We are an open community of Christians who love God and serve our neighbors.  Luke 10:27
Maple Leaf Logo
February 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                           
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Maple Grove Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, February 11
5 & 6:30 PM Seatings

Have you purchased your tickets? Get them now before we sell out!! Available in the Lobby after services or contact the church office, 614.262.1163.

CHILDREN'S TABLE  DONATIONS REQUESTED: Please remember that we need items donated for the children's sale table, such as, books, games, puzzles and costume jewelry. 

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS REQUESTED: We are asking members to donate items as part of a group basket or as an individual for the auction. Items need to be delivered to Room 8 on Thursday, February 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM or Friday, February 10 from 9 AM to 12:00 PM.  What can you donate? A service (God's Gardeners are going to garden for someone), gift card to your favorite restaurant, hand crafted pieces of wood, pottery, paper, vacation time-shares, and sporting events or concert tickets are greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support! Please contact Jeanne Skinner with questions.
 February Worship
God-Centered Wellbeing
And Relationships
 
February 5
Let Your Light Shine
Matthew 5:13-20
 
February 12
Relationship with Others Is Relationship with God
Matthew 5:21-37
 
February 19
R elationships Include ... Enemies
Matthew 5:38-48
 
February 26  Transfiguration Sunday
"We Spy God" Photographs
Matthew 17:1-9
March 1
Ash Wednesday
Sermon Title:  When I Am Afraid, I Put My Trust in You
Psalm 56
7:00 am & 7:00 pm
Children & Youth Ministries {grow}
Children's Ministry

SUNDAY SCHOOL meets from 9:45 - 10:45 Sunday mornings September - May 
Kids ages 4 - 6th grade are welcome to join us in the upper education wing!

Project Sunday School meets from  9:45 - 10:45 Sunday mornings ! Kids ages 4 - 6th grade are kids_welcome.jpg welcome to join us in the upper education wing.  Project Sunday School  in 2017 will include both traditional curriculum and new projects for the kids to develop and share with the congregation.  If your child likes to act, sing, paint, brainstorm, create, write, or do any other sort of thing, then they should try project Sunday School!  Sunday School resumed on January 8.

February 5 - March 19:  We will write a mini-musical about the life of Samuel!
The performance will be on March 19!


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. 

Meeting alternating Sundays
January 8 - March 19:
February Meetings February 5 and 17

Friday Night Frolic February 24
 
Fear in our lives & The Story of Samuel
God is listening.  Are we?
 
TMI will also be involved with:
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (March)
The Seder Meal (April)
Easter Egg Hunt (April)


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. J February 5 : Ohio Wildlife Center in Powell at 2:00 PM. Cost is $5/person.
Youth Ministry

Youth Sunday School meets from 9:45 to 10:45 in room 125.  The topic we'll begin in February is "Money and Lifestyle."  Jesus knew the attraction of money, even though, as far as we can tell, he had very little of it and didn't seem to want it. Yet he spent lots of time on earth talking about money. We'll read some of what he had to say. 

Youth Group
Meeting on these Sundays: February 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 4:00 to 5:30. On February 12 we'll make a Valentine's visit to our Maple Grove folks at Wesley Glen. 
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
- Isaiah 1:17


The Youth Super Bowl Sub Sale was a BIG success!  Thank you Maple Grove for supporting this youth fundraiser for our summer mission trip and thank you for purchasing subs for our neighbors at Faith on 8th.   Youth (parents are welcome too) are needed on Thursday, February 2 at 7:00 PM for Sub making.  Subs will be ready for pick-up on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5 following each service. Help is needed to pass them out.
 
The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is on February 28 from 5:30 - 7 PM in Fellowship Hall. For the past several years the youth and tweens have hosted this event.  Please plan to come to cook, serve and clean for the Pancake Supper.  Half of the proceeds go into the youth mission fund.
 

Maple Grove Youth have a Facebook group - join so you can see what is happening!

Another way to support the Youth Summer Mission Trip is through the Kroger
 Community Rewards.

Just go to your online account and designate Maple Grove Youth and for every purchase you make - our Youth Mission fund is rewarded. Thank you for supporting our mission trip.
Spiritual Formation & Wellbeing {grow}
Facing Fear: A 5-Week Lenten Study

Using Harold Kushner's book  Conquering Fear: Living Boldly in an Uncertain World, along with a very current-day understanding of the cognitive and physiological impact of fear, we'll explore deeply spiritual and eminently practical ways to confront and even embrace our fears for a more fulfilling life. Fear is an inescapable component of our lives and in uncertain times, coping with these fears can be especially challenging. Join this study for an opportunity to explore honesty your fears and draws on the teachings of religious and secular literature and on the true stories of people who have faced their fears and found freedom.  This 1-hour, 5-week, study will begin in March and be offered on Sunday morning and Tuesday's at 7:00 p.m. Watch for additional opportunities to participate. Sign up in the lobby or contact the church office
Spiritual Growth and Formation

Thursday Meditation at 7 PM - 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 Parlor.
Pub Theology  - Meets every third Thursday at 7:00 PM at the Rusty Bucket. Beer, Conversation and God.  An informal, low-key way to think and engage others about life and faith.
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.  For further information contact Bill Tenney at 614- 348-8152.

Contemplative Creativity
February 26 & March 26
2 - 3:30 PM 
Chapel, then Fellowship Hall

Join us for three special Sunday afternoons of contemplation and creativity. These sessions are invitations to be still and listen to God speak to you in different ways.   Each month will focus on a specific topic and a different form of creative expression. No artistic experience or talent needed! The next Contemplative Creativity classes are   February 26   (drawing and painting), and  March 26 (writing). All sessions will be held from 2:00-3:30 PM.  We will begin in the chapel and move to Fellowship Hall.   Please sign up in the lobby or contact Sue Fletcher at 614.309.9620 or Sherri Scholl.
Where Do You Spy God?   We Spy God Project

Help us share the news that the Divine is at work!  It is once again time to submit photos or works of art and share what it means for the glory of Christ to shine through in our everyday lives. Sometimes it is difficult to feel the presence of God. Sometimes we simply are too busy to even think about God and what the Spirit is doing in our lives. This is an invitation to look for the Sacred and share your vision with the Maple Grove community. Keep your eyes and heart open and your camera ready and take photos of where you spy God, not only in creation but through relationships, daily events, times of joy and times of trial. Photos and works of art will be displayed in the Art Gallery and on the We Spy God website. Some photos will also be displayed during Transfiguration Sunday Worship Service, February 26. Submit photos (5x7 or 8x10) to the office, submit online, add to the Maple Grove Shutterfly Share Site or call Sue Fletcher for more information 614-309-9620. Be sure to include a few lines about where you spy God in the photo! Deadline is February 2, 2017.
God-Centered Wellbeing @ the Heart of Maple Grove
Wellbeing Connection:  Your Wellbeing Matters!
Human Connection Groups, Wellness Tips
 
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: 
 
  • HOPE (Formerly Anxiety and Depression),  3rd Saturdays 11 AM - Noon,  Youth Room, facilitator  Sue Fletcher
  • Pregnancy and Infant Loss, facilitator Janet Thode 
  • Coloring Connection Group,  3rd Monday @ 7 PM, Parlor, facilitator Sandy Boger
  • Diabetes, facilitator Bethany Glick 
  • Fibromyalgia, facilitator Krista Keipper
  • Veterans/Military, facilitator Bill Tenney
  • Caregivers, contact Marialice Bennett
  • Family & Friends of Addicts, 3rd Saturday @ 11 AM in Room 8, facilitator Jane Rantz 
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 . 
The Diabetes Connection Group 
February 28, 6- 7 PM
Room 8

We will be reflecting on challenges and triumphs with diabetes care over the past year and providing each other with the support to tackle the new year. Feel free to bring copies of any blood sugar friendly holiday recipes you enjoyed this holiday season to share with others. Questions? Contact Bethany Glick.   Other Diabetes Resources:  Visit the  Central Ohio Diabetes Association website  for information and education opportunities.  Dining with Diabetes: Beyond the Kitchen - FREE online course created by OSU Extension Family and Consumer Sciences. Visit the website  for more details!

NEW Addiction Ministry Team
An Addiction Ministry Team is forming. For Jake's Sake: In honor of Jake Rantz 
A group is forming to bring awareness and education about addictions to Maple Grove and our surrounding community. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Marialice Bennett.

Bicycling to Church for Worship or for a Meeting? Our website has a map showing safe routes to . Full-page version of the map.

Website Resources for Wellbeing:

Metro Parks Winter Hikes 2017 --m eet new friends and get fit!
Baby Boomers Singles Group Meet-up at MG Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, February 11 @ 6:30 PM
Fellowship Hall

GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY!!  Don't miss out on a fun evening. Join our table at the 6:30 PM seating of the Maple Grove Spaghetti Dinner. We will meet at 6:15 PM by the elevator just inside the entrance door so we can be seated together. Questions? Contact Jeanette Belz.
Serving Our Neighbors {transform}
CRC Monthly Dinner

The CRC Dinner will be Thursday, February 2, 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.
Feed My Sheep Ministry

A message from Ministry Team Leader:

I want to thank all who donated and delivered sandwiches to Faith on 8th Shelter, as well as canned goods and non-perishable food items for the NNEMAP and CRC pantries.

The need to help feed the hungry keeps growing; especially canned goods and non-perishable items for the pantries. We really need your help in this important ministry. Please consider donating in 2017.

The first Sunday of the month (communion) has been designated to bring canned goods for the hungry. If you are not present or forget, donations may be left in the marked boxes at each entrance any time the church is open.

Sandwiches should be made fresh and can be meat, meat and cheese, or chicken, tuna or ham salad.  NO CONDIMENTS ON SANDWICHES. Wrap sandwiches individually, place back in bread bag and mark:  FEED MY SHEEP, THE DATE AND THE NUMBER OF SANDWICHES.  Other items, such as cookies, apples, oranges and hard boiled eggs can also be donated.

Thank you, 
Craig Preston 
Church Events {invite}
THE YOUTH SUPER BOWL SUBS
Subs Ready February 5!

Thanks to everyone who ordered subs to support the Youth Mission Trip! Subs will be available for pick-up on Sunday, February 5 after both services.
Maple Grove Millennials

Are you a Maple Grove attendee between the  age of 20 and 40 ? Are you interested in connection with other millennials at church? Questions? Contact  Emily Scarborough  or  Bethany Glick .
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 28 5:30 - 7 PM
Fellowship Hall

Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Let the good times roll!
Join us for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 28! Shrove Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season, when traditionally Christians simplified their meals, giving up rich foods, in daily remembrance of the forty days that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and praying. At  Maple Grove, we celebrate Shrove Tuesday with an all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage and bacon supper. T.M.I.  and the Youth will be hosting this event on February 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The cost per person is $5.00. Children 3 and under eat for free and gluten-free pancakes will be available. All proceeds will benefit our youth and tween ministries.   Please join us in Fellowship Hall for an evening of food, fun and fellowship.  Tickets can be purchased in the lobby on Sundays or at the door.
Maple Grove Volleyball

Maple Grove UMC hopes to have at least one co-rec volleyball team this winter--and perhaps a larger group that would like to get together for informal games on a regular basis.  We previously have played on Sunday afternoons at the YMCA at Karl Road and Sandalwood Boulevard. That location is tentative right now, as a water leak has caused some damage to the gym floor. They are trying to get the gym reopened as quickly as possible.  The season was scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 12, but that may be postponed until the gym is reopened.  But if you are interested in playing, please contact Cliff Wiltshire at  614-354-8491. He will maintain a list of interested players and let everyone know when we will begin playing!
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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!
The 2017 Women's Spirituality Retreat
Save this date - May 5 through 7 - for the 2017 Women's Spirituality Retreat. We will return to the Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio for a weekend of prayer, reflection and sharing.  Lial offers 27 private rooms - 14 have private bathrooms and cost $150 for the weekend and 13 share a hallway bathroom and cost $110. Plan time now to retreat and renew your soul.
Church Calendars
Church Business
Maple Grove 2017 Leadership
On January 29 we commissioned Maple Grove's leadership team for 2017 and expressed appreciation to last year's leaders.
 
We want to thank Barb Harrison for chairing the Board of Trustees for the past five years and to Tyra LaPens for leading Staff-Parish Relations Committee for two years.
 
This year's leadership team includes:

Jane Rantz                        
Lay Leader
Bill Tenney                       
Lay Leader
Rev. Michelle Baker       
Deacon in Residence
Kathy Renick                    
Administrative Council Chair
Conni Hale                        
Board of Trustees Chair
Brad Hughes                    
Finance Committee Chair
Lynne Matthaes              
Staff-Parish Relations Committee
Jon Bennett                      
Treasurer
Brian Freer                        
Treasurer
Lee Martin                        
Property Committee Chair
John Hopper Planned Giving
 
The full roster of committees and leadership positions is available upon request in the church office.  Thanks be to God for all who answer the call to serve.
Hearing Assistance for Worship
 
New equipment and wiring has been installed in our sanctuary to provide hearing assistance for worship services and other events. A hearing loop now encircles the transepts and the pews in the center part of the sanctuary. This hearing loop enables anyone with a telecoil, or t-coil, in a hearing aid or cochlear implant to receive a customized sound and improved hearing experience. Most hearing aids are enabled with the t-coil technology; ask your audiologist if you are not sure. The audiologist may need to "turn on" the t-coil in your hearing device.  In addition to the hearing loop, we also have 2 headsets that can be used for anyone that does not have the t-coil hearing device. Please see an usher if you would like to use one of he headsets during worship.  Thank you for your generous donations to the new sound system, which allowed these improvements to be possible!
Office Closed on President's Day
Monday, February 20
 
This year, the office will be closed on President's Day. The building will be open for all other purposes.
Ministry Team Spots Still Available



It's not too late to sign up for a 2017 Ministry Team! Your help is still needed! There are several 2017 Every Member In Ministry teams seeking new team members. We hope you'll consider joining one of these teams listed below:
  • Altar Guild Flower Deliveries: On Sunday afternoon deliver the altar flowers to one of our hospitalized or home-bound people and briefly visit if appropriate. This ministry takes about an hour and you are asked to deliver about 6 times per year.  
  • God's Gardeners: Help tend to the church grounds and community garden by cleaning up, planting, weeding, and watering.  There are 2 to 3 team workdays and summer watering needs.
  • NNEMAP: With other team members prepare a simple lunch and serve clients at the food pantry twice a year, the 4th Wednesday, for about 4 hours. NNEMAP is located at 677 E. 11th Ave.
  • Parish Visitors: With another team member make a home visit to first-time visitors and drop off a welcoming gift, have a friendly visit and share your passion for Maple Grove. This ministry take about an hour during the week following their visit, once every 5 weeks.
  • Pew Restocking: Clean out and restock literature and envelopes in pew pockets. Can be completed after 2nd service on Sundays or during office hours during the week. Every 5-6 weeks, for about 1 hour.  
  • Sunday Secretary: Staff the church office on Sunday morning before and after one of the services; answer the office telephone and assist people with needs. This ministry takes about 15 minutes before and after worship every 5 to 6 weeks.
  • We Spy God:  Assist with printing, framing, and displaying photos and artwork submitted for the We Spy God project once a year. Upload photos, poems, testimonies to the We Spy God website. People of all ages welcome.  This ministry happens twice a year and requires  2-3 hours of service. 
Thank You!
We hope to meet you on a team!
Come to the Table 
 
As you leave worship on Sundays, do you take pleasure in friendly chats with old and new friends? Are these pleasures sweetened by the refreshments offered in the lobby? The Sunday hospitality table is an enduring tradition at Maple Grove, one that many members and visitors at Maple Grove count on as part of their Sunday worship and fellowship experience. This tradition of welcoming visitors and Maple Grove regulars cannot happen, however, without willing helpers. The Sunday Hospitality Team has a small but dedicated core of volunteers, and they'd like to increase their numbers. They invite everyone at Maple Grove to join them in laying the table with snacks and beverages, and in enjoying fellowship with all who come to the table.
 
Serving as a Sunday Hospitality Table volunteer is easy. Here are the basics:

  • Sign up for one or more Sundays, either first or second service, by visiting the Sign Up Genius page OR email the church office
  • Bring snacks (nut-free please, to protect children with allergies). Snacks need not be homemade; store-bought snacks are fine.
  • Follow the directions posted in the parlor kitchen to set the hospitality table, brew coffee, make lemonade, and heat water for tea.
  • Be present at the table with a smile and a friendly hello for everyone, and a readiness to pour coffee as desired. 
If you have any questions about volunteering, or if you need help getting on the schedule, please contact Cathy Davis in the church office. Help keep the Sunday Hospitality Table a thriving ministry at Maple Grove! Stop by the hospitality table to sign up.
Welcome New Maple Grove Staff!

Maple Grove welcomes head custodian, Terrell Brown to our team! Feel free to call him "T".  He comes to us highly recommended by Al Howard (thanks, Al!). Skip Keeling is spending some time training and orienting T to the job. Look around and see what he's done already.




Stop by and say hello to Michelle Sekusky who is providing childcare in the nursery on 
Sunday mornings!  


Congregational News
Recent Deaths calla-lilies.jpg

Please pray for the friends and family of ...

Harold Smith, father of Maple Grove member Paul Smith, passed away December 29, 2016.

Marilyn Sweet, Maple Grove Member, who died January 20.
Births baby-blocks2.jpg

Congratulations to  Jennifer Larson and Mahesh Chemudupati on the birth of their daughter, Amisha Rae on January 5


Recently Hospitalized

Milt Campbell, Mike Matthaes, Rose Serio, Dwight Stuckey