Dec. 1, 2024

Advent:

Together on a Journey

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

December 1, 2024

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.

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We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body

of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service.

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We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world

through our prophetic witness and action.

THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER

Advent One: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

How do we continue on?

~Gathering~

Prelude: "Overture to The Messiah" - G.F. Handel

Welcome & Announcements

Focus Statement:

As we journey through life, we inevitably encounter situations where the way forward seems blocked. In these times of trouble, we long to be able to patiently trust and obey God, no matter the risks. This depth of faith grows from daily seeking God’s wisdom and choosing God’s ways as we learn to rely on God.

Time of Meditation: "Of the Father's Love Begotten"

- arr. Mark Hayes

Call to Worship:

Leader: Responding to the call of the living God,

People: our rescuer and Savior,

Leader: we welcome the Holy Spirit’s presence,

People: among and within us.

Leader: In the name of Jesus, our risen Lord,

All: we offer ourselves in worship.

Hymn of Gathering: VT 218 Come, Thou Long-Expected

Jesus

Candlelighting:

Reading – Mike and Kristy Keim

Together: Our path may meander through rocky situations,

but we will hold Christ as our center as we

journey together.

Reader 1: Today we light a candle for hope: hope in our

hearts, hope in our homes, hope in our world.

Together: May the light of hope shine through our lives.

Advent Song: VT 804 There is More Love Somewhere

(verse hope)

~Praying & Praising~

Journey Story – Brad Beyer

Old Testament Scripture: Daniel 6:6-27

Prayers of the People

Christmas Carol: VT 210 O Come, O Come, Immanuel

~Hearing God’s Word~

Scripture: Luke 23: 1-5

Message: “Finding Strength and Faith For the Journey In

Difficult Times”

~Responding~

Hymn of Response: *VT 553 How Many Times We Start Again

v1

(the offering will be brought forward)

Offering Prayer

~Sending~

Sending Hymn: VT 47 God of Our Strength

Benediction

Postlude: "All Earth Is Hopeful" - arr. Curt Oliver

Sending Blessing

*Theme song for Advent 2024—we will add a verse each Sunday.

WORSHIP 9:30-10:30

Minister: Mike Gehman

Worship Leader: April Shupe

Song Leader: April Shupe

Pianist: Sue Stauffer

Usher: Herb Torgler

Advent Altar Display: This year’s visual display incorporates both the traditional Advent Wreath candlelighting, and the lighting of candles on the altar which correspond to the theme of the day. The display starts quite unadorned , with only candles and a purple cloth making a path to the first candle. But watch as the purple cloth meanders each Sunday to the next candle that is lit, and a thematic symbol is placed by that candle. The cloth path continues its journey from candle to candle until Christmas.

Thank you to Brad Beyer for providing our journey story today. Brad is

married to Bertie’s niece and April’s cousin, Cindy, and they live in Lakeland, Florida. Brad is a retired minister and hospice chaplain and is currently serving as a chaplain at the local hospital. He has a passion for the outdoors and hiking, and spending time with his family. And coincidentally, his sister Susan is married to son/brother Dan Showers!

Christmas Fun: Can you find the hikers? As we move closer to Christmas, the hikers will move closer to the altar.

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

White Gift Offering: During the four Sundays of Advent, we will be

collecting to replenish the Deacon’s Fund, which is money available to

members of our church in need. Look for the specially designated

green sleigh as you enter the sanctuary. You can give cash or make

a check out to FMC designated White Gift.

Mennonite Arts Weekend: Early-bird registration is open for the 2025

Mennonite Arts Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 7-9. This

weekend celebrates the creativity and discipline of Anabaptist

Mennonite artists. Find the list of presenters, registration and location

information at https://mennoniteartsweekend.org

Poinsettias: Please see April or Suzanne today if you would like to

order poinsettias to help decorate for Christmas this year.

Advent Vespers: A Service of Lessons and Carols

On December 8^th, this Community service will be at St. Joseph Catholic

Church in Dover. The music begins at 5:30 and the service at 6. There will be many choirs participating, and our own April Shupe will be singing with the Moravian Choir. All are invited!

Carol Sing at Orrville Mennonite Church: You’re invited to come and sing on Sunday December 15^th at 6pm, with cookies and cocoa to follow. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Monday Meals program, which serves about 200 people per week. All ages and abilities welcome!

THE CHURH GIVES THANKS

Share-A-Christmas Update: Praise be to God for the generous hearts

and hands that contributed to Share-A-Christmas 2024. Bruce was able to deliver a check for $900, a dozen lap-size comforters, and 90 stuffed dolphin toys (given to Bruce and Sue by Model T friends) from our church to T-4-C.

Thank you to everyone for participating in the worship last Sunday! Your comments were meaningful and inspiring. We have much to be thankful for!

Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is sick but that is normal for the procedure he had done. Hopefully his numbers will start to rise.

CHURCH PRAYS FOR

Bruce Stauffer: Jim Meyers had his leg amputated on Friday due to cancer.

Tabatha Murphy: Dylan’s grandfather was put on hospice.

Mike Gehman: Mom was put on hospice.

THIS WEEK

Dec. 1^st Happy Birthday, Dan Yoder, Jr.

Dec. 5^th Happy Birthday, Alex Snyder

NEXT WEEK

Advent Two Text: Joel 2:12-13, 28-29; Luke 11:13

Minister: Mike Gehman