Dec. 15, 2024

December 14, 2024

Advent:

Together on a Journey

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

December 15, 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.

***************************************­

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 3:  Anointing for Justice


Who belongs?

 

~Gathering~

Prelude: Trio of Songs Celebrating Mary

         “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came” –arr. Curt Oliver

           “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” –arr. John Purifoy

           “Ave Maria” –Franz Schubert

 

 

Welcome & Announcements

 

Focus Statement: 

God’s vision of shalom and justice depicts a kingdom in which we radically realign ourselves with the marginalized and oppressed. Who needs to hear the invitation to belong in God’s kingdom? Who needs to extend the invitation?

 

Time of Meditation:   “The Seven Joys of Mary” 

                               Traditional English –arr. Anna Laura Page

 

Call to Worship:  (based on Isaiah 61:1):

   Leader: Merciful One: you anoint us for justice, you call us to

                  you.

       People: Your Spirit is poured out upon us.

       Leader: Yours is the way of release and restoration.

       People: May your love flow through us to heal the

                      brokenhearted.  May we declare your good news to

                      bring hope to the poor.

       Leader: You anoint us; we are yours.

       People: We delight and rejoice in you.

 

   Invocation

 

   Hymn of Gathering:  VT 1 Summoned by the God Who

                                                           Made Us v1, 4, 5

   Candle Lighting:

     Reading: Linda Yoder and Reno Stevanus  

(lighting the altar candle)

      Together:  Give us eyes to notice those on the fringes and arms

                          to extend our boundaries, inviting all to become  

                          woven into our communities.

      Reader 1:  We light a candle for joy, joy in our hearts, joy in

                         our homes, joy in our world.

(lighting the wreath candle)

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

 

   Advent Song: VT 804 There is More Love Somewhere

                                                  (verses hope, peace, joy)

 

~Praying & Praising~

   

Journey Story: Monica Weaver Miller and Dawn Miller

 

Old Testament: Isaiah 58:6-10


Prayers of the People

 

Christmas Carols: VT 264 Still, Still, Still

                                       VT 254 Oh, How Joyfully v1

 

~Hearing God’s Word~


Scripture: Luke 4:16-21


Message: “Serving Christ, Serving Others”

 

~Responding~


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

                                         v1, 2, 3 (the offering will be brought forward)


Offering Prayer


~Sending~


Sending Hymn: VT 778 Will You Let Me Be Your Servant v1-5

 

Benediction

 

Postlude: “While By My Sheep” --arr. Mark Hayes

 

Sending Blessing

 

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

 

WORSHIP                                                           9:30-10:30  

    Minister:                                                                     Mike Gehman         

    Worship Leader:                                                            Kristy Keim             

    Song Leader:                                                                  April Shupe

    Pianist:                                                                            Sue Stauffer

    Usher:                                                                            Herb Torgler   

   

Our Advent Theme: Together on a Journey

   Sing the Journey, one of our Mennonite songbooks, evokes     

   wonderful images of voices blending in praise as we travel

   together on a path toward a deeper understanding of faith. The

   road can be smooth for stretches, but also includes rough

   patches that may challenge or discourage. Its course is not set;

   if we are attentive, we may notice God’s guiding hand

   redirecting us. Each of our journeys in faith is unique but meant

   to be lived in community. Together, let’s join our voices as we

   travel the path that draws us closer to God.

 

   In the past, the third Sunday of Advent was designated the

   Sunday of Mary, and hence, the pink candle that we light on the

   Advent wreath.  But recently, the focus has changed somewhat

   for the Sundays of Advent to highlight the emotions of hope,

   peace, joy and love. The music Sue is playing today focuses on

   the person of Mary. The Time of Meditation highlights the

   “seven joys of Mary,” something that we in our “Mennonite-

   ness” don’t know much about, but which ties the two

   expressions for this Sunday together. Those seven joys, as often

   depicted in Medieval art and literature (for the Catholic Church) 

   are: 

1.    The Annunciation

2.    The Nativity of Jesus

3.    The Adoration of the Magi

4.    The Resurrection of Christ

5.    The Ascension of Christ to Heaven

6.    The Pentecost of Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and Mary

7.    The Coronation of the Virgin in Heaven

However, in this traditional English version, probably inspired by the Catholic beliefs, the seven joys Mary celebrated are:

1.     Being born

2.    Curing the lame

3.    Curing the blind

4.    Reading the Old Testament in the Temple

5.    Raising the dead

6.    Rising from the dead

7.    Wearing the crown of heaven. 

 

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.    

  

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

Thank you to Monica Weaver Miller and Dawn Miller for providing our

journey story today.  Monica lives on the family farm in Ragersville with her husband, Jeremy. Together they have three children, Lily, Kingman and Wyatt. She has been a Registered Nurse for 25 years at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg. She has a passion for serving others. 

Dawn lives in Walnut Creek with her husband Brent and three children. She loves Jesus, and finds joy in traveling and exploring new places. She works as a Nurse Practitioner for Case Western University. Together with Brent and two other couples, they co-own Mission: Thrift, a non-profit organization committed to supporting orphans and children in crisis.

 

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. Let’s fill the sleigh to help

others on their way!

 

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. 

 

 

Carol Sing at Orrville Mennonite Church: You’re invited to come and sing on Sunday December 15th 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

Sue Stauffer: Thankful for prayers for Bruce’s knee surgery, we ended up back in the ER for hip pain, pray for healing and patience.

 

CHURCH PRAYS FOR   

Sue Stauffer: Our hearts go out to the Gerber family, as they deal with the loss of Julia.

Bertie Showers: Brother Ken has broken out with scabies for two weeks and needs healing.

Kristy Keim: Mike took Lizzie to the doctors; she is sick with bronchitis.

 

THIS WEEK

Dec. 15th         Carol Sing at Orrville Mennonite Church

Dec. 21st         Happy Anniversary, Wayne & Dottie Schrock

 

 

NEXT  WEEK

   Advent Four Text: Psalm 113; Luke 1:26-49

   Minister:                                                                                   Mike Gehman

   Worship Leader:                                                                    Tabby Murphy   

   Head Usher:                                                                                Herb Torgler 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Dec. 24th         Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6pm                 

 

LAST WEEK

    ATTENDANCE:                                                                      21

    OFFERING:                                                                            $846

    Change for a dollar:                                                        $17

    White Gift:                                                                      $75


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, 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

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June 21, 2026

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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

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April 19, 2026

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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