Year End Giving

As we near year end, please consider donating to your Church.  We have an annual church offering budget of $97,000 and as of the end of November we have received $82,000.  We don’t expect to receive all of that in December but as you consider end of year spending, please keep FMC in mind.

Sunday School Break

Today is the last Sunday of 2023 that we will have Sunday school classes. There will not be any Sunday school on December 24 or 31. We will meet up again in the New Year!

Longest Night Service – December 20

FMC is partnering with Hope UMC and Southhaven UCC to offer a “Longest Night” service on Wednesday, December 20. The service will take place at Southhaven UCC and will begin at 7:00pm.

Christmas Eve Service

Join us on Sunday, December 24 for a time of fellowship (cookies & hot chocolate) at 6:30pm with a worship service beginning at 7:00pm.

Women in Leadership Retreat

The biannual Ohio Conference Women in Leadership Retreat is quickly approaching on February 2-3, 2024. This year’s retreat will be held at the Lial Renewal Center in Whitehouse, Ohio. You won’t want to miss this time of learning, laughter, and fellowship. Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, Dean of Lifelong Learning at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, will lead participants in exploring what it means to claim the fullness of their identity as leaders created in God’s image. This retreat is for ALL women – those serving in pastoral or congregational roles such as MYF leaders, mentor coordinators, Sunday school teachers and superintendents, Christian education leaders, delegates, commission leaders, or other positions, as well as for women who want to explore possibilities for using their gifts in the church. The registration deadline will be here soon (Jan. 12) and spaces are limited. Visit ohiomennoniteconference.org for more information. 

Spiritual Direction If you are interested in being more intentional in cultivating your spiritual life in the New Year, and becoming more attentive to God’s presence in your life through prayer, consider meeting with Pastor Alvis for spiritual direction.

Children’s Program – Next Sunday

If your child is interested in participating in the children’s Christmas program that will take place next Sunday, December 17 please see Maria Witmer-Rich for details.

Sunday School Break

Sunday, December 17^th will be the last Sunday of 2023 that we will have Sunday school classes. There will not be any Sunday school on December 24 or 31. We will meet up again in the New Year!

Longest Night Service – December 20

FMC is partnering with Hope UMC and Southhaven UCC to offer a “Longest Night” service on Wednesday, December 20. The service will take place at Southhaven UCC and will begin at 7:00pm.

Christmas Eve Service

Join us on Sunday, December 24 for a time of fellowship (cookies & hot chocolate) at 6:30pm with a worship service beginning at 7:00pm.

Sermon Manuscripts

If you are interested in receiving a hard or digital copy of Pastor Alvis’s sermons they are available upon request.

Spiritual Direction

If you are interested in being more intentional in cultivating your spiritual life in the New Year, and becoming more attentive to God’s presence in your life through prayer, consider meeting with Pastor Alvis for spiritual direction.

First Sunday Masking

Today marks the first Sunday of the month of December and per our masking policy at FMC we strongly encourage attendees to wear a mask as an accommodation. Should you need a mask, extras can be found in the foyer.

Decorations Request for December 10

Do you have a favorite Christmas decoration? The Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, we will reflect on the things we do as we wait upon Christmas morning. If you are willing, please take a picture of your favorite Christmas decoration and email the image to Ryan Hurley.

Additionally, if you’d like, include a brief description of why this item holds such meaning for you. We’ll be using these images during the service and invite those who are comfortable to share their stories. 

Longest Night Service – December 20

FMC is partnering with Hope UMC and Southhaven UCC to offer a “Longest Night” service on Wednesday, December 20. The service will take place at Southhaven UCC and will begin at 7:00pm.

Sermon Manuscripts

If you are interested in receiving a hard or digital copy of Pastor Alvis’s sermons they are available upon request.

Spiritual Direction

If you are interested in being more intentional in cultivating your spiritual life in the New Year, and becoming more attentive to God’s presence in your life through prayer, consider meeting with Pastor Alvis for spiritual direction.

Advent Leader Magazine

Advent is upon us and we are using the Leader Magazine worship resources. Hard copies are available for Worship and Song Leaders in the church office, and digital versions are also available.

Shenk Koontz Family

Former FMC members Peter and Kelly Shenk Koontz are currently serving as the country representatives for Mennonite Central Committee Laos. They are studying the Lao language and are responsible for supervising a team of 30 Lao staff and three expatriates. Their work is primarily peacebuilding focused. They have two large projects: 1) developing local mediation councils in villages and working to include women and ethnic minorities in decision making and governance processes. 2) A land rights project that focuses on teaching villagers about land law and helping folks access deeds for their land in order to guard against large corporations taking land. They also have two smaller projects: 1) Peace building training with college age students and 2) A disability project that works with children who have been affected by Agent Orange that was sprayed by the US during the Vietnam war. Peter and Kelly have 2 children. Elliot is enrolled in a French school and is beginning to learn a little bit of French and Leland is enrolled in a local daycare. They send their love and greetings to the FMC community!

First Sunday Masking

Next Sunday, December 3 will be the first Sunday of December, and per our masking policy at FMC, we strongly encourage attendees to wear a mask as an accommodation. There will be extra masks available in the foyer for anyone who should need one.

Prepare the Way

Join us for an Advent-themed morning of activities during the Sunday school hour on December 3. Designed for ALL AGES, there will be stations for hot cocoa, crafts, stories, a service project, and more! Plan to attend at 10 a.m.! (There will be no regular Sunday school.) For the service project, we will be making Infant Care Kits for Mennonite Central Committee as we prepare to welcome baby Jesus on Christmas! Some supplies will be on hand, and we welcome any additional supplies from this list as we assemble kits. Please be sure to purchase new items only, sizes 6-12 months.

• 3 gowns or sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
• 3 undershirts or onesies (short or long sleeves)
• 1 receiving blanket (lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 30 in x 30 in, larger sizes preferred)
• 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins
• 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 cap

MCC Meat Canner

Every year MCC’s Mobile Meat Canner travels across the United States and Canada meeting volunteers who prepare cans of turkey, beef, chicken and pork. Last year, they shipped 574,560 lb. of canned meat to countries like Cuba, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Malawi, South Sudan, Ukraine, Zambia, and the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Over 30,000 people a year volunteer to fill, weigh, wash and label every can. Four canner operators travel with the meat canner to 34 different locations across the US and Canada and help the volunteers at each location.

“Sunday Funday” November 26

Next Sunday is the last Sunday of the month and is “Sunday Funday.” This means that there will not be children’s Sunday school “classes,” but there will be fun activities planned for the children during the Sunday school hour.  Youth are invited to attend the adult Sunday school class during this time. 

Prepare the Way

Join us for an Advent-themed morning of activities during the Sunday school hour on December 3. Designed for ALL AGES, there will be stations for hot cocoa, crafts, stories, a service project, and more! Plan to attend at 10 a.m.! (There will be no regular Sunday school.) For the service project, we will be making Infant Care Kits for Mennonite Central Committee as we prepare to welcome baby Jesus on Christmas! Some supplies will be on hand, and we welcome any additional supplies from this list as we assemble kits. Please be sure to purchase new items only, sizes 6-12 months.

• 3 gowns or sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
• 3 undershirts or onesies (short or long sleeves)
• 1 receiving blanket (lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 30 in x 30 in, larger sizes preferred)
• 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins
• 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 cap

Missions Month: Southeast Clergy Hunger Center

The Hunger Center is found in the basement of South Haven UCC’s church building, and serves residents of Bedford, Bedford Heights, Warrensville Heights, Oakwood, Solon, Garfield Heights, and Highland Heights by providing food assistance to those in need. Our support helps keep their freezers running, purchase food, and pay the minimal administrative costs that allow the Hunger Center to operate.

FMC Fun Run – Today!

Join us after today’s worship service for a “fun run” at Bedford Reservation. All are welcome to join as we run, walk, and enjoy the outdoors!

75^th Anniversary Commemorative Mugs

Celebrate FMC’s 75^th Anniversary with your own commemorative mug! There are mugs available in the foyer. Please consider making a $5 donation to help offset the cost of the mugs.

Prepare the Way

Join us for an Advent-themed morning of activities during the Sunday school hour on December 3. Designed for ALL AGES, there will be stations for hot cocoa, crafts, stories, a service project, and more! Plan to attend at 10 a.m.! (There will be no regular Sunday school.) For the service project, we will be making Infant Care Kits for Mennonite Central Committee as we prepare to welcome baby Jesus on Christmas! Some supplies will be on hand, and we welcome any additional supplies from this list as we assemble kits:

• 3 gowns or sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
• 3 undershirts or onesies (short or long sleeves)
• 1 receiving blanket (lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 30 in x 30 in, larger sizes preferred)
• 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins
• 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 cap

Missions Month: Southeast Clergy Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals at a reasonable cost to residents in Bedford, Bedford Heights, Oakwood Village and Walton Hills, who are unable to shop or prepare adequate meals for themselves. This service enables each person to maintain or resume independent living in their own home. Meals on Wheels is an independent all-volunteer service which relies upon donations from the community, businesses, private donors and client donations for financial support.

75^th Anniversary Final Celebration

Today marks our final 75^th anniversary celebration! Join us after the worship service for a potluck in the fellowship hall. There are also 75^th anniversary commemorative mugs available in the foyer. Please consider making a $5 donation to help offset the cost of the mugs.

First Sunday of the Month Masking

Today is the first Sunday of November, and per our masking policy at FMC, we strongly encourage attendees to wear a mask as an accommodation. There are extra masks available in the foyer for anyone who should need one.  

FMC Fun Run

Mark your calendars! FMC will have a “fun run” after the worship service on Sunday, November 12 at Bedford Reservation. All are welcome to join as we run, walk, and enjoy the outdoors!

Prepare the Way

Join us for an Advent-themed morning of activities during the Sunday school hour on December 3. Designed for ALL AGES, there will be stations for hot cocoa, crafts, stories, a service project, and more! Plan to attend at 10 a.m.! (There will be no regular Sunday school.) For the service project, we will be making Infant Care Kits for Mennonite Central Committee as we prepare to welcome baby Jesus on Christmas! Some supplies will be on hand, and we welcome any additional supplies from this list as we assemble kits:

• 3 gowns or sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material)
• 3 undershirts or onesies (short or long sleeves)
• 1 receiving blanket (lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 30 in x 30 in, larger sizes preferred)
• 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins
• 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper)
• 1 pair of socks
• 1 cap

• Bonus Retreat Day!: Join us this afternoon at our retreat property for a bonus retreat day! We’ll meet at 4pm for fellowship and have dinner around 5pm. Bring a dish to share and your own table settings. If you have any questions, see Ben or Cara Speros.

• Youth Gathering: There will be a youth gathering at the Pettker’s apartment on Saturday, October 21 at 5pm. There will be a potluck style supper, so please bring a dish to share. Parents are welcome to stay for the gathering as well. Please RSVP to Ruth or Pastor Alvis.

• Church Directory: There are paper copies of the updated church directory located in the foyer.

• Photos in the Foyer: After the service, take a look at the photos laid out in the foyer. If you know any details about a photo (who is pictured, the date, what is happening) please write it down on one of the sticky notes provided. Thank you!

• Children’s Activity Bags: We are revamping our children’s activity bags and looking for “quiet” fidget toys (pop-its, etc.) to include in the revamped bags. If you have any extra, please donate them to the church – thank you!

• 75^th Anniversary Final Celebration: Our next 75^th anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, November 5. Join us after the worship service for a potluck in the fellowship hall.

• FMC Streaming Policy: We have finalized our live-stream policy here at FMC. Only the four most recent livestreams will be posted on the church YouTube channel. Everything older than the four most recent livestreams will be deleted.

• 75^th Anniversary Celebration, Part 2: Join us after today’s worship service for an ice cream social as we continue to celebrate Friendship Mennonite Church’s 75^th anniversary!

• First Sunday of the Month Masking: Today is the first Sunday of October, and per our masking policy at FMC, we strongly encourage attendees to wear a mask as an accommodation. There are extra masks available in the foyer for anyone who should need one.

• Congregational Hymn Sing: Next Sunday, October 8, join us for a congregational hymn sing during the worship service. This worship service will not be live-streamed.  

• Vacation Dates: Pastor Alvis and Ruth will be on vacation from October 7-13, and October 28- November 4.

• 75^th Anniversary Final Celebration: Our next 75^th anniversary celebration will take place on Sunday, November 5. Join us after the worship service for a potluck in the fellowship hall.

• Mennonites in Public Education: Mennonite Public Educators is a group that brings together Mennonite teachers and other education professionals who work in a public school setting in the US or Canada for mutual encouragement, support, and learning. The group will be hosting the first of four Zoom meetings on Thursday, October 12 at 7pm. There is no cost to attend the Zoom, but registration is required to share the Zoom link. For more information or to receive the RSVP link, contact info@MennoniteEducation.org.

• Last Outdoor Worship Service: Our last outdoor worship service of the season will take place next Sunday, September 17 here at FMC. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Because we will be outdoors, the service will not be live-streamed next Sunday. 

• Hotdog Roast at Retreat: Our final retreat gathering of the season will take place on Sunday, September 24 starting at 4pm. There will be a hotdog roast and potluck dinner at 5pm. Please bring your own table service and a dish to share!

• Fall Worship Arts: A sincere thank you to Ben Speros who created the wooden worship arts displayed in the front of the church. Ben created this piece out of repurposed wood that he salvaged from the recent church sanctuary renovation. Thank you, Ben, for sharing your gifts with us! 

• Summer Homework: We encourage you to turn in your reflections on the summer homework from Zach Hunt’s “God Breathed.” Physical copies of the homework may be turned into the church office, and digital copies can be emailed to Pastor Alvis.

• MCC Meat Canning: MCC will host a meat canning event at the Gerber Building (3970 Kidron Rd. Kidron, OH) on October 13, 14 & 16 from 5:00pm-10:00pm. Volunteers will work with the canning crew to fill, weigh, wash and label cans of turkey, beef, chicken or pork to be sent around the world. Each meat canning location raises funds to cover the cost of the meat and the operation of the canner.