• Congregational Vote: After the worship service, please join us for a short congregational meeting. During the meeting we will vote on the Inclusion Statement that was emailed out to congregants.

• FMC Retreat Today: Join us this afternoon at our retreat property in Geauga County for fellowship and a potluck dinner.Arrive at the property at 4pm for hiking and fellowship. A potluck dinner will begin at 5pm. Please bring your own table service and a dish to share.

• Graduation Sunday: On Sunday, June 9, we are having our Graduation Service in the morning followed by a lunch picnic outside. We are providing the lunches, but will need you to RSVP if you plan on attending, and what kind of wrap you would like. Bagged lunches will include a Wrap or Gluten Free Sandwich, chips, cookie and fruit. The option for wraps/gluten-free sandwiches are: Turkey Wrap: Turkey, havarti cheese, lettuce, avocado, mayo and tomato; Roast Beef Wrap: roast beef, provolone cheese, lettuce, red onion, tomato, horseradish sauce; Veggie Wrap: avocado, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, hummus, lettuce. A freewill offering will be accepted to help cover the costs of the lunches. Please RSVP to Ruth at with your selection and dietary concerns before June 2nd.

• Gifts Discernment at FMC:  Gifts Discernment responses are due today! Please submit responses to Pastor Alvis.  

• Inclusion Statement Vote: A draft of the proposed FMC Inclusion Statement was emailed out to congregants. On Sunday, May 26 we will vote on the statement in a short congregational meeting after the worship service. If you have any questions or comments about the statement, please contact Pastor Alvis directly.

• Outdoor Worship & Retreat Day: Next Sunday, May 26 join us for two opportunities to worship and fellowship outdoors! Sunday morning we will gather outdoors at FMC for worship at 11:00am. Please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. This service will not be live-streamed. Later in the day, join us at our retreat property in Geauga County for fellowship and a potluck dinner. Arrive at the property at 4pm for hiking and fellowship. A potluck dinner will begin at 5pm. Please bring your own table service and a dish to share.

• Graduation Sunday: On Sunday, June 9, we are having our Graduation Service in the morning followed by a lunch picnic outside. We are providing the lunches, but will need you to RSVP if you plan on attending, and what kind of wrap you would like. Bagged lunches will include a Wrap or Gluten Free Sandwich, chips, cookie and fruit. The option for wraps/gluten-free sandwiches are: Turkey Wrap: Turkey, havarti cheese, lettuce, avocado, mayo and tomato; Roast Beef Wrap: roast beef, provolone cheese, lettuce, red onion, tomato, horseradish sauce; Veggie Wrap: avocado, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, hummus, lettuce. A freewill offering will be accepted to help cover the costs of the lunches. Please RSVP to Ruth at with your selection and dietary concerns before June 2nd.
• We are excited to announce that “Retreat” season is upon us! We hope that you will join us at our retreat property for a time of fellowship, hiking, relaxing, and food. Below are the dates when we will gather together at our retreat property. Arrive at 4pm, potluck dinner begins at 5pm. 
• Sunday, May 26 – camping afterwards
• Saturday, June 22
• Sunday, July 14
• Sunday, August 4 – annual retreat morning worship (camping on Saturday)
• Sunday, September 1 – camping afterwards
• Sunday, September 29 – fall hot dog roast

• Today’s Order of Worship: This morning we are worshiping in a somewhat similar way to the Sunday night service that Anita and her colleague Ted Steiner developed at Notre Dame College. Thank you for participating in a somewhat different flow this morning! Thank you to the Steiner family, Kennedy Weaver, and others for providing the music!

• Inclusion Statement Vote: Earlier this week, a draft of the proposed FMC Inclusion Statement was emailed out to congregants. On Sunday, May 26 we will vote on the statement in a short congregational meeting after the worship service. If you have any questions or comments about the statement, there will be opportunities during Adult Sunday school on May 12 & 19, or you can contact Pastor Alvis directly.

• Gifts Discernment at FMC: The season of Gift Discernment is upon us! A copy of the Gifts Discernment document was emailed out earlier this week, and hard copies are available here at the church. Please take the next two weeks to prayerfully consider how you might serve at Friendship, or who might serve in the roles we need. Please submit suggestions by May 19. 
• Graduation Sunday: On Sunday, June 9, we are having our Graduation Service in the morning followed by a lunch picnic outside. We are providing the lunches, but will need you to RSVP if you plan on attending, and what kind of wrap you would like. Bagged lunches will include a Wrap or Gluten Free Sandwich, chips, cookie and fruit. The option for wraps/gluten-free sandwiches are: Turkey Wrap: Turkey, havarti cheese, lettuce, avocado, mayo and tomato; Roast Beef Wrap: roast beef, provolone cheese, lettuce, red onion, tomato, horseradish sauce; Veggie Wrap: avocado, tomato, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, hummus, lettuce. A freewill offering will be accepted to help cover the costs of the lunches. Please RSVP to Ruth at with your selection and dietary concerns before June 2nd.

• Gifts Discernment at FMC: The season of Gift Discernment is upon us! A copy of the Gifts Discernment document was emailed out earlier this week, and hard copies are available here at the church. Please take the next two weeks to prayerfully consider how you might serve at Friendship, or who might serve in the roles we need. Please submit suggestions by May 19. 

• FMC Masking Policy Update: During the March Admin Team meeting, the FMC Masking Policy was reviewed. The group voted to continue the first Sunday of the month masking protocol for the months of April and May and revisit the policy again this fall. If you have any questions about the policy, please see a member of the Admin Team.
• MMN Prayer Request: Robin Gingerich, of Mennonite Mission Network, has served as an administrator and teacher at LCC International University in Lithuania since 2001. She requests prayer for wisdom, patience and kindness among faculty, staff and students, as they complete the school year. Pray also for an end to the war in neighboring Ukraine.
• Summer Sunday School Break: Our last Sunday of Sunday school classes will take place on May 19. Sunday school classes will resume again this fall.  

• My Coins Count: This morning we will collect our monthly My Coins Count collection after the regular offering. Our donations help to support the mission and ministries of Mennonite Central Committee.  

• Worship Bags Update: Pastor Alvis has been working on updating items for the worship bags that children can use during Sunday morning worship. The next step is to make new bags for the new items. If you would like to help make bags, please see Pastor Alvis for bag dimensions.

• N95 Masks: Need a mask? How about 20? The church recently received thousands of free masks from the state of Ohio. If you would like any extra masks, please let Pastor Alvis know.

• Membership & Baptism at FMC:  If you’re interested in exploring baptism and/or formally joining our community at Friendship as a member, please talk to Pastor Alvis over the next several weeks.

• MMN Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for Jonah and Memee Yang, who minister in Thailand from a base in Minnesota. Pray for them as they travel to Thailand twice per year to teach Hmong and Thai students in Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s Journey Program (Jonah) and through Mennonite Women’s Sister Care seminars (Memee).

• My Coins Count: We will have our monthly My Coins Count collection next Sunday, April 28. Please bring your change, checks etc. to help support the mission and ministries of Mennonite Central Committee.  

• Worship Bags Update: Pastor Alvis has been working on updating items for the worship bags that children can use during Sunday morning worship. The next step is to make new bags for the new items. If you would like to help make bags, please see Pastor Alvis for bag dimensions.

• N95 Masks: Need a mask? How about 20? The church recently received thousands of free masks from the state of Ohio. If you would like any extra masks, please let Pastor Alvis know.

• Mennonite Public Educators: The next Mennonite Public Educators virtual meeting will take place Thursday, April 25 at 7pm. This group is intended for all Mennonite education professionals working in public school settings. There is not cost, but registration is required. Contact info@mennoniteeducation.org for the Zoom link.

• Comedy Show Fundraiser: Friday, April 26 at 7:00pm the Open Arms Hispanic Ministry will be hosting a comedy fundraiser at Grace Church in Berlin. For more information about the event, please see the flyer posted in the foyer or go to:

Home

• Youth Gathering: There will be a youth gathering at the Pettker’s apartment on Saturday, April 27. This event is open to middle and high school students and their families and will be a potluck event, so please bring a dish to share. 

• Membership & Baptism at FMC:  If you’re interested in exploring baptism and/or formally joining our community at Friendship as a member, please talk to Pastor Alvis over the next several weeks.

• Sunday School Nursery Volunteers Needed: We are looking to add volunteers to our nursery during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in helping, please talk to Sue Coblentz.

• Camp Luz: Camp Luz has summer camp programs for kids ages 4-18. Rates increase April 15. To check out summer camp options, go to: http://www.campluz.com

• Comedy Show Fundraiser: Friday, April 26 at 7:00pm the Open Arms Hispanic Ministry will be hosting a comedy fundraiser at Grace Church in Berlin. For more information about the event, please see the flyer posted in the foyer or go to:

Home

• Youth Gathering: There will be a youth gathering at the Pettker’s apartment on Saturday, April 27. This event is open to middle and high school students and their families and will be a potluck event, so please bring a dish to share. 

• Membership & Baptism at FMC:  If you’re interested in exploring baptism and/or formally joining our community at Friendship as a member, please talk to Pastor Alvis over the next several weeks.

• Pastoral Evaluation Survey: Please take a few minutes to fill out the Pastoral Evaluation survey. This helps to provide feedback to Pastor Alvis regarding areas of strength and areas for growth, as well as reflecting on our own strengths and areas for growth as a congregation. The link for the survey can be accessed using this link: https://forms.gle/3eSbr6GRbEoBS88Q8

• Holy Week Services: Maundy Thursday Service with Foot Washing @ Garfield Heights UMC (4977 Turney Road, Garfield Heights) March 28 at 7pm.  -Good Friday Service @ FMC at 7pm (Neither service will be live-streamed this year)

• Easter Brunch: Easter Sunday we will have a potluck brunch at 10:00am. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up and serving during the brunch. Please let Lauren or Pastor Alvis know if you are available to help. Please bring a dish to share, all are welcome! Sign-up for the brunch can be found in the foyer.  

• My Coins Count: Next Sunday we will have our monthly MCC My Coins Count offering during the worship service.

• Sunday School Nursery Volunteers Needed: We are looking to add volunteers to our nursery during the Sunday school hour. If you are interested in helping, please talk to Sue Coblentz.

• April 8 Solar Eclipse: Rudy and Shirley will be hosting Aaron and Ruth Martin on April 8 for the viewing of the only total eclipse in our area in the last 100 years. Shirley & Rudy would like to invite you to their home for this occasion. There will be a light lunch at 12:30pm followed by Professor Martin preparing for the event. Please RSVP to Shirley & Rudy so that Professor Martin knows how many pair of eclipse glasses to bring.

• Comedy Show Fundraiser: Friday, April 26 at 7:00pm the Open Arms Hispanic Ministry will be hosting a comedy fundraiser at Grace Church in Berlin. This will be a family friendly event, featuring two Christian comedians, and appetizers and desserts will be provided for guests. For more information about the event, please go to:

Home

• Youth Gathering: There will be a youth gathering at the Pettker’s apartment on Saturday, April 27. This event is open to middle and high school students and their families and will be a potluck event, so please bring a dish to share. 

• Nursery Update: Friendship provides a nursery for children on Sunday mornings. During the Sunday school hour, the nursery is provided for children not yet of Sunday School age.  The Nursery is also provided during the Church service, after the children’s moment, for children up to age 5.  We offer activity bags for children 6 and up to use during the Church service.
• Holy Week Services: Maundy Thursday Service with Foot Washing @ Garfield Heights UMC (4977 Turney Road, Garfield Heights) March 28 at 7pm. We are attempting to put together an ecumenical choir for this service, led by Hope UMC. A joint rehearsal is planned for March 21 8-8:30pm at Hope UMC (79 Center Rd. Bedford). Please arrive no later than 6:40pm to warm up and run through the material. -Good Friday Service @ FMC at 7pm (Neither service will be live-streamed this year)
• Easter Brunch: Easter Sunday we will have a potluck brunch at 10:00am. Please bring a dish to share, all are welcome! Sign-up for the brunch can be found in the foyer.  

• April 8 Solar Eclipse: Rudy and Shirley will be hosting Aaron and Ruth Martin on April 8 for the viewing of the only total eclipse in our area in the last 100 years. Shirley & Rudy would like to invite you to their home for this occasion and share food together. More information will be available in the next few weeks. Please let Rudy & Shirley know of your possible interest.

• Comedy Show Fundraiser: Friday, April 26 at 5:00pm the Open Arms Hispanic Ministry will be hosting a comedy fundraiser at Grace Church in Berlin. This will be a family friendly event, featuring two Christian comedians, and appetizers and desserts will be provided for guests. For more information about the event, please see the flyer posted in the foyer or go to:

Home

• Youth Gathering: There will be a youth gathering at the Pettker’s apartment on Saturday, April 27. This event is open to middle and high school students and their families and will be a potluck event, so please bring a dish to share. 

• Nursery Update: Friendship provides a nursery for children on Sunday mornings. During the Sunday school hour, the nursery is provided for children not yet of Sunday School age.  The Nursery is also provided during the Church service, after the children’s moment, for children up to age 5.  We offer activity bags for children 6 and up to use during the Church service.

• Shine Everywhere Webinar: You are invited to a webinar about Shine Everywhere! Please join us on Thursday, March 14 at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. If you are a pastor, Sunday School teacher, or faith formation leader who would like to understand better how to help parents nurture faith at home, Shine Everywhere is for you! And, if you are a parent or caregiver who cares about growing in faith with your children, Shine Everywhere is for you! We’ll also share six practices that grow faith at home so you know where to invest your energy either as a congregation or as a household. And, we’ll tell you how you can participate in our first Shine Everywhere test product: activity cards based on Bible stories in The Peace Table. Register now using this link.
• April 8 Solar Eclipse: Rudy and Shirley will be hosting Aaron and Ruth Martin on April 8 for the viewing of the only total eclipse in our area in the last 100 years. Aaron Martin is an astronomy professor in the Mennonite church and will be coming to Ohio. He has offered to bring special glasses needed for the viewing and will be able to answer any questions we may have. Shirley & Rudy would like to invite you to their home for this occasion and share food together. More information will be available in the next few weeks. Please let Rudy & Shirley know of your possible interest.