September 2016 Edition Issue 8 Inside this issue: Word from the Pastor 2 Upcoming Events 3 Youth 4 Preschool Update 4 Our Church Family 4 Children’s Ministry 5 2016 Pumpkin Patch 5 Adults 6 September Collections 7 On the Move Update 7 September | Volume 2016, No. 8 | 2569 Reynolda Road | Winston Salem, NC 27106 | 336-722-7563 | maplesprings.org Calling all church leaders and event planners! Have you ever wondered how to get the word out about your ministry or event? At Maple Springs, we use an event form to request church communication and promotion. We are so blessed with an active church congregation and vibrant ministries, and this simple form process helps us manage the many events that occur at Maple Springs each week. Event forms are "one stop shopping" for everything you'll need to promote your event! All you need to do is finalize your event details (date, time, location, description) and submit this simple form, and you're done. Our Office Manager, Betsy Bechtel, and Communication Coordinator, Jennifer Chapman, take it from there and work together to promote events across church communications and in the community. To submit an event form, visit maplesprings.org/eventform. Paper copies are located outside the church office (digital is preferred). Please submit your event form by the 15th of the month prior to your event. For example, if you'd like to promote a ministry car wash to be held on October 4, you should submit your event form by September 15. For questions or help completing an event form, please contact Betsy Bechtel ([email protected]) or Jennifer Chapman ([email protected]). Event/Program Marketing Support First Wednesday Dinner Join us as kick off our First Wednesday Night Dinners on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30pm. The menu for the meal is BBQ chicken, baked beans, slaw, rolls, and pumpkin cake. We will offer a vegetarian option. You can sign up in the bulletin or by emailing Mary Taylor ([email protected]rg) by Sunday, September 4. Cost is $4 for kids (5th grade and younger), $5 for adults with a maximum of $20 per family.
Event/Program Marketing Support First Wednesday Dinner
Join us as kick off our First Wednesday Night Dinners
on Wednesday, September 7 at 5:30pm. The menu for the
meal is BBQ chicken, baked beans, slaw, rolls, and
pumpkin cake. We will offer a vegetarian option. You can
sign up in the bulletin or by emailing Mary Taylor
([email protected]) by Sunday, September 4. Cost is $4 for kids (5th grade
and younger), $5 for adults with a maximum of $20 per
family.
Stewardship…..How many times in a month do you use the word? Do you ever say
the word stewardship? Do we even know what it means? Looking at our Fall “Stewardship” Season, I am convinced that we need some language that is more helpful
than the “S” word. Before we do that, let me at least define what this word means.
According to Miriam-Webster, stewardship means: “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of some-
thing entrusted to one’s care.” The “S” word is used almost entirely in a church setting. We speak of it when we talk
about “giving” to the church. So, we conclude that stewardship has to do with what we GIVE to the church. For some of you, giving to the church is part of what you do in
this life; you have decided long ago to “give” financially and you no longer think much about it.
But, I want to expand our understanding of “giving” a bit with the objective of growing
all of us in our financial giving to the church, but also in our general understanding of “where” our money goes.
The Bible teaches that the standard for giving is a tithe which is 10%. Ten Percent may
seem like a lot of money, but I want to challenge your thinking a bit. If we begin to consider that 100% of what we have comes from God, then 10% looks reasonable.
Granted, it might be a leap for you to think about ALL of it belonging to God. I get that. So let me ask a question: If your health goes away, does it affect your job and
your source of income? Does God give health to you? Does he have anything to do with health?
If you will go with me on the notion that ALL that we have belongs to God, then you might also begin to think about how you “Steward” what God gives you. How do you
spend your money? Are you using what God gives you wisely? Do you use money for good?
I believe that our generosity to the Church is connected with the entire picture of
how we use our money. I also believe that if you will join me in looking at where your money goes, then you may find it easier to make some commitment to the Church for
the coming year. My PROMISE to you is that I will walk through this with you so that together we might have the TOOLS needed to grow in your giving.
Keep your eyes open for information about our Fall Generosity Campaign and begin to
would like to attend the luncheon, please make your reservation by calling the
church office at 336-722-7563. Hope to see you
there!
WFU Outreach
Wednesday, September 13 5:00pm - 8:00pm
(Wake Forest University Lower Quad) In continuing our outreach mission to Wake Forest students and in partnership with The Wesley Foundation, Maple Springs
will greet WFU students with music, goodie bags, a prayer station, and information about Maple Springs. If you’re interested in being a part of this outreach, connecting with and building relationships with WFU students, please contact Drew Nix
([email protected]). We are next door, we care about you and you are always welcome here.
Online Member/Guest Portal Demo & Help Sessions
Sundays in September 9:55am - 10:45am
Craven Lobby Receptionist Desk Since their launch in January 2016, hundreds of members and guests have logged into the Maple Springs' Online Member/
Guest Portal and Mobile App. They've uploaded their photos to the church directory, signed up for recurring online giving, updated their contact information, and so much more! Throughout the month of September, we're hosting demonstrations and training sessions for anyone with questions or who may be curious to know what it's all about. Stop by during our drop-
in help sessions! We'll be available to help answer your questions, troubleshoot issues, and demonstrate the features of the Member/Guest Online Portal. For more information, contact Jennifer Chapman ([email protected]).
The Wesley Foundation
Thursday, September 8 & October 13
5:30pm - 7:30pm Wake Forest University
The Wesley Foundation is the United Methodist Cam-
pus Ministry that meets on Thursday evenings from
5:30 to 7:00 for dinner, fel-lowship, worship and a ser-
mon. Maple Springs has gra-ciously volunteered to pre-
pare and serve the meals on 9/8 and 10/13. If you are
interested in contributing to cover the cost of the meals, please contact Drew Nix
Allen's Dairy Treats, 3686 Reynolda Road Come out to PsalmSupper, where High School students enjoy dinner and psalms! We study a
psalm each week and continue to work our way through the entire book of psalms. For those only able to come to part, please do! We will look at the psalm from 6:30pm - 7:00pm and
hang out before and after. Give the psalm of the week a read and see if you can guess the one-phrase sum up. See you Monday nights for a great time in community and in God’s Word!
6th, 7th & 8th Graders Wednesdays, Starting September 14th
Youth Room / E21 Middle-School youth meet each Wednesday for #GoodSoil. We study a Scripture passage
and respond through different art mediums, as well as learn more about musical worship through a ukulele choir. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to this special weekly event
just for them! We are studying the book of Matthew this semester. Dinner is included.
Second Sunday Youth Night 5:00-7:00pm
Craven Hall All Middle and High School youth are invited to our monthly youth night where we learn more about what it means to grow our roots in Jesus and have Him be the foundation of our
lives. We meet every Second Sunday of each month, with a special focus on a different mis-sion each month. Bring your friends!
Youth Ministry Updates
Hello to our church family. The preschool has begun a new school year and we are so
excited. We are busy getting to know our new teachers and friends. As always we are
praying for our families and our children. We ask you to join with us in praying for our
new school year. We as always, want to provide a safe and loving environment where
children can learn academically as well as learn of the love of Christ. We ask you to be
our prayer partners as we begin this new school year.
Food Pantry: The food pantry collection items for September spaghetti and
paper towels. Your donations of paper and plastic bags are also welcome. Please place donated items in the food pantry carts outside of Craven Hall and the
Sanctuary.
Prison Ministry: The collection items the month of September is Bath Size soap. Collection boxes are in the lobby off the sanctuary and in the Craven lobby.
On the Move
What a week we had with our rising 4th through 6th graders at our first On the Move: Action and Service Camp. We start-ed the week with 17 kids and finished the final day with 19. We served throughout the week at the Ronald McDonald House, the Maple Springs Food Pantry and the Shepherd’s Center. We are so blessed at Maple Springs to have kids who
truly have a heart for serving the Lord. They are modeling the example that has been set for them by our church.
Special thanks to Leanne Swanson, Ashley Favors, Leslie Easter, Beth Juran and Allison Kelly for serving alongside our kids throughout our week. Thanks also to Pastor Jeff and Pastor Gary who shared devotions with us. Finally, thanks to the tal-
ented Rick Douglas for our awesome On the Move logo!
I am so thankful for this experience and I’m already looking forward to next year. As we finished on Thursday afternoon, one of our kids asked me “how are we going to expand next year?” I’m excited for us to expand next year and see how
God will move through our kids in action and service.
Thank you Maple Springs for supporting the children of our church through your prayers, presence, gifts and offerings. You are a blessing.
