Peace Sunday

Being in a new creation in the midst of external turmoil

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                                                                                                                                                     

Peace Sunday

Being in a new creation in the midst of

external turmoil

Prelude: "Thine Be the Glory"--arr. Gordon~

Welcome & Announcements:

Focus Statement:

How do we maintain resilience in hardship, turmoil and conflict?  How do

we maintain our hope for something better when times are tough?  This

Peace Sunday, as we remember many hardships, wounds, traumas,

challenges, suffering or pain in whatever season we are in, with God's

help and loving hands, we can be reworked as a new person and a new

community of God.

~Gathering~

Time of Meditation: Joe Miller, Mike Gehman

Call to Worship:

L:  When dangers invade our sense of safety and we wonder if our Redeemer cares, we hear the invitation:

P:  Be at peace.  Be Calm.

L:  When we face job loss and financial downturns, and our sense of security is shaky, we hear the invitation:

P:  Be at peace.  Be calm.

L:  When our congregations experience distress, conflict, and loss of significant leadership, we hear the invitation:

P:  Be at peace.  Be calm.

L:  When controversial issues and rigidity of spirit threaten to tear at the very fabric of the faith community, we hear the invitation:

P:  Be at peace.  Be calm.

L:  When our lives feel chaotic and desolate because of illness or sorrow, we hear the invitation:

P:  Be at peace.  Be calm/

Invocation:

Hymn of Gathering:

"Holy, Holy, Holy" Voices Together #76

~Prayer & Praising~

Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-10

Congregational Prayers/Praise:

Ending Prayer:

Hymn of Praise:

"My Soul Cries Out" Voices Together #412 vs. 1,2,4

(with guitar)

~Hearing God's Word~

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-12--The Beatitudes Voices Together # 295 responsive reading

                               Matthew 5:13-16

Special Music: "Our God Reigns"--sung by April Shupe, Joe Miller, Mike Gehman

Message:

~Response & Sending~

Hymn of Response:

"You Are Salt For the Earth" Voices Together #297 (w/guitar)

(the offering will be brought forward at this time)

Offering Prayer:

Sending Hymn:

"When We Walk with the Lord" voices Together #570

Benediction:

Postlude: "Gentle Shepherd"--Gaither

Words of Dismissal:

THE CHURCH GIVES THANKS AND PRAYS FOR                                                                                                                                 

For our guest minister Ernie Hershberger, and things he brought out to ponder on.

For our attendance of 30 people today.

the family of Carrol Worrell, Marlene Stillson, the Royal Family and the people of England, for the Families of those who lost their lives on 9/11 21 years ago,  for all of the unspoken prayers that were not shared

MMN:  Mennonite Mission Network recently appointed Andi Santoso as regional administrator for Asia and the Middle East.  Pray for Andi as he immerses himself in building relationships in this region.

Prayers for Mennonite Education-Central Christian School, Kidron, OH:  Praise God, the first progression of our building renovation is completed!  We give thanks and praise God that it was fully funded by an incredibly generous and supportive community of donors, without any debt!  Western Christian School, Salem, OR:  Pray for our school board as they work tirelessly to serve God and our community.

FMC LIVES IN DISCIPLESHIP TOGETHER                                                                                                                                               

Next Week's Texts: Proverbs 31:8-9; Isaiah 1:17, 58:6-7; Micah 6:8; Matthew 6:33-34; Mark 16:15; I Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 4:1-6; Hebrews 3:1, 12:1-2; I Peter 4:10-11

Harbor of Hope: This month's items are PB & Jelly

Mission Projects for September: Harbor of Hope: PB & Jelly; Share-A-Christmas/Tuff Bags: collecting socks and underwear

Released Time:  This Sunday is the last Sunday we will be collecting donations for Released Time.  Just make out your check to First Mennonite, then Bruce will get it to the proper place.

Apple Fritters: If you are still able to help out, the Garaway Booster need you!  Let Linda Yoder or Tally Maust if you are interested in volunteering at the festival this year.

WORSHIP                                                                           9:30-10:30                                                                                                             

Greeters:                                                                                                            Lizzie Keim, Keo Sixiengmay

Minister:                                                                                                             Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                                                             Julie Gerber

Song Leader:                                                                                                    April Shupe

Organist:                                                                                                            Margaret Cheslock

Pianist:                                                                                                                Suzanne Stauffer

Head Usher:                                                                                                      Monk Yoder

THIS WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Sept. 23rd          Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sept. 27th         Worship Committee Meeting 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 29th         Harbor of Hope items due: PB & Jelly

Sept. 30-Oct.  1     Ohio Swiss Festival

Oct.   2nd           World Wide Communion

Oct.   5th            Leadership Team Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Oct. 26th           Harbor of Hope items due:  Laundry & Cleaning Supplies

Oct. 28th           Senior Breakfast @ Dutch Valley 9:00 a.m.

Oct. 31st             Halloween

NEXT WEEK                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Greeters:                                                                       Bruce & Sue Stauffer

Minister:                                                                        Mike Gehman

Worship Leader:                                                        Bruce Stauffer

Song Leader:                                                               April Shupe

Head Usher:                                                                 Monk Yoder

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

Trustees Contact: Dan Hostetler

Secretary Contact: Amy Stauffer-McNutt