We are an open community of Christians who love God and serve our neighbors.  Luke 10:27
Maple Leaf Logo
August Issue
2017
2017 Vision
Mission
2017 Vision
We are an open community of Christians
INVITE To cultivate a culture of invitation to Christian community
who love God GROW
To commit to an ever-deepening relationship with God
and serve our neighbors.
Luke 10:27
TRANSFORM
To form life-changing relationships while serving others                           
August Worship

August 6 - 10 AM only
Matthew 14:13-21
Bread to Share
 
August 13 - 10 AM only
Matthew 9:9-13
Coming In, To Go Out
Capt. Don Ackerman preaching

August 20 - 10 AM only
Matthew 19:13-15

August 27
8:30  AM - worship as usual
Isaiah 58:1-7 - God chooses justice, sharing, caring
 
10:00 AM
Feed the World Sunday
The church will be full of food-related
volunteer opportunities. More details here.
And please stay afterwards for an all church-lunch!
We will all eat together!
Children & Youth Ministries {grow}
Children's Ministry

SUNDAY SCHOOL
 
Kids ages 4 - 6th grade are welcome to join us in the upper education wing  September - May
Project Sunday School in includes both traditional curriculum and new projects for the kids to develop and share with the congregation. Save the date! This year's Project Sunday School begins September 10 and our first project will be performed on October 29!

T.M.I. (Tween Ministry Incorporated) 
T.M.I. is a ministry for kids in grades 4-6.  Together we share God's word,  complete mission activities and have fellowship together. 

September 10: We are back together again with new 4th graders to get to know!
September 17: Begin our fall project


Family.Faith.Fun Children's Ministry Maple Grove Member Beth Wiley has created a fellowship  and service group for younger elementary kids at Maple Grove. This ministry is geared toward kids and their parents and will include fellowship and service opportunities. For Grades K-3.  Please contact Beth Wiley at 614-256-8461 if you are interested in participating. 
Youth Ministry

August 7th Youth Event! The Youth are heading to Summit Vision in Westerville on August 7th for a team building activity on the low ropes course and then off to a lunch adventure!  The cost is $20 the time is from 8:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  If your youth wants to go please let Cathy know immediately at cdavis@maplegroveumc.org
 
Youth Sunday School and Youth Group begins on Sunday, September 10th. Sunday school meets from 9:45 to 10:45 in room 125.  Youth Group meets most Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 in the Youth Room.
Confirmation for Grades 7 & 8
Beginning Sunday, September 17 @ 12:15 PM

Beginning Sunday,  September 17 and meeting approximately two Sundays a month from 12:15 to 2:15 PM.  The Confirmation journey will include Pastor Glenn, Cathy Davis, mentors, and other travelers Confirmation is an intentional time of study and exploration of Christianity, Methodism, church community, beliefs, service, prayer, our thoughts and experiences of God and Jesus, and much more.  Take the journey with us. Church membership is ultimately your own decision to be made after this time of study, discussion, and prayerful reflection. Please call Pastor Glenn or Cathy Davis to register or ask questions 614.262.1163.
Spiritual Formation & Wellbeing {grow}
Share Your Faith (But NOT in an Annoying Way!)  
Sunday, August 20, 11:15 am, Room 8
Wednesday, August 23, 7:00 pm, Parlor
Sunday, September 3, 9:45 am, Room 8

As we gear up for National B ack to Church Sunday on September 17, Maple Grove's Invitation Team wants to help you feel more comfortable and confident in sharing God's love and inviting others to "Come and See" what's happening at Maple Grove.   The Invitation Team is offering brief opportunities to learn and practice some skills to make our invitations as effective as possible.    Sign up for whichever one best fits your schedule, or just show up.  Come and see!
Honoring the Bible Sunday School Class
6 weeks, beginning, September 10 @ 9:45
Room 8

A Short-Term Sunday School class:  Honoring the Bible: Can we read the Bible respectfully without falling to Fundamentalism or Skepticism? In this 6-week course we will look at the history of the canon, how the particular texts came to be, and we will consider approaches for reading well. We will consider how we can be a community challenged and matured by scripture without falling prey to the extremes of Fundamentalism or Skepticism. Led by David Kushner, meeting September 10 through October 15 from 9:45 to 10:45 in Room 8.  

The Sunday School hour returns on September 10th.  These Sunday morning classes meet from 9:45-10:45 from September through May:
  • 20/30s Young Adults - Come for conversation, coffee and mind-opening exploration of Christian faith for the modern world. Meets in the Youth Room.
  • The Adult Bible Study - Using the International Bible Lessons curriculum this class engages in stimulating discussion that explores the biblical message and how to apply it to daily life. Meets in the Parlor.
  • The Kitchen Class This class engages in topical Christian conversation and book studies.  Class time always includes time to share individual cares and concerns.  Meets in the Kitchen.
  • Word Among Us - This class reads together one or more of the lectionary texts for the week, looks at the historical context and the life applications for the scriptures.  Meets in the Chapel.
These Weekday Groups meet all year round:
  • Tuesday Meditation at 7  This hour gathering begins with prayer and a brief scripture or devotional reading, followed by 15 minutes of meditation and then time for reflecting on and sharing your experience.  Meets in the youth room, off Fellowship Hall.
  • Friday Men's Breakfast Bunch Meets most Friday mornings at Bob Evans.  This group of independent thinkers share a variety of ideas about religious beliefs and practices during their time together.  Please call or email Bill Tenney 614.348.8152 for meeting dates and location.
  • Pub Theology - Meets every third Thursday at 7:00 pm at Tabletop Game Cafe (4316 N. High St.).  Beer, Conversation, God.  An informal, low-key way to think and engage others about life and faith.
Walk to Eammaus and Cum Christo 

Brochures explaining the Walk to Emmaus and Cum Christo weekends are  available in the church office.  If you are interested in making a weekend (view list here), contact Marialice Bennett  for assistance with the application and obtaining a sponsor.
God-Centered Wellbeing @ the Heart of Maple Grove
Wellbeing Connection:  Your Wellbeing Matters!
Bulletin Board, Human Connection Groups, Wellness Tips
   
Check out the God-centered Wellbeing Bulletin Board in the east hallway!  Enjoy the pictures of "I spy God" that are also on display in the east hallway.

Click here to see what is happening with all of the God-Centered Wellbeing Groups at Maple Grove!
 
We all need someone to help us find peace and hope! Get connected with one of our Human Connection Groups.  The groups currently in formation are: 
 
You are invited to join any of these groups. Don't see what you are looking for? Suggest a new Human Connection Group! If you would like more information on a group contact the group facilitator or Marialice Bennett . 
Cancer Care Ministry--Pelotonia
August 5-6

The Cancer Care Ministry at Maple Grove supports and promotes Pelotonia, a grassroots bike tour that was founded in Columbus in 2008 to raise money for cancer research. It has ONE GOAL: END CANCER.  The event's operating expenses are covered by funding partners, so 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to fund research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The ride will take place on  Saturday & Sunday, August 5-6 donations are accepted through October . To learn more, register to ride, volunteer, or donate, please visit http://pelotonia.org . Currently, there are 7787 riders registered for this year's event; two of them are Maple Grove members: Jim Davoli (Rider #JD0138) and Brad Hughes (Virtual Rider #LH0018).
Serving Our Neighbors {transform}
CRC UPDATES

Monthly Dinner

The CRC Dinner will be Thursday, August 3, at 5:30 PM.  Opportunities to provide food or volunteer to serve/interact with the community are available. Go to Perfect Potluck Coordinator Last Name: Norcross  Password: MG CRC Contact Melessa Norcross at 614.725.8501 if you have questions.
School Supply Drive
August

WHAT?  SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER?  In  August , we will collect new school supplies and gently used books to donate to Colerain Elementary School.  As you see the school supplies in the store, please consider picking up some extras for kids who need them! Click here for the full list of items needed. 
Neighbors in Need 

Maple Grove has a fund that covers the cost of many of these activities such as Pastor's Pantry - each month we provide 100 bag lunches to CRC; NNEMAP - we provide a dinner there once a month; and CRC - we do a dinner the third Thursday of every month. Much of the food is provided by the congregation at their own expense but at times people do need to turn in receipts to be reimbursed. The Neighbors in Need fund has been depleted and we are asking for your help to replenish it. On the first Sunday of each month we participate in communion and ask that you bring can goods to place in the boxes in the front pews. We will now be providing green envelopes in the bulletin for donations of cash for our Neighbors in Need fund. Please consider this opportunity to further our mission to be an open community of Christians who love God and serve our neighbors.
Church Events {invite}
Grief Recovery Course for those affected by Opiate Addiction
10 Sessions, beginning Tuesday, August 1, 7-9 PM
The Church of the Messiah, Westerville

Grief Recovery Method specialists in Central Ohio are offering a 10-session course for family members of those affected by opiate and other related drug addiction.   This course will help participants reckon with all the losses that come with addiction, as well as other losses they have faced.  This remarkable, transformational, non-sectarian program is open to all. Tuesday, August 1 from 7 - 9 PM. Tuesday & Thursday evenings in August. Participants will be present for all 10 sessions. The Church of the Messiah, 51 North State Street, Westerville, Ohio. Cost is $40 which includes the handbook. Scholarship help is available. Questions/Registration: Contact Lois Hall, public health and grief recovery specialist, lhall@eachmatters.com .
 

Summer Lunch & Learn Series
August 13, 11:15 AM  1:30 PM
Fellowship Hall

CREDO Workshop
The summer Lunch and Learn Series will challenges each of us to reflect on our own personal mission statement and on a credo for Maple Grove. 
 
August - Credo Workshop
As Christians and as people of Maple Grove, it is often easier for us to state what we DON'T believe and what we DON'T like about religion than it is for us to state what we DO believe and what our values ARE.  Under the gentle guidance of Don Ackerman, we will focus not on what may divide us, but on what binds us together.  Let's discover and name the values and commitments that are at the heart of Maple Grove. 
 
Don Ackerman is active duty military, teaches at Capital University, and is a seminary student and candidate for ministry in East Ohio Conference.  Don and his wife, Erin, have two young sons, James and Luke.

To register, please click here.
b2sBack to School Blessings 
Sunday, August 20 @ 10 AM
Sanctuary

Join us during worship for BLESSINGS OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS  heading back to school.  This worship service is a wonderful way to connect with your church family and start the school year off right.  Bring a friend!
FTWFeed the World Sunday--A Service of Service
Sunday, August 27 @ 10 AM
Gather in the Sanctuary

It gets bigger every year-- FEED THE WORLD SUNDAY ! On   Sunday August 27,  at  10 AM , after a brief gathering in the sanctuary, we will disperse around the building to serve our neighbors. Individuals and entire families will be able to make a difference by feeding people locally, nationally, and globally. At Maple Grove we truly are an open community of Christians who love and serve our neighbors.
 
Opportunities include:

* Working in the church's community garden
* Packing at least 200 sack lunches for Pastors Pantry, shared with neighbors through CRC
* Preparing hundreds of sandwiches for Faith on 8th shelter
* Packaging food for up to 7500 meals distributed around the world by Lifeline Christian Mission
* Pack "buddy bags" for children to take home from school on weekends
* Writing letters to public officials about hunger-related issues
* Preparing food for all those serving that day

At about 11:00 we will all sit down and eat together. 
There will be an 8:30 worship service as usual. 
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, September 17 @ 1 PM, Blessings @ 2 PM
Fellowship Hall
 

Save the date for the 16th Annual Blessing of the Animals! Activities include visits from animal rescue organizations, microchipping and photos with your pets. More details to come! 
Better Business Bureau Presentation: Scams, Identity Theft and More!
Wednesday, October 11 @ 1 PM
Sanctuary

Ruth Circle is hosting Better Business Bureau presenters Lee Anne Lanigan and Dean Pulliam who will discuss scams, identity theft and the ins and outs of the metal charitable donation drop off boxes. They will also offer information regarding the alphabetical listing of charities subject to BBB evaluations.  This 90-minute program, including time for Q & A, will be presented in the Sanctuary. Bring your family and friends so they can be better informed and to share this information.  Please contact to the church office  , 614.262.1163, by Monday, October 2 to register.  
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Maple Grove Event Photos!

Bookmark this link! Maple Grove has a Shutterfly Share site for you to view photos of recent and past events.  Newly uploaded:  Over 80 Luncheon, Bible Presentations and Pastor Appreciation Sunday!
Church Calendars
Church Business
Christmas in July Update

As of July 23, the Christmas in July offering total is $10,431.00.   Thank you for your generosity!  You have made possible vital work with food boxes for Bethlehem on Broad, our annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Community Refugee & Immigration Services of Columbus, and the 
Bishop J udith Craig Children's Village in Monrovia, Libera. S ince you have EXCEEDED our goal of $7000, as promised, we are praying for SNOW in the sanctuary on August 6.  Also, SNOW CONES will be served after worship! In past years we've seen kilts, elves, Elvis and angels.  Buta little snow in August sounds pretty good, doesn't it?  Once again, on behalf of all the ministries supported by Christmas in July, thank you!
One Service in August

At a recent meeting of the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), the possibility of having one service in August was discussed. This will be a trial run for having one service in the summer of 2018.  The schedule for August will be:

            August 6         10:00 AM
            August 13       10:00 AM
            August 20       10:00 AM
            August 27         8:30 AM   Feed the World Sunday begins at 10 AM
 
We hope you will join us in August so we can all worship together!  In the fall, SPRC will send a survey to assess your feedback on having one service. Please plan  attend in August so you are better able to complete our survey! We will also look at the attendance numbers and decide whether to have one service in the summer of 2018, June-August.  Please feel free to contact Lynne Matthaes, SPRC Chair,  if you have questions or concerns.
Congregational News
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Deaths

Please pray for the friends and family of ...

Larry Loughead, Maple Grove Member, who passed away July 25.
Births

Conratulations to Chris & Julie friend on the birth of their daughter. 
Mia Grace Friend was born on July 14 @ 10:26 PM.

Recently Hospitalized

Alice Loughead, Bob Nothstine, Emma Lee Tolliver
Thank Yous and Notes

View recent thank yous received in the church office.