Pastor Alvis Out of Office: Pastor Alvis will be out of the office on Tuesday, Oct 28th at an AMC pastors gathering in PA, so there will not be Bible study on October 28th. He will be back in office on Wednesday, October 29.

Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering.
Upcoming dates are: Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14

Missions Month: November is Missions month at FMC. We will be highlighting four of the organizations that FMC supports each Sunday and collecting a special offering that will be distributed evenly to the organizations at the end of the month.

Mennonite Action Training: Mennonite Action is coming to Lee Heights on Sunday, December 7th for a potluck and training as a stop on their “To Build Our Courage” National Training Tour. In order for this to run smoothly, we need volunteers! Some jobs include helping with the potluck, setting up, childcare, song leader, photographer, etc. If interested in volunteering, please contact Marita Beachy-Owusu.

MMN Prayer Request: Mennonite Missions Network requests prayer for JCS International’s leadership at all levels and, especially for Gerlee (many Mongolian people identify with a single name), in her role as interim executive director. May God’s Spirit guide this leadership transition and pray for more long-term workers to help with the many opportunities to serve in Mongolia.

• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, The Tuesday Bible Study will not meet. Pastor Alvis will also be out of office on Tuesday, Oct 28th at an AMC pastors gathering in PA, so there will not be Bible study on October 28th. He will be back in office on Wednesday, October 29.

• Intergenerational Sunday School: Join us next Sunday, October 26, for an intergenerational Sunday school hour. All ages will be together in the fellowship hall for sharing a Bible story together, talking about it in table groups, and then doing some related activities. There will be activities for children, youth, and adults.

• My Coins Count: Next Sunday we will have our monthly My Coins Count collection during the worship service. Please bring your cash, coins and checks to support the ministries and mission of the Mennonite Central Committee.

• Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering. Upcoming dates are: Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Mennonite Action Training: Mennonite Action is coming to Lee Heights on Sunday, December 7th for a potluck and training as a stop on their “To Build Our Courage” National Training Tour. In order for this to run smoothly, we need volunteers! Some jobs include helping with the potluck, setting up, childcare, song leader, photographer, etc.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Marita Beachy-Owusu.

• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, the Tuesday Bible Study will not meet. Pastor Alvis will also be out of office on Tuesday, Oct 28th at an AMC pastors gathering in PA, so there will not be Bible study on October 28th. He will be back in office on Wednesday, October 29.

• Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering. Upcoming dates are: Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Mennonite Action Training: Mennonite Action is coming to Lee Heights on Sunday, December 7th for a potluck and training as a stop on their “To Build Our Courage” National Training Tour. In order for this to run smoothly, we need volunteers! Some jobs include helping with the potluck, setting up, childcare, song leader, photographer, etc.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Marita Beachy-Owusu.

• MMN Prayer Request: Christy Harrison and Peter Sensenig, jointly serving with Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Mission Network, were not able to renew their visas to continue ministry in Chad. Pray for them and their three children as they move to Montbéliard, France, for the coming school year. Pray that the family can make a smooth adjustment and that they can contribute to La Prairie Mennonite Church’s ministry to Muslim immigrants. 

• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, the Tuesday Bible Study will not meet.

• Free Concert: On October 9 at 6:30pm, Sonnenberg Mennonite Church in Kidron, OH will host a free concert led by Seth Crissman and Greg Yoder (founders of The Soil and The Seed Project). The concert will be interactive and will feature some local musicians and students from Central Christian School.

• Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering. Upcoming dates are: Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Mennonite Action Training: Mennonite Action is coming to Lee Heights on Sunday, December 7th for a potluck and training as a stop on their “To Build Our Courage” National Training Tour. In order for this to run smoothly, we need volunteers! Some jobs include helping with the potluck, setting up, childcare, song leader, photographer, etc.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Marita Beachy-Owusu.

• MMN Prayer Request: Today, Mennonite Mission Network’s Mennonite Voluntary Service units bring closure to their five-day retreat, hosted by the Alamosa Colorado unit in Colorado. Pray that participants will return to their units renewed by this time of worship, mutual encouragement, learning and fun.

• Fall Hotdog Roast: This afternoon, join us at our retreat property for our annual Fall Hotdog Roast. Arrive at 4:00pm for games, hiking and fellowship. The hotdog roast and potluck dinner will begin around 5:00pm. Please bring a dish to share as well as your own table service. 

• Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering. Upcoming dates are: Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Combined Ministry: Beginning next Sunday, October 5, the usher and greeter ministries will be combined into one role for Sunday mornings.

• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, the Tuesday Bible Study will not meet.
• Mennonite Action Training: Mennonite Action is coming to Lee Heights on Sunday, December 7th for a potluck and training as a stop on their “To Build Our Courage” National Training Tour. In order for this to run smoothly, we need volunteers! Some jobs include helping with the potluck, setting up, childcare, song leader, photographer, etc.  If interested in volunteering, please contact Marita Beachy-Owusu

• My Coins Count: Next Sunday we will have our monthly My Coins Count collection during the worship service. Please bring your cash, coins and checks to support the ministries and mission of the Mennonite Central Committee.

• Intergenerational Sunday School: Join us next Sunday, September 28, for an intergenerational Sunday school hour. All ages will be together in the fellowship hall for a sharing a Bible story together, talking about it in table groups, and then doing some related activities. There will be activities for children, youth, and adults.

• Fall Hotdog Roast: Next Sunday, join us at our retreat property for our annual Fall Hotdog Roast. Arrive at 4:00pm for games, hiking and fellowship. The hotdog roast and potluck dinner will begin around 5:00pm. Please bring a dish to share as well as your own table service. 

• Encounter Invitation: All are welcome to “Encounter,” a monthly gathering led by Ted Steiner and Anita Yoder. We meet at 7pm at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights for a time of silence, singing, and sharing. We think it is very important to build community with one another, listening together for God’s loving voice. Please feel free to invite any neighbors or friends who might enjoy and benefit from our gathering. Upcoming dates are: Sept. 28, Oct. 26, Nov. 23, Dec. 14
• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, the Tuesday Bible Study will not meet.

• MMN Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network rejoices with members of the Bolivia Mennonite Church, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Pray for them as they set goals and plan for the future.

• Note from the Treasurer: The giving for August was $8,100 compared to the budget of $8,600 for the month.  Year to date, average giving has been $9,400.

• Sunday School Seminar: Next Sunday, September 21, Paul Thomas from Ferfolia Funeral Homes will lead a funeral pre-planning seminar during Sunday school.

• No Tuesday Bible Study: This Tuesday, September 16 the Tuesday Night Bible Study will not meet. Class will resume on September 23.

• Pastor Alvis Vacation: Pastor Alvis will be away on vacation from October 11-25. During this time, the Tuesday Bible Study will not meet.

• FMC Volunteer List: The 2025-2026 FMC Volunteer list has been finalized and paper copies are available at the back of the sanctuary. Please note that the Usher and Greeter ministries have been combined into one position. Scheduling for this combined position will begin in October. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Alvis or Lauren Hurley.

• MMN Prayer Request: Kate Widmer, who serves with Mennonite Mission Network, is in the middle of her two-month North American Ministry. Pray for her as she shares with supporting congregations and individuals about her work alongside members of a French Mennonite congregation that reaches out to women and children in low-income neighborhoods. May she also find rest and renewal during this time in the United States.

• Sunday School Seminars: Sunday, September 14, Darius Meraj from Everence will lead an estate planning workshop during Sunday school. Sunday, September 21, Paul Thomas from Ferfolia Funeral Homes will lead a funeral pre-planning seminar during Sunday school.  

• MMN Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Bokgoni Sporting Club, in Francistown, Botswana, which offers young people an alternative to life on the streets by providing a healthy environment, training in life-skills and an opportunity to play sports. The women’s netball team is planning a community day this month to strength relationships between neighbors.

• MCUSA: MC USA’s 2025 convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8–12, set records for attendance and racial diversity. Of the 1,640 registrants — the highest turnout in three conventions — a record 17.2 percent (282 attendees) identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color. More importantly, BIPOC voices filled prominent leadership roles at the national convention. Read more here: mennoniteusa.org/intentionality-drives-belonging 

• Potluck at Retreat: Join us this afternoon for a potluck at our retreat property. Arrive by 4:00pm for hiking, fellowship and games. The potluck will begin around 5:00pm. Please bring a dish to share, as well as your own table service. Directions can be found on our website.

• Outdoor Worship Next Sunday: Next Sunday, September 7, join us for an outdoor worship service at FMC. We will gather near the playground at 11:00am. Please consider bringing a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

• Sunday School Kickoff: Sunday school classes resume at FMC on Sunday, September 7 at 10:00am. There will be classes for all ages, so please be sure to attend!

• Sunday School Seminars: Sunday, September 14, Darius Meraj from Everence will lead an estate planning workshop during Sunday school. Sunday, September 21, Paul Thomas from Ferfolia Funeral Homes will lead a funeral pre-planning seminar during Sunday school.  

• MMN Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network requests prayer for the Mennonite Christian Hospital (MCH) in Taiwan, the largest Mennonite hospital in the world, which offers diverse medical specialties and advanced technologies across multiple campuses. Pray that MCH’s commitment to serving marginalized people in remote communities will continue to offer well-being to all of Taiwan’s people.  

• MCC School Kits Update: Thank you to everyone who helped collect supplies and put together the MCC school kits this year! We are excited to report that we collected enough items to put together 62 school kits – a considerable increase from last year when we collected 35 school kits.   

• MCC’s Seeking Shalom Peace Camp: Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to explore the meaning of shalom as a wholistic sense of peace at MCC’s Seeking Shalom Peace Camp on November 1-8. The camp will begin at Camp Friedenswald in Cassopolis, Michigan, on November 1–4, diving deep into God’s word and into practical tools of peacebuilding. We will dream possibilities of shalom for our communities and gain tools for engaging conflict effectively. On November 5–8, we will transition to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and participate in the Christian Community Development Association’s (CCDA) annual conference. This is a rich opportunity to hear from leaders across the country, connect with community development organizations, experience worship and attend workshops. Learn more and register by October 5 at mcc.org/seeking-shalom

• Sunday School Seminars: Sunday, September 14, Darius Meraj from Everence will lead an estate planning workshop during Sunday school. Sunday, September 21, Paul Thomas from Ferfolia Funeral Homes will lead a funeral pre-planning seminar during Sunday school.  

• Youth Activities Invite: It’s no secret that the youth and children of FMC are actively involved in tons of extra-curricular activities. As a way of supporting our youth and children outside of church, we invite students and their families to notify Pastor Alvis of a few of the extra-curricular events that they would like members of the congregation to be able to attend (games, concerts, plays, etc.). Families should send the dates/times/locations of a few of these events to Pastor Alvis so that he can put together a schedule to share (strictly) within the congregation.