Nov. 30, 2025

November 28, 2025

Advent 2025: Be Amazed!

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

November 30, 2025



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

Advent One: Hope in the Furnace

 

~Gathering~


Preludes: 

"I Wonder as I Wander" - Appalachian folk song --arr. Jay Rouse

              "I wonder as I wander out under the sky..."

"In the Bleak Midwinter" --arr. Larry Shackley

 

Welcome& Announcements

 

Opening Hymn: VT 237 Now the Heavens v1

 

Advent Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-5

The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, a conflict abounds. 

Therefore the law is paralyzed, a justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. 

“Look at the nations and see! Be astonished! Be astounded!

For work is being done in your days that you

would not believe, even if you were told.”


Focus Statement: 

Imagine stepping into a blazing furnace with Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo in a trial by fire, trusting God with your life. Although today’s trials seem less terrifying, they are still trials—stories of injustice, poverty, and tragedy from our lives, communities and the larger world. At the beginning of Advent, as the light dims, and we wonder how long we must wait, we also tell amazing stories of hope, stories of a God who saves so that we may emerge singing:

Oh, great is the Lord! Thy name shall endure!

Let heaven and earth, oh, let all sing Thy praise!

 

Time of Meditation:  "O Lord of Light, Who Made the Stars /

                            "Of the Father's Love Begotten" - arr. Curt Oliver

 

Call to Worship: 

 Leader: God of our ancestors, you are our constant hope through

                 all ages.

  People:  We come eager for stories of you standing among us.

                We come longing to feel your presence among your

                people once again.  

  Leader: As the days darken around us, hope can feel a distant

                memory.

  People: Even in the middle of trials, we keep our eyes on

                 you. Our allegiance is to you alone.  

  Leader: Trust in God’s steadfast love. Stand in amazement,

                ready to recognize God already among us here, in this

                place. 

       All: Our hope is in you, O God. Fill our hearts with the

              courage of our ancestors. Ready us to enter their story

              and be amazed.  

 

Opening Prayer

 

Advent Candlelighting Litany (Mike Keim, candlelighter)

     Leader: We have been wandering in the dark, fear engulfing

                      us like a burning furnace. We long for your hope to

                       find us and silence the flames of our fears. 

     People: Come, Hope of the world. Come amaze us!

             All:  May your hope flood the flames of our fears.  

 

Hymn: VT 210 O Come, O Come, Immanuel

 

~Praying & Praising~

    

Old Testament Scripture: Psalm 26:1-7  

  

Prayers of the People

 

Christmas Carol: VT 265 Angels, from the Realms of Glory

 

~Hearing God’s Word~

   

Scripture: Daniel 3:1, 8-30

 

Be Amazed Story: Hope in the Furnace -read by Brad Shupe

 

Message

 

~Responding~

   

Hymn of Response: VT 570 When We Walk with the Lord

                     (the offering will be brought forth at this time)                     

Offering Prayer


~Sending~


Benediction

 

Sending Hymn: HWB 79 Lord, With Devotion We Pray

 

Sending Words: Habakkuk 3: 17-19

 

Postlude: "Cold December Flies Away"

                            - Spanish carol arr. by Anna Laura Page

 

 

WORSHIP                                                               9:30-10:30  

Minister:                                                                          Mike Gehman

Worship Leader                                                                April Shupe

Pianist:                                                                        Suzanne Stauffer

Song Leader:                                                                       April Shupe

Usher:                                                                         Leadership Team           

 

Cover Art: Adrianoupolitis Konstantinos (ca. 1750-1799) - The story of Daniel and the Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace 

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

Mission Project for November: Dover-Phila Food Bank

The Dover-New Phila Food Pantry’s mission is simple: No one in need is ever turned away, and recipients can come anytime they are open and from anywhere. They are a community-based food pantry supported by the community. Please make out checks to FMC and Bruce will send one check at the end of the month to the Food Bank. (today is the last day to donate)

 

Special Thanksgiving / Christmas Project:  Garaway Pirate Power Packs

The Garaway Pirate Power Pack Program, sponsored by the Sugarcreek United Church of Christ, meets monthly to pack over 350 bags full of food for local students. We will be collecting the following items over the next several weeks to help provide food for this program: 

Ramen noodles                       cans of corn                    cans of green beans

cans of ravioli                    cans of tomato soup       cans of pork and beans

cans of chicken noodle soup

 

 

Lessons and Carols Service at St. Joseph Catholic Church is on Sunday December 7, 6:00 p.m. (prelude beginning at 5:30). The public is invited to join in this special community Advent service. The service will include choirs from the surrounding area, a brass ensemble, hand-bell choir, the singing of carols, and readings from Sacred Scripture. 

 

THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS

Mike Gehman: Thankful Hannah and I are here today and are on the mend.

Sue Stauffer: Classmate from Arizona came through and met with 6 other classmates, we all had a great time.

 

THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR

Sue Stauffer: Jim Cahill is not doing well and is very ill. He will be starting another round of chemo and might have to move back to hope lodge.

 

THIS WEEK

Dec. 1st           Happy Birthday, Rick Maurer

Dec. 5th           Happy Birthday, Alex Snyder

Dec. 6th         Light Up Sugarcreek, 4-6:30 pm

Dec. 7th         Lessons & Carols at St. Joseph in Dover, 5:30 pm

 

NEXT WEEK      

Minister:                                                                          Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                    Helene Torgler

Head Usher:                                                                                Herb Torgler         

 

LAST WEEK

Attendance:                                                             16

Offering:                                                                   $1210

Change for a dollar:                                                $36

                                               

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 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 12, 2026
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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 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