Palm Sunday

Tally Maust • April 8, 2022

Seeking God's Ways

Palm Sunday

From Power Over to Power With


First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio April 10, 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.

**************************************

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                                                                                                                                                                                             


Seeking God's Ways

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are

your ways my ways, says the LORD."

Isaiah 55:8

Palm Sunday

From Power Over to Power With


Prelude: "All Glory, Laud and Honor"  arr. Mark Hayes

Welcome & Announcements:

Focus:  As we seek God's way, we move from an understanding of

power that grasps for control over others to an understanding

that true power comes from working with and for others in love.


~Gathering~


Time of Meditation: "Rejoice, the Lord is King!"  arr. Lloyd Larson

Zechariah 9:9-10

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!  Shout Daughter Jerusalem!   See,

your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding

on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses

from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken.  He will

proclaim peace to the nations.  His rule will extend from sea to sea

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

*Call to Worship:

Leader:  Together we seek the way of God, a way so different from the ways of the world.

People:  We remind ourselves to loosen our grasp, to trust instead of control.

Leader:  We praise to God we cannot see and celebrate a salvation we do not understand.

People:  In worship, we give of ourselves and we receive the disarming power of God.

Leader:  We cry:

All:  Blessed is the One who comes in the power of God's name.


*Hymn of Gathering:

"All Glory, Laud and Honor" Hymnal a Worship Book #237

As you receive your palm, feel free to wave it, especially on the chorus


Invocation:


~Prayer & Praise~


Hymn of Praise:

"Hosanna, Loud Hosanna"  Hymnal a Worship Book #238


Prophecy and Fulfillment: Matthew 21:1-7; Luke 19:36-40

Sharing Our Joys & Concerns:

Lenten Prayer of Confession:

Leader:  Holy One, we seek you while you may be found.

People:  We call upon you while you are near.

Leader:  Have mercy on us, O God, for our thoughts are not your thoughts and our ways are not your ways.

People:  Forgive us for seeking power over others and let us instead seek power with and for the most vulnerable.

Leader:  As we walk with Christ on this Lenten journey, let us see your way more clearly

All:  and follow your way more faithfully.

Prayer:


Hymn of Praise:

"All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"  Hymnal a Worship Book #106


~Hearing God's Word~


Scripture: Hymnal a Worship Book #855:  Philippians 2:5-11

(Congregation on R reads part 1w/Jean; Congregation on L reads part 2w/April)

Message: "An Unexpected Entrance"  by Eric Roberts


~Response & Sending~


Responsive Prayer:

Leader:  Your ways, O God, are higher than our ways.

People:  Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts.

Leader:  We seek god's ways.

All:  Lord, move us from seeking power to control others to instead using power with them for everyone's healing and wholeness.


Hymn of Response:

"Where Cross the Crowded Ways"  Hymnal a Worship Book #405

(vs. 1, 2, 5, 6)

(the offering will be brought forward at this time)


Offering Prayer:


Sending Prayer:

"Ride On, Ride On in Majesty"  Hymnal a Worship Book #239


Sending Words:

All:  O Lord, you rode on.

Leader:  You rode over the cloaks and under the branches, you rode through the shouts and past the praises, receiving the praise that you deserved, but not confusing our praise in your presence for your purpose in coming.

All:  O Lord, you rode on.

Leader:  You rode towards the controversy and the cost.  You rode towards the curses and the cross, receiving the stripes you didn't deserve, to give us a reward that we couldn't earn.

All:  O Lord, you rode on.

Leader:  You rode through the tomb and the grave.  You rode through our time and space, ascending to a throne that will never decay, a priesthood that will never pass away, a life of love that will always remain, and hearing us even now as we pray.

All:  O Lord, you rode on.

Leader:  We remember the journey you have taken as we commit ourselves to walking in the same way.  Give uss strength, hope, and joy we need as we follow in your name we pray.  AMEN.


Postlude: "What Wondrous Love Is This"  arr. Mark Hayes


Dismissal:


THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS AND PRAYS FOR                                                                                                                                                                         

That we are traveling this Lenten journey together.

Bertie Showers, Ronny Baab, Wes Keim, Keo Sixiengmay, the Family of the fallen Police officer in Bluffton, Tammy & Matt Wengerd and family

MMN:  Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig, jointly serving with Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Mission Network, traveled to Benin and Chad in preparation for a new ministry among Muslim and Christian believers.  Pray for them as they complete their assignment at Paris (France) Mennonite Center and discern God's leading into their next ministry location.

Prayers for Mennonite Education-Bethel College, North Newton, KS:  Thank God for the gifts of Karen Robu, dorector of theater at Bethel College, who presents her doctoral play, Suffering Church, on campus tomorrow evening.  Mennonite Early Childhood Network: Knowing that Jesus loves to hear children's songs of praise (Mt. 21:16), pray that God will enable teachers and other adults to help children acquire familiarity with music that expresses their love for Jesus.  May they draw on that repertoire to blend spontaneous praise with everyday living wherever and whenever they are reminded of Jesus.


FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER                                                                                                                                                                                     

Next Week's Texts: Isaiah 65:17-25; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; John 20:1-18; I Corinthians 15:19-26

Harbor of Hope: This month's items are Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta and is due on April 27th.

Mission Projects for April: MCC Relief Kits; Harbor of Hope: Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta; Collection for Garaway's Released Time Education.

Relief Kits:  Some have been asking the cost of making a relief kits.  It depends on where you shop.  I would say that between $30.00-80.00 for a completed kit.  Only one more week to make your relief kit, we will be dedicating them next Sunday during our Easter celebration.


WORSHIP                                                                                                    9:30-10:30                                                                                                                             

Greeters:                                                                                                      Mike & Kristy Keim

Minister:                                                                                                      Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                                       Jean Flinner

Song Leader:                                                                                              April Shupe

Organist:                                                                                                      Margaret Cheslock

Pianist:                                                                                                         Suzanne Stauffer

Head Usher:                                                                                                Herb Torgler


THIS WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

April 10        Palm Sunday

April 10           Susan Lingler has a Birthday

April 13           Tahn & Keo Sixiengmay's Wedding Anniversary

April 14         Communal Soup Supper/Communion 6:30 p.m.

                         everyone brings vegetable soup and we put it all together

                          after which we celebrate communion together

April 15          Good Friday

April 16          Holy Saturday

April 17          Easter Sonrise Service 8:00 a.m. with breakfast to follow

April 17          Easter Main Service 10:00 a.m.


UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

April 22-23     Ohio MCC Comforter Bash, Kidron Ohio

April 27            Harbor of Hope items due:  Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta

April 29            Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

May   4               Leadership Team Meeting 7:00 p.m.

May    8             Mother's Day

May 25             Harbor of Hope items due:  Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

May 27             Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

May 30               Memorial Day

May 31              Homeless Shelter Meal 6:00 p.m.


NEXT WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Greeters:                                                                                      Herb & Helene Torgler

Minister:                                                                                      Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                       Bruce Stauffer

Song Leader:                                                                              April Shupe

Head Usher:                                                                               Herb Torgler


CHURCH LEADERSHIP                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

CHURCH:

Pastor:  Mike Gehman

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









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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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