Jan. 25, 2026

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

January 25, 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.

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We seek to be a caring and discerning community, the gathered body

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

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

through our prophetic witness and action.

THE CHURCH WORSHIPS TOGETHER

Bearers of the Light

~Gathering~

Prelude: “Be Still, My Soul” -arr. Barbara Boertje

Welcome& Announcements

Focus Statement:

Fear is a powerful motivator. People will respond out of fear, will rise up out of fear, will demand change because of fear. The question is, “Are we still being led by fear and those who stoke our fears? Or is it time to find something else upon which to build tomorrow?” There are plenty out there who will itemize the fears we need to embrace. It is the way of the world. And while we live in and embrace the world, we don’t live by the ways of the world. We are called to live differently. We are called to live confidently. We are called to be bearers of the light—the light of hope and confidence, the light of faith and transformation.

Time of Meditation: “There Is a Balm in Gilead”

-arr. Cindy Berry

Call to Worship:

Leader: Children of God, when fears press in on every side, we can

proclaim with confidence:

People: God is our light and salvation! Whom shall we fear?

Leader: When our problems overwhelm us and we feel

pressed in on every side, we can declare with

confidence:

People: God is the stronghold of our lives! Of whom shall

we be afraid?

Leader: No matter the troubles we face, we seek after God

and to live in the house of God forever.

People: God shelters and protects us in the day of trouble.

Leader: Come, let us worship God with joy, for God is our

light and salvation!

People: We come to worship as bearers of the Light.

Thanks be to God! Amen.

Invocation

Hymn of Gathering: VT 47 God of Our Strength

~Praying & Praising~

Old Testament Scripture Litany: Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Leader: The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I

fear?

People: The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom

shall I be afraid?

Leader: One thing I asked of the LORD; this I seek:

All: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his

temple.

Leader: For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;

People: he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he

will set me high on a rock.

Leader: Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around

me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of

joy;

People: I will sing and make melody to the LORD. Hear,

O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and

answer me!

Leader: "Come," my heart says, "seek his face!" Your face,

LORD, do I seek.

People: Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your

servant away in anger, you who have been my help.

All: Do not cast me off; do not forsake me, O God of my

salvation.

Prayers of the People

Hymn of Praise: VT 91 We Praise Thee, O God

~Hearing God’s Word~

Scripture: Matthew 4:12-23

Message: “Shining Christ’s Light, Following His Call”

~Responding~

Hymn of Response: VT 715 Longing For Light

(the offering will be brought forth at this time)

Offering Prayer

Reflection Song: “As the Deer” -arr. Mark Hayes

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.

You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee.

You alone are my Strength, my Shield,

To You alone may my spirit yield.

You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee.

~Sending~

Sending Hymn: VT 671 The Hand of God Shall Hold You

Benediction Prayer

Postlude: “This Little Light of Mine” -arr. Mark Hayes

Sending Words

WORSHIP 9:30-10:30

Minister: Mike Gehman

Worship Leader: Kristy Keim

Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer

Usher: Monk Yoder

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

Mission Project for January:

Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County

We will be collecting money for this organization in New Philadelphia, which is currently building a new facility called, “Jack’s House of Hope.” It will house 14 men, 13 women, and 4 family units, along with a kitchen and dining room, chapel, conference rooms, offices, and an outdoor play area and courtyard in a protected space. As of March 1st, they have raised 3.4 million dollars in cash, pledges, and in-kind donations; their goal is 5.5 million dollars. Please make your check out to First Mennonite, then Bruce will send one check at the end of the month.

THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS

Bruce Stauffer: Elaine is making progress and will be moved to a rehab in Wooster.

Brad Shupe: April and Bertie made it to Florida, also I have been reemployed as head coach.

THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR

Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill will start his 10 days of chemo. Also, Anna was hospitalized with blood clots in her lungs.

Amy Hostetler: Margaret Cheslock passed away last week.

Tabatha Murphy: Rob and Andrea Fogle has two daughters that are in the hospital with mental health issues.

Helene Torgler: Marla’s friend Lori is battling cancer and will have a stem cell transplant.

Mike Keim: Melonie’s husband Dave is in the ICU with possible sepsis.

THIS WEEK

Feb. 1^st Happy Birthday, Bob Gerber

NEXT WEEK: