April 7, 2024

April 6, 2024

Second Sunday of Easter

Hymn Sing

 

 

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

April 7, 2024

 

Worship: 9:30-10:30

Fellowship Time: 10:30-11:00

Sunday School: 11:00-12:00

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

~Gathering~

Prelude “Look, Ye Saints! The Sight Is Glorious”

                                                                                -arr. Mark Hayes

Welcome & Announcements

 

Dedication of 25 MCC Hygiene Kits

 

Focus Statement:

Rejoice in the victory of Easter, for Christ has risen indeed. Today, let us celebrate in song and word the triumph of Jesus over sin and death! As Psalm 92 proclaims: 

 

It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.

 

Time of Meditation “Low in the Grave He Lay”

                                                                                       -arr. Mark Hayes

Hymns of Adoration:

  HWB 116 Crown Him With Many Crowns  v1, 2, 5

 HWB 120 Holy, Holy Holy v1, 2 (Bruce)

 

                                       

   Call To Worship: (based on Psalm 92)

   Note: "Yahweh" is the Hebrew word for the self-revealed name of the   

   God of the Old Testament. It comes from the Hebrew verb "To be."

   At its core, "Yahweh" means "To be."

   

     Leader: Come, let us sing to Yahweh;

     People: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our

                     salvation.

     Leader: Let us come into the Divine presence with

                    thanksgiving;

     People: Let us make a joyful noise to God with songs of

                     praise!

     Leader: It is good to give you thanks, O Yahweh;

     People: To sing praises to your name, O Most High;

     Leader: to declare your steadfast love in the morning,

     People: and your faithfulness by night,

     Leader: to the music of the lute and harp, to the melody of the

                     lyre.

            All: For you, O God, have made us glad by your work;

        At the works of your hands we sing for joy.

         

   Invocation

 

   Hymns of Gathering:

     HWB 264 Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

      HWB 459 I Come With Joy to Meet My Lord v1, 4, 5 (Julia)

      HWB 285 All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name v1, 2 (Bob)

                         

~Praising & Praying~

   Old Testament Reading:  Psalm 8 HWB 812

 

Hymn of Joy: VT 628 What A Friend We Have in Jesus v1, 2

                                     (Tabatha)

Prayers of the People

 

Hymns of Praise:

     HWB 66 O Worship the King v1, 2, 4

     HWB 89  For the Beauty of the Earth v1, 4, 5 (Tabatha)

      HWB 117 Fairest Lord Jesus v1, 3, 4 (Bruce)

      HWB 170 The King of Love My Shepherd Is v1, 2  (Bertie)

 

~Hearing God’s Word~

Scripture: I Corinthians 15: 50-57 (excerpts) VT 336

 

Hymn of Reconciliation  HWB 143 Amazing Grace! V1, 2, 3

                                                            (Lizzie)

 

~Responding~

Prayer: 

 Leader: Because of God’s great love for you and God’s rich

                 mercy for all, you are fully forgiven.

 People: We will live as those who are truly loved and truly

                 forgiven through the gift of God’s grace. 

       All:  Christ has set us free from the burden of sin and guilt.

 Leader: Stand fast, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke

                 of slavery. 

        All:   Rejoice! We are indeed set free! 

 

Hymns:

 VT 621 My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less v1, 2

 VT 156 There’s A Wideness in God’s mercy v1, 2, 5 (Julie)

  VT 778 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant v1, 2, 3 (Bertie and Bob)

   The Apostles’ Creed   VT 923

 

   Hymns of Response: (the offering will be brought forward)

HWB 319  Jesus Shall Reign v1, 2, 4

HWB 398  I Love To Tell the Story v1, 2  (Lizzie)

HWB 577 O Love That Will Not Let Me Go v1, 3 (Julie)

 

   Offering Prayer

~Sending~

   Sending Hymns:

         HWB 154 This Is My Father’s World v1, 3

     Victory In Jesus  v1, 2 (printed in bulletin)

 

   Benediction

 

   Hymn  HWB 118 Praise God from Whom (Bob)

   

   Postlude “Crown Him with Many Crowns” -arr. Mark Hayes

 

   Sending Words:

    Jesus's final words on the cross: Tetelestai. The war is over,   

     VICTORY is ours. Go in peace—Tetelestai!

 

   WORSHIP                                                                           9:30-10:30 

   Worship Leader:                                                            April Shupe

   Song Leader:                                                                  April Shupe

   Organist:                                                             Margaret Cheslock   

   Pianist:                                                                    Suzanne Stauffer

   Head Usher:                                                           Leadership Team 

        

   Visuals: Our journey toward God leads us on a path. We may stray

    from time to time, but God is always with us, gently guiding us back.

   The symbols on the altar represent our journey. The brown cloth

   represents our path, and the side-by-side footprints represent those   

   we walk along side.   Along with the empty bowl which reminds us of   

   God’s never-ending love for us and how God wants to fill us,  the cross

   reminds us that to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross daily. The

   scrolls represent the Ten Commandments and serve as a guide and 

   reminder of God’s justice and great love for us;  the candle, a reminder

   that God is always shining God’s light toward us, covering us with

   mercy and grace. The buds on the forsythia remind us that we must

   die to self so that God can bring forth the beauty inside of us; 

   whenever God lets something fade away, it’s because he has

   something better to replace it.  The palm branches are a reminder that

   Jesus  came as a different kind of King, not to be served, but to serve,

   and he calls us to follow him.   We rejoice today with a large stone,   

   Easter flowers and linens folded to represent the hope we have in the

   risen Christ! 

 

THE CHURH GIVES THANKS

Bruce Stauffer: It is nice to welcome people we haven’t seen in a

 while.

Lizzie Keim: Thankful for all the prayers, cards, and love.

Thank You to all who bought flowers to help decorate our Easter altar.

Please remember to take yours home today. Any that are left will be

planted in the church flower beds. 

 

THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR

April Shupe: Barb Glidden has passed away.

Linda Yoder: Jason Stien has passed away.

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

Next Week’s Text:  Psalm 4; Acts 3:12-19; I John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

Harbor of Hope for April: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta

Mission Project for April: Garaway Released Time Offering

   Easter Flower Orders: Daffodils, Tulips and Hyacinths are $8. each

   and Easter Lilies are $9.00 each. Make checks payable to First

   Mennonite and earmark for flowers. Check the list by the mailboxes 

   to see what you ordered.

 

   THIS WEEK

   April 10th     Happy Birthday, Susan Lingler

   April 13th     Happy Anniversary, Khammoune & Keutmy Phoutarath

 

   UPCOMING EVENTS

    May 10-11th   Sugarcreek Community Garage Sales

    May 31st       Beachy Ham and Chicken Buffet for Community Hospice

                         at Legacy Christian School, Sugarcreek at 4:30 – 7pm

 

   NEXT  WEEK 

   Worship Leader:                                                                     Dan Hostetler

   Head Usher:                                                                             Herb Torgler

 

 

   LAST WEEK

   ATTENDANCE:                                                                                       41

   OFFERING:                                                                                           $870

   Easter Flowers:                                                                                 $84

   Change for a Dollar:                                                                    $10.01

 

 CHURCH LEADERSHIP

   Pastor: Mike Gehman

   Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com

   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, 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

 

 

 

July 5, 2026

July 3, 2026
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June 21, 2026

June 20, 2026
First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio June 21, 2026 Happy Father’s Day! 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 God’s Faithfulness ~Gathering~ Prelude: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -arr. John Carter Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: In Psalm 100:5, the psalmist declares that the Lord is good and his love endures forever, and his faithfulness continues through all generations. We have seen the many ways said that God has shown his love and faithfulness to us through the years, as followers of Jesus Christ and as believers who worship together as First Mennonite Church. How can we live and share about God’s love and great faithfulness in our lives, as we continue to follow Christ today? Time of Meditation: “Trust and Obey” -arr. Johanna Miller Call to Worship: Leader: Let us worship the eternal God, the Source of love and Life, who creates us. People: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the risen one who lives among us. All: To the one true God be praise, in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Invocation Hymn of Gathering : HWB 71 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee ~Praising & Praying~ Psalm Litany: Psalm 89:1-8 (NIV) Leader: I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. People: I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Leader: You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, People: ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’ Leader: The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. People: For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? Leader: In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. People: Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? All: You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Hymn of Praise: HWB 70 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: HWB 327 Great is Thy Faithfulness ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1--14 Message: “God’s love and faithfulness abounds…passing it on” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 338 I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous (the offering will be brought forward) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 420 Heart with Loving Heart United Benediction: Leader: We go now with faith, trusting God’s Spirit to guide us; People: We go now with hope, waiting for the fullness of Christ’s reign. Leader: We go now with love, resting in God’s care and the care of God’s people. All: We go out with joy: to listen and speak, to sing and suffer, to proclaim good news, and give glory to God. Postlude: “A Gaelic Blessing” -John Rutter Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you, Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light on you, Deep peace of Christ, of Christ the light of the world to you, Deep peace of Christ to you. Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Pastor: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Usher: Mike Keim FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for June: My Coins Count Each year, coins and bills collected by children, families and churches along with matches add up to more than $600,000 toward MCC’s work around the world. Your coins (and bills and checks!) count! The money collected will be sent to the MCC Relief Sale held at Mt. Hope on July 10 th -11 th and go toward MCC water, education and/or food projects. Please stay for the Congregational Meeting today following worship. Remember: No church at FMC next Sunday, June 28 th . THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Melanie Blauch Archer: We went to Panama Beach to watch my granddaughter get married. Sue Stauffer: Greta and Issac are going to high school camp at Camp Friedenswald. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Melanie Blauch Archer: Cousin’s wife, Tammy was diagnosed with a mass in her chest. Also, Sony has passed away, prayers for family and friends. THIS WEEK June 24 th Happy Birthday, Bob Barnes June 26 th Happy Birthday, Helene Torgler June 28 th Visitation Sunday (No church at FMC) UPCOMING EVENTS July 3 rd Happy Anniversary, Dan & Amy Hostetler July 24 th Kick-Off 100 th Anniversary Event: Ice Cream Social IN TWO WEEKS: Worship Leader (7/5): Kristy Keim Head Usher: Leadership Team LAST WEEK Attendance: 27 Offering: $1195 My Coins Count: $35.25 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

June 14, 2026

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April 19, 2026

April 17, 2026
Easter Three: Astounding News! First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio April 19, 2026 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 : "Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him" - arr. Mary McDonald Welcome& Announcements Dedication of MCC Hygiene Kits Focus Statement: The two disciples that were going to Emmaus on the day Jesus arose from the grave were downcast and not sure of what to do after all that happened with Jesus’ death on the cross. They meet a man who joins their discussion and begins to open the Scripture to explain the purpose of these events. Later, they realize it was Jesus who was with them, as he broke bread and gave thanks. What are ways that we can see and experience the resurrected Christ in our lives today? Time of Meditation: "Give Me Jesus" - African-American Spiritual, arr. Anna Laura Page Call to Worship: Leader: Easter people, we gather today as people who spent the week inundated with news reports, social media posts, and reels that overpower us with information, worry, and stress. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we carry the weight of being overwhelmed and anxious, wondering who we can believe. Leader: We gather as people who long for peace, for God to break through and bring us clarity and hope once again. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we don’t always recognize when the Risen One comes alongside us, showing us the way where there seems to be no way. Leader: We gather as people hoping to catch a glimmer of Resurrection, ready for our hearts to burn with the truth of the resurrected Christ. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we open our hearts to the possibility that God’s Resurrection life is closer than we think. Leader: Easter people, God knows the burdens we carry, and God is faithful to meet us where we are with good news. All: May the good news of the Resurrection astound us today as we come to worship God! Amen. Invocation Hymn of Gathering : HWB 13 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word ~Praising & Praying~ Psalm Litany: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Leader: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. People: Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Leader: The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. People: Then I called on the name of the Lord: What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? All: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Leader: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. People: Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. Leader: I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. People: I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord— in your midst, Jerusalem. All: Praise the Lord! Hymn of Praise: HWB 100 Praise Him, Praise Him! Prayers of the People Easter Hymn: HWB 281 That Easter Day with Joy was Bright ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture Readers Theater: Luke 24: 13-35 (The Message) Message: “Recognizing Jesus” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 517 Open My Eyes, That I May See (the offering will be collected and brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 344 I Will Sing of my Redeemer Benediction Postlude : "Jesus Shall Reign" - arr. Anna Laura Page Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Tabatha Murphy Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Leadership Team FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for April: After a devastating fire, we have set up a fund to help Amy, Paul, and Gretta Stauffer-McNutt through this difficult time. If you would like to donate, mark your donation for the Amy Stauffer-McNutt fire fund. There is a Celebration of Life for Nathan Miller on Sunday, May 3 rd at Brethren Woods Camp, Pine Grove, 4896 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA, 22832 Viola Miller Address: Park Place, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, 1285 Shank Drive #336, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Jeanette Marion: 2716 Fletcher Ave NE, Canton OH 44705 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Sue Stauffer: We are going to see the Cahill’s and they might be able to come home a month early. Bob Gerber: Thank you for all the prayers and visits. Dan Hostetler: Roommate from College, Randy, that needs a kidney, might have a match. Kristy Keim: Jaden and Dylan had a beautiful wedding. THIS WEEK April 24 th Happy Birthday, Mary Meyer April 25 th – 26 th 250 Buckeye Train Transportation Celebration (see description below) NEXT WEEK: Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Helene Torgler Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK Sunday Attendance: 17 Offering: $1590 Change for a Dollar: $25 Easter Flowers: $38.75 Memory of Dorothy Schrock: $130 Memory of Gladys Schrock: $100 Memory of Rebecca Dean: $100 250 Buckeye Train Transportation Celebration Come experience an exciting two day showcase of festivities to celebrate Ohio’s rich transportation history in honor of America’s 250 th anniversary. There will be trains arriving/departing, a car show, vintage aircraft flyovers, food, shows and more, all in downtown Dennison. More info available on their website: dennisondepot.org/events/transportation-celebration/ On our front sign: Those who walk with Jesus, will always reach their destination. 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