Feb. 25, 2024

February 23, 2024

Lent 2:

Christ Among Us, Showing Us Faith

 

 

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

February 25, 2024

 

Worship: 9:30-10:30

Fellowship Time: 10:30-11:00

Sunday School: 11:00-12:0

 

 

We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection

as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim.

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

We seek to be a caring and discerning community,

the gathered body of Christ.

that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service.

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

We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world

through our prophetic witness and action.

 

THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER_____________________

~Gathering~

Prelude “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" - arr. Mark Hayes

 

Welcome & Announcements

 

Focus Statement:

Take up your cross. We each need to look within ourselves to see where we have allowed hatred and violence to enter in. Gazing at the image of the crucified Jesus will hopefully soften our hearts toward all suffering. When we can grasp God’s unending love for us, we can grow in faith and let go of the things that hinder us. By doing so, we gain compassion for ourselves and all others who suffer. 

 

Gathering Litany

  Left: We are a covenant people, called to God by God.

Right: We are a covenant people, called to Jesus by Jesus, losing one

            life to gain our life.

   Left: Renamed.

 Right: Reborn.

      All: Renewed. We gather ourselves in the community of believers.

             We gather ourselves unto you.

 

   Time of Meditation "God So Loved the World”

                                                     - John Stainer, arr. Robt. Thygerson

 

   Call To Worship: 

      Leader: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory!

       People:  All you descendants of Jacob and Rachel,

       Leader: come.

       People: All who are isolated and feel alone,

       Leader: come.

       People: All who are hungry,

       Leader: come.

       People: All who wander,

       Leader: come.

       People: Come, from all ends of the earth.

            ALL: Come, you who seek God, proclaim God’s glory and

                       walk in faith.

 

   Invocation

 

   Hymn of Gathering VT 419 Great Is Thy Faithfulness

 

~Praising & Praying~

   Psalm Reading:  Psalm 22: 23-31

 

   Old Testament Reading: Genesis 17: 1-17

 

   Hymn of Praise VT 420 God of the Bible

 

   Prayers of the People

 

~Hearing God’s Word~

   Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Message “Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus”

 

Time of Introspection (to be read silently)

 Jesus, you have known us from the beginning of time, you have

 known us in the depths of our dreams and in the darkness of our

 shame, you know us as your beloved. Help us to own that core

 identity more and more in this season of repentance and

 mercy. Give us the rock-solid assurance of your unwavering

 faith in us as we seek the same in you. Amen. 

 

Piano Interlude  “Reflection” –arr. Mark Hayes

 

~Responding~

Prayer of Confession: 

   Leader: Trustworthy God, we want to live with faith, yet we

       worry there will not be enough. We want to believe in

       your promises, yet we lose hope. We want to follow

       you, but sometimes the road is too hard. 

   People: We confess before you our unbelief, our worry, our

                   hopelessness. 

   Leader: Shape us into a people who live in faith. Strengthen us

                  so we can deny ourselves, take up your cross, and

                  follow you. 

   People: In your grace, Lord, give us faith to believe that you

                  will call into existence the things that do not exist.

                  Amen. 

 

Hymn of Response  VT 590 I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous

 

Offering Prayer

~Sending~

Sending Hymn ”My Presence Will Go with You” 

                                      (printed in bulletin)  – Joungmin Kim

   Benediction

   

   Postlude  "The Love of God" - arr. Mark Hayes

 

    Sending Words

 

   Visuals: Our journey toward God leads us on a path. We may stray

   from time to time, but God is always with us, gently guiding us back.

   The symbols on the altar represent our journey. The brown cloth

    represents our path, and the side-by-side footprints represent those   

   we walk along side.   Along with the empty bowl which reminds us of

   God’s never-ending love for us and how God wants to fill us,  the cross

   reminds us that to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross daily. 

 

   WORSHIP                                                                     9:30-10:30 

   Minister                                                                           Mike Gehman 

   Worship Leader:                                                                       Julia Gerber

   Song Leader:                                                                                 April Shupe

   Organist:                                                                          Margaret Cheslock   

   Pianist:                                                                                 Suzanne Stauffer

   Head Usher:                                                                                   Mike Keim         

 

   THE CHURH GIVES THANKS__________________

   Jean Flinner: New great-grandson was born in Texas.

   Bertie Showers: Dan is progressing well after his back surgery.

   Sue Stauffer: Vi Miller was able to go home.

   Bob Gerber: Older brother Harold is still in the hospital but is getting   

   better each day.

   Linda Yoder: Dan, Monk went through surgery well and is healing

    now.

   April Shupe: Safe travel for Margaret who went to Michigan last

   weekend.

 

THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR____________________________

Tabatha Murphy: Pray for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER_________________

Next Week’s Text: Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; John 2:13-22; 

I Corinthians 1:18-25

Harbor of Hope for February: Cereal

Mission Project for February:  Garaway Power Pack Offering

 

The FMC Congregational Annual Meeting will be held today following worship. Look for your 2023 Annual Reports Booklet in your mailbox. 

 

 

THIS WEEK______________________________

March 3rd       Third Sunday of Lent

 

UPCOMING EVENTS________________________ 

March 10th     Fourth Sunday of Lent

March 17th     Fifth Sunday of Lent

                       Happy St. Patrick’s Day

March 24th     Palm Sunday

 

NEXT  WEEK______________________________               

   Minister:                                                                               Mike Gehman

   Worship Leader:                                                                      Dan Hostetler 

   Head Usher:                                                                                   Mike Keim

 

LAST WEEK___________________________________________

   ATTENDANCE:                                                                                       26

   OFFERING:                                                                                        $1100

   Change for a Dollar:                                                                     $35.33

   Garaway Power Packs Offering                                                    $200

   Vi Yoder Memorial                                                                           $50

 

 

 

 

2024 Lenten Theme: Christ Among Us

 

Lent begins with mourning on Ash Wednesday, when we remember who we are as humans and who God is, reminding us of our brokenness and God’s grace. This is followed by passages recalling Christ’s venture into the wilderness and the 40-day journey that we are on as well. The journey starts with this moment of God speaking to God’s Son, announcing to the world who Jesus is, reminding Jesus of his belovedness, and reminding the people of God of the prophecies and promises of the coming Messiah.

 

This year’s Lenten texts focus on covenants. They point to God’s history of reaching out to continue in relationship with God’s people. Covenants begin with God. God forms an agreement with God’s people. Time and time again, humanity fails to follow these covenants, yet God’s mercy and grace remain. Christ is among us, reminding us of who we are, and even when we fail, reminding us of grace and calling us beloved.

 

Christ remains among us, and that is where we stand united in our Mennonite denomination. So each week, we consider a key theme among these passages: What might Christ be teaching? What is God expecting of us? How does this enable us to live our Christian—and Mennonite—identity more fully, bringing glimpses of the new heaven and new earth into our communities? What is the journey showing us as we answer God’s call?

 
CHURCH LEADERSHIP____________________________

   Pastor: Mike Gehman: 1-330-749-6746

   Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com

   Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm

   Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy

   Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822

   Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com

   Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org

   Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681

 

   CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM:

   Chairperson: Mike Keim

   Office Contact: Linda Yoder

   Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus

   Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler
    Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

July 5, 2026

July 3, 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.

June 21, 2026

June 20, 2026
First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio June 21, 2026 Happy Father’s Day! Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER God’s Faithfulness ~Gathering~ Prelude: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” -arr. John Carter Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: In Psalm 100:5, the psalmist declares that the Lord is good and his love endures forever, and his faithfulness continues through all generations. We have seen the many ways said that God has shown his love and faithfulness to us through the years, as followers of Jesus Christ and as believers who worship together as First Mennonite Church. How can we live and share about God’s love and great faithfulness in our lives, as we continue to follow Christ today? Time of Meditation: “Trust and Obey” -arr. Johanna Miller Call to Worship: Leader: Let us worship the eternal God, the Source of love and Life, who creates us. People: Let us worship Jesus Christ, the risen one who lives among us. All: To the one true God be praise, in all times and places, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Invocation Hymn of Gathering : HWB 71 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee ~Praising & Praying~ Psalm Litany: Psalm 89:1-8 (NIV) Leader: I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. People: I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Leader: You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, People: ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’ Leader: The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. People: For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? Leader: In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. People: Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? All: You, LORD, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. Hymn of Praise: HWB 70 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise Prayers of the People Hymn of Praise: HWB 327 Great is Thy Faithfulness ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1--14 Message: “God’s love and faithfulness abounds…passing it on” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 338 I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous (the offering will be brought forward) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 420 Heart with Loving Heart United Benediction: Leader: We go now with faith, trusting God’s Spirit to guide us; People: We go now with hope, waiting for the fullness of Christ’s reign. Leader: We go now with love, resting in God’s care and the care of God’s people. All: We go out with joy: to listen and speak, to sing and suffer, to proclaim good news, and give glory to God. Postlude: “A Gaelic Blessing” -John Rutter Deep peace of the running wave to you, Deep peace of the flowing air to you, Deep peace of the quiet earth to you, Deep peace of the shining stars to you, Deep peace of the gentle night to you, Moon and stars pour their healing light on you, Deep peace of Christ, of Christ the light of the world to you, Deep peace of Christ to you. Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Pastor: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Usher: Mike Keim FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for June: My Coins Count Each year, coins and bills collected by children, families and churches along with matches add up to more than $600,000 toward MCC’s work around the world. Your coins (and bills and checks!) count! The money collected will be sent to the MCC Relief Sale held at Mt. Hope on July 10 th -11 th and go toward MCC water, education and/or food projects. Please stay for the Congregational Meeting today following worship. Remember: No church at FMC next Sunday, June 28 th . THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Melanie Blauch Archer: We went to Panama Beach to watch my granddaughter get married. Sue Stauffer: Greta and Issac are going to high school camp at Camp Friedenswald. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Melanie Blauch Archer: Cousin’s wife, Tammy was diagnosed with a mass in her chest. Also, Sony has passed away, prayers for family and friends. THIS WEEK June 24 th Happy Birthday, Bob Barnes June 26 th Happy Birthday, Helene Torgler June 28 th Visitation Sunday (No church at FMC) UPCOMING EVENTS July 3 rd Happy Anniversary, Dan & Amy Hostetler July 24 th Kick-Off 100 th Anniversary Event: Ice Cream Social IN TWO WEEKS: Worship Leader (7/5): Kristy Keim Head Usher: Leadership Team LAST WEEK Attendance: 27 Offering: $1195 My Coins Count: $35.25 CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt

June 14, 2026

June 12, 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.

June 7, 2026

June 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.

May 31, 2026

May 29, 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.

May 24, 2026

May 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.

May 17, 2026

May 15, 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.

May 3, 2026

May 1, 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.

April 26, 2026

April 25, 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.

April 19, 2026

April 17, 2026
Easter Three: Astounding News! First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio April 19, 2026 Worship: 9:30 am Coffee & Fellowship Time: 10:30 am We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim. ***************************************­ We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body of Christ, that welcomes all to join in worship, study, and service. ****************************************** We embody God’s transforming and redeeming Spirit in the world through our prophetic witness and action. THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER ~Gathering~ Prelude : "Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens, Adore Him" - arr. Mary McDonald Welcome& Announcements Dedication of MCC Hygiene Kits Focus Statement: The two disciples that were going to Emmaus on the day Jesus arose from the grave were downcast and not sure of what to do after all that happened with Jesus’ death on the cross. They meet a man who joins their discussion and begins to open the Scripture to explain the purpose of these events. Later, they realize it was Jesus who was with them, as he broke bread and gave thanks. What are ways that we can see and experience the resurrected Christ in our lives today? Time of Meditation: "Give Me Jesus" - African-American Spiritual, arr. Anna Laura Page Call to Worship: Leader: Easter people, we gather today as people who spent the week inundated with news reports, social media posts, and reels that overpower us with information, worry, and stress. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we carry the weight of being overwhelmed and anxious, wondering who we can believe. Leader: We gather as people who long for peace, for God to break through and bring us clarity and hope once again. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we don’t always recognize when the Risen One comes alongside us, showing us the way where there seems to be no way. Leader: We gather as people hoping to catch a glimmer of Resurrection, ready for our hearts to burn with the truth of the resurrected Christ. People: Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we open our hearts to the possibility that God’s Resurrection life is closer than we think. Leader: Easter people, God knows the burdens we carry, and God is faithful to meet us where we are with good news. All: May the good news of the Resurrection astound us today as we come to worship God! Amen. Invocation Hymn of Gathering : HWB 13 Blessed Jesus, at Your Word ~Praising & Praying~ Psalm Litany: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 Leader: I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. People: Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Leader: The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. People: Then I called on the name of the Lord: What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? All: I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Leader: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. People: Truly I am your servant, Lord; I serve you just as my mother did; you have freed me from my chains. Leader: I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord. People: I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord— in your midst, Jerusalem. All: Praise the Lord! Hymn of Praise: HWB 100 Praise Him, Praise Him! Prayers of the People Easter Hymn: HWB 281 That Easter Day with Joy was Bright ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture Readers Theater: Luke 24: 13-35 (The Message) Message: “Recognizing Jesus” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 517 Open My Eyes, That I May See (the offering will be collected and brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: HWB 344 I Will Sing of my Redeemer Benediction Postlude : "Jesus Shall Reign" - arr. Anna Laura Page Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Tabatha Murphy Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Leadership Team FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER Mission Project for April: After a devastating fire, we have set up a fund to help Amy, Paul, and Gretta Stauffer-McNutt through this difficult time. If you would like to donate, mark your donation for the Amy Stauffer-McNutt fire fund. There is a Celebration of Life for Nathan Miller on Sunday, May 3 rd at Brethren Woods Camp, Pine Grove, 4896 Armentrout Path, Keezletown, VA, 22832 Viola Miller Address: Park Place, Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, 1285 Shank Drive #336, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 Jeanette Marion: 2716 Fletcher Ave NE, Canton OH 44705 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Sue Stauffer: We are going to see the Cahill’s and they might be able to come home a month early. Bob Gerber: Thank you for all the prayers and visits. Dan Hostetler: Roommate from College, Randy, that needs a kidney, might have a match. Kristy Keim: Jaden and Dylan had a beautiful wedding. THIS WEEK April 24 th Happy Birthday, Mary Meyer April 25 th – 26 th 250 Buckeye Train Transportation Celebration (see description below) NEXT WEEK: Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Helene Torgler Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK Sunday Attendance: 17 Offering: $1590 Change for a Dollar: $25 Easter Flowers: $38.75 Memory of Dorothy Schrock: $130 Memory of Gladys Schrock: $100 Memory of Rebecca Dean: $100 250 Buckeye Train Transportation Celebration Come experience an exciting two day showcase of festivities to celebrate Ohio’s rich transportation history in honor of America’s 250 th anniversary. There will be trains arriving/departing, a car show, vintage aircraft flyovers, food, shows and more, all in downtown Dennison. More info available on their website: dennisondepot.org/events/transportation-celebration/ On our front sign: Those who walk with Jesus, will always reach their destination. CHURCH LEADERSHIP Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30 am-2:30 pm Church Secretary: Tabatha Murphy Church Phone: 1-330-852-2822 Email: office@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org Address: 113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Sugarcreek, OH 44681 CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Chairperson: Mike Keim Office Contact: Linda Yoder Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt