Nov. 10, 2024

November 9, 2024

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

November 10, 2024



Worship: 9:30 – 10:30

Fellowship Time: 10:30-12:00

 

 

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   "In Christ Alone" - arr. Larry Shackley

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

 

 

Welcome & Announcements

 

Focus Statement: 

The call to follow Christ and grow in faith is a transformative journey, and a race that must be run with perseverance and patience. Sometimes we can become distracted and weary, and we need to find renewed strength and hope in Christ to carry on. Sometimes we see fellow believers that are also in need of the love, grace, and strength that Jesus Christ can give. God has called us to continue to grow in faith and love towards him and also to

encourage others in their journey of faith.

 

Time of Meditation:  "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"

                                                                     - arr. John Carter

 

   Call to Worship: 

     Leader:  Great is our God, and worthy of praise! God’s

                     goodness  knows no limit;

     People:  God’s faithfulness toward us is boundless!

     Leader:  God, your majesty and glory surround us here.

     People:  We’ve come together to celebrate your presence,

                     and to offer songs of praise and worship.

     Leader:  We’ve come to rejoice in your mighty acts,

     People:  and to retell the story of your goodness

                     throughout history and in our own lives.

     Leader:  Move among us as we worship together; may your

                    Spirit guide and inspire our thoughts and actions

                    as we spend this time in your presence.

           All:  In the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus   

                   Christ. Amen.

 

   Invocation

           

   Hymn of Gathering: HWB 16 God Is Here Among Us

 

~Praying & Praising~


   Psalm Litany: Psalm: 145:1-13 (NIV)

     Leader: I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your

                    name forever and ever.

     People: Every day I will praise you and extol your name for

                    ever and ever.

     Leader: Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his

                    greatness no one can fathom.

     People: One generation commends your works to     

                    another; they tell of your mighty acts.

  Leader: They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty—

                  and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

 People: They tell of the power of your awesome works—and I

                 will proclaim your great deeds.

 Leader: They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully

                 sing of your righteousness.

  People: The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to

                 anger and rich in love.

 Leader: The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he

                 has made.

       All: All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people

                extol you.

 Leader: They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your

               might, so that all people may know of your

               mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your

              kingdom.

 People: Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your

                 dominion endures through all generations.

       All:  The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful

                 In all he does.

 

Hymn of Praise: HWB 22 Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now

 

Prayers of the People

 

Hymn of Praise: HWB 74 We Would Extol Thee

 

~Hearing God’s Word~


  Scripture: II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12; II Corinthians 1:3-7


  Message: “Strengthened and Comforted, To Love and Serve”

 

~Responding~


   Hymn of Response: HWB 497 Come, Ye Disconsolate

(the offering will be brought forward)

 

   Offering Prayer

 

~Sending~

 

   Sending Hymn: HWB 419 Lead On, O Cloud of Presence

 

   Benediction

 

   Postlude: "More Love to Thee, O Christ" - arr. Mark Hayes

 

   Sending Words

 

     WORSHIP                                                                        9:30-10:30 

    Minister:                                                                     Mike Gehman         

    Worship Leader:                                                   Tabatha Murphy                   

    Song Leader:                                                                  April Shupe

     Pianist:                                                                           Sue Stauffer

     Usher:                                                                   Leadership Team               

 

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

Mission Project for November: Help Us Help Them

Let’s help two local businesses, Tango Gatti and Tusc. Insurance Agency, help make the holidays brighter for families affected by the hurricanes. They are collecting: 

*gently used or new toys, and for older children, gift cards

*winter coats, hats and gloves/mittens (all ages)

*cash donations to purchase above items as well as gift wrapping

   kits

Please bring all toys and winter wear items to the church and put on the table the coffee/cookie area by Friday November 15th; and all cash donations and/or gift cards to April Shupe by the 15th as well. Since this is a short notice, she will be glad to come and pick up any donations this week. Call her at 330-663-4702, 

 

Mennonite Arts Weekend: Early-bird registration is open for the 2025 Mennonite Arts Weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio, February 7-9. This weekend celebrates the creativity and discipline of Anabaptist Mennonite artists. Find the list of presenters, registration and location information at https://mennoniteartsweekend.org

Margaret Cheslock: Room 502 1525 Crater Ave. Dover OH 44622.

 

THE CHURH GIVES THANKS

Bertie Showers: Brother Ken can go out of the nursing home for meals and his care giver is healing nicely.

Dan Hostetler: Was able to move my mom this week and had family over for a visit.

Sue Stauffer: Thankful that Amy was able to go to the restoration retreat at camp Friedenswald.

 

CHURCH PRAYS FOR       

April Shupe: Prayers for Margaret Cheslock as she goes into a nursing home. Also, Julie Gerber is having a hard time breathing.

Sue Stauffer: Jim and Deb Cahill will be going to the clinic this week to start the process of having the bone marrow transplant.

Julie Gerber: Brother, Dean, had a brain bleed that affected his optical nerve that has left him blind.

 

THIS WEEK

Nov. 10           Sonnenberg Station performing at the First Moravian Church of Dover, 7pm

Nov. 12th        Happy Birthday, Amy Stauffer-McNutt

 

 

NEXT  WEEK

Text: I Samuel 1:4-20; I Samuel 2:1-10; Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8

Minister:                                                                                       Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                          Dan Hostetler 

Head Usher:                                                                            Leadership Team                       

 

UPCOMING EVENTS                                                       

Nov. 22           Zollikon Institute Choral Group performing at the First Moravian Church of Dover, 7pm

 

LAST WEEK

 ATTENDANCE:                                                                          25

 OFFERING:                                                                                 $1400

 Change for a dollar:                                                            $10

 

   

Thanksgiving Reflections on Gratitude

For the Thanksgiving worship service on November 24th, the worship committee is hoping to involve everyone in expressing our thankfulness for the experiences, bounty, goodness that we live. Thus we would like you to ponder on these ideas for the next two weeks so that you are prepared to speak from your seat for no more than three minutes about one or more of these things. The microphone will be brought to you. We are looking

forward to your participation, as living a life of gratitude is so important to our well-being.

 --You could choose a Scripture , hymn, or poem to read that   

    speaks of gratitude or is touching to you and then explain why.

 --You could talk about some things you have been especially

    grateful for, either in your life or just in this past year, things

    that may have kept you going during dark times or things that

    bring you joy.

 --You could express things you would like to thank the church

    for or that you’re grateful for about our church.

 

In addition, if you have a Thanksgiving hymn that you’d like to have the congregation sing, please write it down and either give it to Sue Stauffer by next Sunday (Nov. 14th) or put a note in her mailbox. 

 

 

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, 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