Advent 2025: Be Amazed! First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio November 30, 2025  Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER Advent One: Hope in the Furnace ~Gathering~ Preludes: "I Wonder as I Wander" - Appalachian folk song --arr. Jay Rouse "I wonder as I wander out under the sky..." "In the Bleak Midwinter" --arr. Larry Shackley Welcome& Announcements Opening Hymn: VT 237 Now the Heavens v1 Advent Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-5 The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, a conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, a justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. “Look at the nations and see! Be astonished! Be astounded! For work is being done in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Focus Statement: Imagine stepping into a blazing furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo in a trial by fire, trusting God with your life. Although today’s trials seem less terrifying, they are still trials—stories of injustice, poverty, and tragedy from our lives, communities and the larger world. At the beginning of Advent, as the light dims, and we wonder how long we must wait, we also tell amazing stories of hope, stories of a God who saves so that we may emerge singing: Oh, great is the Lord! Thy name shall endure! Let heaven and earth, oh, let all sing Thy praise! Time of Meditation: "O Lord of Light, Who Made the Stars / "Of the Father's Love Begotten" - arr. Curt Oliver Call to Worship: Leader: God of our ancestors, you are our constant hope through all ages. People: We come eager for stories of you standing among us. We come longing to feel your presence among your people once again. Leader: As the days darken around us, hope can feel a distant memory. People: Even in the middle of trials, we keep our eyes on you. Our allegiance is to you alone. Leader: Trust in God’s steadfast love. Stand in amazement, ready to recognize God already among us here, in this place. All: Our hope is in you, O God. Fill our hearts with the courage of our ancestors. Ready us to enter their story and be amazed. Opening Prayer Advent Candlelighting Litany (Mike Keim, candlelighter) Leader: We have been wandering in the dark, fear engulfing us like a burning furnace. We long for your hope to find us and silence the flames of our fears. People: Come, Hope of the world. Come amaze us! All: May your hope flood the flames of our fears. Hymn: VT 210 O Come, O Come, Immanuel ~Praying & Praising~ Old Testament Scripture : Psalm 26:1-7 Prayers of the People Christmas Carol: VT 265 Angels, from the Realms of Glory ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Daniel 3:1, 8-30 Be Amazed Story: Hope in the Furnace -read by Brad Shupe Message ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: VT 570 When We Walk with the Lord (the offering will be brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Benediction Sending Hymn: HWB 79 Lord, With Devotion We Pray Sending Words: Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Postlude : "Cold December Flies Away" - Spanish carol arr. by Anna Laura Page WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader April Shupe Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Leadership Team Cover Art: Adrianoupolitis Konstantinos (ca. 1750-1799) - The story of Daniel and the Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for November: Dover-Phila Food Bank The Dover-New Phila Food Pantry’s mission is simple: No one in need is ever turned away, and recipients can come anytime they are open and from anywhere. They are a community-based food pantry supported by the community. Please make out checks to FMC and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month to the Food Bank. (today is the last day to donate) Special Thanksgiving / Christmas Project: Garaway Pirate Power Packs The Garaway Pirate Power Pack Program, sponsored by the Sugarcreek United Church of Christ, meets monthly to pack over 350 bags full of food for local students. We will be collecting the following items over the next several weeks to help provide food for this program: Ramen noodles cans of corn cans of green beans cans of ravioli cans of tomato soup cans of pork and beans cans of chicken noodle soup Lessons and Carols Service at St. Joseph Catholic Church is on Sunday December 7, 6:00 p.m. (prelude beginning at 5:30). The public is invited to join in this special community Advent service. The service will include choirs from the surrounding area, a brass ensemble, hand-bell choir, the singing of carols, and readings from Sacred Scripture. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Mike Gehman: Thankful Hannah and I are here today and are on the mend. Sue Stauffer: Classmate from Arizona came through and met with 6 other classmates, we all had a great time. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is not doing well and is very ill. He will be starting another round of chemo and might have to move back to hope lodge. THIS WEEK Dec. 1 st Happy Birthday, Rick Maurer Dec. 5 th Happy Birthday, Alex Snyder Dec. 6th Light Up Sugarcreek, 4-6:30 pm Dec. 7th Lessons & Carols at St. Joseph in Dover, 5:30 pm NEXT WEEK Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Helene Torgler Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK Attendance: 16 Offering: $1210 Change for a dollar: $36 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Anabaptism At Five Hundred First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio November 23, 2025  Worship: 9:30 – 10:30 Fellowship Time: 10:30 – 12:00 We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. *************************************** We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ********************************************* We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER Anabaptism at 500 Belief Nine: Communion ~Gathering in the Royal Bible Classroom~ (around tables) Welcome and Announcements Focus Statement: The Lord’s Supper is the last meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before he was crucified on the cross. While eating this meal of bread and wine, Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Communion is the religious practice of sharing bread and wine (or juice) as part of a worship service. Anabaptists in the sixteenth century differed from the state churches in their understanding of communion. Anabaptists understood the bread and cup as symbols of the body and blood of Jesus, rather than believing that an actual transformation of the elements took place. Anabaptists shared communion as a way to remember and renew their commitment to the church community and to the teachings of Jesus. Anabaptists also began the practice of serving communion to one another, instead of requiring a priest to do so. This understanding of ministering to one another is known as the Priesthood of All Believers. Scripture: Luke 22:19-20 “Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’” Time of Meditation : HWB 94 Come, Ye Thankful People Call to Worship: Leader: As God’s people, we have gathered. We may be discouraged, dismayed, discordant with life. People: Let us sit together, sharing the solace of silence. Let us possess the peace of God’s presence and be wrapped in the warmth of God’s love. Let us be comforted and quieted, prepared for communion with God and fellowship with one another. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: HWB 17 We Gather Together ~Storytelling~ Early Anabaptist Story from Martyrs Mirror: Story about the Sacraments – read by April Shupe Early Anabaptist Story in Drama #1: Medicine for Christ’s Body?: Pilgram Marpeck, 1531 Narrator –Hannah Gehman, Spiritualist – Mike Gehman, Marpeck – Reno Stevanus ~Praising and Praying~ Hymn of Praise: HWB 86 Now Thank We All Our Prayers of the People ~Storytelling and Communion~ Global Story: Cheyenne Peace Chief Lawrence Hart read by – Helene Torgler Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17 Reader 1 – Bertie Showers Reader 2 – Bruce Stauffer Reader 3 – Nancy Yoder Hymn: HWB 453 Let Us Break Bread Together From the Schleitheim Confession, Article Third . Concerning the breaking of bread we have become one and agree thus… – read by Suzanne Stauffer Communion Service (sharing of the bread and the cup with each other) Invitation to the Communion Table Leader: As John baptized Jesus in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit baptized the body of Christ. God now gathers us at these tables as the body of Christ to hear the voice of heaven, spoken over the waters of baptism, saying, “You are my beloved.” People: Water, bread, and wine, the gifts of the earth, the gifts of the church, reveal that we belong with God and one another. Leader: Come with your hunger. Come with your thirst. ALL: This is Christ’s table. This is our feast. Come, Holy Spirit! Communion Prayer—Inspired by Early Christian Practice Leader: May God be with you! People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to God. Leader: Let us give thanks to God . People: It is good to give thanks and praise. Leader: It is a good and joyful thing always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Holy One. With your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn: ALL: Holy, holy, holy, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the one who comes in your name. Hosanna in the highest. Leader: And so we proclaim this mystery of faith: ALL: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Leader: We praise you, all holy God, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen! ALL: Amen! Leader: Let us pray together the Lord’s Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Leader: The gifts of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. (Share the bread and cup.) ~Responding~ Prayer after Communion – Iona Community Leader: In deep gratitude for this moment, this time together, these people, we give ourselves to you. People: Send us to live as changed people because we have shared the Living Bread and cannot remain the same. Ask much of us, expect much from us, enable much by us, encourage many through us. All: So, God, may we glorify you as inhabitants of earth and citizens of heaven. Amen. Hymn of Response: HWB 472 I am the Bread of Life v. 1, 4, 5 HWB 96 We Plow the Fields and Scatter ~Sending~ Benediction Sending Hymn: VT 812 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing Sending Words: ALL: We’ve seen diversity as a sign of love, and so we put on love and live as one. (The Passing of the Peace) WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Dan Hostetler Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Head Usher: Leadership Team Our On-Going Series on Anabaptist Beliefs: In 2018 Lisa Weaver and Elizabeth Miller, as part of the Bearing Witness Stories project, wrote a book for children entitled Let the Children Come to Me: Nurturing Anabaptist Faith within Families. “The materials gathered together in this book beautifully illustrate the central convictions of the Anabaptist tradition.” -John D. Roth, Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism As residents of Holmes and Tuscarawas counties, oftentimes we each have been asked, “Are Mennonites Amish?” and “What do you believe that’s different from other Protestant denominations?” It’s sometimes hard to come up with an explanation of our faith. Hopefully this series of worship services (that will be spread out through this year of Anabaptism at 500) will enable us to answer these questions more accurately. We are basing this series on the above-mentioned book. In conjunction with our Anabaptist at Five Hundred celebration this year, we would love to have pictures of any community, service and/or peace experiences our church members have experienced over the years. Please give to April or Tabby who will scan them into the computer. You will get them back. FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for November: Dover-Phila Food Bank The Dover-New Phila Food Pantry’s mission is simple: No one in need is ever turned away, and recipients can come anytime they are open and from anywhere. They are a community-based food pantry supported by the community. Please make out checks to FMC and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month to the Food Bank. Special Thanksgiving / Christmas Project: Garaway Pirate Power Packs The Garaway Pirate Power Pack Program, sponsored by the Sugarcreek United Church of Christ, meets monthly to pack over 350 bags full of food for local students. We will be collecting the following items over the next several weeks to help provide food for this program: Ramen noodles cans of corn cans of green beans cans of ravioli cans of tomato soup cans of pork and beans cans of chicken noodle soup Bill & Jean Flinner new address: 1000 Addington Dr. Apt. 129 Russell, KY 41169 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS April Shupe: Thankful that Darcy Miller and Mike Gehman are both here with us today. Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is finished with his chemo, he needs infusions but is starting to feel better. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Tabatha Murphy: Dylan’s grandma, Malinda Hamilton, had abdominal surgery, prayers for a speedy recovery. April Shupe: Melanie Blauch Archer has diverticulitis, also Dick Douthitt is in the hospital. THIS WEEK Nov. 25 th Happy Birthday, Suzie Armstrong Nov. 30 th Advent Begins NEXT WEEK Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: April Shupe Head Usher: Leadership Team LAST WEEK Attendance: 23 Offering: $1533 Change for a dollar: $22.03 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor: Mike Gehman: 1-330-749-674 Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Taste and See That the Lord is Good!  First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio November 9, 2025 Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude: "We Gather Together" - arr. Cindy Berry Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: In response to God’s invitation to the wedding feast of the Lamb, we must give a joyful “yes” through faith and repentance, responding with consistent communion, which is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet, and a life of perpetual thanksgiving for his unending grace. Time of Meditation: "God Is Here Among Us" - arr. Lee Dengler Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 34) (By Rev. Joanna Harader, from SpaciousFaith.com) Leader: I will bless the Lord at all times; People: We will bless our God at all times. Leader: I will praise the Holy One with my voice. People: Let us exalt God’s name together. Leader: We are seeking, People: And God will answer us. Leader: We cry out for help, People: And God will deliver us. Leader: God will deliver us from our fears. People: God will hear us and save us. Leader: So come now, let us worship together. All: Let us taste and see that our God is good. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: VT 47 God of Our Strength ~Praying & Praising~ Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: VT 467 Taste and See ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Luke 15: 20-24 – Read by Bruce Revelation 19:6-9 – Read by April Message: “The Table Is Set” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: As We Gather At Your Table (in bulletin) (the offering will be brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: VT 831 Blest Be the Tie That Binds Benediction: Leader: I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. All: Now to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Postlude: "Bind Us Together: - arr. Mark Hayes Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Guest Minister: Darcy Miller Worship Leader Tabby Murphy Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Leadership Team FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Reminder: There will be no church service held at FMC next Sunday, November 16 th . Please visit a church of your choice! Mission Project for November: Dover-Phila Food Bank The Dover-New Phila Food Pantry’s mission is simple: No one in need is ever turned away, and recipients can come anytime they are open and from anywhere. They are a community-based food pantry supported by the community. Please make out checks to FMC and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month to the Food Bank. Bill & Jean Flinner new address: 1000 Addington Dr. Apt. 129 Russell KY, 41169 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Sue Stauffer: In November we will have two daughters with birthdays. Kristy Keim: Mike Gehman is home from the hospital Bertie Showers: Brother Abe and Fran show up when April is gone to sit with me, Fan has had a knee surgery but is doing good. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Dan Hostetler: Friend went through first surgery and will have second surgery in 2months. Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is in intense therapy with chemo and can’t have stem cell transplant until in remission. Kristy Keim: Hannah is still struggling with her back pain. Nancy Yoder: Son, Dan, has hurt his knee at work. THIS WEEK Nov. 10 th Happy Birthday, Braden Shupe Nov. 12 th Happy Birthday, Amy Stauffer-McNutt Nov. 16 th Church Visitation Sunday (no church at FMC) UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 23 rd Thanksgiving Sunday Nov. 30 th Advent Begins IN TWO WEEKS Note: On Sunday, November 23 rd , we will continue our Anabaptist at 500 celebration, meeting in the SS room beside the office. Worship Leader: Dan Hostetler Head Usher: Leadership Team LAST WEEK Attendance: 16 Offering: $875 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Anabaptism At Five Hundred First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio November 2, 2025  Worship: 9:30 – 10:30 Fellowship Time: 10:30 – 12:00 We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. *************************************** We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ********************************************* We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER Anabaptism at 500 Belief Ten : Believers Baptism ~Gathering in the Royal Bible Classroom~ (around tables) Welcome and Announcements Focus Statement: The believer’s church is a community of people who have chosen to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ together. For Anabaptists, believers’ baptism is the practice by which a youth or adult joins a believer’s church community. The believer’s church is separate from the civil government. Baptism can happen in several ways. It may include the sprinkling or pouring of water on an individual’s head; sometimes the person is immersed completely in water. Scripture: Luke 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. Time of Meditation : VT 555 Lord, I Am Fondly, Earnestly Longing Call to Worship: (Ephesians 4:1-6) Leader: Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. People: Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Leader: Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives. People: There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way, we were called to share one hope. ALL: There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Creator of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: VT 387 We Are One in the Spirit ~Scripture and Stories~ Early Anabaptist Story: Anna Manz – Bertie Showers Early Anabaptist Story in Drama #1: “Baptisms in Felix Manz’s House: January 21, 1525” Background – Worship Leader, Narrator – Reno Stevanus, Reader 1 – Kristy Keim, Reader 2 – Bob Gerber ~Praising, Praying and Responding~ Hymn of Praise: HWB 438 I Sing with Exultation Prayers of the People ~Storytelling~ Global Story: Wencesiao Flores and his wife Anatilde – Bruce Stauffer Drama from the Martyrs Mirror: “I Appeal to the Scriptures: Michael Sattler,1527” Background – Worship Leader, Narrator - Helene Torgler , Count – Dan Hostetler, Sattler – Mike Keim, Clerk – Tabby Murphy Hymn: VT 576 Who Now Would Follow Christ Scriptures: Galatians 3:26-28 – Nancy Yoder Matthew 28:16, 18-20 – Suzanne Stauffer ~Responding~ Prayer of Confession – read by congregation: Sky-shattering God, we confess that we have not always paid much attention to the baptism of Jesus, but viewed it as a nice story which begins Jesus’ ministry. We don’t always see ourselves as standing in that long line of those marked for service; and therefore it is easy for us to dismiss this as a nice story and nothing more. Yet you have called us by name, knowing each of us, and loving us. We are astonished by this. We know that we have behaved in very unloving ways and in some behaviors which do not promote your love and peace Forgive us for our blindness. Turn us around. Help us to be people who not only recognize the light, but who are willing to live in that light, bringing help to others in your name. For we pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Words of Assurance Hymn of Response: VT 556 I Bind My Heart This Tide Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: VT 443 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Benediction Prayer WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: April Shupe Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Head Usher: Leadership Team Our On-Going Series on Anabaptist Beliefs: In 2018 Lisa Weaver and Elizabeth Miller, as part of the Bearing Witness Stories project, wrote a book for children entitled Let the Children Come to Me: Nurturing Anabaptist Faith within Families. “The materials gathered together in this book beautifully illustrate the central convictions of the Anabaptist tradition.” -John D. Roth, Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism As residents of Holmes and Tuscarawas counties, oftentimes we each have been asked, “Are Mennonites Amish?” and “What do you believe that’s different from other Protestant denominations?” It’s sometimes hard to come up with an explanation of our faith. Hopefully this series of worship services (that will be spread out through this year of Anabaptism at 500) will enable us to answer these questions more accurately. We are basing this series on the above-mentioned book. In conjunction with our Anabaptist at Five Hundred celebration this year, we would love to have pictures of any community, service and/or peace experiences our church members have experienced over the years. Please give to April or Tabby who will scan them into the computer. You will get them back. FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for November: Homeless Shelter of Tuscarawas County (more info coming next week) THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Bertie Showers: Thank you for all the prayers, I am feeling better. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Sue Stauffer: Friend, Janice Stouffer has died, prayers to friends and family. Also, French pen pal’s husband, Eric Main fell and is in the hospital. Jim Cahill’s cancer is back and will be starting chemo next week. Mike Gehman is in Cleveland Clinic and is getting the care he needs. Also, Hannah is having sciatica problems and is having problems walking. April Shupe: Kathy Smith Miller’s husband had a UTI that prevented surgery. Also, her sister, Judy fell and broke her hip, she will need a hip replacement. Amy Hostetler: Toby Kirks died suddenly leaving behind an ill mother and young niece. NEXT WEEK Guest Minister: Darcy Miller Worship Leader: Tabatha Murphy Head Usher: Leadership Team UPCOMING EVENTS: Nov. 16th Church Visitation Sunday (No church at FMC) Nov. 23rd Thanksgiving Sunday Nov. 30th Advent Begins LAST WEEK Attendance: 25 Offering: $1640 Change for a dollar: $18 Meat Canning: $125 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor: Mike Gehman: 1-330-749-674 Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio October 19, 2025  Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude: “Prelude religioso” -Ludwig van Beethoven Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: Is faith a gift or a choice? Is it something God does in us or something we do for God? You guessed that the answer is “Yes,” no doubt. Faith is a mixture of all that and more. It is a partnership with God as we enter into a relationship for our good and the good of the world around us, the community around us. We are choosing every day to live by our faith, to be shaped by our faith, and to submit all our actions and relationships to the measure of faith. Today, we examine what it means to be people of faith. We are the people who are choosing faith. Time of Meditation: “Learning to Lean” -John Stallings Call to Worship: Leader: Destruction and violence are everywhere; strife and contention are all around People: The needs of the world are so great; All: O Lord, increase our faith. Leader: The law is slack, and justice does not prevail. People: The needs of the world are so great; All: O Lord, increase our faith. Leader: How many threats surround us; warfare, homelessness, loneliness, loss. People: The needs of the world are so great, but you, O God, are greater still –the One in whom all things are possible. All: O Lord, increase our faith in you! Invocation Hymn of Gathering: HWB 86 Now Thank We All Our God ~Praying & Praising~ Old Testament Scripture : Lamentations 3:19-26 Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: HWB 327 Great Is Thy Faithfulness ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Luke 17:5-10 Homily: “Moving Forward in Faith” -April Shupe ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 565 My Faith Looks Up To Thee Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 357 O Master, Let Me Walk With Thee Sending Prayer: Leader: Saviour Christ, increase our faith, People: that we may trust the unseen truths as more important than bland or trivial physical possessions. Leader: Loving God, increase our hope, People: that we may reach out for a better tomorrow and be undaunted by temporary setbacks. Leader: Inspiring Spirit, increase our love, People: that we may put into the world something of the joy and compassion which you put into our lives. ALL: For the sake of your new world, and to your praise and glory. Amen! Postlude: “At Calvary” -arr. Daniel B. Towner Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Worship Leader Helene Torgler Song Leader: April Shupe Guest Pianist: Shirley Homan Usher: Mike Keim FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for October: MCC Meat Canning Your help is needed to fund MCC meat canning in Kidron: They are grateful for the volunteers who will help can 30,000 pounds of turkey in the Gerber Building behind Central Christian School from October 20-23. However, they are struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for the canning. While they were able to secure a loan from MCC that enables the canning to move forward without delay, they need to raise $40,000 to repay the cost of the meat and canner operations . Please consider supporting this important project, helping people in need around the world, providing important nutrients through canned meat. Make checks payable to First Mennonite, earmarked for Meat Canning and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month. 100 Year Huddle: Timeline In preparation for our 100-year anniversary we will be making a timeline of events and people who have been part of our church. Please join us on Oct. 26 th after the church service to share your stories and memories and help us to complete the timeline. Please bring a cover dish from one of the church’s cookbooks. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Tabatha Murphy: Bill is home from the hospital; he is doing well but still has a drainage tube. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR April Shupe: Bertie is feeling pain in her hip and arm, might be inflamed. THIS WEEK Oct. 20 th Happy Birthday, Pong Sixiengmay Oct. 20 th Happy Birthday, Hannah Gehman Oct. 21 st Happy Birthday, Jon Gerber Oct. 21 st Happy Birthday, Jaden Murphy Oct. 23 rd Happy Birthday, Ila Miller Oct. 25 th Happy Birthday, Ron Meyer Oct. 26 th Heritage Sunday w/ Guest Speaker Perry Bush from Bluffton College and Carry-In Meal following worship UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 23 rd Thanksgiving Sunday NEXT WEEK Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Head Usher: Mike Keim LAST WEEK Attendance: 19 Offering: $250 Change for a Dollar: $30 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio October 12, 2025  Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude: “I Need Thee Every Hour” --arr. Kaiser & Colvin, Sharon Goldsberry, Pianist; John Gearhart, Organist Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: Jesus taught many things to his disciples and the crowds that were there listening, about God’s kingdom and what it meant to follow him. Many things he taught were difficult to hear but he wanted to clearly explain the cost involved in choosing to follow him and becoming a disciple. Priorities of family may need to be realigned and one must be willing to carry his own cross if they want to be a disciple of Jesus. How can we grow in learning to count the cost, as we live out our calling to follow Christ today? Time of Meditation : Invitation Medley: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus / I Have Decided to Follow Jesus / I Surrender All -sung by Anthem Lights Call to Worship: Leader: Loving God, you call us to turn away from our own selfish interests, to take up our cross, and to follow you. People: To find our lives, may we live them in service of your mission. Leader: As we come before you this morning, give us open hearts and open hands. People: Make us eager to hear your voice and seek your guidance. Leader: Open our minds to your ever-present spirit that is always moving within and around us. All: Open our spirits to your nudging and open our lives to your love. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: HWB 17 We Gather Together ~Praying & Praising~ Scripture: Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (NIV) ALL: You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. Leader: You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. People: You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Leader: Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. People: You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. ALL: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Leader: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. People: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Leader: My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. People: Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ALL: How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you. Hymn of Praise: HWB 102 To God Be the Glory Prayers of the People ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Luke 14:25-35 Message : “Hearing and Answering the Call” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 544 When We Walk With the Lord Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 418 Move In Our Midst v1, 2 Benediction Postlude: “Here I Am, Lord” -arr. Lloyd Larson, sung by Ben VandeVere Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader Tabby Murphy Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Mike Keim FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for October: MCC Meat Canning Your help is needed to fund MCC meat canning in Kidron: They are grateful for the volunteers who will help can 30,000 pounds of turkey in the Gerber Building behind Central Christian School from October 20-23. However, they are struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for the canning. While they were able to secure a loan from MCC that enables the canning to move forward without delay, they need to raise $40,000 to repay the cost of the meat and canner operations . Please consider supporting this important project, helping people in need around the world, providing important nutrients through canned meat. Make checks payable to First Mennonite, earmarked for Meat Canning and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month. 100 Year Huddle: Timeline In preparation for our 100-year anniversary we will be making a timeline of events and people who have been part of our church. Please join us on Oct. 26th after the church service to share your stories and memories and help us to complete the timeline. Please bring a cover dish from one of the church’s cookbooks. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Tabatha Murphy: Uncle Bill is at Mercy Medical Center for a kidney infection. Melonie Blauch Archer: Thursday will be 5 years sense dad passed away. He loved this church. THIS WEEK Oct. 15th Happy Birthday, Paul McNutt UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 26th Heritage Sunday w/ Guest Speaker Perry Bush from Bluffton College and Carry-In Meal following worship Nov. 23rd Thanksgiving Sunday NEXT WEEK Worship Leader: Helene Torgler Head Usher: Mike Keim LAST WEEK Attendance: 17 Offering: $1178 Change for a Dollar: $19 Meat Canning: $220 Share A Christmas: $20 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio October 5, 2025  Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude: “Let Us Break Bread Together” -arr. Patti Drennan Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: This year’s World Communion Sunday highlights three powerful scriptures that remind us of our unity in Christ. From 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that the church is like one body made of many different parts, each important and needed. Psalm 133 celebrates how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in harmony. And in John 17, Jesus prays that all believers may be one, just as He and God are one. Together, these passages invite us to celebrate our differences while remembering the unity we share at Christ’s table. Time of Meditation: Jesus, Help Us Live in Peace -April & Pastor Mike Call to Worship: (based on Psalm 133, by Rev. Joanna Harader, from SpaciousFaith.com.) Leader: Though we may be inclined to brag, let us come together with humility. People: How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity. Leader: Though we may be tempted to use harsh words, let us come together with gentleness. People: How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity. Leader: Though we may want everything to happen quickly, let us come together with patience. People: How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity. Leader: Though the world around often encourages hate, let us come together in love. People: How good a thing it is when all of God’s people live together in unity. Leader: In humility, gentleness, patience, love, and unity, ALL: Let us worship the God who has called us together. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: HWB 120 Holy, Holy, Holy ~Praying & Praising~ Scripture: John 17:21-23 (Jesus prays for all believers) Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: HWB 99 We Praise Thee, O God ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 Message : “Relationship Restored” ~Communion~ Body of Christ—A Hymn - sung by April -words by Joanna Harader and Jim Krause (the elements will be passed at this time) The body of Christ alive in this place, We are Christ’s hands, his feet and his face. All genders and races the young to the old, Each one is a part that we need for the whole. We drink from the cup, we eat of the bread. From my hand to yours, each one will be fed. The rich and the poor this great banquet shall share. With Christ as our host we will rest in God’s care. As we eat the meal, join voices in song, our bodies are fed, our spirits grow strong. In joy or in sorrow, united we’ll be: One body, one Spirit, one great mystery. Invitation to the Table Litany: - by Rev. Joanna Harader, from SpaciousFaith.com Pastor: We gather around the Table in places far and near, Right: eating sourdough, rye, tortillas, Left: crackers, wafers, and Wonder bread– All: The body of Christ. Pastor: Drinking the wine or the juice Right: from handmade chalices and silver goblets, Left: golden spoons and little mini cups– All: The blood of Christ. Pastor: The bread and the cup unite us with all who would follow Jesus. Right: This meal reaches back through the centuries. Left: This table reaches around the world. All: Let us eat and drink with joy. Partaking of the Bread and Cup Prayer of Thanksgiving ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: We Are One In the Spirit (offering brought forward) We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; And we pray that all unity may one day be restored. Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand; And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land. Chorus We will work with each other, we will work side by side; We will work with each other, we will work side by side; And we’ll guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride. Chorus Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: VT 812 Sent Forth By God’s Blessing Benediction Postlude: “We Will Remember You” –words by Louis F. Benson and Lloyd Larson, arr. Lloyd Larson Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader Kristy Keim Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Mike Keim FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for October: MCC Meat Canning Your help is needed to fund MCC meat canning in Kidron: They are grateful for the volunteers who will help can 30,000 pounds of turkey in the Gerber Building behind Central Christian School from October 20-23. However, they are struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for the canning. While they were able to secure a loan from MCC that enables the canning to move forward without delay, they need to raise $40,000 to repay the cost of the meat and canner operations . Please consider supporting this important project, helping people in need around the world, providing important nutrients through canned meat. Make checks payable to First Mennonite, earmarked for Meat Canning and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month. Thank you for taking part in this year’s MCC School Kit Challenge! Thanks to the work of people like you throughout the U.S. and Canada, we went well above our goal of 25,000 school kits for the 2025 challenge. Working together, you, your community and other devoted supporters packed 29,639 school kits ! Each of the 29,639 school kits you shared will be a gift and treasure for a student dreaming of a bright future – and for the loved ones, teachers and community members dreaming alongside them. Thank you for being part of this year’s School Kit Challenge. We hope you’ll join us again next year! 100 Year Huddle: Timeline In preparation for our 100-year anniversary we will be making a timeline of events and people who have been part of our church. Please join us on Oct. 26 th after the church service to share your stories and memories and help us to complete the timeline. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Dan Hostetler: Randy did hear from Cleveland Clinic and will get a kidney when one becomes available. Sue Stauffer: Jim and Deb Cahill went to Italy to do a weeklong walk. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Bertie Showers: Please pray for April who stayed home to cook for 20 people who are coming to lunch. Amy Stauffer-McNutt: Kay Bontrager-Singer’s son and his wife, Hans and Lily Bontrager-Singer will be serving a five year term with MCC in Mexico City. Sue Stauffer: Please pray for the immigrants who fear ICE raids. THIS WEEK Oct. 11 th Happy Birthday, Grace Yoder UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 26 th Heritage Sunday w/ Guest Speaker Perry Bush from Bluffton College Nov. 23 rd Thanksgiving Sunday NEXT WEEK Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Tabby Murphy Head Usher: Mike Keim LAST WEEK Attendance: 21 Offering: $675 Meat Canning: $1000 Share A Christmas: $70 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Rise Up, Take Courage  First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio September28, 2025 Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – arr. Lloyd Larson Welcome& Announcements Litany for Dedication of MCC School Kits: Leader: Almighty and gracious God, People: You have so richly blessed us and we are grateful that we can share of our bounty amid all the world’s poverty and pain. Tabby Murphy: We pray for the courage to give generously of our resources, our time and abilities, our material wealth. Mike Keim: We pray for the strength to reject the rationalizations which lead to indifference and silence in this climate of entitlement and insatiable desire. Nancy Yoder: We pray for confident hope, in the presence of such overwhelming needs, to know that each offering of money and kits makes a welcome difference to others, and to you. We pray with fervent hearts and hopes for those who receive these school kits. Bruce Stauffer: We pray you would bless those who labor on our behalf through all the work of Mennonite Central Committee and its partners throughout the world, that we would uphold them with our prayers, our encouragement, our gifts, our willingness to learn and to invite the suppor of others. ALL: Lord, bless these school kits, the hands of those who distribute them, and the school children who receive them. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to help further Your kingdom “in the name of Christ.” Leader: AMEN. Focus Statement: Our new CDC theme is “Rise up! Take courage!” God’s word of liberation and salvation for the Hebrew children begins with an invitation to Moses to “rise up and go.” The Psalmist proclaims, “Let your heart take courage.” How is God’s invitation to liberation, salvation, and courage heard today? Time of Meditation: “Go Down, Moses (with “Wade in the Water”) – arr. Larry Shackley Call to Worship: All: Come, Holy Spirit, Leader: Enter our silences, All: Come, Holy Spirit, Leader: into the depths of our longing. All: Come, Holy Spirit, Leader: unmask our pretending. enter our trusting, enter our fearing, enter our letting go, enter our holding back. All: Come, Holy Spirit, Leader: embrace and free us. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: VT 716 God of Grace and God of Glory ~Praying & Praising~ Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: VT 437 The Lord Is My Light ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Exodus 3:1-12, Exodus 9:13, Psalm 27:7-14 Message: “Rise up! Take courage! Your Deliverance Is Near.” – Doug Luginbill, Central District Conf. Minister ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: VT 797 We Are People of God’s Peace (the offering will be brought forward at this time) Offering Prayer ~Blessing Service~ Blessing for The Journey: Doug Luginbill with Amy Stauffer-McNutt Hymn: VT 581 Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song ~Sending~ Sending Prayer Sending Hymn: VT 832 The Lord Lift You Up Postlude: “This Little Light of Mine” – arr. Mark Hayes Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Guest Minister: Doug Luginbill Worship Leader Mike Gehman Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Usher: Monk Yoder Doug Luginbill and his wife, Paula, live in Bluffton, OH, and have two adult children who live with their spouses in beautiful, far-off places: Colorado and Montana. Doug grew up on a farm near Pandora, OH, where he attended Grace Mennonite Church, and is a graduate of Bluffton University and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Previous places of ministry include Camp Friedenswald, three Mennonite congregations, and Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio. Doug has served as Central District conference minister since 2016. FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for September: Share-A-Christmas Every year, many Tuscarawas County families turn to this program for assistance during the holiday season. Please make your check out to First Mennonite, and Bruce will then send one contribution at the end of the month. Thank you for helping bring joy, love and peace to our neighbors in need this Christmas season! Mission Project for October: MCC Meat Canning Your help is needed to fund MCC meat canning in Kidron: We are grateful for the volunteers who will help can 30,000 pounds of turkey in the Gerber Building behind Central Christian School from October 20-23. However, we are struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for the canning. While we were able to secure a loan from MCC that enables the canning to move forward without delay, we need to raise $40,000 to repay the cost of the meat and canner operations . Please consider supporting this important project, helping people in need around the world, providing important nutrients through canned meat. Make checks payable to First Mennonite, earmarked for Meat Canning and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Hanna Gehman: Mike’s treatments are working and is getting better. Also, 10-year-old Ava, who had brain swelling from a bug bite came home on Wednesday. Sue Stauffer: Was at our son in laws concert last night, thankful for different kind of music and people enjoying it. Mark: Pure gift of God had an event to support their mission of adoption. Keo Sixiengmay: I am in good health. THIS WEEK Oct. 5 th Happy Birthday, Margaret Cheslock Oct. 5 th Happy Birthday, Tanh Sixiengmay Oct. 5 th World Communion Sunday UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 26 th Heritage Sunday Nov. 23 rd Thanksgiving Sunday NEXT WEEK Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Kristy Keim Head Usher: Monk Yoder LAST WEEK Attendance: 18 Offering: $1271 Change for a dollar: $6 Share A Christmas: $30 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

Anabaptism At Five Hundred  First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio September 21, 2025 Worship: 9:30 – 10:30 Fellowship Time: 10:30 – 12:00 We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. *************************************** We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ********************************************* We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER Anabaptism at 500 Belief Eight : Centrality of Jesus Part II—How do you live out your faith? ~Gathering in the Royal Bible Classroom~ (around tables) Welcome and Announcements Focus Statement: A disciple is someone who learns from a teacher. Anabaptists learn from Jesus and commit to live in ways shaped by the life of Jesus. They look to Scripture to see how Jesus acted and related to others. Anabaptists seek to keep Jesus as the center of their lives. Palmer Becker’s first principle of Anabaptist faith (out of three) is “Jesus is the center of our faith.” In today’s service we are presenting faith stories from the new book, Faith in Full Color: a Tapestry of Anabaptist Stories by Jeanne Zimmerly Janti from Wayne County. This book is part of the Anabaptism @500 series published in 2025 by Herald Press and focuses on lives lived with Jesus as the focus. We will note how our lives can be lived faithfully but in different ways. Scripture: I Corinthians 3:11 “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one that has been laid; that foundation is Jesus Christ.” Time of Meditation : VT 583 O Christ, Impart Your Teaching True Call to Worship: Leader: In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. People: There is no longer Jew or Greek, no longer slave or free, no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: VT 666 In Thee Is Gladness ~Scripture and Stories~ Introduction - Suzanne Stauffer Scriptures : Matthew 5:38-39 – Bruce Stauffer Matthew 5:44, 46 – Suzanne Stauffer 1. Nigeria – Making Peace in the Face of Violence (nonviolence in presence of war) – Reno Stevanus Scriptures : Psalm 147:3 – Bruce Stauffer Isaiah 4:29 – Suzanne Stauffer Jeremiah 17:14 – Bruce Stauffer 2. Holmes County – Helping Amish Families at New Leaf Center (medical help to those on margins) – Nancy Yoder Scripture : Hebrews 13:2 – Suzanne Stauffer 3. Columbus Mennonite – Finding Sanctuary in a Church (sanctuary to immigrant) – April Shupe Hymn of Petition: VT 584 Jesus, Be the Center (vs. 1 and refrain) Scripture : Acts 2:42-47 – Bruce Stauffer 4. Winnipeg - Living Intentionally at Emmaus House (faith community living together) – Tabby Murphy Scripture : I Corinthians 4:1-2 - Suzanne Stauffer I Peter 4:10 – Bruce Stauffer 5. Washington DC – Making Peace Through Energy Stewardship (energy efficiency as stewardship) – Mike Keim Scripture: Luke 14:13-14 – Suzanne Stauffer Galatians 2:10 – Bruce Stauffer Hymn of Petition: VT 584 Jesus, Be the Center (vs. 2 and refrain) Scripture: Luke 4:18 – Suzanne Stauffer Romans 12:13 – Bruce Stauffer 6. Philadelphia – Offering Mutual Aid Through Debt Repayment (debt repayment) – Helene Torgler 7. Kitchener- Offering Assistance to All in Need (providing goods and services to all) – Hannah Gehman Hymn of Petition: VT 584 Jesus, Be the Center (vs. 3 and refrain) Quote: Pope John Paul II – Suzanne Stauffer “The earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” 8. Fresno OH – Cultivating Stewardship Across Generations (life of stewardship) – Bertie Showers Scripture : John 13:35 – Suzanne Stauffer Luke 6:27, 31, 35 – Bruce Stauffer 9. Myanmar – Countering Culture with Tithing and Peacemaking (nonviolence in time of instability) – Bob Gerber Hymn of Petition: VT 584 Jesus, Be the Center (vs. 4, refrain, and coda) Prayer of Response: Leader: Lord, in you and through you and by you, we have our being. We give thanks for the ways in which you strengthen, encourage and pour life into us. We have been saved by your grace, and it is through this grace that we have life. We are alive in You and we are together in You. Together, we walk in ministry to all the world seeking to act justly, love mercy, and live humbly with our God. People: Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. O divine master, grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand. To be loved as to love. For it is giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Leader: Together, we continue to discern The Way Forward with the intent to keep Jesus as the focus and center of our lives. Amen. ~Praising, Praying and Responding~ Hymn of Response: VT 287 Jesus Christ Is Waiting Prayers of the People (including offertory prayer) Hymn of Praise: ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: VT 566 We Will Follow Benediction Prayer: Jesus, be the center, be my source, be my light, Jesus Jesus, be the center, be my hope, be my song, Jesus Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, be my vision, be my path, be my guide. Jesus. Go and walk with Jesus in your heart. WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Head Usher: Monk Yoder Our On-Going Series on Anabaptist Beliefs: In 2018 Lisa Weaver and Elizabeth Miller, as part of the Bearing Witness Stories project, wrote a book for children entitled Let the Children Come to Me: Nurturing Anabaptist Faith within Families. “The materials gathered together in this book beautifully illustrate the central convictions of the Anabaptist tradition.” -John D. Roth, Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism As residents of Holmes and Tuscarawas counties, oftentimes we each have been asked, “Are Mennonites Amish?” and “What do you believe that’s different from other Protestant denominations?” It’s sometimes hard to come up with an explanation of our faith. Hopefully this series of worship services (that will be spread out through this year of Anabaptism at 500) will enable us to answer these questions more accurately. We are basing this series on the above-mentioned book. In conjunction with our Anabaptist at Five Hundred celebration this year, we would love to have pictures of any community, service and/or peace experiences our church members have experienced over the years. Please give to April or Tabby who will scan them into the computer. You will get them back. FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for September: Share-A-Christmas Every year, many Tuscarawas County families turn to this program for assistance during the holiday season. Please make your check out to First Mennonite, and Bruce will then send one contribution at the end of the month. Thank you for helping bring joy, love and peace to our neighbors in need this Christmas season! Mission Project for October: MCC Meat Canning Your help is needed to fund MCC meat canning in Kidron: We are grateful for the volunteers who will help can 30,000 pounds of turkey in the Gerber Building behind Central Christian School from October 20-23. However, we are struggling to raise the necessary funds to pay for the canning. While we were able to secure a loan from MCC that enables the canning to move forward without delay, we need to raise $40,000 to repay the cost of the meat and canner operations . Please consider supporting this important project, helping people in need around the world, providing important nutrients through canned meat. Next Sunday, September 28th, Doug Luginbil, our Conference minister , will be here to share the message and do a special blessing for Amy Stauffer-McNutt, who is beginning the Journey Program—a missional leadership developmental program through AMBS. THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS Hanna Gehman: Praise for the safe arrival of Claire Marie Miller. Brianna and the baby are doing well. Thank you for all your prayers. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Bruce Stauffer : Sister-in-law Brenda Stauffer has passed. Hanna Gehman: Mike is having some health issues and is asking for prayers. Also, prayers for my friend’s granddaughter, Ava, is in the ICU at Akron Children’s hospital. Bertie Showers: Sonny King passed, prayer for friends and family. THIS WEEK Sept. 26th-27th Swiss Festival NEXT WEEK Guest Minister: Doug Luginbill Worship Leader: Mike Gehman Head Usher: Monk Yoder UPCOMING EVENTS: Oct. 5th World Communion Sunday Oct. 26th Heritage Sunday Nov. 23rd Thanksgiving Sunday LAST WEEK Attendance: 18 Offering: $1395 Change for a dollar: $5 Share A Christmas: $25 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor: Mike Gehman: 1-330-749-674 Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt