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The Clerk Communicator

3/27/2018

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Have you been March-ing through Proverbs this month? I have enjoyed the challenge that Pastor John gave us to read one chapter of Proverbs each day during the month of March. The purpose of Proverbs was for us to gain wisdom and insight for behavior, for living, for learning, for life. What wisdom did you gain? I decided at the outset of the challenge that I wanted to pull, a minimum of, one key verse from each chapter. As I look back over my key verses there is definitely a recurring theme.
Wisdom is discussed 55 times. Wisdom from the Lord brings knowledge and understanding
Discipline appears 16 times throughout the book. Without God’s discipline we will lack understanding. God’s correction keeps us grounded toward Him. Without it, we could be led astray.
Humility; 3 times humility comes before honor was stressed
As we prepare to celebrate and share in the most important day of our Christian faith, the day Jesus defeated Satan and the gift of our salvation was freely given to us. I wonder, do I fully comprehend the gift given me. In my devotional, by Billy Graham, he states that Easter is, “the wonder of His resurrection symbolized in the hope that beats in the hearts of believers everywhere as they sing triumphantly: “Christ the Lord is risen today.” (Billy Graham Devotional, Hope for Each Day, Words of Wisdom and Faith)
Do we live our lives so that people know we hold Christ in our hearts? Are we able to sing praises to God? I think about the transitions of life, the rough times, and how we have to work through them. Have I learned, and able to apply, the wisdom that is taught throughout God’s Word? Sometimes I get so bogged down in these transitions that I do not live my life as though God is first. If I can apply the verses of wisdom learned from Proverbs, and many other books, I can easier transition from one phase to the next. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
I need to remember that Christ came, walked this earth, felt the same pain and emotions that I do. That He gave His life for me. Jesus experienced “the rough times” and He prevailed.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Proverbs 2:9-11, “9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
Fully committing to live our life for Christ is a big transition. To physically & mentally turn from sinful ways, to accept God’s discipline that convicts us and prepares us for handling “the rough times” is hard. During this Easter season if you have not fully committed your life to Christ, please talk to Pastor John, Brian, Ben, anyone on Ministry & Oversight, myself, or someone you can trust to help you. Allowing God to be Lord of your life will be your biggest & best decision ever.
Things to know for April:
The months that have a 5th Sunday, we will hold monthly meeting during the Sunday school hour. This month, monthly meeting will be on April 29, 9:30 am.
Quarterly we will be having a mini financial statement in the bulletin. Please look for it in the bulletin on April 29, as well.
Bowling for Belize will be April 21, to financially assist our team going in July.
We will have a group of men in Belize April 9 – 13. Please be praying for safety as they work to put a roof on the church building at First Stone Church, Western Paradise, Belize.
Blessings to you & your family this Easter season,

Jenni

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The Clerk Communicator

2/27/2018

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Dear Maple Runners,
I love the sunshine and the promise of spring.  I receive calmness and peace sitting in the sun, listening to worship music and knowing that God has me in the palm of His hand.  February has been a challenging month and yet I have this peace that passes all understanding just knowing that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. There is nothing I cannot overcome as long as I stay focused on Jesus and what He wants for me and for His kingdom. 


I think of the examples that we were able to witness the past few weeks of the peace that God offers.  As Paul and Judy were preparing for his open heart surgery and hearing that Paul knew he was in a win/win situation.  The prospect that his surgery would go as expected and he would feel better, have more energy and be able to continue living his life here on this earth and do more to share the love of God for him and for others or if he was to go to heaven and meet his Savior face to face. 

Suzy said that Chris had so much peace when he knew it was time to go.  For the strength that Suzy and the kids had as they laid Chris to rest, that only comes from God and knowing His love and His peace.  We hurt for our earthly loss, but rejoice with Chris for his heavenly gain.

Pastor John spoke from Acts 19 this month regarding prayer.  In verse 8, Paul was in Ephesus and he was speaking about the power of prayer. Some of the people became obstinate and indignant.  They didn’t like what they might have to give up in order to seek God fully.  We do the same thing today.  Do you think God is not answering your prayers because He did not answer in the way that you wanted?  Do you think that He is not listening to you?  Are you praying with an open mind and heart so that you can hear God talking to you?  I remember the day when Denny passed away; I distinctly asked God to give Denny a respite from the pain that he dealt with daily.  So clearly, God said, “I got this”.  I was so filled with peace.  I wanted Denny to have a great day on this earth, and he did, God gave Denny a permanent respite from his pain.  It was not at all what I had been thinking or wanted when I prayed that prayer, but my prayer was answered in a way greater than I could have asked for Denny.  God has a plan bigger than we can know or understand, I have to be trusting enough to go along with His plan.  Are you that trusting?

On February 17, we held a Leadership Team meeting for the clerks of committees, our pastors and church officers.  We discussed God’s Leadership Preparation and looked at scriptures to help us understand what God is asking of us as leaders.  We looked at 5 key elements of leadership:

1. Faithful Family.                              Ephesians 6:1-4
2. Committed Authentic Heart           Revelation 2:23
3. Discipline                                      Colossians 3:23
4. Refinement of Gifts & Talents       1 Corinthians 12:4-11
5. The Spirit’s Presence & Power     Acts 1:8 and Romans 8:26-27

There are immediate things that you will notice as a result of this meeting;

1. Quarterly a summary of the church’s financial position will be in the bulletin. 

2. We will annually do a clerk training with all new and renewed clerks of committees to help them understand their role, finances for their committee, anticipate their concerns…

3. Semi-Annually there will be a list of items to be donated to MRF for the cleaning, kitchen, and nursery, whatever can be donated to help us run more efficiently.
You will see additional things be presented as time goes on and the committees have time to reflect on the recommendation and how best to implement.  If there are things you would like to see us work on, please make myself, Pastor John or Brian aware so we can move the idea to the best committee for consideration.

Praying for you to have a Blessed March,

Jenni

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The Clerk Communicator

1/29/2018

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Dear Maple Runners,

I don’t know about all of you but I am ready for Spring. The last few days have been really nice with the sunshine and warmer temperatures. I love it when God gives us these special moments of warmth and sun.

I just finished reading the booklet, “Quaker Decision Making & Clerking”. After reading the booklet, I feel we are doing really well at Maple Run. I know we may not always agree on a particular topic, project or work that may need done, but we do come to a consensus and are able to work together to further God’s kingdom. 


A couple things that we are working on and you will see coming to fruition soon are:
  1. A chair lift in the back stairwell. I am excited for this work to be done; it will give all individuals the opportunity to participate in activities and worship services that are held in the loft area. We are raising funds for this project, if you would like to make a special contribution please get your gift to our treasurer, Kira Turner. Our goal is that the lift be fully operational by the end of May.
  2. Enclosing the loft area. Very thankful for Mike Horsley to manage this project and for his JG Bowers employees to give volunteer hours to help us. I am not certain when this project will be done, the goal is that the work will start sometime in the spring.

We currently have volunteers sharing their gifts at Give Kids the World in Orlando. From the pictures and things I have heard our first week team gave blessings to many and received blessings for their efforts. Please continue to pray for the 2nd week team that begins working at GKTW today.

Something that has been on my heart a lot the past six months or so; I feel I am being called to do something more. Do you feel God asking more of you? I have prayed for God to reveal what He wants of me. For me, the time of waiting is hard. I want to know what I should be working on right now! I also know I am a work in progress, God has brought me through multiple life challenges and I am guessing I may have a few more before my life on earth is done. Having said all that, I have decided that God may have a big assignment for me, or not, but in the meantime I am to continue seeking and being all that I can be for Him. I just pray that I am the woman He needs me to be each day.

I challenge you; is God asking you to do more and if so, are you ignoring Him or are you seeking what it is He wants of you? Continue to pray so that you will know what it is you are to do.

Love,    
Jenni






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The Clerk Communicator

12/26/2017

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Dear Friends,

Wow, we are nearing the end of 2017, the year seemed to fly by in a flash!  I hope as you look back over your own personal year you have seen evidence of God’s active participation and intervention in your life.  I have kept a personal journal for 14 years and I am always amazed as I flip through the pages, at the end of each year, the many ways that God worked in my life that year.  
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For Maple Run, I think about the many ways that God has blessed His church.  I am sure there are far more than those I mention here, please feel free to add more.
  • Multiple workers for God’s kingdom went on Missions trips to:
    • Give Kids the World
    • Kentucky
    • Belize
  • Growth in the # of families we serve at the Friends Closet and at the Breakfast
  • Growth in outreach through work that Brian and many others do in Grant County
  • Logansport church continues to grow and thrive
  • Our Youth Group able to express their faith with friends and family in and out of our church
  • New Ministry, Embrace, started this fall
  • Fantastic Fundraiser for assisting Rosman’s with medical bills
  • Apple Pie Day experienced more volunteers helping than ever before.  We have volunteers that come just for that day.  What an outreach and mission fundraiser.
  • New families coming and being active in the workings of Maple Run
  • God’s intervention with Chris’s sister being a perfect match for his bone marrow transplant
  • Many members and attendees receiving relief from medical issues
  • Maple Run finances allowing us to help individuals through financially challenging times
  • Small groups that made a difference with community events:
    • Cookbook Fundraiser
    • Gifts for Gilead
  • So Much More that we can list
As you prepare for 2018, I hope you will consider setting a faith goal or two.  I would encourage you to write your goal(s) on a piece of paper, seal them in an envelope and then place them in your Bible.  When you open your Bible and see your envelope, pray over the goal(s) asking for discipline to help you accomplish your goal.  I think when you are looking back over your 2018 you may be amazed at the marvelous things God helped you accomplish with your goal(s).
Praying that all of you have a safe & happy New Year.
Love,
Jenni
Maple Run Clerk

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The Clerk Communicator

11/29/2017

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As I prepare to write this edition of the Clerk Communicator I have a swirl of thoughts running through my head.  Hope you will still continue to read on!

All of those that know me well know how much I love the Christmas season.  It means so much that we are invited to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  The annual biggest birthday party given.  I enjoy the sense of peace and goodwill that permeates all around me.  

Then, I listen to the news and the ugliness that is prevalent in our society is overwhelming.  The allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood and our government is sickening.  The threatening environment that we are in due to North Korea, and the fighting within our federal government is scary and exhausting.  
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So how do we reconcile all of this; what should we as Christians think and do?  Do you think you personally can make a difference?  I hope so, and if you don’t think you are making a difference please talk to Pastor John and let’s see what we can do.
I have some ideas for you to consider this Christmas season and beyond that will allow us to make a difference day to day for either a single individual or a multitude of people.
  1. Participate in the special groups that Maple Run makes available.  Allows you to make new friends, learn from others and prepare yourself to lead a group or go out and do more.
  2. Invite others to share a meal with you and your family.  We have many individuals in our church that would very much enjoy sharing a meal with another.  Think about friends or family outside of our church that are alone and brighten their day with an invitation.  By brightening one person’s day, you are able to help them brighten another person and so on.
  3. Pray for our country, our government officials, write letters of appreciation to officials.  If you have a particular passion for an issue, research it and write the appropriate individual expressing your opinion and your recommendations.
  4. Live your life as Jesus would want you to.  Don’t succumb to what our culture says is acceptable.  This is challenging, but you can and will set an example of morals, ethics and integrity that needs to be available for our young people to witness.
As you finish your preparations for this joyous season; think and pray on these things and determine the one thing you will do to make a difference in another person’s life.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Hebrews 13:16

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.  1 John 13:17-18
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In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Acts 20:35


Hope you all have a Blessed Christmas,
​

Jenni
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The Clerk Communicator

10/26/2017

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As I prepare to write this edition of the Clerk Communicator I think back to all that has occurred during the month of October.  
I so appreciate the sermons that Pastor John has been sharing this month.  My interpretation of what he is telling us is to consistently think and then live a life that honors God.  What does this look like?
  1. To be unified in words and actions, Ephesians 5: 15-21, tells us to be careful how we live, not unwise but as wise.  We are to make the most of every opportunity to share Christ and to do good work.  We are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
  2. To not compromise the gospel, to be self-controlled, to not malign the word of God.  We are to handle criticism with faith, love & endurance.  Pastor John referred us to Titus 2, to read and understand.
  3. We need to Act Justly, Love Mercy & Walk Humbly with our Lord, Micah 6:8.  
  4. We need to be authentic and live out our faith by being encouragers and lifting each other up.  We need to help teach others by modeling a consistent lifestyle so that individuals see our walk the same as our talk.
So I ask, has Maple Run done this to the bigger community?  And, have you done this personally?  I would say yes for Maple Run.  So much has happened this month.
  • Approximately 1140 Apple Pies made October 7, for missions.  
  • The Rosman fundraiser that brought in @ 500 individuals to our Fieldhouse and far exceeded our goal of $10,000 to help with Chris’s medical expenses.
  • The youth group helping one of our widow’s with work that needed done at their home.
  • The new ministry for our young adults that continues to grow and develop.
  • The families that were served through the Friends Closet and the wonderful breakfast they were served.
  • So much more that could be listed that I don’t either know about or have failed to recall.

​Things we are working on that have not been mentioned yet are:

  1. Enclosing the loft area.  The design includes 3 windows across the wall, insulated for sound barrier, a new projector and some additional seating.  Please see Mike Horsley, Pastor John or Brian for any additional details.  Work should take about 4 weeks and should begin soon.
  2. Researching cost and installation of a chair lift to the 2nd floor via the back stair case.  More information will follow as we develop this concept.
The next monthly meeting is November 12, hope to see you there.  If you have items you would like to discuss please come.  Also, if there are specific things you would like addressed in this Communicator please let me know.
Hope you all have a Blessed Day, Week & Month,
Jenni

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The Clerk Communicator

9/30/2017

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What does the Lord require of you?  "To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your Lord" Micah 6:8. 

I love this verse, it doesn't require an interpreter, it is very self explanatory.  To act justly, to do what is right, to live the life God created you to live.  To live a life of integrity, love, caring.   To love mercy-love the unlovable, help all those that need your touch. To walk humbly with our Lord, that the beginning, middle and end of your day you are honoring God with your words and actions.  That your walk and talk are one and the same.  Do we as Maple Runners live this verse?

Brian has had his first meeting for the young adult ministry.  He had 11 attend.  What an exciting ministry for Maple Run to be a part of.  Brian is working with the young adults to understand their needs and to create an atmosphere that will honor and praise God and be a place that the kids will invite others.  The more that hear the word of God the more that will come to know Him.  We will be discussing in monthly meeting potential changes to the loft area that will allow for a better atmosphere for this ministry. I hope you will take the opportunity to come and hear the options. 

Maple Run has been blessed to be given a nice 15 passenger van from CSI.  The van will be very helpful for mission trips, youth group activities, short trips for various groups.  M&O is working to put together a plan for use, financial support for upkeep, and anything else we need to consider.  They will be presenting the information at the October monthly meeting for consideration.  Please come and listen so that you can provide your input. 

Have you heard about the fundraiser to be held October 21, to help the Rosman's with Chris's medical expenses.  There will be a pulled pork dinner, auction, a cookbook is being created from Maple Runner's favorite recipes and more.  Tickets are available for purchase at the door and prior to the event.  Chris and Susie have shared how God is carrying them through the cancer challenges and treatment.  They are a witness to the strength that God provides.  

On top of all of this it is Apple Pie time.  All the income generated from the sale of the pies supports our mission efforts and trips.  I think of Apple Pie day as a great time of fellowship, friends and food.  Join us October 7, to help make pies, I think we are going for 1100 pies made that day.  

Maple Run is busy and I haven't even mentioned our regular things, Bible study opportunities, Friends Closet, Special meals...I hope you will invite your friends and family to join us at Maple Run for worship and sharing in the work of God.  


Next monthly meeting is Sunday, October 8, hope to see you there.

Love,
Jenni
Monthly Meeting Clerk
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The Clerk Communicator

8/31/2017

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Dear Maple Runners,
August has been quite a month of learning and contemplation for me.  I am very much enjoying Pastor John’s sermon series from 2nd Timothy.  Things I have picked up on so far are:
  • Our faith can grow stronger generation to generation.  I am reminded of the words of the song, “The Footprints we leave behind.”  Am I passing on to my children and grandchildren an example and a heritage of seeing God active in my life, my home, at all times?
  • 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord...We need to be bold for our love for the Lord.  To be ready and willing to share our testimony, to live a life of love and self-discipline.  For me, this requires daily prayer asking for the willpower and self-discipline.
  • We have to be on guard that we do not compromise our faith, our ethics, our morals.  There are so many times that Satan is working to put temptations in front of us that would ask us to make compromises to our core beliefs.
  • We have to be willing to give grace (unmerited favor freely given) just as God grants grace to us.
Other things I have thought about is “Finishing Forward”.  I heard a speaker talk about how it is important that we all “Finish Forward”.  What I interpreted is that we all have to give our best every day regardless of our age.  The speaker related the concept to Joseph.  Joseph had the dream about his brothers bowing down to him, obviously his brothers were not thrilled and he got thrown in the pit, sold and ended up in Potiphar’s house.  He gave his best and was rewarded with great responsibility, again things went wrong and he ended up in the prison.  Once again he did his best and was rewarded with responsibility.  Joseph ended up interpreting the King’s dream and once again found himself with great responsibility, called on to manage the grain warehouses and saved Egypt and the surrounding communities from starvation during the famine and his brothers, who did not recognize him, came and bowed down before him when asking for grain for the family.  During Joseph’s last days, he was still helping his family and giving them direction for the future.  Joseph never compromised his faith, ethics or morals in the face of great challenges. (See Genesis 37-50) Many times we may face life challenges, it is how we respond that makes the difference.  Please consider if you are finishing forward.
I am excited for things happening for Maple Run;
  1. Ben & Aubrey are going to be working with our youth and asking other members of our church to assist monthly.
  2. We have written for a grant for a new ministry outreach for the 18-24 year old group.  This is a group that sometimes gets lost during late high school and college.  Please pray about this new ministry opportunity.  More information to come as the opportunity develops.
  3. Our Give Kids the World group is working on making blankets for the families that visit the GKTW Resort, they are well over 50 made and ready to go.  I heard last night that a couple that attended last March, from outside our church, has been making pillows for the pillow tree and has sent well over 100 since our last trip.  What an awesome outreach and life changing opportunity.
Wow, there is a lot to consider, pray about and become involved in.  Our next Monthly Meeting will be September 10, hoping you will be able to join us.
Go With God,
Jenni

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The new "Clerk Communicator"

7/31/2017

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Dear Maple Runners,

I am sitting on my patio listening to the birds, enjoying sunshine and thinking how blessed all of us are. Thank you for asking me to be your Clerk. I have to say I accepted with some trepidation as this is a big responsibility, I ask that you keep myself and all the clerks of our committees in your prayers.


Monthly I am planning to write a communication to help us all stay informed of Maple Run happenings, potential projects, joys and concerns for our meeting. Please feel free to ask me to consider a particular topic for inclusion in this monthly communication. The “Clerk Communicator” will be posted here on our website,
www.maplerunfriends.com. It will also be in our bulletin, the Sunday following its release, our Facebook wall and posted to our Yahoo Group. I hope you will take time to read it, feel free to ask questions and provide input.

Today, looking back over this past month I am reminded of the work that has been accomplished for missions, Sweetser Habitat for Humanity house, Kentucky and Belize. Pastor John has been asking us to study the concept of Tshuvah. As I understand, Tshuvah is a Hebrew word meaning to return to God's path. We as Christians are to help people to find their purpose in Christ. Sometimes this is a hard concept for us, as humans, because we remember things that happened to us or others and finding forgiveness and being able to get past the hurt is hard. I am so thankful for friends and family that have forgiven me for past hurts and so thankful that our God forgives us as we repent from wrong directions we take in life and allows us to start anew.

Pastor has told us over and over that we need to "Go". We need to Go under Jesus authority not our own devices. Part of Going means there will be obstacles and Tshuvah, staying on the path God wants for us, is how we will be able to help others. Going can be as easy as going to the grocery store and seeing a hurting soul and taking a moment to help them. It can be as easy as at school or work staying true to the values that God asks us to live by. To maintain your joy, ethics and integrity, to set an example by both your words and your actions. It can also mean being called to go further to Kentucky, Give Kids the World or Belize. Wherever you are called to "Go" please go with God guiding you.
Pastor reminded us of the 5 tools we have to "Go". We look at these tools every week on the wall of the Fieldhouse, we need to use them in the bigger spaces of Grant County and beyond.

S. Spending time together as the body of Christ
E. Expanding the Kingdom of God
R. Reaching a Christ like maturity
V. Voluntarily serving those in need
E. Exalting God
Our next monthly meeting is August 13, hoping you are planning on attending.

Go With God,
Jenni


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    Jennifer Southers has been a member of Maple Run for 29 years, and is serving her first year as clerk.

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