December 13, 2020

tally • December 9, 2020

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

Advent 3 - At-Home edition

Unwrapping the names of Jesus Advent 2020
[Based on a book by asheritah ciuciu]


From the book Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, the author, Asheritah Ciuciu shares the following:


“One year, as I reflected on the names of Jesus that appear in Christmas Carols, I realized that I need to worship Jesus for who He is in the privacy of my home before I can fully celebrate His birth in the company of His congregation. This practice of meditating on a different name each day, while not an Advent tradition per se, taught me to worship Jesus in a way I’d never learned before. Like twirling a brilliant-cut diamond in sunlight, meditating on Jesus’ names led me to admire the many facets of His character, each beautiful on its own, but when put together comprising a breathtaking picture of the Son of God made man for us. As the days of Advent passed, I found myself, like David, gazing upon the beauty of the Lord day by day, delighting in Him and dwelling in His presence.”


Since we cannot worship together in person this Advent, it is our hope and prayer that you will be able to incorporate these services into your preparation for this Christmas season, whether it be doing it bit by bit throughout the week, or reading through in its entirety on the assigned Sunday.    We have structured it so that you may begin on Sunday by lighting your advent candle, with scripture, words and a song, a call to worship and a prayer, then continue on “unwrapping” the names of Jesus throughout the rest of the week, reserving one name for each day of the week, and finishing on Saturday with the prayers and Pastor’s thoughts. OR, you may choose to simply go through the entire service on Sunday as we usually do.


May these services help you delve deeper into each name’s significance with singing, praying, scripture, and challenges to help you grow. We invite you to get out your Christmas CDs and listen to the songs we have planned, and light your advent candle each Sunday. We will be using Handel’s Messiah at the beginning and end of each service, and hope you will be able to actually listen to all the songs to make this a more worshipful and special time (we have provided helpful links for those of you who have internet access; just click on the blue link which will take you to the song on Youtube). As we all spend time quieting our hearts before God and worshipping Him, may we gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is. “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”


Alongside you in the journey of Christmas joy, The Worship Committee


Sunday December 13

Advent 3: Joy

Focus: The third candle reminds us that Jesus’ birth brings joy to all who believe in him, so we join all of creation in celebrating Him—The Great High Priest, the Alpha & Omega, the True Vine, Prince of Peace and Bread of Life!

Behold, A Virgin Shall Conceive/O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion


Handel — Messiah: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive/ O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion”


Lighting of the Advent Candle of Preparation:

Read through this part of the Christmas Story: Luke 1:39-56; Luke 2:1-7


Reader One: We want everything to look nice: the decorations of the season, our homes with their lights and tinsel, wreaths and ribbons. We want to lighten the darkness around us, bring beauty to the ugliness that wears us down. We decorate, because it is tradition. Because it lifts our hearts. Because it makes us feel like children again. We deck our halls because company is coming.


Reader Two: The prophet Isaiah smiled when he said, “God will give a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.” No matter how far we feel from the spirit of the season, God promises to decorate us with love and with joy.

Reader One: We light these candles as a sign of our joy in the beautiful things of this season – not just the things that glitter and flash, but the deeper things, the beauty of the heart and the soul, the beauty of love shared in service and hospitality. We light this candle of joy because company is coming.

Reader Two: O Come, O Come Emmanuel.


Advent Hymn SJ 13 My soul is filled with joy (Holy is your Name)
NYU Women’s Choir Spring 2014 – Holy Is Your Name


Call to Worship


One: Rejoice in the Lord always.


All: We come to worship and rejoice.


One: Again, I say “rejoice!”


All: We come to worship and rejoice!


One: Let your gentleness be known to everyone.


All: We come to worship and rejoice.


One: The Lord is near!


All: We come to worship and rejoice the One who is with us!


Prayer:

O God of the exiles and the lost, you promise restoration and wholeness through the power of Jesus Christ. On this, the third Sunday of Advent, give us faith to live joyfully, sustained by your promises as we eagerly await the day when they will be fulfilled for all the world to see, through the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.


Thought for Today:

As you “unwrap” the names of Jesus throughout the week, light the first three candles and thank Jesus for being the answer to our Joy.


Monday: Jesus is the Great High Priest

Scripture to ponder: Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:7-10


Meditation:

The old priesthood and system of sacrifices was not meant to last forever. God gave them to Moses and the Israelites to foreshadow their fulfillment in Jesus. They had to repeat sacrifices every year, but Jesus’ death on the cross made final atonement for our sins and abolished the system once and for all. In heaven, Jesus sits on the great throne of grace, ready to hear our prayers and assist us in our time of need; He sympathizes with our weaknesses because He Himself was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin. This comforting truth invites us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.


Challenge: What a privilege to have direct access to God! It might seem strange to picture the Old Testament sacrifices, especially since many of us recoil from the sight of blood and fear of pathogens. But understanding the priests’ role in offering sacrifices helps us rejoice in the finished work of Jesus. So approach the throne of grace confidently today and pour out your heart to God!


Hymn HWB 131 When in the hour of deepest need
Hymn 615 When in the Hour of Deepest Need


Tuesday: Jesus is the Alpha and Omega

Scripture to Ponder: John 1:1-3; 19:30; Hebrews 12:2; 13:8; Revelation 1: 8-18


Meditation:

Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet and represent the entirety of not just letters, but all knowledge, all existence, and all time. From beginning to end, Jesus was, is, and will be, and all things live, move, and have their being in Him (Acts 17:28). But Jesus is not only the beginning and end of all creation, He is also the author and finisher of our faith. He experience the full range of human life alongside us, yet without sin. Jesus did all this looking at His current circumstances through the eyes of faith, knowing “the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). We can take comfort in our Alpha and Omega, knowing that whatever we experience in this journey of faith, we are not alone: Jesus has gone before us, He welcomed us into this journey, and He will see us safely to the end.


Challenge: Faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1), trusting God’s character regardless of what our life’s circumstances look like. In what area of your life do you need to trust the Author and Perfector of your faith? Surrender it to Him today, asking Him to continue to work faith in that area of your life.


HWB 592 Love divine, all loves excelling
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Grace Community Church)


Wednesday: Jesus Is The Vine

Scripture to Ponder: Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; John 15:1-5


Meditation:

Throughout the Old Testament, the vine was used as a symbol of Israel, often to show how she was lacking in some way. God carefully tended His vine, protecting it from harsh elements and creating an environment for it to flourish, yet Israel rebelled. In contrast to Israel, Jesus is the True Vine He is the faithful One who fulfills all that Israel failed to do: whereas she was wild and rebellious, He was submissive and obedient; while she yielded bad fruit, He produced good fruit in keeping with righteousness. He was in every way the epitome of all God called Hid people to do, and He calls us to union with Him so that we may also produce good fruit. Surprisingly, Jesus does not call us to work hard to be more fruitful; rather, He calls us to abide in Him, to wait on Him. Fruit will naturally follow for those who remain connected to Him, because His Spirit is the One who produces fruit (Gal. 5:22-25). We need only abide, and He will do the rest.


Challenge: Recognizing our destructive bent toward self-reliance, Jesus urges His followers to “remain in me” five times in only eight verses. Today, read John 15:1-8 and reflect on the invitation to savor a close connection to the True Vine.


Throughout the day, recognize His life pulsing through you and energizing you for His work even as you learn to rest in Him.


HWB 373 Thou true Vine, that heals

Thou True Vine


Thursday: Jesus is the Prince Of Peace

Scripture to Ponder: Isaiah 8:21 – 9:7, 11:1-9; Luke 2:14; Ephesians 2:13-18; Phil. 4:4-7


Meditation:

During His time on earth, Jesus restored peace everywhere He went. He calmed tumultuous storms; He brought healing to the sick; He raised the dead to life; He forgave sinners their sins. Jesus came to restore not just peace as we understand a cessation of hostility, but a rich, full, abiding harmony of life. His first coming began this process of restoring peace between us and God; His second coming will bring wholeness as He intended His creation to be when He first set the universe in motion. Just as He is the Prince of Peace, so He calls us to be makers of peace all around us (Matt. 5:9). Though the world may be caught up in anxiety and worry, we can rest securely in the knowledge that Jesus is making all things right, and we can participate with Him in bringing peace to a broken world as we look forward to the future kingdom of peace.


Challenge: This holiday season is rife with opportunities to bicker and worry, especially as we walk through the current pandemic. Spend some time with Jesus today, asking for His direction in relationships that cause unrest in your heart, and circumstances that are out of your control. Then commit yourself to being an ambassador of peace this holiday season.


HWB 201 Hark! The herald angels sing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFjMPaOBzXc


Friday: Jesus Is The Bread of Life

Scripture to Ponder: Leviticus 24:5-9; Matthew 5:6; John 6:25-35, 14:6


Meditation:

In the ancient Middle East, bread was a staple part of people’s diet. It was the most reliable source of energy for the body and was readily available with little preparation. For the Israelites in particular, bread was considered a special food because of its religious connotations. When Jesus used the phrases “bread of life” and “bread…from heaven,” His listeners would have immediately thought of the story of manna. God gave manna to the traveling Israelites in the wilderness to save them from certain death by starvation. In a similar way, God gave Jesus into the world to save us from certain death by separation from Him. The manna God provided through Moses satisfied only temporarily. The manna


Jesus was offering, His very life, satisfies eternally. In the beautiful picture of the Last Supper, we’re reminded that Jesus’ broken body secures our place at God’s table.


Challenge: Many people try to fill the void in their lives with more stuff–more shopping, more money, more friends, more food–but they’re always left wanting more. As Christmas draws near, examine your heart and your desires. Do you crave more stuff, or do you crave more of Jesus? Ask Him to give you a hunger for more of Him.


HWB 456 Shepherd of souls, refresh (the link below uses a different tune than our hymnal)
Hymn: Shepherd of Souls


Saturday Devotions

Words from Pastor Mike (attached)


Prayers of the Congregation [please add your praises and concerns as needed] Dear Jesus, through your death on the cross, You tore the curtain that separated us from the presence of God, and now we can come directly to You! We also take comfort in knowing whatever we experience in this journey of faith we are not alone: You have gone before us, and You have welcomed us into this journey, and will see us safely to the end. Help us to rely on You and to rejoice in my connection to you–The Vine. Fill us with Your peace and help us to bring peace in all our interactions. Where there is worry, bring a reassurance of Your provision. Where there is strife, bring to mind Your humility. Where there is bickering, bring to our hearts Your love. Be our peace. Only You can satisfy.


Teach us to hunger for You and feast on You. May You be our heart’s chief desire. Amen.


HWB 212 O Come, all ye faithful

(enjoy this extended version, with pause in the middle for prayer, and verses not printed in our hymnal)
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles) at Westminster Abbey


Benediction

Surely God is our salvation, we will trust in God and not be afraid, for the Lord God is our Strength and Might. Shout aloud and sing for joy . . . for great in our midst is the Holy One of Zion. (Is.12)


For Unto Us A Child is Born
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc


THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS
For the service with Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship and a surprise visit with John the Baptist.
Sue Stauffer: A praise for Rebecca Cahill. Rebecca’s doctor in Houston said that in 2023 there will be a new medicine that could help her. Also she might be able to have some of the expense traveling to Houston from California reimbursed.
Mike Gehman: Visited with Dan and Nancy Yoder they are doing well.
Bill Flinner: Praise that the corona virus is easing up a bit at Walnut Hills.


THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR
Jean Flinner: Prayers are needed for Jean who is having bladder cancer surgery on Tuesday afternoon.
Sue Stauffer: Prayers for the staff and residents at Hennis Care in Dover where the corona virus is still on the rise.
Sue Stauffer: Prayers for all who are adjusting to new changes in their lives, and living in new places.
Prayers for the families of the 20-22 people that have passed away due to the corona virus at Walnut Hills.
MMN: Praise God for Joe Sawatzky, who recently became an international education liaison for Mennonite Mission Network and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Pray for Joe and global church leaders, as they seek to strengthen the body of Christ through Anabaptist education initiatives around the world.
Prayers for Mennonite Education-Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana: Pray for Goshen College students who are at home this month, taking a break after an intense semester. Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas: Pray for Jill Hoopes, Bethel College’s director of student wellness, as she meets the challenge of connecting with students after most have returned home to complete the semester via remote learning.


FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER
Next Week’s Texts: Psalm 97:11-12; Matthew 2:10-11a; Luke 2:1-7; Hebrews 4:14; Revelation 1:8; John 15:1, 5a; Isaiah 9:6-7a; John 6:35;
Harbor of Hope: This month’s items are: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta and are due on December 16th.
Mission Projects for December 2020: White Gift (Deacon’s Fund); Harbor of Hope: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta; Homeless Shelter Meal
White Gift Offering: This December we will be collecting for the White Gift which goes to the Deacon’s Fund. Since we will not be in Sunday School to collect the offering just send your donations to Bruce and earmark you check on the memo line that it is for the White Gift Offering.
Leadership Team: As the year draws to a close there is a need to find a replacement for JoAnne Pyle on the Leadership Team. JoAnne’s term is coming to a close and she has decided to take a break from serving on the Leadership Team. So in the future weeks we will be voting on a person to take over JoAnne’s spot. Unless you feel led to be a part of the Team. If you feel a calling just get in touch with Mike Keim.
MCC Connections: MCC Connections Thrift Shop is expanding into the Massillon community. During December and January, we will be in need of short-term volunteers to help prepare the facility by doing minor construction, painting, setting up fixtures and, general cleaning. If you are available to assist in this short term volunteer venture, please call 330-857-7802 and speak with Cindy or Michael.
MC-USA: The Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions is seeking participants from Mennonite Church USA congregations and universities to participate in its cross-country 2021 Climate Ride to raise awareness of critical issues related to climate change. Read more: mennoniteusa.org/news/climate-ride-seeking-riders/
MC-USA-#Bring the Peace: Mennonite Church USA Women in Leadership and Mennonite Women USA called on the church to respond to the death of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by police officers in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13th, 2020. Read the statement here: Mennoniteusa.org/news/breonna-taylor/
MC-USA-Menno Snapshots: “My understanding and experience of the Triune God has broadened and deepened considerably by working with the Voices together team over the last three years,” said AMBS Professor Allan Rudy-Froese in his blog, “Gender and God language in Voices together.” Read his reflections here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/gender-god/
MC-USA: Recordings of the Mennonite Church USA Women in Leadership “What We Need is Here” webinar series and worship service are now available. View the videos here: mennoniteusa.org/wil-
ABMS Pastors and Leaders 2021: Thriving Together. Meeting online March 1-14! How can congregations and their leaders thrive in this time of unprecedented disruption? Our speakers—Cynthia L. Hale, James Nelson Gingerich, Marvin Lorenzana and Drew Strait—will offer their best insights into how to lead will in today’s world. Ambs.edu/pastorsandleaders
A Christmas gift to you from AMBS! Thinking about seminary? Strengthen your spiritual and biblical grounding and develop practical leadership skills for such a time as this with Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary—whether on campus or at a distance. Submit your Admissions Application in the month of December, and we’ll waive the $50 application fee! This is a great way to explore your next step in this Advent season of hope and anticipation. When you apply select “Pay by check.” Code: hope2020 ambs.edu/academics


THIS WEEK
Dec. 13th 3rd Sunday of Advent
Dec. 16th Harbor of Hope items due: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta


UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve
Dec. 25th Christmas Day
Dec. 29th Homeless Shelter Meal 6:00 p.m.
Dec. 31st Yearly reports due
Dec. 31st New Years Eve
Jan. 1st Happy New Year!
Jan. 3rd Epiphany
Jan. 6th Leadership Team Meeting 7:00p.m.
Jan. 18th Candlelighters 7:00p.m.
Jan. 22nd Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00a.m.
Jan. 27th Harbor of Hope: Canned Veggies & Fruit
Feb. 1st Candlelighters 7:00p.m.
Feb. 3rd Leadership Team Meeing 7:00p.m.
Feb. 14th Happy Valentine’s Day!
Feb. 15th Candlelighters 7:00p.m.
Feb. 17th Ash Wednesday
Fab. 21st 1st Sunday of Lent
Feb. 24th Harbor of Hope: Cereal
Feb. 26th Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00a.m.
Feb. 28th 2nd Sunday of Lent


CHURCH LEADERSHIP


CHURCH:
Pastor: Mike Gehman:
Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m.
Secretary: Tally Maust
Phone: 1-330-852-2822
Email: pastor@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:
Trustees Contact: Jim Armstrong:
Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus:
Secretary Contact: JoAnne Pyle:

Feb. 22, 2026

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Dec. 14, 2025

December 12, 2025
Advent 2025: Be Amazed! First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio December 14, 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 Three: Joy in the Desert ~Gathering~ Preludes: “I Wonder as I Wander” – arr. Jay Rouse “Twas in the Moon of Wintertime” – arr. Mark Hayes Welcome& Announcements Opening Hymn: VT 237 Now the Heavens v3 Advent Scripture: Habakkuk 1:5 “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 wandering thirsty through a desert wasteland and happening upon a spring of clear, cold water. On this third Sunday of Advent, you are invited to lay down your cares; find rest, comfort and joy in God’s amazing provision, in the places where you least expect it. Time of Meditation : “ Silent Night” – arr. Rachel Trelstad Porte Call to Worship: Leader: Come, all who hunger and thirst for more—God calls us to the feast! People: We are weary exiles, longing for home, caught in a world that drains our hope. Leader: “Listen, so that you may live! My covenant is everlasting, my promise sure.” People: The invitation is for all people, from the farthest reaches on the earth. Leader: The word of the Lord does not return empty—it brings forth life! People: The mountains and the hills will burst into song, the trees of the field will clap their hands! All: You are the source of true joy, O God. You expand our vision, lifting our eyes beyond the moment, beyond despair, into amazement. We stand before you, ready to enter your story and be amazed. Opening Prayer Advent Candlelighting Litany (Mike Keim, candlelighter) Leader: We have been wandering in the dark, cold desert of grief and despair, and we feel heavy, dry and lifeless. People: Come, Joy of the world. Come amaze us. All: May your joy water our thirsty souls, that we may become your fountains of joy, freely sharing your joy with the world. Hymn: VT 218 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus ~Praying & Praising~ Old Testament Scripture : Psalm 42 Prayers of the People Christmas Carol: VT 248 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Isaiah 55:1, 6, 9-12 Be Amazed Story: “Joy in the Chaos” -read by Nancy Yoder Message: “Come to the Lord. Receive his joy, comfort, and peace.” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: VT 209 We Dream of a Turning (the offering will be brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer: Leader: God, we are thirsty and you call us to your waters. But sometimes we try to slake our thirst from other sources. People: Forgive us when we turn away from the living water that you offer. Leader: God, we are hungry and you offer us bread without cost. But sometimes we pay too much for food that does not nourish. People: Forgive us when we do not accept your gracious provision. Leader: Forgive us, God, for the many ways we fail to trust you: People: when we spend our money for that which is not bread and our labor for that which does not satisfy. Leader: God, we seek you; we call upon you. ALL: Have mercy on us, for we know that you abundantly Pardon. Accept our offerings and use them for good. Bless them and endow us with your mercy, your grace, and your desire to bring peace and joy to our world. Amen. ~Sending~ Benediction Sending Hymn: VT 847 You Shall Go Out with Joy 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: Bruce Stauffer Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Herb Torgler Please note that the music for our Advent services is carefully chosen to represent the meditative side of Advent as reflected in the night sky on the altar. Different arrangements of "Silent Night" will be used each Sunday during the Time of Meditation to emphasize the theme. Cover Art: Visio Divina—The Clapping Trees ARTIST: Len Rempel (Visio Divina Collection, 2023) Advent 2025: This year, our theme is, “Be Amazed!” Each week, we’ll be invited to notice the surprising and powerful ways in which God shows up—even when we least expect it. We invite you to immerse yourself in the visuals and explore the theme, “Be Amazed!” in several ways: *One way is through the picture you will see each week on the big screen as you walk into the sanctuary. Even before the service begins, you can look at the picture and along with it, the introductory scripture which you can read in the Bibles located in the pews, or bring your own Bible. This way you can contemplate the story of the scripture passage and prepare for the worship to follow. *Another way we invite you to explore the theme is through the symbol of a star. The stars remind us of God’s mysterious and guiding presence—distant yet near, powerful yet gentle. Like the blazing stars in the sky, God’s glory is sometimes hidden from view by our distractions, expectations or the “clouds” of daily life. Yet, the light of God is always shining—waiting for us to notice. Just as the Magi followed the star to find Christ, we too are invited to look up, notice, and be amazed by God’s presence. Watch as this display becomes brighter each week to reflect the growing light and clarity of God’s revelation, culminating in the full radiance of Christ’s birth at Christmas. We also invite you to ponder God’s amazing stories represented by the symbols placed on the altar each Sunday. As we wait for the fullness of Christmas, may this light call us to look up, look around, and be amazed at the God who comes close—bringing hope, peace, joy, and love, even in the places you least expect it. May you find wonder in the work God is doing in your life this Christmas! FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for December: 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! 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 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS April Shupe: Bruce and Sue are visiting Megan and Brent this Sunday; Bruce is doing better and will be here next Sunday. Mennonite Mission Network: Praise God that Caleb Schrock-Hurst, who serves jointly with Mennonite Mission Network and Virginia Mennonite Missions, has successfully finished his cancer treatments and is cancer free. Now, he and his wife, Stephanie, are moving forward with their plans to respond to an invitation to go to Mennonite Christian Hospital in Taiwan. Pray for physical and spiritual health as they resume preparations that were put on hold for the past year. THIS WEEK Dec. 21 st Happy Anniversary, Wayne & Dorothy Schrock NEXT WEEK Guest Minister: Ernie Hershberger Worship Leader: Tabatha Murphy Head Usher: Herb Torgler UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 24 th Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6pm LAST WEEK Attendance: 18 Offering: $2045 Change for a dollar: $34.35 Garaway Power Pack: $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, 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

Dec. 7, 2025

December 5, 2025
Advent 2025: Be Amazed! First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio December 7, 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 Two: Peace in the Valley of Bones ~Gathering~ Preludes: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” -arr. Mark Hayes For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above, While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond’ring love. O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth! And praises sing to God the king, and peace to all the earth! Welcome& Announcements Opening Hymn: VT 237 Now the Heavens (listen to verse 1, sing verse 2) Advent Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-5 “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 a valley full of dry bones, with not a breath of wind. Then a noise, a rattling sound as the bones come together, bone to bone, tendon to tendon. In this miraculous vision given to the prophet Ezekiel, God breathes life into the bones so that they may dance again. Come, Holy Spirit! We pray on this second Sunday of Advent for peace as a renewal of body, mind, and spirit. Time of Meditation : “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” -performed by The Piano Guys Call to Worship: Leader: God in our desert, you are our peace to all places. People: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely. Leader: Thus says the LORD GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” People: Can these dry bones live? Leader: The wind of God moves among these dry bones. Stand and live! People: We are the people of God, a vast multitude, filled with God’s Spirit. Leader: “I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live. I will place you on your own soil; then you shall Know that I, the LORD, have spoken and will act,” says the LORD. All: You are the only source of true life, O God. You breathe new life into our dry bones and fill us with your peace. We stand before you, ready to enter your story and be amazed. Opening Prayer Advent Candlelighting Litany (Mike Keim, candlelighter) Leader: We have been wandering in the dark, our spirits dry and cracked from conflict, aching for peace to pour into the crevices to revive us. People: Come, Peace of the world. Come amaze us. All: May Your peace fill the cracks in our dry, brittle bones. Bind us together, strengthen and unite us, that we might dance! Hymn: HWB 174 Bless’d Be the God of Israel ~Praying & Praising~ Old Testament Scripture : Psalm 130:1-8 (NIV) Prayers of the People Christmas Carol: HWB 191 O Little Town of Bethlehem -accompanied by Kaleb Brasee ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14 Be Amazed Story: “Peace in the Valley of Bones” -read by Nancy Yoder Message: “ Breathe on us Spirit of God; restore life, peace, and hope!” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 26 Holy Spirit, Come With Power -performed by Berlin Mennonite Church (the offering will be brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Benediction Sending Hymn: HWB 356 Breathe on Me, Breath of God -accompanied by by Sangah Noona Sending Words: Habakkuk 3: 17-19 Postlude : Come, Gentle Peace -music by Lloyd Larsen, Words by Joseph Martin and Jonathan Martin Come gentle peace, sing to our pain, Comfort the world, let the healing begin. Bring us your goodness, show us your dream, Teach all creation your beautiful theme. WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader Helene Torgler Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Herb Torgler Cover Art: Can These Bones Live? by Josh Tiessen, is a painting representing the dry bones story in Ezekiel. He writes: I approached my painting as a modern interpretation, seeing the Monarch Butterfly as symbolic of breathing new life into lifeless human bones. Advent 2025: This year, our theme is, “Be Amazed!” Each week, we’ll be invited to notice the surprising and powerful ways in which God shows up—even when we least expect it. We invite you to immerse yourself in the visuals and explore the theme, “Be Amazed!” in several ways: *One way is through the picture you will see each week on the big screen as you walk into the sanctuary. Even before the service begins, you can look at the picture and along with it, the introductory scripture which you can read in the Bibles located in the pews, or bring your own Bible. This way you can contemplate the story of the scripture passage and prepare for the worship to follow. *Another way we invite you to explore the theme is through the symbol of a star. The stars remind us of God’s mysterious and guiding presence—distant yet near, powerful yet gentle. Like the blazing stars in the sky, God’s glory is sometimes hidden from view by our distractions, expectations or the “clouds” of daily life. Yet, the light of God is always shining—waiting for us to notice. Just as the Magi followed the star to find Christ, we too are invited to look up, notice, and be amazed by God’s presence. Watch as this display becomes brighter each week to reflect the growing light and clarity of God’s revelation, culminating in the full radiance of Christ’s birth at Christmas. We also invite you to ponder God’s amazing stories represented by the symbols placed on the altar each Sunday. As we wait for the fullness of Christmas, may this light call us to look up, look around, and be amazed at the God who comes close—bringing hope, peace, joy, and love, even in the places you least expect it. May you find wonder in the work God is doing in your life this Christmas! FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER________ Mission Project for December: 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! 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 this evening at 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 ____________________ Brad Shupe: Dad is home and is doing well after hip replacement. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR ________________________ April Shupe: Sue had to take Bruce to the ER this morning, prayers for healing. Mike Gehman: Friend who has brain cancer needs prayers. Also, Barb Debor, the Lutheran minister, is on life support. THIS WEEK _______________________________________ Dec. 7th Lessons & Carols at St. Joseph in Dover, 5:30 pm Dec. 11 th Happy Birthday, Sue Stauffer NEXT WEEK ________________________________ Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK __ _______________ _______ __ Attendance: 16 Offering: $951 Change for a dollar: $17 Food Bank: $50 White Gift: $10 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: 1-330-407-9291 Office Contact: Linda Yoder: 1-330-204-1668 Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus: 1-330-243-0263 Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler: 1-330-852-2151 Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt: 1-330-243-4485