Feb. 18, 2024

February 20, 2024

TLent 1:

Christ Among Us, Repent and Believe

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

February 18, 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 “Bist du bei mir” – J.S. Bach arr. by John Carter

 

Welcome & Announcements

 

Focus Statement:

Today our theme is “Repent and believe.” Jesus tells us, “The time has come, the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!”

 

Gathering Litany

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

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

             one life to gain our life.

  Right: Renamed.

    Left: Reborn.

      All: Renewed. We gather ourselves in the community of

             believers. We gather ourselves unto you.

 

Time of Meditation “I Need Thee Every Hour”

                                                                         – arr. Mary McDonald

 

 

   Call To Worship: 

     Leader: Teach us your pathways, O God—our eyes and our

souls are trained on you.

     People:  For you are the greatest guide, and your map is

always good.

      Leader: Other paths have left us lost; other ways have left us

confused.

      People: You guide us along the trail of your mercy, drawing

                      sinner and saint down this well-worn way.

            ALL: All your paths are love, made smooth by your

 faithful walking. We are led into your truth by

following the tread of your feet.

 

   Invocation

 

   Hymn of Gathering VT 62 God Is Here Among Us

 

~Praising & Praying~

   Psalm Reading:  Psalm 25:1-10

 

   Old Testament Reading: Genesis 9:8-17

 

   Hymn of Praise VT 84 To God Be the Glory

 

   Prayers of the People

 

~Hearing God’s Word~

   Scripture: Mark 1: 9-15

 

   Message: “Packing for the Wilderness”

 

   

Time of Introspection (to be read silently)

 God, we come with hesitant steps and uncertain motives

 to sweep out the corners where sin has accumulated,

 and uncover the ways we have strayed from Your truth.

 

 Expose the empty and barren places where we don’t allow

 you to enter. Reveal our half-hearted struggles where we

  have been indifferent to the suffering of others.

 

 Nurture the faint stirrings of new life, where your spirit has   

 begun to grow. Let your healing light transform us into the

 image of Your Son. For You alone can bring new life and make

 us whole. (~ posted on Godspace)

 

Piano Interlude  “Reflection” –arr. Mark Hayes

 

~Responding~

Prayer of Confession: 

  Leader:  God, on Ash Wednesday, we remembered our

                 humanity, our fragility, our limits, our sinfulness, our

                 need for repentance. Today, we come to you with this

                 fresh on our minds as we continue our Lenten journey.

 People:  Be with us in this wilderness.

 Leader: We so often focus on the difficulty of our walk with

                Christ.

 People: Forgive our self-focused minds.

 Leader:  Forgive us, Lord, when on our journey, we forget your

                extensive, covenantal love for the world.

 People:  May we partner with you and your church to

                 remember.

      ALL: (looking at one another) You are beloved.

 

Hymn of Response  VT 636 Spirit, Open My Heart

 

   Offering Prayer

~Sending~

   Sending Hymn ”My Presence Will Go with You” 

                                      (printed in bulletin)  – Joungmin Kim

   Benediction

 

   Postlude 

 

   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.

   This week’s symbol represents our journey. The brown cloth

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

   who are mentoring younger Christians. The empty bowl reminds us of

   how God wants to fill us; the roundness of it reminds us of God’s

   never- ending love for each person. 

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