December 6, 2020

tally • December 3, 2020

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus

Advent 2 - 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 6
Advent 2: Preparation


Focus: What lies about God, yourself, relationships, emotions and life are you battling today? Jesus is the Truth that can set us free. He is the Lion of Judah who sits enthroned in power and glory. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, we learn to see life through the prism of reality, what is really true, instead of through the tinted glasses that our enemy would have us wear. We must prepare–fill our hearts and minds with the Truth, bathing all of life in His presence, so that we immediately recognize the enemy’s lies.


Prelude Every Valley Shall Be Exalted from Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah: Every Valley Shall be Exalted


Lighting of the Advent Candle of Preparation:

Read through this part of the Christmas Story: Isaiah 40:3-5; Luke 1:5-38


Reader One: Our lists are long, even in this strange mess where we live these days. And we want to do it right, we want to be safe, but we want to be able to enjoy the season. We’ve got work to do to put right what has gone wrong, to heal what is broken, to mend the relationships, and to prepare for the company that will come.


Reader Two: The prophet Isaiah reminded us that there is work to be done. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” When God comes in, then healing is to be found, but we need to make the way; we need to open the door into our lives.


Reader One: So, we light these candles as a sign of our faith that the God we worship is not far from us and that we can clear the way for God to come and dwell in us. We light these candles in preparation for the Christ child to enter in.



Advent Hymn HWB 180 The angel Gabriel
The Angel Gabriel (Old Basque Carol) – Trad.


Call to Worship
The God who speaks comfort to us calls us here.
The God who addresses us with tenderness meets us here. The God who guides us with gentleness cares for us here. We come to prepare a way for the Lord.
We come to ready ourselves for the transformation of our lives. For the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it.


Prayer:

God, on the second Sunday of Advent, open wide our hearts and our minds to see, feel, hear, and know the salvation of our God. Amen.

Thought for Today: God wanted His people to be ready for the coming Messiah, so He sent prophets throughout history to remind them to prepare their hearts. He also sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming. What does this tell us about God?

As you “unwrap” the names of Jesus throughout the week, light the first two candles and thank Jesus for being

the answer to our preparation.


Monday: Jesus is the Word of God
Scripture to ponder: John 1:1-18; Revelation 19:11-16


Meditation:
God used prophets to speak to His people, sharing His thoughts and intentions with a select few, who then spread His message to the masses. But in Jesus, God’s Word became readily available to whoever was willing to listen. Jesus is also God’s final Word. He fulfills Old Testament prophesies that point to Him and not only sets in motion but finishes God’s redemptive plan for His people In Jesus, we have the very Word of God–the most direct, personal, meaningful communication God could ever give us–available to everyone who seeks Him.

Challenge: When we think about spending time in the Word, we often think of merely reading the Bible. And while studying Scripture is important, it should always drive us to a deeper relationship with Jesus. Today, let your time in the Word drive you to spend time with the Word. Talk to Him. Invite Him to speak into your life right now. And then listen to the Word.


Hymn HWB 173 Savior of the nations, come
Savior of the Nations, Come, lyrics (Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland)


Tuesday: Jesus is the Truth
Scripture to Ponder: John 14:6; John 8:31-38; John 17:17-19; 3 John 1:3-4


Meditation:
Jesus made many “I am” statements, but one of the most intriguing is when He calls Himself the Truth. Jesus is God’s truth. All He says is true and His very life demonstrates a life lived in singleness of mind and truth. We, however, are tempted to believe the lies the enemy whispers to us and we actually believe them. And just as he did in the Garden of Eden, he tempts us to question God’s goodness, His presence, His provision, and His love for us, sending us into a tailspin, wondering what’s really real. The only way to recognize lies is to be intimately acquainted with truth–fill our hearts and minds with the Truth, bathing all of life in His presence, so that we immediately recognize the enemy’s lies when he tries to deceive us. It’s Jesus, the Truth, who sets us free.

Challenge: What lies are you battling today? Write them on an index card, and take a few moments to find truth in Scripture on that topic. Write those verses on the back of the card and then spend time with the Truth. Ask Him to transform the way you view that area of your life so that you can walk in the freedom of the truth.


Hymn HWB 176 Comfort, comfort, O my people
Comfort, Comfort O My People


Wednesday: Jesus is the Lion of Judah
Scripture to Ponder: Isaiah 34:1-8; Psalm 2; Matthew 21:12-17; Revelation 5


Meditation:
Though Jesus humbled himself as a servant to all, He is not a pushover. Jesus is fierce. Like a young lion, His raw power makes His enemies scatter. We see glimpses of this when He cleared the temple of money changers and merchants, expressing His righteous indignation by turning over tables and sending coins flying. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah has already won the battle, ad when He returns to settle accounts with the kingdom of darkness, He will unleash His fury against all His enemies. All who stand against Him will fall, but all who are gathered behind Him will rest in safety.

Challenge: Have you adopted our cultures’ view of Jesus as safe? Today, meditate on on His power and glory as the Lion of Judah. Ask Him to awaken you to the reality of grandeur and respond in humble worship.


Hymn Hail to the Lord’s anointed
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed – Mormon Tabernacle Choir


Thursday: Jesus is the Holy One of God
Scripture to Ponder: Psalm 16:7-11; Isaiah 41:13-14; John 6:69; I Peter 2:21-22


Meditation:
There is something about holiness that scares us, and rightfully so. In fact, throughout the Old Testament, God warns the Issraelites not to enter His holy presence because their sinfulness would lead to certain death. But we do not have to fear. In the entire history of humanity, no one has been holy…except Jesus. He is morally perfect. He has never sinned, nor tempted anyone else to sin. He himself has defeated sin. We do not have to draw back from God or fear entering His presence, precisely because Jesus’ sacrifice pays the penalty of our sins and cleanses us from our unrighteousness.

Challenge: Each time we confess our sins and yield an area of our lives to Jesus’ control, we grow a little more in His holy likeness. Today, take a few moments to confess the sins that have accumulated in your soul; then, thank Jesus for being faithful to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.


Hymn HWB 206 Infant holy, infant lowly
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly


Friday: Jesus is the Lord of Lords
Scripture to Ponder: 1 Timothy 6:11-16; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Acts 10:34-36


Meditation:
Many people who came to Jesus addressed Him as Lord, but did not place themselves under His rule. To call Jesus “Lord” but to allow Him no influence over our daily decisions is to make a masquerade of our spiritual lives. He is not our Lord if He does not have supreme authority to direct our actions, from the big-picture decisions of life to the minute daily details. We cannot bring only parts of our lives into submission to our Lord.

Challenge: Consider what parts of your life you’ve been withholding from Jesus’ lordship. Does He have complete control of your time, finances, schedule, relationships, career, and dreams? Spend some time today renewing your allegiance to your Lord. Bow your knees in worship to Him, and when He instructs you to do something, trust Him and obey immediately.


Angels from the Realms of Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5mdybeyLVc


Saturday Devotions
Words from Pastor Mike (attached)

Prayers of the Congregation [please add your praises and concerns as needed] Father, thank you for giving us Your Word, Jesus, through whom we can learn more about You. Fill us to overflowing with Your words and Truth this week so that it spills out into the lives of those around us, bringing them hope, joy and freedom in You. May we realize that You are the Lion of Judah, who sits enthroned, and in control of whatever life brings us. Jesus, you are the Holy one of God. But You are also close to everyone who calls on You. Be with us Lord Jesus as we prepare to once again celebrate your birth. Amen.

HWB 318 Joy to the World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oOwa0CWVVQ


Benediction
Go now: wait and work for the coming of the day of God. In the wild places, prepare a straight path for the Lord.

Lead lives of holiness and godliness, strive to be found at peace, and speak freely of the Lord’s comfort and promise.

Chorus / And The Glory Of The Lord from The Messiah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuog35ZBBfM


THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS
For the first Sunday of Advent with our ZOOM friends.
Praise for our family gatherings whether it was in-person or virtual.
Sue Stauffer: Is thankful that her fall was not worse than what it was.


THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR
Prayers for Dan Hostetler and family on the passing of Aunt Marge. Also prayers for Amy as she is pulled in another direction helping her parents.
Continued prayers for Sue and Bruce as they are having to switch rolls a bit. And for comfort and healing of Sue’s ankle.
Mike Gehman: Hannah and Mike went to see Bev McNutt on Saturday. They had a good visit through the window of Bev’s room. Continued prayers as Bev is on a long road to recovery.


MMN: Mennonite Mission Network’s SOOP has developed COVID-19 protocols that permit serving in some locations. While the Navajo Nation has a high rate of infections, most of the cases are further west than the Navajo Brethren in Christ Mission. Pray for volunteers to serve through tutoring and Christmas activities.


Prayers for Mennonite Education-Bethel College, North Newton, Kansas: Give thanks for the dedication of the Bethel College Women’s Association, who have faithfully raised funds for the college for more than 80 years. Members carry out the annual BCWA holiday bake sale today, using curbside delivery this year.


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 your check on the memo line that it is for the White Gift Offering.
Bev McNutt: It is easier for Bev to answer the phone in her room
than her cell phone the number is: 330-874-5049 and her address is Bev McNutt, Hennis Care Center Rm 103, 300 Yant St., Bolivar, Ohio 44612
MC-USA-#Bring The Peace: Mennonite Church USA has called for bold
peacemaking during the election/post-election season, writing, “Peacemakers are most needed during times of uncertainty, fear and polarization.” Read the full statement here: https://mennoniteusa.org/news/bold-peacemaking/
MC-USA: Looking for health coverage for your congregational or conference staff? Consider The Corinthian Plan, MC USA health coverage and other benefits. Open enrollment is Nov. 1st-Dec. 31st. Read Duncan Smith’s blog, “The eleventh year of The Corinthian Plan” here: mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-eleventh-year-of-the-corinthian-plan/


THIS WEEK
Dec. 11th Suzanne Stauffer has a Birthday
Dec. 13th 3rd Sunday of Advent


UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 16th Harbor of Hope items due: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta
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


NEXT WEEK
Minister: Mike Gehman
Worship Leader: Julie Gerber
Song Leader: April Shupe
Head Usher: Herb Torgler



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:

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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