYF Survivor
Any 6-8th grade student who has not attended a Jr MYF and would be interested contact Sandy McBride at 484-678-4036.
From Friday, September 4 @ 1:00 pm to Saturday,
September, September 5 @ 1:00 pm will be the
Jr MYF Survivor. You must RSVP … ASAP

“COME AND SEE: The Power of Christ’s Love” September 20-23
After Philip had an encounter with Jesus, he found his friend Nathanael and told him about it. Nathaniel was skeptical. Philip told him to “Come and see.” (John 1:45-46). You are invited to “Come and See.”
Hear the message God has given to Dwayne Walton. Dwayne is well known to the Maple Grove family. He is a native of Guyana, grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and currently lives up the road from the church. Dwayne has an undergraduate degree from Philadelphia Biblical University, is married to Amy Brubaker and is the father of 16 month old Elijah. Most of us know Dwayne as Executive Director of the Parkesburg Point Youth Center. Dwayne will be speaking from the book of Ephesians.
There will be special music and worship. “Come and See” how the Lord will renew your life! Invite your friends and neighbors to “come and see.”

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. On August 30 we will consider Hebrews 13:11-14. Once again we’ll think about sacrifices, specifically Jesus’ death. The “leftovers” from the sacrifices were disposed of outside of the city of Jerusalem, so the city would not be defiled. Jesus was crucified outside the city. We are instructed to go to him, outside the comfort of the holy city and identify with his death. We cannot identify with his resurrection if we cannot identify with his death. There will be a baptism service. Baptism is symbolic of dying and rising to new life with Christ.

Maple Grove's 100th Anniversary DVD set can be ordered. There are 2 DVD's in the set for $20.00 orders need to be prepaid.
Please order them TODAY.
Music CD's from Sunday night may be ordered also for $5.00

I need wide mouth jars and lids, something like a Tostitos cheese jar or salsa jar. I am working with Bridge of Hope and their kaleidoscope fundraiser and this is an item I need to make a craft work. We expect about 70 children to attend and so the committee is asking our church families to help out with finding enough jars. Bring your jars to church and put them in the container in the foyer. Thanks, Denyce

Tour Offered: Dutch Mennonites in New Amsterdam (NYC)
Join Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society’s guided tour of historic Mennonite sites in Manhattan amid NYC’s 400th anniversary of Dutch exploration on Saturday, September 12, 7 am to 9 pm. Cost $99 each (includes Dutch lunch; $10 Society member discount). Contact Dorothy at dsiegrist@lmhs.org or (717) 393-9745.

Reminders:
Annual Reports are due by NEXT SUNDAY, AUG. 30.
Calendars are to be returned with corrections TODAY
Photo Directory orders need to be in TODAY
Due to the lack of participation for the photo directory, those who did not have their photo taken or did not submit a photo will need to pay for their directory. We will place an order in the next few weeks. There are order forms in your mailboxes. They must be filled out and returned by Aug. 23

IN SYMPATHY

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Christian Sympathy is offered to the family and friends of

MARLIN STOLTZFUS

who went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, August 18

A funeral service will be held at Maple Grove on Monday, August 24 at 11 am.

You can view Marlin's obituary at the followin link:

http://obits.lancasteronline.com/index.php?p=2374828

August 16 2009 ROUGH DRAFT 100th Anniversary Celebration

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August 16 2009 Church Announcements

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The church bulletin was not ready to post it here, but here are the announcements for the week. The 100th Anniversary Bulletin will be posted after the event.
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August 9 2009 CHURCH NEWS BULLETIN

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August 2009 Calendar

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AUGUST 2 2009 CHURCH NEWS BULLETIN

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July 26 2009 Church News Bulletin

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June 19, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, July 19
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service. “Be a Relevant Church with a Relevant Ministry” Romans 1:14-16 (Guest Speaker: Beny Krisbianto of the Nations Worship Center, Philadelphia)

Monday, July 20
5:00 pm Worship & Music Commission
7:30 pm Prayer Meeting for Renewal

Tuesday, July 21
6:45 pm Women’s Softball vs. Backwoods Equine at Highland Baptist Field
8:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Rockville Mennonite at West Fallowfield Christian School

Wednesday, July 22
7:00 pm Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, July 23
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise

Sunday, July 26
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service. “Two Mountains” Hebrews 12:18-29 (Pastor Steve)

July 12, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, July 12
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
9:30 am Worship Service (note change in time) “An Offering of Praise and Service” Hebrews 13:15-16 (Pastor Steve Crane)
11:00 am Set-up for Music in the Meadow
1:00 – 5:00 pm Music in the Meadow
6:00 pm The Birdsong Family in Concert

Monday, July 13
7:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Media Mennonite at West Fallowfield School

Tuesday, July 14
11:00 am 100th Anniversary Committee
7:00 pm Leadership Team
7:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Shockers

Wednesday, July 15
7:00 pm Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)
7:00 pm Family Life Commission

Thursday, July 16
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
7:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Faith Bible Church at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, July 19
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, Guest Speaker: Beny Krisbianto, pastor of Nations Worship Center, South Philadelphia

July 12, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

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“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8)

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. On July 5 Hebrews 12:14-17challenged us to be at peace with everyone and also at peace with God. We do this so that others may know the love and forgiveness of God that we have experienced in our own lives.
July 12 we Hebrews 13:15-16. Offering sacrifices was an important part of Israel’s worship. We don’t need to sacrifices animals to cover our sins and show our obedience; Jesus is the sacrifice that covers the sins of the world. Because of Jesus in our lives, we are called to offer a different kind of sacrifice. We offer sacrifices to God through our praise, our good works and by sharing with others. Music in the Meadow is a great opportunity to offer a sacrifice to God. Our spiritual passion will be renewed as we offer the sacrifices that God really desires.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, August 4, 7:00 pm. Audible Truth will lead worship and there will be a special guest speaker.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” is July 12.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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.

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.

ETCETERA – ITEMS FOR THE CHURCH FAMILY

CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAMS!
The Maple Grove Men’s team has a busy week. They play Media Mennonite on Monday, July 13 and Shockers on Tuesday, July 14 and Faith Bible Church on Thursday, July 16. All games are played at West Fallowfield Christian School at 7:00 pm. See the standings and up-to-date news http://allprosoftware.net/lanchestersoftballleague/.
The Maple Grove Women’s team has off this week. The next game is with Backwoods Equine on Tuesday, July 21, 6:45 pm at Highland Baptist Field.

ELDER NOMINATIONS
We continue our search for the person God wants as an Elder of Maple Grove. None of those with at least three nominations accepted the nomination, so we started again.
Nomination forms were distributed in worship last Sunday and a nomination box for elder is in the foyer today.
Our church constitution tells us that “Elders and Pastors shall have demonstrated that they possess the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.” In addition the following is stipulated: “The selection of Elder shall be a spiritual experience for the candidate and the congregation. Members are encouraged to share their conviction by nominating a candidate. Qualified persons receiving at least three nominations shall be considered as possible candidates. The final selection shall be processed by the Leadership Team and affirmed by the congregation with a 75% vote.”

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.
Our new church history book is here! “Celebrating 100 Years: Maple Grove Mennonite Church 1909-2009” is available for a donation of $15. We give a special thanks to Melba King (Author) and Cathy Case (Editor and Layout) for all the work they put into preparing this book.

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.

Church History Book Now Available

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The Maple Grove Church History Book is available at the church office for a donation of $15. For an additional $5 the book will be shipped anywhere in the continential USA. Contact the church for shipping information: mgchurch@netzero.net

June 28, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, June 28
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “Dress for a Wedding” (Elder Jeff Stoltzfus)

Monday, June 29
7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study at Sue Eby’s
8:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Faith Bible Church at West Fallowfield School

Tuesday, June 30
6:45 pm Women’s Softball vs. Rookies at Gap Park

Wednesday, July 1
No Youth Meeting this week because of the Youth Convention in Ohio.

Thursday, July 2
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
7:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Shockers at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, July 5
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “Peacekeeper” Hebrews 12:14-17 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 pm CPR Class

June 21, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day)
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “A Father’s Love” Hebrews 12:7-13 (Pastor Steve)

Monday, June 22
7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study at Sue Eby’s

Tuesday, June 23
6:45 pm Women’s Softball vs. Rusty Buckets at Gap Park

Wednesday, June 24
6:00 pm MYF meets at Church to go to Mini Golf

Thursday, June 25
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
6:00 pm Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies
7:00 pm Youth Ministry Commission

Sunday, June 28
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, Guest Speaker TBA

June 21, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

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“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.

June 14, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-06-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 14 (Children’s Day)
10:00 am Worship Service at West Sadsbury Twp Park. Mike King will lead VBS songs. Cathy King and the children will lead singing and a puppet show. “Keep The Faith” Hebrews11:1 – 12:2 (Pastor Steve)
11:30 am Church Picnic
5:00 pm Meal for VBS Staff and Helpers
5:45 pm VBS Staff and Helpers meeting
6:00 pm VBS crews gather outside
8:30 pm VBS daily closing program
8:55 pm VBS children dismissed

Monday, June 15
1:00 – 4:00 pm Jr. Youth to Black Rock Retreat
5:00 pm Meal for VBS Staff and Helpers
5:45 pm VBS Staff and Helpers meeting
6:00 pm VBS crews gather outside
7:30 pm Prayer Meeting for Renewal
8:00 pm Men’s Softball Game vs. Media Mennonite at West Fallowfield School
8:30 pm VBS daily closing program
8:55 pm VBS children dismissed

Tuesday, June 16
West Fallowfield Christian School Barbecue
5:00 pm Meal for VBS Staff and Helpers
5:45 pm VBS Staff and Helpers meeting
6:00 pm VBS crews gather outside
8:30 pm VBS daily closing program
8:55 pm VBS children dismissed

Wednesday, June 17
5:00 pm Meal for VBS Staff and Helpers
5:45 pm VBS Staff and Helpers meeting
6:00 pm VBS crews gather outside
8:30 pm VBS daily closing program
8:55 pm VBS children dismissed

Thursday, June 18
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
5:00 pm Meal for VBS Staff and Helpers
5:45 pm VBS Staff and Helpers meeting
6:00 pm VBS crews gather outside
8:30 pm VBS daily closing program
8:55 pm VBS children dismissed

Friday, June 19
12:00 pm Relay for Life begins at Octorara High School Track Field

Saturday, June 20
12:00 pm Relay for Life ends

Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day)
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “A Father’s Love” Hebrews 12:7-13 (Pastor Steve)

June 14, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

2009-06-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

“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]

May 31, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-05-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 31 (Pentecost)
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service. “Grow Up!” Hebrews 4:14-16 (Pastor Steve)
12:00 pm Music in the Meadow meeting
5:00 pm 100th Anniversary Celebration meeting

Monday, June 1
7:00 pm Ladies’ Bible Study at Sue Eby’s
7:00 pm Men’s Softball Game vs. Faith Bible Church at West Fallowfield School
7:30 pm Prayer Meeting for Renewal

Tuesday, June 2
6:45 pm Women’s Softball Game at Highland Baptist Field.
7:00 pm Xtreme Worship

Wednesday, June 3
5:30 pm Fund Raising Family Night Dinner (Reservations required)
6:30 pm Family Night Activity – VBS Preparations and Volunteer Training

Thursday, June 4
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
7:00 pm Men’s Softball vs. Shockers at West Fallowfield School

Sunday, June 7
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “How to Stay Close to God” Hebrews 10:19-35 (Pastor Steve)
6:30 pm Evening Service with Mike & Sharyn King (Joni & Friends)

May 31, 2009 – Maple Grove Stuff to Know

2009-05-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

PENTECOST
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

INSTRUCTIONS FROM HEBREWS
The book of Hebrews is full of instructions to guide us in our walk with Jesus. Last week Hebrews 4:14-16 challenged us to hang in there during difficult moments.
This week we consider Hebrews 5:11 – 6:12. In moments of impressive immaturity, did anyone ever tell you to “grow up!”? It would be tragic if our children never grew up. It would be terrible if despite years of school, your children never learned anything. It would be disastrous if your gardens and farm fields never produced a crop, even though you planted good seeds and plants. How much more tragic it is, if believers in Jesus never mature in the faith. Today we are instructed to “go on to maturity” (6:1).
Today is Pentecost. God sent the Holy Spirit to the church aid in the believer’s spiritual maturity. God’s Spirit helps us remember and understand Jesus’ words (John 14:15-27), aids us in our devotional lives (John 16:13), and enables us to continue the ministry given to Jesus (Luke 4:16-21). God’s Spirit is necessary for us to grow up in the faith.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
The following will graduate from Octorara High School on June 4: Ashley Fritz, Kacie Hershey, Cody King & Kelly King.
Robert Hershey graduated from Montana Wilderness School of the Bible on May 2.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 pm. The Open Door Worship Band will lead worship and Bill Blank will bring the message.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is May 31 at 12:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information. Large potted plants are needed to decorate the stage. Contact Sue R if you are able to loan your plants.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

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 individual DVDs are placed in the church library after the class. Currently available are 1. Identity, 2. Turmoil, & 3. Rebellion. The last two classes are June 7 – Legacy and June 21 – 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 COMING SOON
VBS is June 14 - 18 this year. Get all the information and register at www.groupvbs.com/webtoybox.myvbs/MapleGroveVBS2009.

VBS will have a work night on June 3. The Relay for Life Committee will provide dinner ($5.50) at 5:30 pm and VBS preparation activities and volunteer training will follow.

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

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.

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. A chicken dinner fundraiser is Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 pm.

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.

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/.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee will meet on Sunday, May 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Everyone willing to help is invited. Bring finger foods to share.

ETCETERA – CHURCH FAMILY COMMUNITY ITEMS

CONGRATULATIONS to Robert Hershey who was baptized on Wednesday, May 27. Robert will spend the summer as a counselor at Camp Sandy Cove (High View, WV) and enter the Montana Bible College (Bozeman, MT) in August.

CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAMS!
The Maple Grove Men’s team plays Faith Bible Church on Monday, June 1, and Shockers on Thursday, June 4. All games are at 7:00 pm at West Fallowfield Christian School.
The Maple Grove Women’s team plays on Tuesday, June 2, 6:45 pm at Highland Baptist Church field.

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
A baptism instruction class will begin the week 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.

ELDER NOMINATIONS
A nomination box for elder is in the foyer. Our church constitution tells us that “Elders and Pastors shall have demonstrated that they possess the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.” In addition the following is stipulated: “The selection of Elder shall be a spiritual experience for the candidate and the congregation. Members are encouraged to share their conviction by nominating a candidate. Qualified persons receiving at least three nominations shall be considered as possible candidates. The final selection shall be processed by the Leadership Team and affirmed by the congregation with a 75% vote.”

PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Nominations for the Pastoral Search Committee for Associate Pastor should also be placed in the box in the foyer. The PSC is made up of two elders and three members nominated by the congregation and appointed by the Leadership Team and Coordinating Body. Associate Pastor ministry descriptions were placed in mailboxes on May 3 and are available in the foyer.

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

PHOTOS FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sign up today to have your family's portrait taken on June 8, 9 & 10, from 3 PM to 8:55 PM. Sign up during the next 3 weeks on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or call the office for a time. Contact Missy King or RuthAnn Bruner with questions. Payment will be made upon delivery of the photos.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Do you like to doodle? Can you express your Christian faith in a drawing? Starting in June we will create our own covers for the Sunday church news bulletins. We would like to have different pictures each week. Ideally, pictures should be black and white and about 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Larger artwork will be scanned and reduced to fit. Computer generated artwork is acceptable. Color drawings will be considered, but because of high costs of printing in color, we will only run them occasionally. Submit your artwork to Pastor Steve.

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

The Open Bible Church is sponsoring an outdoor concert and family fun day 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]

May 24, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-05-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 24
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service. “Hang In There!” Hebrews 4:14-16 (Pastor Steve)

Wednesday, May 27
6:30 pm Baptism Service at Ken & Marilyn’s pond, fellowship at church following the baptism

Thursday, May 28
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
5:30 pm Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies at Cathy King’s

Sunday, May 31
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “Grow Up!” Hebrews 5:11-6:12 (Pastor Steve) Recognition of 2009 Graduates
12:00 pm Music in the Meadow meeting
5:00 pm 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee

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

May 24, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-05-22T13:19:00.000-07:00

“Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)

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 3:1-14 challenged us to focus our minds on Jesus all the time.
This week we consider Hebrews 4:14-16. “When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” There are times when all of us feel like we are “at the end of our ropes.” Where is God at these times? God hasn’t moved, maybe we have – to the end of our ropes. Today we learn that God is approachable. In fact we are urged to confidently approach God. We can do this because of Jesus, who leads us directly to God. When we get close to God, we find mercy and grace when we are hanging on. We are encouraged to Hang In There!

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, June 2, 7:00 pm. The Open Door Worship Band will lead worship and Bill Blank will bring the message.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is May 31 at 12:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information. Large potted plants are needed to decorate the stage. Contact Sue R if you are able to loan your plants.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

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
Is there a teenager in your life? A six-week Sunday School elective class will start on May 10 for you. “Parenting Your Teenager: A Biblical Look At Parenting” will be offered in Bill Umble’s class during the Sunday School time for anyone interested. Topics include controlling your teen’s anger, teaching your personal faith, and dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Pastor Steve & Francesca, Eric & Sue Nafziger will lead the class.

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

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

VBS will have a work night on June 3. The Relay for Life Committee will provide dinner ($5.50) at 6:00 pm and VBS preparation activities will follow.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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

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.

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. A chicken dinner fundraiser will be Wednesday, June 3

PRAY FOR RENEWAL. Renewal Prayer Meetings are held every first and third Monday at 7:00 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 Red Hat / Pink Hat Ladies will meet on Thursday, May 28 for a Garden Party at the home of Joe and Cathy King. The event will begin at 5:30 pm. Bring a covered dish to share. Husbands are invited to attend. Contact Cathy King for more information and reservations.

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.

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/.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee will meet on Sunday, May 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Everyone willing to help is invited. Bring finger foods to share.

ETCETERA – CHURCH COMMUNITY ITEMS

Christian Sympathy is offered to Aldie & Judy King and family on the death of Aldie’s mother, Agnes King, on Thursday, May 21.

BAPTISM INSTRUCTION CLASS
A baptism instruction class will begin the week 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.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Two affirmation votes passed at the May 17 meeting of the Congregation. Rhonda & Chelsea King were affirmed as members of the Worship & Music commission to fill a vacant term ending in August 2011. The recommendation of the Leadership Team to proceed with a search for an associate pastor at 3/4 time also was affirmed. The Leadership Team will begin the pastoral search process in the near future. A CD recording of the congregational meeting is available from the church office.

ELDER NOMINATIONS
A nomination box for elder is in the foyer. Our church constitution tells us that “Elders and Pastors shall have demonstrated that they possess the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.” In addition the following is stipulated: “The selection of Elder shall be a spiritual experience for the candidate and the congregation. Members are encouraged to share their conviction by nominating a candidate. Qualified persons receiving at least three nominations shall be considered as possible candidates. The final selection shall be processed by the Leadership Team and affirmed by the congregation with a 75% vote.”

PASTORAL SEARCH COMMITTEE
Nominations for the Pastoral Search Committee for Associate Pastor should also be placed in the box in the foyer. The PSC is made up of two elders and three members nominated by the congregation and appointed by the Leadership Team and Coordinating Body. Associate Pastor ministry descriptions were placed in mailboxes on May 3 and are available in the foyer.

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

PHOTOS FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sign up today to have your family's portrait taken on June 8, 9 & 10, from 3 PM to 8:55 PM. Sign up during the next 3 weeks on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or call the office for a time. Contact Missy King or RuthAnn Bruner with questions. Payment will be made upon delivery of the photos.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Do you like to doodle? Can you express your Christian faith in a drawing? Starting in June we will create our own covers for the Sunday church news bulletins. We would like to have different pictures each week. Ideally, pictures should be black and white and about 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Larger artwork will be scanned and reduced to fit. Computer generated artwork is acceptable. Color drawings will be considered, but because of high costs of printing in color, we will only run them occasionally. Submit your artwork to Pastor Steve.

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

The Open Bible Church is sponsoring an outdoor concert and family fun day 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]

May 10, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-05-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 10
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service. “Pay Attention” Hebrews 2:1-4 (Pastor Steve)

Wednesday, May 13
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sewing Circle
6:30 pm Christian Education Commission
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, May 14
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
8:00 am Van leaves church for Work Day at MCC Material Resource Center

Sunday, May 17
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages.
10:30 am Worship Service, “Something to Think About” Hebrews 3:1-14 (Pastor Steve)
6:30 pm Congregational Meeting

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

May 10, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-05-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

“I will listen to what God the Lord will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints – but let them not return to folly.” (Psalm 85:8)

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. Two weeks ago we considered Hebrews 4:1-11. We talked about God’s rest, which is eternal, but also every day. We learned that we should, be careful not to fall short of the promise of entering God’s rest (4:1), and also, to make every effort to enter God’s rest (4:11).
This week we consider Hebrews 2:1-4. We are instructed to pay careful attention to the message that God has for us (2:1). This message is the gospel, which means “good news.” We pay attention to many things in this world, these things can cause us to drift away from the good news that God has for us.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – MAY 17, 6:30 PM
Our quarterly congregational meeting will include an up-date from the Finance, Personnel and Property Commission; an affirmation ballot to fill a vacancy on the Worship & Service Commission; and a discussions and affirmation of the associate pastor position. A ministry job description for the associate pastor was placed in mailboxes last week. All members are encouraged to participate.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, June 2. Audible Truth will lead worship and Bill Blank will bring the message.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is May 31 at 12:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information. Large potted plants are needed to decorate the stage. Contact Sue R if you are able to loan your plants.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Is there a teenager in your life? A six-week Sunday School elective class will start on May 10 for you. “Parenting Your Teenager: A Biblical Look At Parenting” will be offered in Bill Umble’s class during the Sunday School time for anyone interested. Topics include controlling your teen’s anger, teaching your personal faith, and dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Pastor Steve & Francesca, Eric & Sue Nafziger will lead the class.

TEACHER NEEDS: the 3&4 year old class needs a part time teacher starting in the fall. Contact Denyce if you can help.

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

VBS will have a work night on June 3. The VBS Committee will provide dinner at 6:00 pm and VBS preparation activities will follow.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

Did you miss the Family Life Conference last week? A 3 CD set that includes all three sessions is available from the church office.

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.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

MCC WORK DAY is Thursday, May 14. Everyone is invited to help at the MCC Material Resource Center. A van will leave Maple Grove at 8:00 am. See Henry Umble if you are interested. See http://mcc.org/eastcoast/programs/material_res.html.

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.

A PRAYER TEAM IS BEING FORMED in preparation for the fall renewal meetings. Contact Tim Fritz if you can commit to being part of a prayer team.

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 meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm. They meet 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 PRESCHOOL
This is the final week of classes for the Preschool year. Be sure to register for the 2009-2010 school year. See www.maplegrovepreschool.org for more information.

ETCETERA

PHOTOS FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sign up today to have your family's portrait taken on June 8, 9 & 10, from 3 PM to 8:55 PM. Sign up during the next 3 weeks on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or call the office for a time. Contact Missy King or RuthAnn Bruner with questions. Payment will be made upon delivery of the photos.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Do you like to doodle? Can you express your Christian faith in a drawing? Starting in June we will create our own covers for the Sunday church news bulletins. We would like to have different pictures each week. Ideally, pictures should be black and white and about 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Larger artwork will be scanned and reduced to fit. Computer generated artwork is acceptable. Color drawings will be considered, but because of high costs of printing in color, we will only run them occasionally. Submit your artwork to Pastor Steve.

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

TEL HAI CAMP AND RETREAT is having a benefit spaghetti supper at the camp on Friday, May 15 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. See http://www.telhaicamp.org/ for more information.

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

May 3, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-05-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Sunday, May 3
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for children. Family Life Conference, session 1, with Gerald and Marlene Kaufman.
10:30 am Worship Service. Gerald and Marlene Kaufman will speak about “Choosing Contentment” based on Psalm 23 and Philippians 4:10-13, session 2 of conference.
12:00 pm Adult S.S. Teachers Meeting (brief)
12:00 pm Blood Pressure Checks
12:00 pm Fellowship Meal (everyone is invited)
1:00 pm Family Life Conference, session 3

Monday, May 4
7:00 pm Ladies’ Bible Study

Tuesday, May 5
7:00 pm Xtreme Worship
7:00 pm Care Team

Wednesday, May 6
6:00 pm Church Family Night Dinner
7:00 pm Church Family Night “Maple Grove Star”
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, May 7
National Day of Prayer (USA)
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
8:00 am Prayer and Praise
7:00 pm Community National Day of Prayer Service at Mt. Zion AME Church

Sunday, May 10
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for children. (New Elective: Parenting Your Teenager)
10:30 am Worship Service, “Pay Attention” Hebrews 2:1-4 (Pastor Steve)

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

May 3, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-05-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him.” (Psalm 22:27)

“If we’re really serious about saving marriage we need to discover what we can do for our marriage, not what we can get from it. That means honoring our covenant by changing both our attitudes and our actions.”
—Gerald and Marlene Kaufman, Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary

FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE
We welcome Gerald W. and L. Marlene Kaufman with us this morning. Jerry and Marlene are experienced marriage and family counselors, recently retired from Kaufman Counseling Associates, the private practice they founded. They serve the Lord as part of Akron Mennonite Church; have four married children and eight grandchildren. The Kaufmans are authors of “Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary” (Herald Press, 2005) and co-authors (along with their daughters, Anne & Nina) of “Freedom Fences: How to set limits that free you to enjoy your marriage and family” (Herald Press, 1999). These books are available in the foyer for a donation of $10 each.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
6 weeks from today – June 14 – VBS begins
10 weeks from today – July 12 – Music in the Meadow
15 weeks from today – August 16 – 100th Anniversary Celebration
20 weeks from today – September 20 – Renewal meetings begin

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS! A schedule for the offertory is being made for the next quarter. Contact Wanda if you are willing and able to provide a selection for the offertory.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, May 5. Audible Truth will lead worship and Morgan Umble will speak about her ministry experience with YWAM.

There is a COMMUNITY NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE on Thursday, May 7:00 pm at Mt. Zion AME Church.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is May 31 at 12:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Attention Adult Sunday School Teachers: There is a brief meeting in room #7 on Sunday, May 3 following worship.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Is there a teenager in your life? A six-week Sunday School elective class will start on May 10 for you. “Parenting Your Teenager: A Biblical Look At Parenting” will be offered in Bill Umble’s class during the Sunday School time for anyone interested. Topics include controlling your teen’s anger, teaching your personal faith, and dealing with drug and alcohol problems. Pastor Steve & Francesca, Eric & Sue Nafziger will lead the class.

TEACHER NEEDS: the 3&4 year old class needs a part time teacher starting in the fall. Contact Denyce if you can help.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE – MAY 3
Gerald W. and L. Marlene Kaufman will lead us in a Family Life Conference. Adult Sunday School classes will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am. The Kaufmans will speak in our worship service; and after a fellowship meal they will lead us in an afternoon session. Please sign-up for the fellowship meal and for child care.
Gerald and Marlene are experienced counselors with their own private practice, Kaufman Counseling Associates. They serve the Lord as part of Akron Mennonite Church. The Kaufmans are authors of “Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary” (Herald Press, 2005) and co-authors (along with their daughters, Anne & Nina) of “Freedom Fences: How to set limits that free you to enjoy your marriage and family” (Herald Press, 1999). These books are available in the foyer for a donation of $10 each.

CHURCH FAMILY NIGHT – May 6
Come on May 6 to be part of the live audience or maybe a contestant for MAPLE GROVE STAR. Sign-up on the bulletin board in the foyer to participate with a song.
Dinner is at 6:00 pm and the program begins at 7:00.

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 have a service project.

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.

A PRAYER TEAM IS BEING FORMED in preparation for the fall renewal meetings. Contact Tim Fritz if you can commit to being part of a prayer team.

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 meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm. They meet 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 PRESCHOOL

Join us for Celebrity Scoop Night on Thursday, May 7 from 5-8 pm at Rita’s in Gap. Our Maple Grove Preschool celebrity scoopers are Miss Tammie and Miss Wendy. 25% of sales benefit the Preschool. Get a refreshing snack before you go to the Community Prayer Service.

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

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009

Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Were you married between 1950 and 1979? Your wedding photo should be on the bulletin board. We will make a copy for you; see Cathy Case or RuthAnn Bruner.

FINANCE CONCERNS

Help us pay off the building loan. The current building loan is $25,300. This is the last year for Building Fund Faith Commitments; please mark your envelopes clearly. It would be great to be debt free when we celebrate our 100th anniversary.

ETCETERA

PHOTOS FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sign up today to have your family's portrait taken on June 8 & 9, from 3 PM to 8:55 PM. Sign up during the next 3 weeks on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or call the office for a time. Contact Missy King or RuthAnn Bruner with questions. Payment will be made upon delivery of the photos.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Do you like to doodle? Can you express your Christian faith in a drawing? Starting in June we will create our own covers for the Sunday church news bulletins. We would like to have different pictures each week. Ideally, pictures should be black and white and about 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Larger artwork will be scanned and reduced to fit. Computer generated artwork is acceptable. Color drawings will be considered, but because of high costs of printing in color, we will only run them occasionally. Submit your artwork to Pastor Steve.

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

TEL HAI RETIREMENT COMMUNITY will hold “A Day in the Country” on Saturday, May 9 at the Retirement Community, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Events will include food, pie auction, campus tours. See Dorothy King or http://www.telhai.org/ for more information.

TEL HAI CAMP AND RETREAT is having a benefit spaghetti supper at the camp on Friday, May 15 from 4:00 to 7:30 pm. See http://www.telhaicamp.org/ for more information.

The Bel Canto Singers of Hesston College, along with special guest artist and professional baritone Tony Brown, will perform a concert of fine music at James Street Mennonite Church, 323 W. James Street, Lancaster, at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Brown, a world-renowned performer and peace ambassador, is a promoter of peace and goodwill around the world. The reception following will feature history writer John Sharp sharing Hesston Centennial stories and Bel Canto on the lighter side. Alumni and friends are invited to this Hesston College special event in Lancaster County! Bel Canto will also sing at Weaverland Mennonite at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Akron Mennonite at 9 a.m. Sunday May 10, and Lancaster Mennonite School chapel at 8:15 a..m. Monday May 11.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with God during our popular cabin camp or be challenged during one of our adventure weeks. Camp Hebron also offers horse, soccer, worship arts, nature and discipleship camps. No one is too old for camp. Enjoy a fun and memorable experience together at one of our family camps or campground. Go to www.camphebron.org or call 1-800-864-7747 or (717)896-3441 for more information. Make Camp Hebron part of your summer plans. Bring a friend and receive a discount. Bring three friends and come for free.

Fairmount Homes to Host Health Screen with Quest Diagnostics
Fairmount Homes is hosting a Health Screen by Quest Diagnostics, open to anyone in the community, to be held in the Farm Crest Community Room on May 14, 2009, from 6-9 a.m. The Health Screen covers 30 tests that can detect anemia, coronary risks, diabetes, gout, liver and kidney disease, to name a few. A lifestyle evaluation is also included. Test results are strictly confidential and mailed directly to your home. The cost of the testing is $50. Testing for thyroid (TSH) or prostate screening (PSA) will be available for an additional fee of $20 each. Payment by cash or check is due on the day of the Health Screen. For more information or to register for an appointment, please contact Ferne Motto at 354.1895. The registration deadline is May 6, 2009. Directions may be found on the web at www.fairmounthomes.org.

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

April 26, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-04-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 26
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “No Rest for the Wicked” Hebrews 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
Recognition of Sunday School Children for Bible Memory Work.
12:30 pm VBS t-shirt printing
3:00 pm 100th Anniversary Committee
5:00 pm Music in the Meadow Committee
6:30 pm Gospel Concert with Zion’s Cry and In Harmony Vocal Band

Monday, April 27
7:00 pm Leadership Team

Tuesday, April 28
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT – Farewell Brunch

Wednesday, April 29
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, April 30
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Sunday, May 3
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for children. Family Life Conference, session 1, with Gerald and Marlene Kaufman.
10:30 am Worship Service. Gerald and Marlene Kaufman will speak about marriage and family, session 2 of conference.
12:00 pm Fellowship Meal (everyone is invited)
1:00 pm Family Life Conference, session 3

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

April 26, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-04-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Jesus, Matthew 11:28)

“If we’re really serious about saving marriage we need to discover what we can do for our marriage, not what we can get from it. That means honoring our covenant by changing both our attitudes and our actions.”
—Gerald and Marlene Kaufman, Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

MAPLE GROVE CONCERT SERIES
There is a Gospel Music Concert on Sunday, April 26, 6:30 pm.
Invite your friends to join you at the concert. Zion’s Cry and In Harmony Vocal Band will perform Gospel Quartet music and a variety of other styles. You may remember them from “Music in the Meadow” last summer. Nursery care will be provided.

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS! A schedule for the offertory is being made for the next quarter. Contact Wanda if you are willing and able to provide a selection for the offertory.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, May 5. Audible Truth will lead worship and Morgan Umble will speak about her ministry experience with YWAM.

There is a COMMUNITY NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE on Thursday, May 7:00 pm at Mt. Zion AME Church.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26 at 5:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

CONGRATULATIONS to the following children who earned certificates for their participated in the Bible Verse Memorization. The names with an asterisk indicate that they were honored with a pizza party for their memorization work.
Cameron Beiler *
Olivia Beiler
Tori Beiler *
Nathan Bromley
Payton Bromley
Amy Bruner
Donavon Eby
Lyana Hall
Libby Henderson
Brooke King *
Cassidy King *
Chloe King *
Hunter King *
Kaden King *
Kaycee King *
Cami Koennecker
Robbie Koennecker
Anthony Lusby
Rodney Lusby
Emma McGowan *
Faith McGowan *
Grace McGowan *
Melissa Nafzinger
Abigail Stoltzfus
Deena Stoltzfus
Heidi Stoltzfus *
Maria Stolzfus *
Emily Umble
Maddison Umble
Brandon Watterson *
Brynne Watterson *

Attention Adult Sunday School Teachers: There is a brief meeting in room #7 on Sunday, May 3 following worship.

HELP PRINT VBS T-SHIRTS on Sunday, April 26, in the afternoon. Contact Bonnie Bruner or Cathy Case if you can help.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Is there a teenager in your life? A six-week Sunday School elective class will start on May 10 for you. “Parenting Your Teenager: A Biblical Look At Parenting” will be offered in Bill Umble’s class during the Sunday School time for anyone interested. Topics include controlling your teen’s anger, teaching your personal faith, and dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

TEACHER NEEDS: the 3&4 year old class needs a part time teacher starting in the fall. Contact Denyce if you can help.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE – NEXT SUNDAY – May 3
On May 3, Gerald W. and L. Marlene Kaufman will lead us in a Family Life Conference. Adult Sunday School classes will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am. The Kaufmans will speak in our worship service; and after a fellowship meal they will lead us in an afternoon session. Please sign-up for the fellowship meal and for child care.
Gerald and Marlene are experienced counselors with their own private practice, Kaufman Counseling Associates. They serve the Lord as part of Akron Mennonite Church. The Kaufmans are authors of “Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary” (Herald Press, 2005) and co-authors (along with their daughters, Anne & Nina) of “Freedom Fences: How to set limits that free you to enjoy your marriage and family” (Herald Press, 1999). These books are available in the foyer for a donation of $10 each.

CHURCH FAMILY NIGHT – May 6
Come on May 6 to be part of the live audience or maybe a contestant for MAPLE GROVE STAR. Sign-up on the bulletin board in the foyer to participate with a song.
Dinner is at 6:00 pm and the program begins at 7:00.

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 have a service project.

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.

A PRAYER TEAM IS NEEDED in preparation for the fall renewal meetings. Contact Tim Fritz if you can commit to being part of a prayer team.

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 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 PRESCHOOL

Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out http://www.maplegrovepreschool.org/ for more information.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009

Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Were you married between 1950 and 1979? Your wedding photo should be on the bulletin board. We will make a copy for you; see Cathy Case or RuthAnn Bruner.

ETCETERA

PHOTOS FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY
Sign up today to have your family's portrait taken on June 8 & 9, from 3 PM to 8:55 PM. Sign up during the next 3 weeks on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or call the office for a time. Contact Missy King or RuthAnn Bruner with questions. Please note that these are not free; those who do not wish to pay for these photos taken can submit their own photo for the church directory.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!
Do you like to doodle? Can you express your Christian faith in a drawing? Starting in June we will create our own covers for the Sunday church news bulletins. We would like to have different pictures each week. Ideally, pictures should be black and white and about 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Larger artwork will be scanned and reduced to fit. Computer generated artwork is acceptable. Color drawings will be considered, but because of high costs of printing in color, we will only run them occasionally. Submit your artwork to Pastor Steve.

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

GOSPEL ECHOES TEAM will have their banquet at Yoder’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 pm. Jim Newsome is the speaker. Contact Ken Neff (717-859-3155) for complimentary tickets.

TEL HAI will hold “A Day in the Country” on Saturday, May 9 at the Retirement Community, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Events will include food, pie auction, campus tours. See Dorothy King for more information.

The Bel Canto Singers of Hesston College, along with special guest artist and professional baritone Tony Brown, will perform a concert of fine music at James Street Mennonite Church, 323 W. James Street, Lancaster, at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Brown, a world-renowned performer and peace ambassador, is a promoter of peace and goodwill around the world. The reception following will feature history writer John Sharp sharing Hesston Centennial stories and Bel Canto on the lighter side. Alumni and friends are invited to this Hesston College special event in Lancaster County! Bel Canto will also sing at Weaverland Mennonite at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9, Akron Mennonite at 9 a.m. Sunday May 10, and Lancaster Mennonite School chapel at 8:15 a..m. Monday May 11.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with God during our popular cabin camp or be challenged during one of our adventure weeks. Camp Hebron also offers horse, soccer, worship arts, nature and discipleship camps. No one is too old for camp. Enjoy a fun and memorable experience together at one of our family camps or campground. Go to www.camphebron.org or call 1-800-864-7747 or (717)896-3441 for more information. Make Camp Hebron part of your summer plans. Bring a friend and receive a discount. Bring three friends and come for free.

Fairmount Homes to Host Health Screen with Quest Diagnostics
Fairmount Homes is hosting a Health Screen by Quest Diagnostics, open to anyone in the community, to be held in the Farm Crest Community Room on May 14, 2009, from 6-9 a.m. The Health Screen covers 30 tests that can detect anemia, coronary risks, diabetes, gout, liver and kidney disease, to name a few. A lifestyle evaluation is also included. Test results are strictly confidential and mailed directly to your home. The cost of the testing is $50. Testing for thyroid (TSH) or prostate screening (PSA) will be available for an additional fee of $20 each. Payment by cash or check is due on the day of the Health Screen. For more information or to register for an appointment, please contact Ferne Motto at 354.1895. The registration deadline is May 6, 2009. Directions may be found on the web at http://www.fairmounthomes.org/.

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

April 19, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-04-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Oops! Sorry, this was posted late.

Sunday, April 19
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service – Missions Sunday. Guest Speakers: Larry Farkas, President of the Gideons Chester County Central Camp will speak about their ministry, and Merrill and Elaine Freed will speak about the ministry of Ryan & Bethany Umble in Cambodia.

Monday, April 20
7:00 pm Ladies Bible Study at Sue Eby’s

Tuesday, April 21
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT

Wednesday, April 22
6:45 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, April 23
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Friday, April 24
9:00 am Gift Discernment Committee

Sunday, April 26
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service: “No Rest for the Wicked” Hebrews 4:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
12:30 pm VBS t-shirt printing
3:00 pm 100th Anniversary Committee
5:00 pm Music in the Meadow Committee
6:30 pm Gospel Concert with Zion’s Cry and In Harmony Vocal Band

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

April 19, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-04-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Oops! Sorry this was posted late.

“Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Jesus, Mark 16:15)

As we Grow Our Faith we need to be patient with late bloomers. The bud on our amaryllis bulb was just starting to open on Easter. It bloomed later in the week. We mustn’t give up on those whose faith doesn’t seem to grow as well as we think it should. We need to remember that it is God who brings the spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 3:7). Pray that the Lord will continually cause our faith to grow.

GUEST SPEAKERS
April 19 we welcome Larry Farkas to the pulpit. Larry is president of the Gideons Chester County Central Camp. He also was a friend of Pastor Steve as a youth.
We also welcome Merrill and Elaine Freed with us today. They are the parents of Bethany Umble and recently returned from a visit with Ryan, Bethany, Juliana and Kai in Cambodia. We thank the Lord for their service in Cambodia. It was one year ago, the Sunday after Easter 2008, that Ryan and Bethany & family were commissioned by our church to missionary work.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

MAPLE GROVE CONCERT SERIES
There will be a Gospel Music Concert on Sunday, April 26, 6:30 pm.
Invite your friends to join you at the concert. Zion’s Cry and In Harmony Vocal Band will perform Gospel Quartet music and a variety of other styles. You may remember them from “Music in the Meadow” last summer.

ATTENTION ALL MUSICIANS! A schedule for the offertory is being made for the next quarter. Contact Wanda if you are willing and able to provide a selection for the offertory.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, May 5. Audible Truth will lead worship and Morgan Umble will speak about her ministry experience with YWAM.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26 at 5:00 pm. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Attention Adult Sunday School Teachers: There is a brief meeting in room #7 on Sunday, May 3 following worship.

HELP PRINT VBS T-SHIRTS next Sunday (April 26) afternoon. Contact Bonnie Bruner or Cathy Case if you can help.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ELECTIVE
Is there a teenager in your life? A six-week Sunday School elective class will start on May 10 for you. “Parenting Your Teenager: A Biblical Look At Parenting” will be offered in Bill Umble’s class during the Sunday School time for anyone interested. Topics include controlling your teen’s anger, teaching your personal faith, and dealing with drug and alcohol problems.

TEACHER NEEDS: the 3&4 year old class needs a part time teacher starting in the fall. Contact Denyce if you can help.

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

FAMILY LIFE CONFERENCE – May 3
On May 3, Gerald W. and L. Marlene Kaufman will lead us in a Family Life Conference. Adult Sunday School classes will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:30 am. The Kaufmans will speak in our worship service and after a fellowship meal, they will lead us in an afternoon session.
Gerald and Marlene are experienced counselors, in private practice in Lancaster County. They are authors of “Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary” (Herald Press, 2005) and co-authors (along with their daughters, Anne & Nina) of “Freedom Fences: How to set limits that free you to enjoy your marriage and family” (Herald Press, 1999).
A study guide for “Monday Marriage” is available at http://www.heraldpress.com/studygds/MondayMarriageSG.pdf.

CHURCH FAMILY NIGHT – May 6
Come on May 6 to be part of the live audience or maybe a contestant for MAPLE GROVE STAR. Sign-up on the bulletin board in the foyer to participate with a song.
Dinner is at 6:00 pm and the program begins at 7:00.

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 have a service project.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, May 5. Audible Truth will lead worship and Morgan Umble will speak about her ministry experience with YWAM. Food and Fellowship will follow.

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.

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 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 PRESCHOOL

Registration for the 2009-2010 school year is open. Check out http://www.maplegrovepreschool.org/ for more information.

MAPLE GROVE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION YEAR 1909-2009

Reserve Sunday, August 16 for our Centennial Celebration. The 100th Anniversary Committee will meet on Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm. Anyone interested is invited to come and participate.

100 YEARS AGO AT MAPLE GROVE
The foundation was finished on Wednesday, March 17, 1909 and on Monday, April 12 the carpenters, John R. Kennel & Sons, started work. The building was 56’ long x 40’ wide (outside dimensions) and, according to records, had a seating capacity for about 400 people, even though there were fewer pews than our present sanctuary. The cost of the lumber, including millwork, was $1051.48. That’s still a bargain; calculating to 2009 dollars, it would be just over $25,000.

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

GOSPEL ECHOES TEAM will have their banquet at Yoder’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 pm. Jim Newsome is the speaker. Contact Ken Neff (717-859-3155) for complimentary tickets.

TEL HAI will hold “A Day in the Country” on Saturday, May 9 at the Retirement Community, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Events will include food, pie auction, campus tours. See Dorothy King for more information.

TEL HAI CAMP will have a Spring Celebration at Shady Maple Banquet on April 20 at 6:30 pm. Call 610-273-3969 for more information or to register.

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

April 12, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-04-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 12
RESURRECTION DAY (EASTER)
8:00 am Early Service (Nicole Eby)
8:30 am Easter Brunch
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “A Demonstration of Love” Romans 5:1-8; 6:6-11 (Pastor Steve

Monday, April 13
7:00 pm Leadership Team

Tuesday, April 14
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
No LIFT this week

Wednesday, April 15
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sewing Circle
6:45 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)
7:00 pm Evangelism & Service Commission

Thursday, April 16
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Saturday, April 18
9:00 am – 12:30 pm Chatter, Chow and Cheerful Service (Mennonite Women)
All Day – ACC Spring Assembly

Sunday, April 19
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service – Missions Sunday. Guest Speakers: Larry Farkas, President of the Gideons Chester county Central Camp will speak about their ministry, and Merrill and Elaine Freed will speak about the ministry of Ryan & Bethany Umble in Cambodia.

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

April 12, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-04-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY! (aka EASTER)

“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We Grow Our Faith when we live every day as Easter Sunday. Did our amaryllis bulb bloom for Easter? Maybe it’s a late bloomer. More important than any flower is the growth of our faith in Jesus. Today we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. It is what we’ve been waiting for; it’s what the whole world has been waiting for. Jesus carried our sins on the cross and into the tomb. When he rose from the dead he proclaimed his victory over sin and death. Our faith in Jesus helps us to have victory over sin every day. The resurrection of Jesus helps us have confidence that we too will have victory over death when we join him in heaven. We are called to be resurrection people. Every day!

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

EASTER EARLY SERVICE, April 12, 8:00 am. Join us as we gather to reflect on the resurrection of our Lord. Chelsey King, Bret Davis, and Jesse Koehn will lead music; Morgan Umble will read and pray; Nicole Eby will bring the message. A brunch will follow from 8:30 to 9:15 am.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE, April 12, 10:30 am. Pastor Steve will preach on “A Demonstration of Love” based on Romans 5:1-8; 6:6-11.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, May 5.

MAPLE GROVE CONCERT SERIES
Sunday, April 26, 6:30 pm – Zion’s Cry and In Harmony Vocal Band will be at Maple Grove.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

PARENTING YOUR TEENAGER is a Sunday School Elective that will begin in May. Watch for details.

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.” Copies will be available soon for purchase. A study guide for “Monday Marriage” is available at http://www.heraldpress.com/studygds/MondayMarriageSG.pdf.

“If we’re really serious about saving marriage we need to discover what we can do for our marriage, not what we can get from it. That means honoring our covenant by changing both our attitudes and our actions.”
—Gerald and Marlene Kaufman, Monday Marriage: Celebrating the Ordinary

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 have a service project the MCC Country Gift & Thrift Shop.

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

RELAY FOR LIFE is June 30. 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.

RENEWAL SERVICES will be held September 20 - 23. Pray for renewal at Maple Grove.

PENNY POWER collected $724.26 from Maple Grove. The over 40 age group collected the most ($500.02). In total over $50k was collected at the MCC Relief Sale for relief projects around the world.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

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 PRESCHOOL

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

The Preschool is closed for Easter Break, April 9 – 14. Classes will resume on April 15.

IDENT-A-KID cards will be available at the preschool on April 15 & 16. This is an ID card for your child, like the ones provided by the public schools. Cost is $7 per card. See www.ident-a-kid.com for a complete description.

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.

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

12TH ANNUAL “MESSIAH” SING-A-LONG
Friday, April 17, 7:00 pm at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike (Rt. 272), Lancaster, PA. Get more information at www.messiahsingalong.com.

GOOD WORKS MINISTRY
As Good Works begins its 21st year of repairing homes in Coatesville, they have never forgotten and are always joyful of God's faithful provisions for this ministry. They have had the privilege of serving many homeowners who have needed repairs on their homes, but did not have the finances to make them. In these hard economic times, they want to make homeowners in the community aware of Good Works and the help that is available. If you know any homeowners who need assistance, please ask them to contact the Good Works office at 610-383-6311 to request an application.

GOOD WORKS Application Coordinator Position available
Position Summary: Coordinate and manage the homeowner application process, maintain the Web site, provide and coordinate technical assistance, and assist with promotional materials. If you are interested in applying for this position, please mail your resume and references to: Good Works, Inc., P.O. Box 1441, Coatesville, PA 19320, Or fax it to: 610-380-9795, Or email it to: office@goodworksinc.org.

TEL HAI will hold “A Day in the Country” on Saturday, May 9 at the Retirement Community, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Events will include food, pie auction, campus tours. See Dorothy King for more information.

TEL HAI CAMP will have a Spring Celebration at Shady Maple Banquet on April 20 at 6:30 pm. Call 610-273-3969 for more information or to register.

MISCELLANEOUS

CD recordings of our Sunday morning worship services, evening services, and congregational meetings 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.

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]

2009-04-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

WE WELCOME

John Michael McGowan

to the world.

John Michael was born on April 1 and is the son of Mike and Jen McGowan; he is a new brother for Grace, Faith, Emma, and Daniel,

A child is a gift from the Lord!

April 5, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-04-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

Sunday, April 5
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). HOLY COMMUNION AND FOOT WASHING
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

Monday, April 6
7:00 pm Finance, Property and Personnel Commission
7:00 pm Ladies Bible Study at Sue Eby’s

Tuesday, April 7
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT
11:15 Women’s Ministries Commission
7:00 pm X-treme Worship

Wednesday, April 8
8:00 am – 2:00 pm Sewing Circle
6:45 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)
7:00 pm Coordinating Body

Thursday, April 9
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Friday, April 10
7:00 pm Good Friday Service
8:00 Junior Maple Grove Youth Fellowship supper and bowling

Sunday, April 12
RESURRECTION DAY (EASTER)
8:00 am Early Service (Nicole Eby)
8:30 am Easter Brunch
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “A Demonstration of Love” Romans 5:1-8; 6:6-11 (Pastor Steve)

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

April 5, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-04-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

“Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.” (Psalm 149:1)

Let’s Grow Our Faith as we head toward Easter. Will our amaryllis bulb bloom for Easter? There is always hope! Hope for the best and the preparation for discouragement seem to go together. The week from Palm Sunday to Easter was an emotional rollercoaster. It began with great hope and joy as Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem. The week continued through the Upper Room, to the Garden of Gethsemane, to Jesus’ trial, to the cross, the tomb … and wonderfully to the resurrection. Our faith grows, through good and bad times, when we maintain a close relationship with God and with other followers of Jesus.

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.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

APRIL 5 WORSHIP SERVICE, 10:30 am. Pastor Steve will preach on “The Communion of The Saints” based on Acts 2:42-47. We will celebrate holy communion and foot washing.

X-TREME WORSHIP is Tuesday, April 7. Audible Truth will lead in worship and Merv Stoltzfus, Youth Minister for the Atlantic Coast Conference, will speak.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, April 10, 7:00 pm. Join us as we gather to reflect on the seven words (phrases) of Jesus from the Cross.

EASTER EARLY SERVICE, April 12, 8:00 am. Join us as we gather to reflect on the resurrection of our Lord. Chelsey King, Bret Davis, and Jesse Koehn will lead music; Nicole Eby will bring the message. A brunch will follow from 8:30 to 9:15 am.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE, April 12, 10:30 am. Pastor Steve will preach on “A Demonstration of Love” based on Romans 5:1-8; 6:6-11.

“MUSIC IN THE MEADOW” will be held July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. The next organizational meeting is April 26. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

There will be a BIBLE VERSE MEMORY REWARD LUNCHEON on Sunday, April 5 at 12:00 noon for Sunday School children who completed the requirements of the program.

PARENTING YOUR TEENAGER is a Sunday School Elective that will begin in May. Watch for details.

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.” Copies will be available soon for purchase.

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

BIBLE QUIZZING ended last weekend with the Ohio Invitational Tournament in Archbold, Ohio. Dillon King and Denver Grof quizzed out once, and Abbie Weaver quizzed out in 4 matches. We thank 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. This week the youth will have a service project at Pastor Steve’s home.

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

RENEWAL SERVICES will be held in September. Pray for renewal at Maple Grove.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

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 PRESCHOOL

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

The Preschool will be closed for Easter Break, April 9 – 14. Classes will resume on April 15.

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.

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]

March 29, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-03-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

“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]

March 22, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-03-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

“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]

March 15, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-03-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

“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]

March 8, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-03-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-03-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

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

March 1, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-02-27T08:43:00.001-08:00

Sunday, March 1
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship led by the Birdsong Family
12:00 pm Church Fellowship Meal with the Birdsong Family
2:45 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Maple Grove
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Akron Mennonite
[6:30 pm Evening Service has been cancelled this month]

Monday, March 2
6:30 pm Ladies’ Bible Study at Joy Sherman’s

Tuesday, March 3
8:00 am Prayer & Praise
9:15 am LIFT
7:00 pm Xtreme Worship

Wednesday, March 4
6:30 pm Church Family Night – Church Family Feud
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

Thursday, March 5
6:00 am Men’s Prayer

Friday, March 6
9:00 – 11:00 am World Day of Prayer at Sandy Hill Community Church

Saturday, March 7
Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour tonight

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
12:00 pm 100th Anniversary Committee Meeting
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Fritz’s
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Weaverland Mennonite

March 1, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

2009-02-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

March 1, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

2009-02-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” (Psalm 95:2)

As we head toward Easter lets think about how we can Grow Our Faith. Remember how the children helped Pastor Steve plant an amaryllis bulb? How is our bulb doing? Is it growing? More important, “How is your faith doing?” We plant the bulb of our faith when we make a commitment to Jesus. Sometimes we call this inviting Jesus into our hearts and lives. Our Christian life will never grow, flourish and bloom unless it starts with a firm commitment to follow Jesus. Do you need to re-commit your life to Christ?

THIS WEEKEND
THE BIRDSONG FAMILY
Youth Oriented Concert & Fellowship Time, Saturday, February 28, 6:30 pm
Sunday Morning Worship, Sunday, March 1st at 10:30 am.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that will begin this Sunday, March 1, in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. 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.

There are NEW BOOKS IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY. Some of the new titles are “Have a New Kid by Friday” by Dr. Kevin Leman, “Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide” by G. Lloyd Carr, and “The Carol of Christmas: Life Story of Christmas Carol Kaufmann” by Marcia Kauffman Clark

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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

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 1st) the competition for our team is at Akron Mennonite Church at 6:30 pm. Come cheer on our teams! Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. Last week (2/22) Taylor Fritz, Dillon King, Kaitlyn Nafziger & 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.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by David Klingensmith, youth pastor at Sandy Hill Community Church.

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” is will be held on July 12. 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

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER will be held on Friday, March 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Sandy Hill Mennonite Church. Sarah Mechler, missionary to Mongolia is the speaker. Dorothy King will bring the devotions.

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.

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

February 22, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, February 22
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship “Another Church Fire?” 2 Timothy 2:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Maple Grove
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Forest Hills Mennonite

Monday, February 23
6:30 pm Leadership Team

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

Wednesday, February 25
9:15 am Precepts Bible Study for Women
7:00 pm Maple Grove Youth Fellowship (grades 9-12)

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

Friday, February 27
6:30 pm Sports Dinner & Auction (sponsored by MYF)

Saturday, February 28
6:30 pm The Birdsong Family Concert & Youth Rally

Sunday, March 1
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship led by the Birdsong Family
12:00 pm Church Fellowship Meal with the Birdsong Family
2:45 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Maple Grove
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Akron Mennonite
6:30 pm Evening Service with “House of His Creation”

February 22, 2009 – Opportunities of the Week

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“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (Psalm 18:28)

Passionate Spirituality can describe a church and individuals that are “on fire” for the Lord. We’re not talking about destructive acts of violence. We’re talking about the fire that God puts into our lives. In the New Testament the term “fire” is generally negative, the eternally destructive kind. The positive kind is a refining fire that comes to us when we invite God (Spirit) into our lives. (Mt. 3:11). This fire generates ministry. Timothy received his faith in God through his mother and grandmother. Paul challenges him to “fan into flame” his God given gifts. God wants believers that are “on fire.” God wants another church fire – the beneficial kind.

NEXT WEEKEND
THE BIRDSONG FAMILY
Youth Oriented Concert & Fellowship Time, Saturday, February 28, 6:30 pm
Sunday Morning Worship, Sunday, March 1st at 10:30 am.

The Birdsong Family will visit local schools during the week. Lodging is needed on Wednesday and Saturday nights. If you have rooms available, please contact Ken Umble.

LEADERSHIP LISTENING MEETINGS
The Leadership Team will meet with each adult Sunday School class during February and March. The purpose is to listen to your comments and concerns about the church, passionate spirituality and an associate pastor. Today we meet with the Young Adults (Erin Metzler, teacher), next Sunday with Bill Umble’s Class. A schedule is posted on the large bulletin board in the foyer.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

‘Money Talks” is a 5-week Sunday School elective that will begin on March 1, in the sanctuary during the Sunday School hour. 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.

Caring adults are needed to volunteer in the nursery during Sunday School. Please see Jen Eby if you are interested.

There are NEW BOOKS IN THE CHURCH LIBRARY. Some of the new titles are “Have a New Kid by Friday” by Dr. Kevin Leman, “Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide” by G. Lloyd Carr, and “The Carol of Christmas: Life Story of Christmas Carol Kaufmann” by Marcia Kauffman Clark

FAMILY LIFE OPPORTUNITIES

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.”

YOUTH MININSTRY OPPORTUNITIES

BIBLE QUIZZING continues. This week (Feb 22) the competition for our team is at Forest Hills Mennonite Church at 6:30 pm. Come cheer on our teams! Jeff & Rhonda Stoltzfus and Erin Metzler are coaches. Last week (2/15) Abbie Weaver quizzed out twice; Denver Groff, Rachael Copeland & Dillon King quizzed out once. 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. This week is for planning for the Sports Dinner.

A SPORTS DINNER AND AUCTION will be held on Friday, February 27at 6:30 pm. Support your favorite teams by wearing in sports attire. There will be lots of food and entertainment and lots of great items to bid on. This is a fund raising meal for the MYF.

Xtreme Worship on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 pm. Music by Audible Truth; message by David Klingensmith, youth pastor at Sandy Hill Community Church.

FINANCE ANNOUNCEMENTS

A stewardship challenge was placed in your mailboxes; please contact Mike King if you have questions.

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

EVANGELISM AND SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

We are collecting blankets for MCC to distribute in Afghanistan, Iraq and North Korea. New single or double winter weight blankets are preferred. There is a box and display in the foyer for your contributions.

Clean out your quilt closets for the MCC PA RELIEF SALE, April 3-4. You can recycle quilt supplies, unfinished quilt projects and craft items. See the announcement posted in the foyer for more information.

Please view the mission bulletin board in the foyer. Cambodia and the ministry of Ryan and Bethany Umble are highlighted.

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 on July 12. Your help is needed for this fun and inspirational event. Contact Ken Umble for more information.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER will be held on Friday, March 6 from 9:00 to 11:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. Sarah Mechler, missionary to Mongolia is the speaker.

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

A captain for the Relay for Life team is needed. Contact RuthAnn Bruner if you can help.

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.

CHURCH FIRES
A strange item in the history of Maple Grove Church has been that of four efforts to destroy the church building by fire. In October 1922, in August 1940, and in May 1952 mysterious attempts were made to burn down the frame edifice of the congregation. The 1922 burning called for closing the church for six weeks to allow for restoration, and again in 1940 it took six weeks to repair the damage. The loss of the 1952 burning was estimated at $2,000. Evidence of arson was discovered in kerosene cans and kerosene soaked objects found within the church in the first two burnings. For the third burning the arsonist used gasoline-soaked newspapers and hymnals that were placed at certain places throughout the building and ignited. A train of gasoline on the rug in the center aisle was lit and though the fire followed the gasoline trail, it did not burn the rug completely.
The latest and most serious burning occurred in December 1967. The damage from this attempt was the most extensive of the four, due in large part to the fact that the congregation had completed a $48,000 renovation project in 1966. This time the basement was completely destroyed and much of the main auditorium damaged.
The persons responsible for starting the blazes have never been discovered or apprehended and the reason for the burnings is unknown. In the January 1968 Maple Breezes, a monthly news bulletin of the congregation, appeared a “Prayer for an Arsonist” by Martha Kauffman, member of the congregation. “Lord, be with the arsonist today. Let him meditate on the dangers encountered by the firemen … let him see himself. He, too, is Thy child … Did none of us show to him the importance of serving Thee? Forgive us if we are at fault …” One member of the congregation expressed the feelings of many by saying that “our church didn’t burn; it was only the building.”
(From, Grant M. Stoltzfus, Mennonites of the Ohio and Eastern Conference, pp. 214-215)

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

MISCELLANEOUS
Reminder: Please contact the church office when repairmen are scheduled at the church facilities. Please make 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.

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

LANCASTER MENNONITE HIGH SCHOOL winter concert is February 22 at 3:00 pm in the Fine Arts Center. See www.lancastermennonite.org for more information.

WEST FALLOWFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL will have an OPEN HOUSE on February 24 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Visit www.wfcs.org for more information.

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.

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.

February 15, 2009 – This Week at Maple Grove

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Sunday, February 15
8:45 am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship “Showing God’s Love to Others in the Dominican Republic”1 John 3:16-18 (Testimonies by Team Members)
12:00 pm Music in the Meadow meeting
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Groff’s
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Lancaster Mennonite School

Monday, February 16
7:00 pm Ladies’ Bible Study at Joy Sherman’s
7:00 pm Worship & Music Commission
7:00 pm Evangelism & Service Commission

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

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

Thursday, February 19
6:00 am Men’s Prayer
5:30 pm Red Hat & Pink Hat Ladies meet at the church.

February 20-22 Ladies Retreat at Eden Resort

Saturday, February 21
11:00 am Memorial Service and interment for Ruth Elizabeth Kennel
6:30 pm JR MYF Game Night at the church

Sunday, February 22
8:45am Prayer Time
9:30 am Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship “Another Church Fire?” 2 Timothy 2:1-11 (Pastor Steve)
3:00 pm Bible Quizzers meet at Maple Grove
6:30 pm Bible Quizzing at Forest Hills Mennonite