September 14, 2017
Church-Wide Events
Night of Worship - Join us tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. for an amazing opportunity to give God the focus and worship he deserves. We will be taking communion together, and the Café will be open afterward for the purchase of refreshments. Childcare is available for children through Pre-K.
This Sunday - Pastor Brian Coles will be bringing us Part 5 of the Acts 29 teaching series with a message called "The Holy Spirit Still Speaks and Guides."

Belong: The Journey - Whether you're a new believer, new attender, or have been coming to Petra for some time, we would like to help you connect to Jesus and to other people through BELONG. It is offered during both services, starting at 9:30 and at 11:30 a.m. The focus this Sunday is on "Serve."

2017 Congregational Meeting - All Petra members and regular attenders are invited to our annual congregational meeting this Monday at 7 p.m. Hear some exciting reports from ministry leaders, and join us as we celebrate God's faithfulness once again through the sharing of a healthy financial report.

Petra Fall Fest - Mark your calendars for the 2017 Petra Fall Fest on Saturday, October 28, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Yes, we are moving to a Saturday event! As always, there will be carnival games, tasty food, and lots of fun. Volunteer sign-up begins October 1. 

Update, Resource Center - The functions that took place in the Resource Center on Sunday mornings - such as the purchase of books and various other payments - have been moved to the West Hub.

Can You Loan a Car? Patrick and Nancy Thuo from Kenya are part of the Hopewell Network of Churches. They are currently in the US and are looking for a car to loan. They will need the car for two weeks in October and possibly a few days in early November. Nancy has her US driver's license. If you have a car they can use, please contact Pastor Lester.
EHOP - Join us this Tuesday at 7 p.m. as Alex Dienner, who serves with Iris Global Ministries, shares on "Stopping for the One: Living the Lifestyle of Jesus and Allowing His Love and Power to Flow Through You." Alex carries the fire and presence of the Holy Spirit into the atmosphere, where many people are saved, healed, and delivered. He longs to see more young adults in America burn with the fire of God’s love and take it with them to the world, locally and globally. All are welcome!

Beginning September 26, childcare at EHOP will be offered through age 7! If you can help with childcare, please contact Keelyan Sheeley at k.j.sheeley@gmail.com or 717-344-8711.
ACTIVATE - If you would like to be empowered to reproduce the supernatural works of the Holy Spirit in the fullness of God’s love and power, please join us for this five-week intensive beginning Tuesday, September 26, from 7 to 9 p.m.!
 
You will be equipped to heal the sick, operate in words of knowledge, and prophesy in practical ways. Sessions will be taught by various leaders, including JC Alzamora, Scott and Lisa Hurst, and Kara Sensenig.

Register by completing the Life Groups form or the bulletin flap; by using the Petra App; or by clicking on the button at the bottom of the Life Groups section.
Listing of Petra Events - To see what's happening over the next week or so, 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. Join us for our next teaching series from September 24 - October 29 called “All In: Holding Nothing Back.”

Looking for a way to take this study deeper? Sign up by next Sunday, September 24, for one of nine All-In discussion groups. Click on the button below for a listing. If you intend to join a group, please fill out the form from the handout 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.
 
Congregational Sign-Up Dates: September 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 are offering a variety of Life Groups to anyone at Petra who wants to join.

We are offering 20 groups - care and support, growth, prayer, men’s, women’s, and service groups - in addition to the nine All-In discussion groups. 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 clicking on the button below.

Would you be interested in a Growth Group?

  • 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

Please register for your Life Group by next Sunday, September 24.
Episode 54 - Is God Finished with Jewish People? 

In order for us to best understand God's future plans for Jewish people, it is important that we also understand their past. Pastor Gary Buck is joined by Dr. Theresa Newell and Pastor Brian Flewelling, both of whom have a passion for ministering to Jewish people all over the world. It's an important and fascinating topic for all!

ELANCO Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered recovery 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 biblic al and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. It i s based on the eight principles of the Beatitudes, which point us to recovery, wholeness, growth, and spiritual maturity. 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, Weaverland, and CrossNet Ministries.
Support
SNAP Seminar - Attorney Lucy Dowd will present a free Special Needs Trust Seminar next Thursday, September 21, at 7 p.m. in the Oasis. It's being offered to all Petra, Hopewell Network, and community families affected by disability. Lucy and her team of financial advisors offered this to Petra families last spring, and it was incredibly helpful. Lucy herself has a special needs son, and she understands from a unique perspective what the journey is like for families as they plan for the future. Please register below. Walk-ins are welcome.
Senior Adult Ministry
Musical Comedy at Bird-In-Hand - Four tickets are now 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.
Regional Events
Region M (Denver/Adamstown) is having a Picnic this Sunday 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 today.

Region G Picnic & Campfire - Everyone in the Gap area is invited to a picnic this Sunday 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 today.
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 this Sunday or next Sunday. Registration and a payment of $13 will take place at the West Hub.

Lit 'n Latte - Are you a woman who loves to read? Join us in the Welcome Center this Wednesday at 1 p.m. for the first of our monthly meetings. Lit 'n Latte meets the third Wednesday of every month at the same time and location. Each participant reads the Christian books of her choice; we also include a prayer and devotional time. For more information, contact Bonnie Stauffer at 610-856-7796.

Opportunities for Childcare, Lipstick and Crayons - Do you enjoy caring for young children? Would you be available on the first and/or third Wednesday mornings of the month from October through April? We are looking for adults and teens (at least 14) who can provide childcare. These are paid positions. Clearances are required. If interested, please contact Rebecca Schulze at 610-457-8823 or rsweigart13@gmail.com.

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
Men's Breakfast

All guys age 13 and up are invited for some great food and fellowship at Yoder's this Saturday at 7 a.m. David Meerman, who hails from New Zealand, will be sharing his story. We will be hiking at the Welsh Mountain Preserve afterward.

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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 or using the Petra App through the Connect tab. Registration and payment ($20 for Men's Fraternity; $15 for the Conquer Series) will take place at the West Hub this Sunday and next Sunday.
Petra Student Ministries
Parents of Fifth and Sixth Graders - How will EDGE 56 impact your Sunday morning experience, beginning this Sunday ? Click on this link for important information regarding student check-in, dismissal from the worship service, and pick-up.
EDGE 56 Day Retreat - Come to Tel Hai Camp next Saturday, September 23, for an amazing event which will allow students to focus on their relationship with God, sharpen their Christian friendships, and connect with their leaders! It's also packed with fun and outdoor activities! The times are 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! R egister online by tomorrow (Friday.)

EDGE 78 Weekend Retreat - Join us next weekend, 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. R egister online by tomorrow (Friday). All registrants will also need a Petra Consent Form, which can be found here .
Kingdom Kids
Can You Help? The Petra Student Library is needing Sunday morning volunteers for after both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. We can use a couple of adults with teens or kids (from Grade 5 and up) as helpers. If interested, contact Melanie Mohler at 717-738-0836 or kmmohler@dejazzd.com .
Local Outreach
School Supply Drive - Thank you for donating backpacks and school supplies for the CrossNet Ministries Backpack Giveaway. Together with many community organizations and church donations, they were able to bless 400 children in the ELANCO School District. If you would like to know more about CrossNet Ministries or volunteer opportunities, please check out their website at www.elancocross.org .
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. - Pastor Erma

Blue Ball Released Time is looking for volunteer mentors to assist children in grades 3-6 as they learn about Jesus and memorize Bible verses. Released Time takes place on Thursdays from September 21-May 3. Volunteers would arrive at Blue Ball Mennonite Church around 1:45 for a staff meeting and the children would return to school by 3:15. Volunteers need current clearances. If interested, please contact Pastor Kevin Kirkpatrick at kevdikirk@frontier.com or 717-598-3515.
Global Missions
Mission Prayer Focus - Nacho and Merrilee Barrera and their family serve as Petra Missionaries with Hopewell Asia Missions in Thailand, where they oversee the church planting ministry. Pray for God’s wisdom and anointing in their responsibilities. Pray, too, for encouragement and provision for them as they serve.

Coffee Fundraiser - If you ordered Twin Valley Coffee in support of Keelyan Sheeley's upcoming missions trip to Brazil, it's available for pick-up. Please contact Keelyan at k.j.sheeley@gmail.com or 717-344-8711,

Fundraiser Meal - Enjoy some cheesy baked spaghetti, tossed salad, applesauce, bread, and assorted desserts at a fundraiser meal on behalf of Josh Leininge r this Sunday 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.
Petra Family News

Birth
Blessings to Allan and Susan Fisher upon the birth of their daughter, Karissa Brooke, on Saturday.

Birth
Blessings to Carson and Kate Weaver upon the birth of their daughter, Whitney Joy, this morning.

Passing
Our dear sister Carol Weaver transitioned unexpectedly to her heavenly home on Friday. Carol with her husband Tim served as a Regional Care Pastor for Region A. Our love and sympathy to Tim and to their family.
Last Week Update
September 10, 2017

Attendance
1,351
General Fund
Weekly Budget:
$54,808
Last Week's Giving:
$58,972
Building Fund
$979

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 tomorrow (Friday) to reserve your space on the bus. For questions, e-mail admin@gatewayprayer.com.