March 21, 2019
Church-Wide Events
This Sunday – Pastor Brian Coles will be bringing us Part 2 of The Game of Life Series with a message called "Succeeding Single."
 
BELONG: The Journey - BELONG is a great way to get connected at Petra! Join us this Sunday at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. as we focus on "Partner." If you are interested in pursuing church membership at Petra, this is the session to come to!
Eastgate House of Prayer - This Tuesday at 7 p.m., Janelle Esbenshade will be sharing her heart to see men, women, and children set free from sexual bondage. Janelle serves as a Restoration Coach with North Star Initiative, a local organization dedicated to restoring the lives of survivors of sex-trafficking. Join us as we pray into this multifaceted issue to see the Kingdom of God break into our region with healing, freedom, and power! Childcare is provided through age 7. All are welcome!
Child Dedication - Parents who would like to dedicate their child to the Lord on Sunday, March 31, should register online or call the church office at 717-354-5394 during normal working hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) by tomorrow, March 22.

Water Baptism - If you are at least 10 years old and wish to be water baptized on Sunday morning, April 14, please register online, at one of the Hubs, or by using the bulletin flap. Plan to attend a class on either March 31 at 9 a.m. or April 7 at 11 a.m.
Check out our "Join A Team" Expo this Sunday in the Atrium and Lobby! This is a great way to get plugged in to the life of the church. If you’d like to get involved with Guest Services, Technical Services, or Children's Ministry at Petra, come on by to learn more. There are other teams you can join as well! Check them out here .
Listing of Petra Events - See what's happening over the next few weeks at Petra.
Holy Week Services
Good Friday Service - "Jesus, The Broken Word" - Jesus spoke seven times while dying on the Cross. Join us on Friday, April 19, as seven “eyewitnesses” reflect on Jesus’ suffering and death through the lens of their own relationship to – and experience with – Jesus. The service will include worship and the sharing of communion. It’s designed for the whole family, but childcare will be available for children from birth through pre-K.
Easter Sunday Services – “Jesus, The Victorious Word” - Our Easter Sunday services on April 21 will include a jubilant time of worship, a children’s choir, and a message by Senior Pastor Lester Zimmerman. Early Childhood and Elementary children (through Grade 4) will have Children's Church as usual. Easter Sunday is a great time to invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to Petra!
For the Spring Term , we will be offering a new group called “Essential Habits of the Unshakable Life.” In this six-week study, led by Patrick Wilson, we will be looking at the habits of worship, prayer, fasting, journaling, and solitude, and learning how to apply these in a way that is personally meaningful. This group will meet at Petra on Thursdays at 7 p.m., beginning April 11. Register online or at one of the Hubs through April 7.
Lifespring
The Cleansing Stream Seminar is designed to help set you free, empower you, and equip you to fulfill your destiny in Christ! It will run on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. from April 9 to May 14 – with an unforgettable One-Day Event on Saturday, May 11. There will also be a women's class on Thursday mornings from 9 to 10:30 a.m., beginning April 11, and a Sunday class from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning March 31.

For the Tuesday evening sessions only, we will be offering childcare, by donation, through age 11.

The cost of the seminar is $49 per individual and $84 per married couple. The cost of the One-Day Event is $91 per individual. This Sunday is the final day to register online or at the West Hub. Don’t miss this life-changing adventure!
Couples under 40 are invited to a Springtime Event on Saturday, April 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Café and Patio. We’ll be having a potluck meal and playing cornhole. Children are welcome; they will be planting flowers to take home. We're asking each couple to bring a hot or cold dish to share. For more information, contact Henry or Kaci Fisher .
Episode 137: Succeeding in Singlehood - A Conversation with Sharon Cody & Melissa Mabry - Two of Petra's single moms share their stories of triumph and hardship. We also consider how the Church community can be a supportive family to singles, and whether there may be a hidden blessing to singlehood.

Listen here
Senior Adults
Senior Adults (age 62+) are invited to join us on a bus trip to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 10. Meet at 7:45 a.m. at Elite Coach, 1685 W. Main St., Ephrata. We will return around 8 p.m. The cost is $50 per person, which includes the pass to the museum and bus ride. The cost of meals, souvenirs, and the bus driver’s tip is extra. Register online or at the West Hub. Register soon; space is limited.
Regional Event
Region E (Brownstown, Leola) is hosting a Game Night this Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Café and Gym. Pizza and beverages will be provided. Please bring a veggie, dessert, or snack to share, along with your favorite game to play. Please RSVP to Neil Martin at nmartin@pendu.com .
Petra Women
Petra Women will be hosting a dynamic Women’s Event on Friday evening, April 26, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. in the Oasis. All women ages 14 and up are invited!
 
The theme is “Releasing Women: Declaring the Truth." Come for an encouraging message by Pastor Sharon Zimmerman, worship, ministry, food, and fellowship! Each registrant will receive a book at the event.
 
Online registration is open through Monday, April 22. You may also register at the table in the Atrium on March 31, April 7, or April 14.
 
An early-bird cost of $10 per person is available with registration through Monday, April 8. From April 9 through April 22, the cost is $15. Sorry, no refunds are permitted. Please join us, and bring a friend!
Student Ministries
Mulch Fundraiser - The High School youth will be taking two mission trips through YWAM this summer and are selling mulch as a fundraiser. Premium black or brown mulch will be available for $40 a yard, with free delivery. Spreading is available upon request for an additional suggested donation of $20 per yard. The delivery dates are April 13 and May 11. We are encouraging online purchases again this year! For questions, email Danae at highschool@petra.church .
Parenting Seminar
A THRIVE! Live Parenting Seminar , hosted by Petra, will provide parents with heart-based tools to help any child at any age (up through 18) with any problem! It’s set for Saturday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The topic is “Equipping Children with Skills for Life.” The seminar will be presented by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN, of the National Center for Biblical Parenting. Their heart-based approach stands in contrast to the reward/punishment models that many parents are now using.
 
This event is for every family – moms, dads, and grandparents! Teachers are welcome, too. The cost of $15 per person includes a Chick-fil-A lunch. Childcare through age 11 is available upon request; the cost is by donation on the day of the event. Register online or at the West Hub by April 1.
Hopewell Summer Camps
Hopewell Summer Camps - Mark your calendars for the 2019 Hopewell Network Summer Camps at Tel Hai. The Sr. High Camp (for youth who have completed grades 9-12) will be held from June 24-28. The Jr. High Camp (for youth who have completed grades 6-8) will be held from July 15-19. The Kids' Camp (for kids who have completed grades 2-5 and are at least 8 years old) will be held from August 12-16. Pick up a brochure and application from the Hubs or visit the Hopewell Summer Camps website for additional information. Scholarship assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Naomi Weaver for details.
Local Outreach
Gardeners - Apply now for a garden plot through Seeds for Hope Community Gardens. The gardens are located along Ranck Road a bit north of Airport Road. We have both raised beds and in-ground plots. The cost for an 8' X 4' or 10' X 4' raised bed is $15. In-ground plots of 12' X 20' cost $15 and 20' X 20' plots cost $25. Those interested can apply for a plot online or pick up a print application from the church office. You can also apply and pay at the West Hub. Questions? E-mail seedsforhope@petra.church .
Global Missions
Mission Prayer Focus - Tina Moore began serving as a Petra long-term missionary in Guatemala with Orphan Resources International earlier this month. Her first year will be spent in language study. Pray for God’s grace in the midst of language learning and cultural adjustments. Pray for encouragement in times when she misses friends and family back home. Pray also for release of the remaining financial support that she needs.

High School Fundraiser Meal - Enjoy egg casserole, sausage gravy and biscuits, homemade sticky buns, and fruit for brunch (or lunch!) next Sunday, March 31, at 12:30 p.m. The proceeds will go toward the High School mission trips to Panama and Orlando with YWAM this summer. Take-outs will be available after the 9 a.m. service.
Petra Family News

Births
Blessings to Grant and Bea Stoner upon the birth of their son, Valor Timothy, on March 9.

Blessings to Greg and Becky Stoltzfoos upon the birth of their son, Luke Greyson, on March 14.
 
Blessings to Trevor and Lauren Good upon the birth of their daughter, Clara Joy, on March 15.
 
Sympathy
Our love and sympathy to Andy and Cynthia Blank upon the passing of Andy's mother on March 16.
 
Our love and sympathy also to Mahlon and Naomi Glick upon the passing of Naomi's father on March 16.
Last Week Update
March 17, 2019

Attendance
1,480
General Fund
Weekly Budget:
$57,692
Last Week's Giving:
$46,707
Building Fund
$657