Sunday, December 30
9:30 am Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Sunday Morning Worship – Christmas Carol & Hymn Sing. Joseph, Jesus’ step-father, will be our special visitor.
12:30 pm Evangelism & Service Commission
Monday, December 31
7:00 pm MYF (Youth Group) New Year’s Eve Party at the church
Wednesday, January 2
6:00 pm Family Night Supper and activity
7:00 pm Mennonite Youth Fellowship Bible Study
Thursday, January 3
6:00 am Men’s Prayer Meeting
6:30 pm Leadership Team Meeting
Sunday, January 6
9:30 am Sunday School Classes for all ages
10:30 am Worship Service “Heavenly Lights” (Pastor Steve) The Stargazers will be our special visitors
6:30 pm Evening Worship Service “The Archaeology of Christmas” (Pastor Steve)
Friday, December 28, 2007
December 30, 2007 ANNOUNCEMENTS
January 2, Family Night
Dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by
a “Ping Pong Tournament”
Sign up on December 30 on the friendship pads if you will be joining us for dinner or call the church office. You may sign up for the tournaments on Wednesday night. Any questions call Doug Lapp. This Family Night is brought to you by the Ushers and the Jr. MYF. The Jr MYF will bring snacks.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“If the scriptures don’t sometimes pierce us like a sword, we’re not paying close enough attention.” (Kathleen Norris, The Cloister Walk, Riverhead Books, 1996, page 115)
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Pray around the world on New Year’s Eve. Locate the countries in every time zone in the world. As the New Year arrives at each time zone, pray for the people who live in those places.
Pastor Steve is on vacation from December 27 to January 2. Please contact one of the Elders in an emergency.
Digging Deeper into the Adult Bible Study Sunday School lesson
Each week comments and inspirational thoughts based on each lesson are posted at www.mph.org/abs. Select the tab for the lesson you want to review.
Purpose is distributed weekly in church mailboxes for those who have requested it. Each issue amplifies the themes discussed in the Sunday School lesson. Contact Ruth Ann Bruner if you want to receive this resource in your mailbox.
ONE YEAR AGO IN MAPLE GROVE HISTORY
We are called to remember the good times and the not-so-good times in our past. The good times encourage us to continue; the unpleasant times remind us that we are humans saved by grace. A year ago Pastor Bill Blank announced his resignation; this was a difficult time for our congregation. We thank the Lord for Pastor Bill’s ministry and we ask the Lord’s blessing in his life. Pray for Pastor Bill, Glenda and Emily as they continue to seek the Lord’s leading in their lives.
“Bibles, Buyers and Bling: Can I Have It All?” is a conference that will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite on January 18 & 19. Jim Miller of MMA will lead us as we discuss our relationship to God and Money. Plan to attend. Childcare provided.
“Weekend to Remember”
Marriage is defined by memories. They can be memories of joy and fulfillment or pain and heartbreak. It all depends on how well you apply the principles that make marriage thrive. For thirty years, the Weekend to Remember conference has been helping couples create the kind of memories that build a healthy marriage. Remember your marriage. Remember this weekend.
Weekend to Remember is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God's design for marriage and family. The environment is fun, non-threatening, and sometimes hilarious. And it's a wonderful time for couples to refresh good marriages or heal troubled ones. There are over 150 conferences in cities all across the U.S. each year. Registration is open to individuals, couples, or groups. Whether you're engaged, newlywed, or remarried, enrich your marriage and begin a godly legacy for your family by attending a conference in a city near you. Or plan a memorable getaway to a destination of your choosing.
February 15-17, 2008 at Hershey, PA
Dinner at 6:00 pm, followed by
a “Ping Pong Tournament”
Sign up on December 30 on the friendship pads if you will be joining us for dinner or call the church office. You may sign up for the tournaments on Wednesday night. Any questions call Doug Lapp. This Family Night is brought to you by the Ushers and the Jr. MYF. The Jr MYF will bring snacks.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“If the scriptures don’t sometimes pierce us like a sword, we’re not paying close enough attention.” (Kathleen Norris, The Cloister Walk, Riverhead Books, 1996, page 115)
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Pray around the world on New Year’s Eve. Locate the countries in every time zone in the world. As the New Year arrives at each time zone, pray for the people who live in those places.
Pastor Steve is on vacation from December 27 to January 2. Please contact one of the Elders in an emergency.
Digging Deeper into the Adult Bible Study Sunday School lesson
Each week comments and inspirational thoughts based on each lesson are posted at www.mph.org/abs. Select the tab for the lesson you want to review.
Purpose is distributed weekly in church mailboxes for those who have requested it. Each issue amplifies the themes discussed in the Sunday School lesson. Contact Ruth Ann Bruner if you want to receive this resource in your mailbox.
ONE YEAR AGO IN MAPLE GROVE HISTORY
We are called to remember the good times and the not-so-good times in our past. The good times encourage us to continue; the unpleasant times remind us that we are humans saved by grace. A year ago Pastor Bill Blank announced his resignation; this was a difficult time for our congregation. We thank the Lord for Pastor Bill’s ministry and we ask the Lord’s blessing in his life. Pray for Pastor Bill, Glenda and Emily as they continue to seek the Lord’s leading in their lives.
“Bibles, Buyers and Bling: Can I Have It All?” is a conference that will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite on January 18 & 19. Jim Miller of MMA will lead us as we discuss our relationship to God and Money. Plan to attend. Childcare provided.
“Weekend to Remember”
Marriage is defined by memories. They can be memories of joy and fulfillment or pain and heartbreak. It all depends on how well you apply the principles that make marriage thrive. For thirty years, the Weekend to Remember conference has been helping couples create the kind of memories that build a healthy marriage. Remember your marriage. Remember this weekend.
Weekend to Remember is a weekend marriage conference that teaches God's design for marriage and family. The environment is fun, non-threatening, and sometimes hilarious. And it's a wonderful time for couples to refresh good marriages or heal troubled ones. There are over 150 conferences in cities all across the U.S. each year. Registration is open to individuals, couples, or groups. Whether you're engaged, newlywed, or remarried, enrich your marriage and begin a godly legacy for your family by attending a conference in a city near you. Or plan a memorable getaway to a destination of your choosing.
February 15-17, 2008 at Hershey, PA
Saturday, December 22, 2007
December 23, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule
Sunday, December 23 (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
8:45-9:45 am – Fellowship and Refreshments
10:00 am – Worship Service & Children’s Christmas Program. Dan the Shepherd will be our special visitor this week.
Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Candles. “Searching for Jesus” (Pastor Steve)
Wednesday, December 26
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting
Thursday, December 27
Work day for Carol Mast house
Friday, December 28
Work day for Carol Mast house
Sunday, December 30
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Family Worship Sunday. We will have a service of music led by Mike King. Joseph, Jesus’ step father, will be our special visitor this week.
8:45-9:45 am – Fellowship and Refreshments
10:00 am – Worship Service & Children’s Christmas Program. Dan the Shepherd will be our special visitor this week.
Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Candles. “Searching for Jesus” (Pastor Steve)
Wednesday, December 26
7:00 pm – Mennonite Youth Fellowship (MYF) meeting
Thursday, December 27
Work day for Carol Mast house
Friday, December 28
Work day for Carol Mast house
Sunday, December 30
9:30 am – Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am – Family Worship Sunday. We will have a service of music led by Mike King. Joseph, Jesus’ step father, will be our special visitor this week.
December 23, 2007 – Announcements
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
(from “Christmas Bells” written by Henry W. Longfellow in1864, in the midst of the U.S. Civil War)
Artwork of “The True Meaning of Christmas” by the Maple Grove Sunday School Children is on display in the foyer. The drawings will be on display through Christmas Eve. Children may take their artwork home after the Christmas Eve Service.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Send a card, call or visit someone who is spending their first Christmas without a loved one.
We extend our Christian sympathy to Jen McGowan on the death of her step-father, Jamie Harnish, on December 19.
Pastor Steve will be on vacation from December 27 to January 2. Please contact one of the Elders in an emergency.
The Youth Group has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Ruth Ann Bruner is collecting funds for Ralph Burkey. Ralph is the man who pulls a red wagon along Route 41 to collect cans. See Ruth Ann if you can help. There will be a Christmas Party for Ralph on December 23 at 2:30 pm at the Gap Fire Hall. The public is invited to participate.
EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES
MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week Debbie Groff, Kim Mast & Scott Umble will speak to the group. They recently completed one semester at the ECOLA Bible School. Get ready for the New Year’s Eve party starting at 7:00 pm on New Year’s Eve at the church.
COMING EVENTS
Don’t forget our Sunday Evening Worship on the first Sunday of each month. On January 6, 6:30 pm, Pastor Steve will speak on “The Archaeology of Christmas.”
“Bibles, Buyers and Bling: Can I Have It All?” is a conference that will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite on January 18 & 19. Jim Miller of MMA will lead us as we discuss our relationship to God and Money. Plan to attend. Childcare provided.
Women, mark your calendars for the Maple Grove Mennonite 2008 Women’s Retreat. The retreat will be held at the Eden Resort in Lancaster on Feb 22-23.
I heard the bells on Christmas day
their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong, and mocks the song
of peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
with peace on earth, goodwill to men.”
(from “Christmas Bells” written by Henry W. Longfellow in1864, in the midst of the U.S. Civil War)
Artwork of “The True Meaning of Christmas” by the Maple Grove Sunday School Children is on display in the foyer. The drawings will be on display through Christmas Eve. Children may take their artwork home after the Christmas Eve Service.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24) Suggestion: Send a card, call or visit someone who is spending their first Christmas without a loved one.
We extend our Christian sympathy to Jen McGowan on the death of her step-father, Jamie Harnish, on December 19.
Pastor Steve will be on vacation from December 27 to January 2. Please contact one of the Elders in an emergency.
The Youth Group has extra ham loaves from the fundraiser; please contact Laura Ressler if you would like one.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Ruth Ann Bruner is collecting funds for Ralph Burkey. Ralph is the man who pulls a red wagon along Route 41 to collect cans. See Ruth Ann if you can help. There will be a Christmas Party for Ralph on December 23 at 2:30 pm at the Gap Fire Hall. The public is invited to participate.
EDUCATION AND INSPIRATION OPPORTUNITIES
MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) is for youth in grades 9-12 and meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. This week Debbie Groff, Kim Mast & Scott Umble will speak to the group. They recently completed one semester at the ECOLA Bible School. Get ready for the New Year’s Eve party starting at 7:00 pm on New Year’s Eve at the church.
COMING EVENTS
Don’t forget our Sunday Evening Worship on the first Sunday of each month. On January 6, 6:30 pm, Pastor Steve will speak on “The Archaeology of Christmas.”
“Bibles, Buyers and Bling: Can I Have It All?” is a conference that will be held at Maple Grove Mennonite on January 18 & 19. Jim Miller of MMA will lead us as we discuss our relationship to God and Money. Plan to attend. Childcare provided.
Women, mark your calendars for the Maple Grove Mennonite 2008 Women’s Retreat. The retreat will be held at the Eden Resort in Lancaster on Feb 22-23.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Welcome KAI REAGAN UMBLE !
Congratulations to Ryan & Bethany Umble on the birth of Kai Reagan (9 lb. 3 oz.) on Monday, December 17. Both Mother and child are home and doing well. Juliana would have preferred a sister, but she is proud of her new brother. We thank the Lord for this special blessing he has brought into the Umble family.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
December 16, 2007 – This Week’s Schedule
Sunday, December 16
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Rejoice in What God Brings” Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11 (Pastor Steve) Elizabeth and John the Baptist will be our special visitors.
Tuesday, December 18
8:00 am Prayer and Praise Meeting
Wednesday, December 19
6:30-8:00 pm – Children’s Christmas Program Rehearsal
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) meeting
Thursday, December 20
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer Meeting at Church
Friday, December 21
1:00-5:00 pm Christmas Caroling by Junior Youth Group and Seasoned Saints.
Saturday, December 22
9:00 am – 12:00 noon – Children’s Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 23
8:45-9:45 am – Fellowship Time / Refreshments Served
10:00 am – Worship Service “Children’s Christmas Program”
8:45 am – Prayer Time
9:30 am – Sunday School classes for all ages
10:30 am – Worship Service “Rejoice in What God Brings” Isaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11 (Pastor Steve) Elizabeth and John the Baptist will be our special visitors.
Tuesday, December 18
8:00 am Prayer and Praise Meeting
Wednesday, December 19
6:30-8:00 pm – Children’s Christmas Program Rehearsal
7:00 pm – MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) meeting
Thursday, December 20
6:00 am – Men’s Prayer Meeting at Church
Friday, December 21
1:00-5:00 pm Christmas Caroling by Junior Youth Group and Seasoned Saints.
Saturday, December 22
9:00 am – 12:00 noon – Children’s Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 23
8:45-9:45 am – Fellowship Time / Refreshments Served
10:00 am – Worship Service “Children’s Christmas Program”
December 16, 2007 – Announcements
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
It is a joy to receive new members into the Maple Grove family of faith. Today we welcome Edward & Gloria Gilpin, and Charles & Patricia White as members of our congregation. We are thankful for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and we’re pleased that they desire to commune with us as we seek to serve Jesus together.
Congratulations to Jen Walton for graduating from Brandywine Nursing School.
December 30 will be a Favorite Christmas Hymn / Song Celebration Sunday. Please let Mike King know what your favorite song is and he will try to include it in the program. There will be no children’s program during worship on that Sunday; everyone will gather in the sanctuary.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
This is the last call to help The Evangelism and Service Commission help a family in need this holiday season. There are needy families in the Octorara School District that could use gifts and a Christmas meal. Contact Tim Fritz, Director of Evangelism & Service, if you can help.
Ruth Ann Bruner is collecting funds for Ralph Burkey. Ralph is the man who pulls a red wagon along Route 41 to collect cans. See Ruth Ann if you can help.
OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(See the large bulletin board in the foyer or call the church office for more information about these items)
Join the Mennonite Central Committee in responding to a powerful November 15 cyclone that claimed an estimated 3,400 lives in Bangladesh and destroyed many homes. Working with partners, MCC will provide food for 10,000 people for one month and begin a longer term project of reconstructing up to 1,500 homes. Please designate your gift “Bangladesh Cyclone Disaster Response” and sent to MCC, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.
It is a joy to receive new members into the Maple Grove family of faith. Today we welcome Edward & Gloria Gilpin, and Charles & Patricia White as members of our congregation. We are thankful for their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and we’re pleased that they desire to commune with us as we seek to serve Jesus together.
Congratulations to Jen Walton for graduating from Brandywine Nursing School.
December 30 will be a Favorite Christmas Hymn / Song Celebration Sunday. Please let Mike King know what your favorite song is and he will try to include it in the program. There will be no children’s program during worship on that Sunday; everyone will gather in the sanctuary.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
This is the last call to help The Evangelism and Service Commission help a family in need this holiday season. There are needy families in the Octorara School District that could use gifts and a Christmas meal. Contact Tim Fritz, Director of Evangelism & Service, if you can help.
Ruth Ann Bruner is collecting funds for Ralph Burkey. Ralph is the man who pulls a red wagon along Route 41 to collect cans. See Ruth Ann if you can help.
OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WIDER BODY OF CHRIST
(See the large bulletin board in the foyer or call the church office for more information about these items)
Join the Mennonite Central Committee in responding to a powerful November 15 cyclone that claimed an estimated 3,400 lives in Bangladesh and destroyed many homes. Working with partners, MCC will provide food for 10,000 people for one month and begin a longer term project of reconstructing up to 1,500 homes. Please designate your gift “Bangladesh Cyclone Disaster Response” and sent to MCC, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.
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