September 7, 2017
Church-Wide Events
This Sunday - Pastor Brian Flewelling will be bringing us Part 4 of the Acts 29 teaching series with a message called "The Holy Spirit Still Sends Us."

Belong: The Journey - BELONG is again being offered during both services, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. The focus this Sunday is on "Grow."

Eastgate House of Prayer - What does it look like to live one's life before God and not people? Join us this Tuesday at 7 p.m. as Joe Smucker shares a message entitled "Performance or Prayer." Childcare is provided through age 5. All are welcome!
Petra App - If you have not done so already, you can download the Petra App from the App Store, Google Play, Windows Phone, or Amazon Appstore. Watch Petra sermons anytime and anywhere; stay current with major events; connect to all ministries, resources, and life at Petra, and give your tithes and offerings directly from the App. Pick up an Info Card from one of the Hubs.
Night of Worship - Mark your calendars for our next Night of Worship with communion on Friday, September 15, at 7 p.m. The theme is "Glorious Day." Childcare is provided for children from birth through Pre-K.

Listing of Petra Events - To see what's happening over the next few weeks, click on the button below.
ALL IN
Holding Nothing Back

When did we start believing that following Jesus is easy? Or that it’s safe? Jesus calls his followers to abandon all to him, to go all-in, to give it all up. What if "radical" is actually supposed to be normal? Join us each week of this teaching series from September 24-October 29 as we answer different questions to gain fresh insight into living All In for God.

To take this study one step further than a Sunday morning, there are nine All-In discussion groups meeting for these six weeks. (See the Life Groups handout for a listing.) If you intend to join a group, please fill out the handout form and place it at the Life Groups counter in the Lobby, at a Hub, or in the offering bucket. You can also use the bulletin flap, the Petra App, or go online using the button under Life Groups.
 
Congregational Sign-Up Dates: September 10, 17, 24
Discussion Groups Start: Week of September 24
Petra Life Groups - If you want to connect in relationship with others and grow in your relationship with Jesus, a Life Group is an ideal place for that to happen. This fall, beginning the week of September 24, we will be offering a variety of Life Groups to anyone at Petra who wants to join.

Sign-up begins this Sunday! A Life Groups handout will be distributed to everyone with their bulletin. If you intend to join a group, please fill out the form and place it at the Life Groups counter in the Lobby, at a Hub, or in the offering bucket. You can also use the bulletin flap, the Petra App, or go online using the button below.

Care and Support Groups
  • GriefShare - Thursdays at 7 p.m., North 115, beginning today
  • DivorceCare - Sundays at 9 a.m., North 132, beginning this Sunday
  • ELANCO Celebrate Recovery - Thursdays at 6 p.m.(meal) and 7 p.m. (meeting), hosted by Petra in the Summit, beginning September 21

Growth Groups
  • ACTIVATE School of Healing & Evangelism - Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Oasis, beginning September 26
  • Conversations About Faith - Sundays at 11 a.m., North 122, beginning September 24
  • Leading Through Teams - Tuesdays at 7 p.m., East 306, beginning September 26
  • Single and Parenting (Women) - Sundays at 11 a.m., North 115, beginning September 24
  • Sharing Jesus Across Cultures - Thursdays at 7 p.m., Bruce and Joyce Heckman's Home, beginning September 28

Prayer Groups
  • Prayer Group (Men) - Mondays at 6 a.m. and Fridays at 6 a.m., Prayer Room, ongoing
  • Prayer for Businesses (Men & Women) - Second Wednesday at 6:15 a.m., Prayer Room, ongoing

Serve Group
  • Refugee Connect Group - Meets monthly

Men's Groups
  • Men's Fraternity, "A Man & His Design" - Thursdays at 7 p.m., Oasis, beginning September 28
  • Conquer Series - Tuesdays at 7 p.m., East 405, beginning September 26

Women's Groups
  • "The Gospel of Mark: The Jesus We're Aching For" - Mondays at 9 a.m. and Thursdays at 7 p.m., Café, beginning September 25 and 28
  • Care and Share - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9 a.m., Loft, beginning September 12
  • Care and Share - 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 9 a.m., Loft, began today

Groups with no sign-up required:
  • Lipstick & Crayons - 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 9 a.m., Café, beginning October 4
  • Lit 'n Latte - 3rd Wednesdays at 1 p.m., Welcome Center, beginning September 20
  • Moms in Prayer - Mondays at 9 a.m., Welcome Center, beginning September 18
  • Sewing for Hope - 1st Thursdays at 9 a.m., Café, began today
Group Leader Launch
This Sunday , 1-3:30 p.m., South 228
 
This training is designed for leaders launching a group, or any developing leaders looking to understand why we do small groups and how we structure them here at Petra. RSVP here .
Episode 53 - Are Church Habits Healthy?

Join Pastor Gary Buck and the triumphant return of Pastor Brian Flewelling (from his two-month sabbatical) as they talk about the good and bad of church liturgy in all its forms. What does the Bible really say about the importance of repetitive forms of worship in church?


DOVE Hopewell Ministry Training School

The 2017-18 DOVE Hopewell Ministry Training School begins tomorrow (Friday) at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 8:30 a.m. The topic is "Destiny, Spiritual Gifts, and Leadership." Partial scholarships from Petra are available for Petra attenders. For more information, visit this website . If you want to audit the classes for this weekend only - at $99 per person - you may register at the door.
ELANCO Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery , a weekly, faith-based 12-step program, will begin on Thursday, September 21, hosted by Petra. It will start at 6 p.m. with fellowship and food, followed at 7 p.m. with a meeting. Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It is based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory. Everyone is welcome! For questions, or more information, e-mail Carol Musser at elancocelebraterecovery@gmail.com or call her at 717-587-2202. ELANCO Celebrate Recovery is sponsored by Petra, Bethany Grace Fellowship, CrossNet Ministries, and Weaverland .
Senior Adult Ministry
Musical Comedy at Bird-In-Hand - Two tickets have become available for the Saturday, September 23, 2:30 p.m. performance of "Mennonite Girls Can Cook." The cost is $25 per person. If you are interested, please contact Marv Smoker at 717-768-8764 or mrsmoker@comcast.net.
Petra Lifespring
New Beginnings - GriefShare begins TONIGHT at 7 p.m. in North 115, led by Titus and Barb Kauffman. DivorceCare begins this Sunday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in North 132, led by Cathy Ressler. Enter at the North Entrance. All are welcome at any time, and there is no cost to participate; workbooks are free. Although walk-ins are welcome, we would appreciate if you would register online, by using the Petra App, or by contacting Pastor Titus at 354-5394 or titusk@petra.church.
Marriage Enrichment Ministry
Young Marrieds at Petra - Join us for our next social event - featuring a potato bar - this Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m . in the Café! Potatoes will be provided by the Young Marrieds Leadership Team; couples should bring a favorite potato topping to share. We'll have some fun with outdoor games (corn hole, can jam, etc.) on the Patio. ALSO, don't miss the drawing for a FREE weekend at the 2017 Marriage Beach Retreat from October 6-8 at Ocean City, Maryland! (Excludes transportation and food) Please note that the October event is cancelled due to the retreat.
Regional Events
Region I Summer Fest Picnic - This Saturday at 5 p.m. at the home of Lee and Darlene Stoltzfus, 285 Horseshoe Lane, Narvon. The rain date is Sunday.

Region E Picnic - This Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Neil and Lisa Martin, 54 Mayfield Drive, Leola

Region O Fellowship Meal - This Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in the Café

Region G Picnic & Campfire - Everyone in the Gap area is invited to this event on Sunday, September 17, at 5 p.m. at the home of John and Lois Glick, 5235 Diem Road, New Holland. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring lawn chairs and a finger food to share. RSVP to Naaman and Sadie Shirk at 717-768-0630 or naamanshirk@comcast.net by September 13.

Region M (Denver/Adamstown) is planning a Picnic on Sunday, September 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the home of Jim and Ruth Good, 1804 Bowmansville Road, Mohnton. Chicken BBQ, drinks, and paper supplies will be provided. Please bring lawn chairs and either a hot or cold dish to share. RSVP to Lemar and Marion Hahn at 717-823-3490 or mbwhahn@gmail.com by September 13.
Petra Women
Petra Life Group - Join us this Fall for a seven-week W! Study Group called "The Gospel of Mark: The Jesus We're Aching For." Teaching videos by sought-after Bible teacher and speaker Lisa Harper will allow us to follow Jesus from his early ministry all the way to the cross. It will be offered on Monday mornings at 9 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. beginning September 25 and 28. Register online , complete the bulletin flap, use the Petra App, or visit the table in the Atrium beginning this Sunday. Registration and a payment of $13 will take place at the West Hub.

Check the Life Groups listing in this issue of the e-bulletin for basic information about Care and Share (both the Tuesday and Thursday groups), Lipstick and Crayons , Lit 'n Latte , Moms in Prayer , and Sewing for Hope. More information will be distributed this Sunday through the Life Groups handout.

Save the Date! We are planning a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, October 14, leaving Petra at 6:30 a.m. The charge of $40 per person will cover the cost of the bus ride and continental breakfast; lunch and dinner will be on your own. Watch for details! For questions, contact Jaci Kulp at flipflopmomof3@gmail.com .
Petra Men
Petra Men's Softball - Congratulations to the Petra Rockies for a successful season! The Rockies finished second place overall within the United Modified Church League.
Men's Breakfas t - All guys age 13 and up are invited for some great food and fellowship at Yoder's next Saturday, September 16, at 7 a.m. David Meerman, who originally hails from Stratford, New Zealand, will be sharing his story. David volunteers at Petra as one of the EDGE youth leaders. We will be hiking at the Welsh Mountain Preserve and parts of Money Rocks immediately after; meet at the preserve entrance off Gault Road. For directions, click here . For hiking questions, contact Ren Curtis .

Petra Life Groups - "A Man and His Design," a volume of 33 The Series under Men's Fraternity, will be offered on Thursdays at 7 p.m. from September 28 through November 9. Discover God's design for men with a clear definition and inspiring vision of authentic manhood. The Conquer Series , a cinematic teaching series on sexual purity, will be offered on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from September 26 through October 24. Register online by clicking on the button below, using the Petra App through the Connect tab, or visiting the table in the Atrium beginning this Sunday. Registration and payment ($20 for Men's Fraternity; $15 for the Conquer Series) will take place at the West Hub.
Petra Student Ministries
High School Fall Retreat - It's this weekend at Refreshing Mountain! Meet at Petra at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) evening. If you have not filled out the forms and handed them in, please do so this week. Check the Ignition E! newsletter for a packing list and the retreat schedule. Remember to bring snacks to share for the weekend!

 EDGE 56 Kick-off - Fun! Friends! Jesus! We have it all at EDGE 56, so join us this Monday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Student Life Center for our Kick-Off Night! For more information, e-mail Dan Jensen at danj@petra.church or visit our Facebook page at EDGE 56 at Petra Church !
The EDGE 56 Day Retreat at Tel Hai Camp is a key opportunity for students to get away and focus on their relationship with God, sharpen their Christian friendships, and connect with their leaders! It's packed with fun and outdoor activities and will empower them to CHOOSE this day whom they will serve, JESUS! The date is Saturday, September 23, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up will be at Tel Hai, 31 Lasso Drive, Honeybrook.The cost is $35 per student; lunch and dinner are included. Please bring a change of clothes! Please register online by Friday, September 15.

Parents of Fifth and Sixth Graders - How will EDGE 56 impact your Sunday morning experience , beginning September 17? Click on this link for important information regarding student check-in, dismissal from the worship service, and pick-up.

EDGE 78 Weekend Retreat - Join us from Friday through Sunday, September 22-24, for games, food, time with friends, worship, and great teaching from our very own Pastor Brian Coles! Drop-off at Tel Hai is Friday at 6:30 p.m. and pick-up is at Petra after second service. The cost is $100 per student. We are asking each student to bring a snack to share: a bag of chips, cookies, crackers, etc. Please register online by Friday, September 15. All registrants also need a Petra Consent Form, which can be found here .
Local Outreach
English as a Second Language  - Petra is again offering free ESL classes as an outreach to the community. Classes start next Wednesday, September 13, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. If you are aware of a person or family who could benefit from these classes, please extend an invitation to them. For more info, contact Kevin Boll .
Hurricane Harvey Relief
Petra is sending a hurricane relief team from September 23 - October 1 to partner with a local church in Houston that is coordinating relief efforts. The team will be assisting with demolition, cleanup, and reconstruction work. The team is open to both men and women, but construction experience is preferred. For more information, contact Jerub & Jewell Dienner at 903-749-0980 or 903-749-0981.
The Petra Hurricane Relief Team is offering a Smoked Brisket Fundraiser Meal this Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Good’s Store. Come on out for Jerub's famous Texas-style smoked brisket along with baked beans, corn bread, salad, and peach cobbler for dessert. The meals are take-out only. The suggested donation is $10 a meal. If you wish, you can leave a comment on the team’s Facebook page with the number of meals you would like, and they will be set aside for you.
Global Missions
Mission Prayer Focus - Pastor Luis and Alba Bohorquez give leadership to Petra Iglesia Cristiana, a church that Petra oversees in Colombia, South America. Pray for wisdom and encouragement in their pastoral responsibilities. Pray also for God’s favor and provision as they work to complete the construction of their church building.

Fundraiser Meal - Enjoy some cheesy baked spaghetti, tossed salad, applesauce, garlic bread, and assorted desserts at a fundraiser meal on behalf of Josh Leininge r next Sunday, September 17, at 12:30 p.m. Take-outs will be available at 10:30 a.m. Josh is heading to California for the Discipleship Training Program with YWAM called the CR Experience, a seven-month leadership training and missions program through Circuit Riders in affiliation with YWAM. As part of the program, for four months, he will actively participate in the 2018 Carry the Love Tour . Specifically, he will be a part of the music track of their program, where he will hone his passion for music to authentically further the message of the gospel.
Petra Family News

Wedding
Congratulations to Ramon Serrano, Jr. and Shannon Nicholson as they were united in marriage last Saturday.

Birth
Blessings to Jordan and Jess Stoltzfus as they welcomed the birth of a son, Jameson Brooks, on Sunday.

Sympathy
Our love and sympathy to Kendall and Joleen Reiff and family upon the death of Joleen's father last Thursday.

Our love and sympathy also to Doug and Shirley Dosch and family upon the death of Shirley's mother on Monday.
Last Week Update
September 3, 2017

Attendance
1,337
General Fund
Weekly Budget:
$54,808
Last Week's Giving:
$59,305
Building Fund
$1,690


Women's Prayer Event, Washington, D.C.
RISE UP - All women from our region are invited to lift up their voices as Esthers and Deborahs as women from across the nation gather at the National Mall in DC to offer a sacrifice of love, high praise, and prevailing peace for a divided nation! It's Monday, October 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An Elite Coach bus will be departing at 5 a.m. from Gateway House of Prayer, 70 Clay Road, Ephrata. The cost is $35 per person. Please call Gateway House of Prayer at 717-733-4071 by next Friday, September 15, to reserve your space on the bus. For questions, e-mail admin@gatewayprayer.com.