November 14, 2021

Tally Maust • February 11, 2022

This is a subtitle for your new post

Mission Sunday

Giving and receiving in God’s mission

 

 

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio November 14, 2021

Worship: 9:30-10:30

 

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_______________________________________

 

Giving and receiving hospitality in God’s mission

 

~Gathering~

 

Prelude:

Welcome & Announcements:

Focus Statement:

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,” says the book of Hebrews, “for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (13:2). Through hospitality, which creates an opportunity for stranger to become friends, we experience the presence of God.

Time of Meditation:

*Call to Worship:

L: There is no scarcity. There is no shortage. No lack of love, of compassion, of joy in the world. There is enough. There is more than enough. Only fear and greed makes us think otherwise. No one need starve.

P: There is enough land and enough food.

L: No one need die of thirst.

P: There is enough water.

L: No one need live without mercy.

P: There is no end to grace.

L: And we are all instruments of grace.

P: the more we give it, the more we share it, the more we use it, the more God makes.

L: There is no scarcity of love.

*Opening Prayer:

 

*Hymn of Gathering:

“Come, Thou Almighty King” Hymnal a Worship Book #41

 

~Praise & Prayer~

 

Psalm Reading: Psalm 23; Hymnal a Worship Book #814 read in unison

Congregational Prayers & Praises:

Ending Prayer:

 

Special Music:

“Helpless and Hungry/ What Child is This?” (Sing the Story #26/HWB #215)

Video and song by Notre Dame Folk Group

 

~Hearing God’s Word~

 

Children’s Story: “What to Do with the Leftovers”

Scripture:

Message:

 

~Responding~

 

Congregational Covenant Renewal:

Leader: God of covenant, your steadfast love endures forever. In Christ, we belong to you and your people.

All: Today, through the Spirit, we renew our commitment to fellowship and worship, service and witness, as partners in your mission. God, give us grace, in this place and for this time, to live this covenant.

 

Hymn of Response/Offertory:

“Whatsoever You Do” Sing the Story #52 (vs.1,2,6,8,9)

April Shupe & Mike Gehman on guitar

(the offering will be brought forward at this time)

 

~Sending~

 

Benediction:

 

*Sending Hymn:

“Guide My Feet” Hymnal a Worship Book #546

 

Postlude:



Sending Words:

 

*Stand if you are able.

Coffee and Fellowship: A very warm welcome to all who worshipped with us today. After Worship you are invited to a time of fellowship in the Gathering Place just outside the sanctuary. This followed by Sunday School for all ages. Ask an usher for the location of classes.

 

THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS______________________________________________

Thanks to God for those who have gone before us and still guide us.

Jean Flinner: After 2 years the doctors have finally found the cause of facial pain. And with the treatment the past week she has not any pain.

 

THE CHURCH PRAYS FOR___________________________________________________

MMN: Severe funding cuts are hampering the functions of Kalonda Bible Institute, where many Mennonite church leaders are trained in Congo. Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the professors and their families, who have lost their incomes, and for Bercy Mundedi, the director, who has an ardent desire to see the next generation of church leaders prepared for God’s work.

Prayers for Mennonite Education-Bethel College, North Newton, KS: Pray for the audience viewing the film A Home Called Nebraska in the KIPCOR Film Series at Bethel College, and for the discussion that follows on compassion and care for strangers and refugees. Lezha (Albania) Academic Center: Please remember the Lezha Academic Center students who are participating in the National Math Competition.

 

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER____________________________________

Next Week’s Texts: II Samuel 23:1-7; Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18); Psalm 93: (1); CEV; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33

Harbor of Hope: This month’s items are Canned Fruit & Veggies, and are due on Wednesday, November 17th.

November Mission Projects: Harbor of Hope-Canned Fruit & Veggies; Mission Sunday-Open Arms Ministry; Mitten Tree-Hats, Scarves, Mittens and Gloves; Homeless Shelter Meal Nov. 30, 6:00pm

Greeter Sign-up: If you feel like you would like to serve in this way please sign the sheet on the table with the mailboxes.

MC-USA: Open enrollment for The Corinthian Plan continues through Dec. 31. All Mennonite Church USA-affiliated congregations can enroll their eligible staff for coverage. For more information, please visit mennoniteusa.org/tcp.

MC-USA: Three pastors from across the denomination share their experiences with Intergenerational worship in this recent Mennonite Church USA Faith Formation roundtable discussion. Watch the recorded webinar here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ff-intergenerational

MC-USA: As part of the Mennonite Church USA and MennoMedia’s Common Read initiative, Sara Wenger-Shenk discussed her book “Tongue-Tied,” in which she investigates the reasons why people who claim the name of Christ are so reluctant to talk about him. Watch and share the webinar recording here: mennoniteusa.org/commonread-webinar

MC-USA-Learn, Pray, Join: Cost of Poverty: Lane Miller laments the systems that benefit some and leave others in poverty in his prayer, “The cost of poverty,” which is part of Mennonite Church USA’s “Learn, Pray, Join” initiative. Join him in praying that we can achieve a different way of seeing and being, so that poverty can be vanquished. www.mennoniteusa.org/menno-snapshots/the-cost-of-poverty/

 

WORSHIP                                                                                               9:30-10:30__________

Greeters:                                                                                                 Herb & Helene Torgler

Minister:                                                                                                  Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                                  Tally Maust                                                                                                 

Song Leader:                                                                                          April Shupe

Organist:                                                                                                  Margaret Cheslock

Pianist:                                                                                                      Suzanne Stauffer

Head Usher:                                                                                            Leadership Team

 

THIS WEEK_________________________________________________________________

Nov. 17th      Harbor of Hope items due: Canned Fruit & Veggies

 

UPCOMING EVENTS________________________________________________________

Nov. 26th         Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.
Nov. 28th         1st Sunday of Advent
  Nov. 30th         Homeless Shelter Meal 6:00 p.m.

Dec.  1st          Leadership Team Meeting 7:00p.m.

Dec. 15th         Harbor of Hope items due: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta

Dec. 24th         Christmas Eve Service

Dec. 25th         Christmas Day

Dec. 31st          Annual Reports Due😊

 

NEXT WEEK_________________________________________________________________

Greeters:                                                                                     Keo Sixiengmay, Keutmy Phoutarath

Guest Minister:                                                                         Ernie Hershberger

Worship Leader:                                                                       Jean Flinner

Song Leader:                                                                              April Shupe

Head Usher:                                                                                Leadership Team

 

LAST WEEK_________________________________________________________________

ATTENDANCE:                                                                                                                                         23

OFFERING:

Change for a Dollar:                                                                                                                      $7.00

Contributions:                                                                                                                           2,354.00

Total:                                                                                                                                            $2,361.00

 

CHURCH LEADERSHIP______________________________________________________

CHURCH:

Pastor: Mike Gehman: 1-330-749-6746

Pastor’s Hours: Wednesday 9:30a.m.-2:30p.m.

Secretary: Tally Maust

Phone: 1-330-852-2822

Email: pastor@firstmennonitesugarcreek.com

Website: http//fmcsugarcreekoh.org

Address:

113 W. Main St. P.O. Box 250

Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681

 

CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM:

Chairperson: Mike Keim: 1-330-407-9291

Office Contact: Linda Yoder: 1-3330-204-1668

Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus: 1-330-243-0263

Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler: 1-330-852-2151

Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt: 1-330-243-4485

 

 

 

 

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