Thanksgiving and Missions

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio November 20, 2022

Worship: 9:30-10:30

Fellowship Time: 10:30-11:00

Sunday School: 11:00-12:00

We believe in Jesus and take his life, teachings, death and resurrection

as the model for how we live and the message we proclaim.

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We seek to be a caring and discerning community,

the gathered body of Christ,

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

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

through our prophetic witness and action.

THE CHURCH WROSHIPS TOGETHER                                                                                                                                                   

Thanksgiving and Missions

~Gathering~

Prelude: "Now Thank We All Our God"--arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Welcome & Announcements:

Focus Statement:

Even in the midst of catastrophe, there  are blessings.  In Jesus Christ, God claims us

as his children.  always there is hope, and mercy, and life.  God gives us himself.

God gives us each other.  God opens our eyes and opens our hearts and gives us

the strength and the will to care for each other.  (Scott Bryte).

Time of Meditation: "Let All Things Now Living"--arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Call to Worship:

Leader: Our God, we gather to worship you, the One who creates all things.

People:  For the gift of creation, we give thanks.

Leader:  We gather to worship you, the One committed to us through a love that never ends.

People:  For the gift of reconciliation, we give thanks.

Leader:  We gather to worship you, the One who continually seeks us by the Spirit.

People: For the gift of your presence, we give thanks.

Leader: We bring to you the offering of our commitment--thanks, praise, and awe are our gifts of love.

All:  We gather to worship you, Trinity of love:  God above us, God beside us, god beneath us; beginning, the End, the Everlasting One.  Amen.

Prayer:

Gathering Hymn:

"We Gather Together" Voices Together #17

~Prayers & Praising~

Psalm Reading: Psalm 46 (NRSV-Updated version)

Congregational Prayers/Praises:

Ending Prayer:

Hymn of Praise:

"Come, Ye Thankful People" Voices Together #123

~Hearing God's Word~

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9, Mark 4:35-41

Message: "Living In God's Peace"--by Mike Gehman

~Response & Sending~

Hymn of Response:

"Now Thank We All Our God" Voices Together #114

(the offering will be brought forward at this time)

Offering Prayer:

Sending Hymn:

"Sing to the Lord of Harvest" Voices Together #122

Benediction:

Postlude: "Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing"--arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Words of Dismissal:

THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS AND PRAYS FOR                                                                                                                                 

For God's presence with us in our suffering.

Praise to have Darcy Miller back with us.

Bill and Jean Flinner, Michele Stein, all health care workers

MMN: Alfonsina and Jose Oyanguen, who are serving through Mennonite Mission Network, have lived among Indigenous communities in Argentina's Chaco region since 2004.  Pray for them as they promote Indigenous culture and languages through Bible-study materials and educational opportunities, among other ministries of presence.

Prayer for Mennonite Education-Mennonite Early Childhood Network:  On this Universal Children's Day, please pray that we may be a nation that does not hinder, but value children as Jesus did.  Pray that our elected officials might respond boldly with wisdom, empathy, careful discernment, and justice to the plight of children, especially those suffering by the effects of war.  Quakertown (PA) Christian School:  We give thanks to our staff members who answer the phones, welcome visitors, feed our students, and keep our facility in top-notch shape!

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER                                                                                                                                             

Next Week's Texts: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

Harbor of Hope: 73 items of Laundry & Cleaning Supplies were taken to the Harbor of Hope on Wednesday.  Thank you for your contributions.  This month's items are Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta and is due on December 21st.

Mission Projects for November: Harbor of Hope: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta; Mitten Tree: Hats, Gloves, and Scarves

WORSHIP                                                                          9:30-10:30                                                                                                             

Greeters:                                                                                                           Herb & Helene Torgler

Minister:                                                                                                            Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                                            April Shupe

Song Leader:                                                                                                   April Shupe

Organist:                                                                                                           Margaret Cheslock

Pianist:                                                                                                               Suzanne Stauffer

Head Usher:                                                                                                     Leadership Team

THIS WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Nov. 22nd          Nikki Bahler has a Birthday

Nov. 24th           Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 25th            Suzie Armstrong has a Birthday

Nov. 25th          Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

Nov. 27th          First Sunday of Advent

UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                                                                                                                         

Nov. 29th          Homeless Shelter Meal 6:00 p.m.

Dec.   1st            Worship Committee Meeting 2:00p.m.

Dec.   4th           Second Sunday of Advent

Dec.    4th          Games Afternoon 2:30 p.m.

Dec.   7th           Leadership Team Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 11th          Third Sunday of Advent

Dec. 18th          Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dec. 21st           Harbor of Hope items due: S[aghetti Sauce & Pasta

Dec. 24th          Christmas Eve Service starting at 4:00 p.m.

Dec. 25th          Christmas Day: no service today enjoy family time

Dec. 31st           Year-end reports due

Dec. 31st           New Year's Eve

2023

Jan.   1st            First Sunday after Christmas

Jan.   3rd           Leadership Team Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Jan.   6th           Old Christmas (Epiphany)

Jan.    8th          Epiphany Sunday

Jan. 24th          Harbor of Hope items due: Canned Fruit & Veggies

Jan. 24-27        MCC Meat Canning in Berlin, Ohio

Jan. 26th          Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

Jan. 30th           Homeless Shelter Meal 6:00 p.m.

NEXT WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Greeters:                                                                                     Lizzie Keim, Keo Sixiengmay

Minister:                                                                                      Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                      Tally Maust

Song Leader:                                                                             April Shupe

Head Usher:                                                                               Leadership Team

CHURCH LEADERSHIP                                                                                                                                                                                 

CHURCH:

Pastor:  Mike Gehman

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

Office Contact: Linda Yoder

Mission Contact: Reno Stevanus

Trustee Contact: Dan Hostetler

Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt