Sept. 8, 2024

First Mennonite Church

Sugarcreek, Ohio

September 8, 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.

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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 WORSHIPS TOGETHER

Uncommon Wisdom:

Choosing How We Shall Live

Prelude “Seek Ye First” -Maranatha! Music

Welcome & Announcements

Focus Statement:

This week, the lectionary text features three different couplets from Proverbs 22, all of which point us toward how to engage wisdom-driven decision-making in our daily lives. You may have heard of data-driven decision-making that emphasizes research, fact-checking, surveys, and drawing on the perspectives of multiple trusted sources. Wisdom-driven decision-making emphasizes insight and discernment centered around God’s teachings about what makes a good life. And, in true Proverbs fashion, today’s text unsettles popular opinions while grounding us in divine wisdom for building the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

Time of Meditation “Our God Reigns” -April and Mike

Call To Worship: (based on Psalm 46)

Leader: Come, let us praise God together! Blessed are we

who place our trust in the Lord our God.

People: For our God is the Maker of the heavens, the

earth, the sea, and everything that lives within

them;

Leader: Our God keeps every promise, and remains

faithful forever.

People: Our God gives justice to those who are

oppressed, and food to those who are starving.

Leader: Our God frees the prisoners, opens the eyes of the

blind, and lifts the burdens of those who are

overwhelmed.

People: Our God cherishes those who do what is right,

protects the immigrants, cares for the orphans

and widows, but frustrates the plans of the

wicked.

ALL: Our God reigns—today, tomorrow and forever.

Praise God!

Invocation

Hymn of Gathering: HWB 41 Come, Thou Almighty King

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23

-read by Tabby, Jaden and Dylan

Prayers of the People

Hymn of Praise: HWB 70 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

Scripture: James 2:1-17

Message: “Responding to Wisdom’s Call”

Hymn of Response: HWB 366 God of Grace and God of Glory

(the offering will be brought forward)

Offering Prayer

Sending Hymn: HWB 421 Bless’d Be the Tie That Binds v1, 2

Benediction

Postlude “Be Thou My Vision” -Nathan Pacheco

Sending Words

WORSHIP 9:30-10:30

Minister: Mike Gehman

Worship Leader: Kristy Keim Song Leader: April Shupe

Organist: Margaret Cheslock

Pianist: Suzanne Stauffer

Usher: Monk Yoder

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER

Mission Project for September: TBA

Note: Harbor of Hope is in transition at this time, so we will not be

collecting anything for the month of September.

Canning For Relief for 2024 will happen in the Gerber Building in Kidron Monday October 14 thru Friday October 18. Because we will be limited to 10 hour work days daily start times may vary. With the potential to do

up 32,000 pounds your help and support is needed. Call/Text Trent at 330-465-4191 and schedule a time to come.

THE CHURH GIVES THANKS

Bertie Showers: Welcome all our guests this Sunday, it’s good to see everyone.

April Shupe: Enjoying the beautiful weather, sunsets, and the monarch butterflies.

CHURCH PRAYS FOR

Kristy Keim: Oldest daughter was hospitalized with eclampsia.

THIS WEEK

Sept. 8^th Happy Birthday, Michael Yoder

NEXT WEEK

Text: Psalm 19; Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12

Minister: Mike Gehman

Worship Leader: Julia Gerber