po box 480, 549 swan road atglen, pa. 19310 volume 2 s people did not denounce him as they began to...
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FROM THE PASTOR Christmas is coming. The stores seem to start their merchandizing mania earlier and earlier. Perhaps churches should begin planning for Christmas as well. This year we are being challenged to engage in authentic worship and giving to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As we get ready for Christmas we are challenged to TURN OUR CHRISTMAS (PREPARATIONS) UPSIDE-DOWN. Let’s consider why we should do this. “The fastest-growing religion in the world is not Islam or Christianity; the symbol of this rising faith is not the star and crescent or the cross, but a dollar sign. This expanding belief system is radical consumerism. It promises transcendence, power, pleasure, and fulfillment even as it demands complete devotion. “Many American Christians have decided they can, to put it bluntly, love both God and money. Our Scriptures tell how God’s people were often intrigued by the promises of other gods, whether offering a bountiful harvest, sexual pleasure, or political power. God’s people did not denounce him as they began to worship Baal or any other false god. Rather, they often continued to profess loyalty to God while they pursued their functional god. In the same way, American Christians have incorporated their devotion to consumerism with their Christian faith. Yet every step we make toward consumerism is one step farther off the path of Jesus the Liberating King. “It is clear that the primary threat to true Christianity in America is consumerism – not liberalism, fundamentalism, Darwinism, secularism, or any other –ism that happens to achieve some level of influence and power.” (Advent Conspiracy: Can Christmas Still Change the World?, Zondervan, 2009, pp.21-22. You can read more at www.adventconspiracy.org.) At Maple Grove, the Leadership Team is encouraging each commission, committee, Sunday School Class, & group to consider how we can move our Christmas celebrations from a consumerism focus to a “Jesus” focus. Jesus was sent to earth to serve and to give His life (Mt. 20:28). We should strive to be like Jesus. As we prepare for Christmas we should think about how we will serve and give of our own lives. We are challenged to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all. -Pastor Steve
Volume 2 Issue 5 November 2013 The monthly newsletter of Maple Grove Mennonite Church
Maple Grove Mennonite Church “The mission of Maple Grove is to expect great things from God as we deepen our relationship
with Christ and to show God’s love to others.”
PO Box 480, 549 Swan Road Atglen, PA. 19310
Phone 610-593-6658 Fax: 610-593-3506
www.maplegrove-atglen.org
MAPLE GROVE BREEZE
Nov. 3 – Pastor Steve Crane
Fellowship Breakfast to welcome new pastors (9-10:15am)
Installation of Pastors Seth Fisher and Mike Lusby
Worship Leaders: Ken U, Morgan U
Nov. 10 – Pastor Mike Lusby
Worship Leaders: Worship & Music Commission
NOVEMBER SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Nov. 17 – Pastor Seth Fisher
Harvest Celebration Sunday
Worship Leaders: Arlin & Lois K & Worship Commission
Dominican Republic Missionary Nicole E will be with us.
Nov. 24 – Pastor Mike Lusby: Thanksgiving Sunday
Worship Leader: Jesse K
Sat., Nov. 2, 5:00pm Jr. MYF will join Parkesburg Baptist Youth for
their Harvest Party and Corn Maze. Meet at the Schempps’ home
and travel to Cherry Crest for Flashlight Corn Maze.
Cost $10-payable to Karen K and due Sunday, Oct. 27.
The Post High Group meets for fun, fellowship and spiritual growth on Tuesday evenings at 7pm. Check Facebook or contact Brandon & Rhonda U for information and meeting locations.
Tues., Nov 5 - Barn Party @ Dean G’s
Christian Education Commission: Matt K, Lay Minister
Planning a Sunday School elective ”Advent Conspiracy” for Sundays
in December.
Evangelism & Service Commission: Morgan U, Lay Minister
Nov. 6, 6-7:30 pm Volunteer Training Night at the PB Point
Sunday, Nov. 17, Harvest Sunday at Maple Grove
Sunday, Nov. 17, 6:30pm Parkesburg Point Grand Opening/Banquet
Family Life Commission: Eric & Sue N, Lay Ministers
Finance, Personnel and Property Commission: Doug L, Lay
Minister
Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 7pm.
Women's Ministries Commission: Melba K, Lay Minister
Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 6, 12:15pm.
Nov. 3 Sunday 9:00 - 10:15am Fellowship Breakfast to welcome
new pastors
Nov. 6 Wednesday @ 9:30am Last Ladies’ Fall Bible Study
Nov.11 Monday @ 7:00pm Ladies’ Fall Bible Study at Sue E’s
Worship & Music Commission: Arlin & Lois K, Lay Ministers
Next Meeting: Monday, November 7, 5:45pm followed by worship
practice.
Nov. 3 - Dec. 15 Sundays @ noon Christmas choir practice.
There will also be practice included for the Thanksgiving community
choir.
Youth Ministry Commission: Linda Y, Lay Minister
CHURCH COMMISSION NEWS
JR HIGH YOUTH
POST HIGH CHURCH NEWS
PARKESBURG POINT NEWS The Point will unveil its new center aimed at transforming and empowering the youth of Parkesburg and surrounding areas at its Grand Opening Event on Sunday, November 17 beginning at 6:30 pm at 700 Main Street, Parkesburg.
The event will feature an inspiring keynote address, “Gifted Hands,” from Dr. Benjamin Carson, M.D., who will tell his inspiring journey from an inner-city youth to a top pediatric surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33. Dr. Carson is the president and co-founder of the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments, was named by CNN and TIME Magazine as one of the nation’s 20 foremost physicians and scientists, and was selected by the Library of Congress as one of 89 “Living Legends.” The cost to attend the Grand Opening Event is $60 and tickets can be purchased at thepointgoe.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact The Point at 610.857.3393.
SR HIGH YOUTH
Wed., Oct. 30 Barn Party at Dean G’s
Wed., Nov. 6 Kendall K, speaker
Sun., Nov. 10 6:00pm Progressive Supper
Wed., Nov. 13 Tim F, speaker
Wed. Nov. 17 To be determined
Wed., Nov. 27 Community Thanksgiving Eve Service
FROM MAPLE GROVE PRESCHOOL
Maple Grove Preschool will be selling Pennsylvania Soy Candles beginning on October 30th. These wonderful candles cost $12.75 and give you 130 hours of burn time. Soy candles burn very cleanly, and this year we have added some new scents. Feel free to stop by our table in the foyer and see which scent you prefer. Please use the order form on the clipboard at the table and put your check in the red box. All checks need to be made out to Maple Grove Preschool. Candles will be ready for pick-up by December 12th in the preschool office. Thank you for your support of the mission of Maple Grove Preschool.
HARVEST CELEBRATION
In Old Testament times, God’s people recognized God’s provision
and their connection to the land with regular harvest festivals. These
included offerings of the first fruits of each harvest. On Sunday,
November 17, we will celebrate our thankfulness to the “Lord of the
Harvest.” We will have a special offering of money, produce, canned
& dry goods and Dutchway Dollar Stretchers from the blessings the
Lord has provided. Your harvest offerings will be distributed to those
who have not been blessed as abundantly as we have.
A THOUGHT AS WE NEAR THANKSGIVING...
I’m thankful, Lord, for loving care;
I’m thankful, too, for something more.
I’m thankful, Lord, that I can bear
The things that I’m not thankful for.
WILL YOU PRAY FOR ?
Our Church Family… The Leadership Team...
Lead Pastor Steve Crane
Pastor Seth Fisher
Pastor Mike Lusby
Elders:
Tim Fritz, Lead Elder
Kyle King
Matt Ressler, Leadership Secretary
Lay Ministers of our Commissions
Our Missionaries…
Laura D in Dominican Republic
Nicole E in Dominican Republic
Dale & Kathy M working with YWAM in VA and Chile
Allen U in Albania
Randy & Melanie U in Ecuador
Ryan & Bethany U in Cambodia
Scott in North Africa
Ministries Supported by Maple Grove…
Maple Grove Preschool
Bridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties
Parkesburg Point
PRAYER LIST
Greetings Rose of Sharon Orphanage Friends, Team # 1; Sat..to Sat. Jan. 18 - 25 Team # 2; Sat. to Sat. Jan. 25 - Feb. 1 Team # 3 Sat. to Sat. Feb. 1 - 8 (WFCS 8th graders, however, it is a very small class this year & if the other dates absolutely do not work for you ask me about this week.)
September 1: Sign ups begin. (You can call/text Eric N @610-416-8723 or email him @ [email protected], October 25: Signups close. November 1: Payment due in full. (If this is a problem, please contact me.) December 1: All information due. (Passport copy, info sheet, etc.)
We have been asked to construct a wall to separate the Girl's Orphanage building from the new Medical Clinic that is under construction. This will include digging a trench, pouring footers & yes....laying block! There are a few other projects still being processed, but as usual there will be plenty of things to clean & paint. Please pray and consider this year’s trip. Eric N. N
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONS TRIP
NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
11/7 Mark & Sandy M
11/8 Sam & Cora U
11/10 Duane & Marilyn H
11/20 Paul & Joy S
MAPLE GROVE STAFF Lead Pastor, Steve Crane, [email protected]
Pastor Seth Fisher, [email protected] Pastor Mike Lusby, [email protected]
Lynda K, Treasurer, [email protected] Marilyn U, Secretary, [email protected]
PLEASE SUBMIT ALL INFORMATION FOR THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER BY WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20.
Puns for Scholars The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
I thought I saw an eye-doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
A rubber-band pistol was confiscated from an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.
No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
A vulture carrying two dead raccoons boards an airplane. The stewardess looks at him and says, 'I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger.'
Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, 'I've lost my electron.' The other says, 'Are you sure?' The first replies, 'Yes, I'm positive.'
Hamming It Up When Jesus commanded the demons to come out of the man called Legion, the demons begged Jesus to cast them into the swine herd nearby. Jesus did, and the pigs ran over the cliff. That is the first mention of deviled ham in the Bible.
COMMUNITY NEWS LANCASTER MENNONITE HIGH SCHOOL will present Jon Jory's recent stage adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice, on October 31, November 1 and November 2, with performances starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Weaver Auditorium of the Calvin and Janet High Fine Arts Center on the Lancaster Campus. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for senior citizens and $8 for adults, and may be reserved by calling the box office at 299-0436, ext. 340. Discounts are available for groups of ten or more.
NECESSARY CONVERSATIONS SEMINAR November 2, 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the auditorium at Garden Spot Village. Gerald and Marlene Kaufman, family therapists and authors of Necessary Conversations Between Adult Children and Their Aging Parents, will offer practical ideas for establishing a partnership and having timely conversations about finances, medical issues, driving, safety, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their adult children. Free and open to the public. Preregistration requested.To register, call 717-355-6000.
YOUTH LEADER RESOURCE A resource event sponsored by Atlantic Coast and Lancaster Conferences for youth leaders is being held Monday, November 4, 7:00-9:00 PM at the Lancaster Mennonite Conference office, 2160 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster. The event will use an "Open Space" format to engage participants in focused conversation and give opportunity to discuss areas of interest with others in attendance, building vision for youth ministries. What is Open Spaces? It's a place to...
discuss your youth ministry questions with others
express your youth ministry passions
relate to others who understand and develop vision to take
back to your congregation
NONVIOLENCE TRAINING SESSIONS SATURDAYS, November 9 and 16, 2013, for intensive experiential workshops giving participants a comprehensive introduction to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s philosophy and strategy of nonviolence at the Akron Mennonite Church . These workshops, sponsored by www.1040forPeace.org, will be facilitated by Tarek Abuata of Washington , DC , a nonviolence trainer who is also Christian Peacemaker Teams' Coordinator for Palestine.
CELEBRATION OF HOPE CONCERT Sunday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. Grace Baptist Church, 1899 Marietta Ave, Lancaster, PA 17603. A freewill offering will be received for No Longer Alone Ministries. 717-390-4891 or [email protected].
WEST FALLOWFIELD ANNUAL BANQUET Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013 6pm –Punch Reception, 6:30 pm Buffet Meal catered by Shady Maple, inspirational guest speaker: Phil Carnuccio, Pastor of Providence Church in West Chester. RSVP by Oct 28 @ wfcs.org or 610-593-5011.
ANNUAL HARMONY CONCERT Saturday November 16, 7:00 pm, at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Rd, Leola, PA 17540. Please join Friendship Community for this concert. This evening promises to be filled with the beautiful harmonies and humorous vignettes performed by Spare Parts, The Friendship Five, Landisville Mennonite Men's Quartet and The Mennonite Ethiopian Singers. A freewill offering will be collected.
SMILE! IT DOES A BODY GOOD!