December 20, 2020

Josiah Martin • December 17, 2020

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

Advent 4 - At-Home edition

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


Introduction to our 2020 Advent Theme


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 20


Advent 4: Love

Focus: The fourth candle reminds us that God demonstrated His love by sending His Son Jesus to be born in a manger and suffer and die for our sins, so we may live with Him forever. We celebrate Jesus–the Good Shepherd, Immanuel (God with Us), Son of Man, Man of Sorrows, and Lamb of God.


Handel’s Messiah: Pastoral Symphony
Handel: Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1 – Pastoral Symphony


Lighting of the Advent Candle of Love:

Read through this part of the Christmas Story: Luke 2:8-20

Reader One: We live on the brink every day. We stand on the threshold between this world and the next one. We live and move between the ordinary and divine, between the mundane and the mystery. Too often, we forget to look up and see the angels in our living room. We forget that the love we give and live is a sign of eternity, God with us, right now. We forget that company is coming.

Reader Two: Luke tells us that God’s favor came to a girl, an ordinary girl. It might have been you or your daughter; it might have been the girl down the street or your grandchild. But the messenger of God came and greeted her and said, “The Lord is with you.” What a gift and a promise: Emmanuel, God is with us.


Reader One: We light these candles with love in our hearts for the promise of proximity, the nearness of God. Even when we forget to listen, to lean into that presence, God is as close as our own breath. This, in a confused and confusing world, is a peace that passes all understanding. It is the peace that knows that company is coming.


Reader Two: O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

Advent Hymn HWB 172 O come, O come, Immanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel – (Piano/Cello) – The Piano Guys


Call to Worship

This is the fourth Sunday of Advent, a time to rejoice in the wondrous things that God is doing.

Our hearts are filled with the hope that is coming into the world.

The time is fast approaching, not for parties or presents, but for the awareness of God’s loving gift to us–the gift of the Christ child.

Help slow us down, Lord, that we may realize that your gift of love is at the center of our lives and our celebrations.

Thanks be to God who again reminds us of God’s eternal love.

Open our hearts, O Lord, to receive your blessed gift. AMEN

Thought for Today: God could have wiped out all humans and started over, but He chose to sacrifice Jesus so He could rescue us. What does this tell us about God? How does the birth of Jesus show us God’s love? In what ways can we allow God’s love to pour out through us into the lives of others?

As you “unwrap” the names of Jesus throughout the week, light four candles and thank Jesus
for being our Love.


Monday: Jesus is The Good Shepherd


Scripture to ponder: Psalm 23; Luke 15:1-7; John 10:1-18; I Peter 2:25


Meditation:

Some of the metaphors and examples Jesus used in His teaching can be hard for us to understand, though they would have made complete sense to Jesus’ first hearers. When He refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, His listeners would have pictured a shabbily dressed, possibly smelly man who went all-out for his flock. A good shepherd cares for his sheep; a good shepherd knows his sheep; a good shepherd leads his sheep; the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. That is our Good Shepherd. Jesus is completely committed to us–caring for us, knowing us, leading us, and laying down His own life for us. Be comforted by the reassuring presence of the Good Shepherd by your side.

Challenge: If you are facing a menacing threat in your life right now (and we are all being challenged by the pandemic), know that you are not alone. Though you may not see the Good Shepherd, He never leaves your side. As you go about your day, talk to Jesus and tell Him what you’re facing. He knows you, cares for you, leads you, and will protect you with His own life.


HWB 170 The King of love my shepherd is
The King of Love My Shepherd Is


Tuesday: Jesus is Immanuel (God With Us)


Scripture to Ponder: Exodus 13:21; 24:15-17; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; John 1:14

Meditation:

The verse from Matthew 1:23 is the first of forty-three Messianic quotes from the Old Testament that Matthew included in his gospel narrative. By linking Jesus’ life to the Old Testament promises, Matthew demonstrates that Jesus’ birth and life fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, to show God’s provision for His people and His faithfulness in following through. Throughout history, God has demonstrated His longing to be close to His people. Sin has marred our relationship with Him, but Jesus’ embodiment shows God’s commitment to dwelling with His people. He, the Creator of the world, became as one of the created, because He longs to be with us. And He was willing to do whatever it took, even setting aside His glory, humbling Himself to the point of death–on a cross–just to be with us forever.

Amazing love!


Challenge: Today, take time to respond to God’s Immanuel by spending time in His presence, worshiping Him. Even if its just two minutes, set aside your gift shopping, cookie baking, holiday frenzy and take a few moments to just be. With. Him. He longs for you and waits for you. Immanuel.


HWB 202 The virgin Mary had a baby boy
“The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy” arr. Mack Wilberg, Cantico Singers


Wednesday: Jesus Is The Son of Man


Scripture to Ponder: Daniel 7:13-14; Mark 10:45; John 13:3-17; Philippians 2:5-11


Meditation:

A close study of the Gospels reveals that the most common title Jesus used for Himself is “Son of Man.” In fact, He used it eighty-one times in the Gospels though no one else used it to refer to Him. When the Jews heard Jesus call Himself the “Son of Man,” their minds would have immediately leapt to Daniel 7. Jesus was claiming that title for Himself and communicating to His first hearers that He has the right to judge humanity. But this title also refers to Jesus’ own humanity.


Jesus emptied Himself of heavenly glory, while still retaining His deity, and submitted to the humiliation of becoming a human. From His position of Lord of the universe, He stooped down to become a servant, washing His disciples’ dusty feet. Jesus entered our physical existence and experienced the joys and anguishes of being human yet without sin. What could possibly motivate Him to do this? Love.


Challenge: In one of the most touching scenes in the Gospels, Jesus humbles Himself to wash His disciples’ feet. Make note of what Jesus knew going into this scene, how He responded to the different disciples (including Peter and Judas), and why He acted as He did. Jesus’ example calls us to bow low in humble service. Who is God calling you to serve today? Imitate Him by stooping down and using your spiritual gifts to serve others as you would serve Christ Himself.


HWB 117 Fairest Lord Jesus (the link is for a different arrangement than our hymnal, but uses the same words)
Fairest Lord Jesus – Derek Hakes – arr. Craig Courtney – CovenantCHOIRS


Thursday: Jesus was a Man of Sorrows


Scripture to Ponder: Isaiah 53; John 10:17-18


Meditation:

In a society that avoids pain at all cost, Jesus’ actions are hard to grasp. We run from pain; Jesus ran headlong into it. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we glimpse the mental anguish Jesus experienced before His betrayal. He told His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matt. 26:38), and Luke describes Jesus’ distress as so intense that His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (22:44). But, Jesus knew there was no “plan B” to satisfy God’s righteous wrath. Only He could secure salvation for His beloved creation, so He willingly accepted the hard road before Him even though He did not deserve any of it: the betrayal, the mock trial, the beating, the scorn, the humility, and the torturous death through suffocation on a cross. He came to save. And He did it all for love.


Challenge: For many, the Christmas season brings with it disappointment, loss, heartache, regret, and pain. We may lament and grieve what we don’t have, even though we’re surrounded by holiday displays and jolly season’s greetings.


Instead of ignoring this pain, allow it to surface and bring it to the feet of Jesus, who was Himself a Man of Sorrows, and understands the burdens that may weigh you down. Today, meditate on Jesus’ agony during His last moments on earth. Then spend the rest of your day worshiping Him, who was a Man of Sorrows and is now exalted at God’s right hand.


Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Straight No Chaser – Sweet Little Jesus Boy [Official Audio]


Friday: Jesus Is The Lamb of God


Scripture to Ponder: John 1:29; I Corinthians 5:7; Romans 3:25-26; Rev. 13:8, 17:14


Meditation:

Sin requires punishment and atonement. The sacrificial system was instituted by God Himself to satisfy His righteous wrath, turning it from those who deserve it to the object being sacrificed. Throughout the Bible, sacrificial lambs were killed in order to bear the burden of people’s sin. Sin was transferred from the guilty party to the animal. The person was declared innocent while the animal bore sin’s just punishment: death. This sacrificial system, instituted by God Himself, was limited in scope: the sacrifice was required every year. But it was all meant to foreshadow Jesus. The Lamb of God came to fulfill and supersede the sacrificial system. His death on the cross atoned for all of humankind’s sins once

and for all, through faith in Him. The Lamb of God makes possible our relationship with God.


Challenge: Have you lost the wonder and awe of Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins? Today, worship Jesus for His sacrificial atonement, for taking your sins on Himself. Pick a hymn or a song that speaks of his sacrifice, and sing it to Him in thankfulness.


HWB 530 What wondrous love is this
What Wonderous Love Is This


Saturday Devotion


Scripture: Luke 2:4-11; Romans 5:5-8


Words from Pastor Mike (attached) “Love Demonstrated”

Prayers of the Congregation [please add your praises and concerns as needed] Dear Jesus, what a privilege it is to be a part of Your flock and to be known by You! Help us learn to initiate You in the way we love others, laying down our own desires to better serve those You’ve placed in our lives. Immanuel, we are humbled by Your display of love! Help us never to get over the amazement of what You did for us on the cross. Make us a servant, and teach us to serve others joyfully. Thank you precious Jesus, Thank you. Amen.


HWB 208 Love came down at Christmas
love came down at Christmas arr edgar Pettman, christina rosetti


Benediction

Be people of love. Let love live in your heart and share the love of Christ with all you meet. Share love by loving those you see regularly. Share love by loving your community. Share love by loving those you do not know. Share love by praying for our world.


Handel’s Messiah: He Shall Feed His Flock Like A Shepherd
Regula Mühlemann: He shall feed his flock – Messiah – G. F. Handel


THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS____________________
For ZOOM church and for Sue and Bruce Stauffer’s participation in the service.
Sue Stauffer: Praise that today is the end of our quarantine!
Jean Flinner: Thank you for all of the prayers. And Praise that the cancer removal went well.
Reno Stevanus: Praise that the trucks are delivering the vaccine for the COVID virus.


THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR___________________________
Dan Hostetler: Prayers for Dan’s mother as she make the adjustment to a new way of living.
Mike Gehman: Prayers for Gene and JoAnne Miller as they are recovering from having COVID-19. Gene said that it has been a rough month. Also prayers for others in our congregation that might have been exposed or have the virus. Prayers of healing and comfort for all of them.
Sue Stauffer: Prayers of protection for Bev McNutt who is at Hennis Care Center in Bolivar. The virus has increased a lot in the last days.
MMN: Join Mennonite Mission Network in praying for the peace witness of the Meserete Kristos Church in Ethiopia amid the conflict between the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Northern Tigray region.
Prayers for Mennonite Education-Dock Mennonite Academy, Lansdale, Pennsylvania: Pray for continued strength and health of our teachers, staff, students and families as we all work together during this unique year of learning.


FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER____________
Next Week’s Texts: Isaiah 8:2; John 3:16; John 10:11; Matthew 1:23; Mark 10:45; Isaiah 53:3 (ESV); John 1:29 (ESV)
Harbor of Hope: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta—57 items misc. items-3, $40.00 cash. Thank you for your donations. The Missions Committee This month’s items are: Canned Fruit and Veggies, and they are due on January 28th.


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.
Bev McNutt: Bev has a new room number her address is: Bev McNutt, Hennis Care Center Rm 124, 300 Yant St., Bolivar, Ohio 44612
MC-USA: “Glory to god in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) Mennonite Church USA staff extends the peace of Christ to you this Christmas, as we work together to bring God’s hope, love, joy and peace to the world around us.


MC-USA-MennoCon21: Did you know that planning for MennoCon21 started five years ago? Take a behind-the-scenes look at planning for Mennonite Church USA’s upcoming biennial convention on July 6-10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mennoniteusa.org/news/behind-the-scenes-mennocon21/
MC-USA-Menno Snapshots: Isaac S. Villegas, pastor of Chapel Hill Mennonite Fellowship in North Carolina, shared a powerful prayer resource for our time, “Some trust in government and some in borders, but we trust in God.”
Mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/but-we-trust-in-god/


THIS WEEK_________________________________________
Dec. 20th 4th Sunday of Advent
Dec. 21st Wayne & Dorothy Schrock’s Wedding Anniversary
Dec. 21st First Day of Winter
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service {virtual service starting at 7:30p.m.}
Dec. 24th ZOOM Christmas Eve Service with Cincinnati Mennonite Fellowship
Dec. 25th Christmas Day
Dec. 26th Dan & Nancy Yoder’s Wedding Anniversary
Dec. 26th Monroe & Susan Yoder’s Wedding Anniversary



UPCOMING EVENTS_______________________________
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

February 20, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Feb. 15, 2026

February 13, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Feb. 8, 2026

February 6, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Jan. 25, 2026

January 23, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Jan. 18, 2026

January 17, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Jan. 11, 2026

January 9, 2026
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Dec. 28, 2025

December 27, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Dec. 21, 2025

December 16, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

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