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 10th-11th 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 28th. 

 

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 24th        Happy Birthday, Bob Barnes

June 26th        Happy Birthday, Helene Torgler

June 28th        Visitation Sunday (No church at FMC)

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

July 3rd            Happy Anniversary, Dan & Amy Hostetler

July 24th          Kick-Off 100th 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

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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

April 12, 2026

April 11, 2026
Easter Two: Christ Speaks Peace First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio April 12, 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 : “Crown Him with Many Crowns” - arr. Anna Laura Page Welcome& Announcements Focus Statement: Jesus told his disciples of his betrayal, death on the cross, and that he would rise again on the third day. They heard the words, but when the reality of these events happened, they fled, and hid in fear of what may happen next. They needed to see Jesus Christ, in his scarred, resurrected body, to again find the hope and peace that only he can bring. As followers of Christ, there are times when we face trials, loss, and difficult things that can cause us to become fearful, weary, and lack hope in believing God’s promises in his word. How can we see and experience the resurrected Christ in our lives today? What brings you peace and hope, to carry on in your journey of faith? Time of Meditation: “ My Jesus, I Love Thee” - arr. Anna Laura Page Call to Worship: (written by Joanna Harader) Leader: We know that God is always with us, People: So we come this morning to remind ourselves that we are with God. Leader: In this time of worship, People: May our hearts be glad; Leader: May our souls rejoice; People: May our bodies rest secure. Leader: God shows us the path of life All: And in God’s presence there is fullness of joy. We are so glad to be together in God’s presence. Invocation Hymn of Gathering: HWB 16 God is here among us ~Praising & Praying~ Psalm Reading: Psalm 16:1-11 (NLT) Hymn of Praise: HWB 46 I sing the mighty power of God Prayers of the People Easter Hymn: HWB 269 Thine is the Glory ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: John 20: 19-23 Message: “From Fear to Peace” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: HWB 356 Breathe on me Breath of God (the offering will be collected and brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Sending Hymn: VT 810 Go, My Friends, in Grace Benediction Postlude : “Rejoice, the Lord Is King” - arr. Lloyd Larson Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Kristy Keim Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer 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 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Tabatha Murphy: Dylan and Jaden are getting married on Wednesday. Bruce Stauffer: I visited Bob Gerber and he seems to be getting along alright and should be able to move here soon. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Tabatha Murphy: Mike Marion passed away this past week. Sue Stauffer: The Cahill’s are stable at this point but won’t have family over for Easter. Also, Amy is having a hard time and needs our prayers. April Shupe: Dottie’s funeral was on Saturday, prayers for her family. Helene Torgler: Bev’s Paul had a mini stroke and is allergic to the medication that he needs. Linda Yoder: Friend Savana had a son, Colton, who has heart and intestine issues. THIS WEEK April 13 th Happy Anniversary, Khammoune & Keutmy Phoutarath April 18 th Happy Birthday, Wayne Schrock NEXT WEEK: Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Tabatha Murphy Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK Maundy Thursday Attendance: 25 Sonrise Service Attendance: 36 Easter Sunday Attendance: 29 Offering: $1333 Easter Flowers: $40.95 Memory of Dorothy Schrock: $150 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

April 5, 2026

April 3, 2026
Easter Sunday First Mennonite Church Sugarcreek, Ohio April 5, 2026 Worship: 10 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~ Welcome& Announcements Pre-Prelude: "Christ Arose!" - arr. Lloyd Larson Candlelighting: (candle lighters—Lydia Miller, Greta McNutt, Isaac Miller) Leader: On that first Easter, God raised Jesus to life and the world became a brighter place! (PAUSE to light candles) All: Jesus’ love came to lighten the world. Leader: Jesus’ love shines through each of us and makes the world a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle) All: Jesus’ love shines through loving actions and words. Leader: When we share with those who have less, the world becomes a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle) All: Jesus wants us to share. Leader: When we trust God and are no longer afraid, the world becomes a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle ) All: Jesus wants us to trust. Leader: When we are content with what we have, the world becomes a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle) All: Jesus will supply our needs. Leader: When we are honest, the world becomes a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle) All: Jesus helps us be truthful. Leader: When Jesus lives in us, the world becomes a brighter place. (PAUSE to light a candle) All: Alleluia! Christ is risen. Prelude: "Jesus Christ Is Ris'n Today" - arr. Lloyd Larson Introductory Poem: Leader: Welcome Easter. ALL: Welcome relief! Leader: Newfound joy is washing over this grief. ALL: Welcome mystery. Welcome surprise!. Leader: Impossible reality—risen, before our eyes! ALL: Welcome Jesus, our Savior and Friend. Leader: Welcome seeking and naming, ALL: Welcome love without end. Focus Statement: Today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Death could not defeat him. Jesus lives! Our dissonance now is like that of the first disciples: What does this all mean? Reflective Prayer – Read by Linda Yoder, Kyler Hershberger, Debbie Hershberger, and Kutter Hershberger Hymn of Rejoicing: VT 350 The Strife Is O’er Call to Worship: Leader: Listen. Do you hear it? All: The sound of joy. Laughter breaking in. Leader: Listen! It sounds like harmony. All: Angels singing. Leader: Why are you weeping? For the grief? For the beauty? All: Jesus is risen! Leader: Yes! And creation sings it. Yesterday’s tears linger, as they must, All: But love is stronger than death. Leader: Do you believe this? Listen, Jesus is speaking your name. All: Our names—each one. Leader: Like the music of the soul. Can you hear it? All: It is the sound of resurrection. Leader: Let us worship the Risen One! Hymn of Gathering: VT 346 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (with a clarinet descant on vs. 4 by Lydia Miller) ~Praising & Praying~ Prayers of the People Confession poem: Leader: Jesus, you don’t always show up where we expect or in the way we expect. Nancy Yoder: Once again, we feel for Mary, weeping by a tomb. In our grief, we assume that the lost is lost forever. ALL: “Tell me where to go!” we say. Tell me how I can find that piece of what was to cling to a while longer. Leader: And we don’t even realize you are there—that you have been there right in front of us all along—until you speak our name. Nancy: As if to say, “I’m here.” As if to say, “I love you” and promise: “This is not the end.” Ending Prayer Hymn of Praise: VT 340 Lift Your Glad Voices ~Hearing God’s Word~ Scripture: Readers Theater “Racing to See Jesus” Read by Brad and April Shupe Message: “Seeing, Hearing, Believing…He is Risen!” ~Responding~ Hymn of Response: VT 355 Thine Is the Glory (the offering will be collected and brought forth at this time) Offering Prayer ~Sending~ Benediction Sending Hymn: VT 359 Christ Is Alive! Let Christians Sing Postlude: "Lift High the Cross" - arr. Lloyd Larson Sending Words WORSHIP 9:30-10:30 Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Bruce Stauffer Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer Song Leader: April Shupe Usher: Herb Torgler 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. Bob Gerber address: Woodlawn, 2821 Woodlawn Ave, Canton OH 44708 THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS FOR Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill continues to do well and might be able to come home earlier than planned. Mike Keim: Praise that mom was able to have her heart shocked to get back into rhythm on the first try. THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR Mike Keim: Mike Gehman went to see Wayne and Dorothy Schrock. Dorothy is not doing well. Update: Dorothy passed away earlier this week. Darcy Miller: Friend Rose is coming for a visit, but her husband was unable to attend due to a death in the family. Sue Stauffer: Prayers for Amy as she goes through this difficult time, she needs quiet time and time to write. Jon Gerber: Dad is at Woodlawn after undergoing surgery. THIS WEEK April 10 th Happy Birthday, Susan Lingler NEXT WEEK: Minister: Mike Gehman Worship Leader: Kristy Keim Head Usher: Herb Torgler LAST WEEK Attendance: 17 Offering: $868 Change for a dollar: $9.48 Easter Flowers: $122.55 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