Dec. 22, 2024

December 21, 2024

Advent:

Together on a Journey

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

December 22, 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 4:  Embodying God’s Spirit

Who lends a hand?


~Gathering~


Prelude: “Wexford Carol” – arr. Mark Hayes

 

Welcome & Announcements

 

Focus Statement: 

Since God exemplifies relationship and covenant, we can trust

God to provide companions for the journey. The strength found in

community is its own mystery; like a rope of cords braided together, the Spirit entwines us with companions to give us energy, steadiness, and joy as we journey together.

 

Time of Meditation: “Mary, Did You Know?”

                                                                  – arr. Jack Schrader

Call to Worship:  

   Leader: The Lord is with us, through the power of the Holy

                  Spirit. Can you conceive it? Don’t say, “It’s all

                  relative.”

   People:  It’s real! It’s right now! It’s right here!

   

 

     Leader:  Come young, come old, let us worship in the name of

                    Jesus,

         ALL:  for nothing will be impossible with God!

    Invocation

 

   Hymn of Gathering:  VT 208 With Mary Sing Magnificat

 

   Candle Lighting:

         Reading – Brad and April Shupe

(lighting the altar candle)

          Together: With Christ as our center, we join hands with

                             others, walking together on the journey.

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

                               hearts, love in our homes, love in our world.

(lighting the wreath candles)

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

 

   Advent Song: VT 804 There is More Love Somewhere

                                                  (verses hope, peace, joy, love)

 

~Praying & Praising~

   

Journey Story: Ed Diller

 

   Old Testament: Psalm 113

 

   Prayers of the People

 

   Christmas Carols: VT 258 Love Has Come

                                           VT 248 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear


~Hearing God’s Word~


Scripture: Luke 1:26-49

 

Message: “Responding to God in Faith”

 

~Responding~


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

(the offering will be brought forward)


Offering Prayer


~Sending~


Sending Hymn: VT 255 Love Came Down at Christmas

 

Benediction

 

Postlude: “What Sweeter Music” – John Rutter

(words are printed in back of bulletin)

 

Sending Blessing

 

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

 

 

 

WORSHIP                                                           9:30-10:30  

Minister:                                                                     Mike Gehman         

Worship Leader:                                                      Tabby Murphy             

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.

 

   Advent Altar Display: This year’s visual display incorporates

    both the traditional Advent Wreath candlelighting, and the

   lighting of candles on the altar which corresponds to the theme

   of the day. The display began quite unadorned, with only

   candles and a purple cloth making a path to the first candle. 

   You may have noticed that the purple cloth “path” has been

   moving across the altar a little each week, and a symbol

   representing the theme for each Sunday of advent has been

   added—a rock, a heart, and a frayed cloth. This week, because

   we are now including the marginalized and those on the edges

   in our search for justice on our journey, it is enhanced by a

   multicolored cloth.*  When we meet and reach out to others who

   have different ideas or who are “on the fringe,” our lives

   become enriched and colored more brightly. 

 

   *Chris Gerber brought this cloth to Sue this week. It was Julie’s

    last birthday gift to her.     

 

 

Thank you to Ed Diller for sharing his journey story with us

this morning. He and his wife of 56 years, Karen, live in Fort

Thomas, Kentucky, a suburb of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ed has been

with the Taft Law Firm since 1976, and has served in a variety of

leadership roles in the firm. In addition to this legal work, Ed has been highly involved in numerous Anabaptist/Mennonite

organizations, including service as Moderator of Mennonite

Church USA, Treasurer and Board member of Mennonite

Central Committee, national Board Chair of Ten Thousand Villages, Board Chair and Trustee of Bluffton University and Church Council of Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship. Karen and Ed have two children, two in-laws and five grandchildren, all of whom reside in the State of Ohio.     

 

  

Christmas Fun: Can you spot the hikers? As we have moved closer to Christmas, the hikers have arrived at the altar! 

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

   The Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:40 p.m. with a 20-minute   

   Prelude of Christmas carols played on the piano. The service will

    follow at 6 p.m.

 

   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

 

THE CHURH GIVES THANKS

   Sue Stauffer: Bruce is healing and is with us today.

   Bruce Stauffer: Thankful to the nurses at the hospital and at home for   

   getting me through and on the mend.

   Bob Gerber: Thankful to everyone who has helped with food,   

   transportation, and advice.

 

CHURCH PRAYS FOR   

   Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is at hope lodge and must have tests and   

   infusions.

 

 

THIS WEEK

Dec. 24th         Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6pm with a Prelude

                       of Christmas Carols beginning at 5:40 pm                

Dec. 26th         Happy Anniversary, Monroe & Susan Yoder

Dec. 27th         Happy Anniversary, Nate & Vi Miller

Dec. 29th         Happy Birthday, Gloria Snyder

 

NEXT  WEEK

   Text: Psalm 113;  Luke 1:26-49

   Guest Minister:                                                                         Darcy Miller

   Worship Leader:                                                                         April Shupe

   Head Usher:                                                                                Herb Torgler 

 

LAST WEEK

    ATTENDANCE:                                                                      21

    OFFERING:                                                                            $917

    Change for a dollar:                                                        $7

    White Gift:                                                                      $40

 

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

 

What Sweeter Music - John Rutter

 

What sweeter music can we bring than a carol,

for to sing the birth of this our heav'nly King?

Awake the voice! Awake the string! 

Dark and dull, night, fly hence away

and give the honour to this day

that sees December turn'd to May,

that sees December turn'd to May

 

Why does this chilling winter's morn smile,

like a field beset with corn?

Or smell like a meadow newly shorn thus on the sudden?

Come and see the cause, why things thus fragrant be:

"Tis he is born, whose quick'ning birth gives life

 and lustre, public mirth, to heaven and the underearth.

 

We see him come, and know him ours,

who with his sunshine and his show'rs,

Turns all the patient ground to flow'rs,

 turns all the patient ground to flow'rs,

The darling of the world is come, and fit it is,

 we find a room to welcome him, to welcome him.

 

 

The nobler part of all the house here,

is the heart, which we will give him;

and bequeath this holly, and this ivy wreath

to do him honour; who's our King,

and Lord of all this revelling.

What sweeter music can we bring

than a carol, for to sing the birth of this our heav'nly King,

the birth of this our heavenly King

 

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