For the last 2 weeks we officially revived the practice of sharing our prayer concerns and our joys during worship. Rev. Cynthia will be back this Sunday, and she will continue this practice during the Pastoral Prayer. So, think ahead about what you might like to share this Sunday: if there is someone you know who needs prayers, or something that brought you joy this week!

For those who may have missed it, I am reposting the links for Church World Service that Frederic Vigne spoke about last Sunday. The first link is his video as he is fundraising and participating in the walk in October. The second link is from CWS and it takes you to their donation page. Please check it out and support Frederic and CWS if you are so led. MCCC is thrilled that Frederic has felt the calling to participate in this walk!
Link to Frederic Vigne’s video he shared during Sunday Worship on 9/13/26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNPp0mO98sM&t=11s
Link to donate to CWS (Church World Service)
https://church-world-service.grassrootz.com/cws-camino-2026/frederic-vigne

For those who need assistance with setting up online giving without incurring “extra fees”, please plan to see either Carol Magyarics or Jay Schabel after worship this Sunday so they can help you set it up! Let’s not pay any extra fees if we can avoid it!

The Ohio Regional Assembly will be held on October 10th at Camp Christian (10335 Maple Dell Rd., Marysville, Ohio 43040)! Just a short few weeks away! If you would like to attend this event, I have attached some literature to a follow-up email including registration forms. Registration at Camp Christian will be at 9am and the Assembly will be from 10am – 4pm. Extra forms will be on the back table in the sanctuary if you are interested in attending. You can also check out their website at: ccinoh.org, or check out the link on our website at: mantuacentercc.org. Don’t forget to be on the look-out for the Regional Assembly email!

This Sunday, Sept. 20th, we will have our September Board Meeting right after Sunday Classes at 12pm. Anyone is welcome to join us in the Fellowship Hall and hear what is going on at MCCC! Hope to see you there!

“The Bible and Beyond,” with Jon Secaur, opened a new season last Sunday after worship in the second floor room behind the front of the sanctuary. The class will be looking at the book of Acts this fall. Everyone is welcome to join us!

“Life Study” resumed last Wednesday evening, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Campbell Room. During this series, we’ll be listening and reacting to a series of podcasts from NPR called Ye Gods. Host Scott Carter created a special series this summer, for the 250th anniversary of our nation, called “Of God and Country.” Jon has been previewing them, and they are superb. We’ll listen and anyone can say ‘OK. STOP!’ and we’ll have great discussions. Again, everyone is welcome!

In case you missed Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation this past Wednesday, the link for September 16, 2026 “Along the Shore” #37 is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FsOBArWlp4 You can also view it on our website: mantuacentercc.org under “News.”

Come and join us for our Loaves & Fishes Dinner on Thursday, Sept. 24th from 5-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. The Menu is: Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, Orange Creamsicle Salad, and assorted desserts. This is a free community dinner held on the last Thursday of the Month from January through October. Donations are gratefully received but not necessary. We can always use more servers, and set-up and clean-up crews if you would like to help! Contact Carolin Newell at: (330) 606-7125.

Another reminder that Ken Parker has a spare wheelchair available to donate to someone in need. Spread the word! To make arrangements call Ken directly.

The 4C’s (Crestwood Coalition of Community Care) still needs volunteers! 4C’s is interested in finding a representative from Mantua Center Church to attend board meetings to help with communication between the organizations. The board meetings are once a month usually the first Monday of the month, but can vary slightly. Also, 4C’s is in dire need of volunteers to help pack or do intake information for clients. No help will be turned away. Contact Sue Pollard if you are interested: whiteoaks082586@gmail.com.

What’s happening this week?

(Blue = Community Events)

• Sunday Sept. 20
  Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia **
  Sunday Classes 11am – 12pm **
  Board Meeting 12pm **
  Chi-Rho resumes tonight at MCCC from 6-7:30pm!
• Monday Sept. 21 – N/A
• Tuesday Sept. 22
  Story Time is Back! 10:30-11:30am for all preschoolers and an accompanying adult! Join us for a fun time of stories, crafts, and more! No fee! Questions? Contact Pam Auble at: 216-308-7930 **
  KWM Bread Deliveries Due
• Wednesday Sept. 23
  Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation on YouTube.com **
  KWM Packing Bags 12pm **
  “Dwelling in the Word” with Diane Johnson facilitating 1:15-2:30pm **
  Life Study with Jon Secaur, from 7-8:30pm in the Campbell Room!
• Thursday Sept. 24
  KWM Delivering Bags **
  Our free community Loaves & Fishes Dinner is in the Fellowship Hall from 5-6:30pm. Come & Join us!
• Friday Sept. 25
  Last Farmers & Makers Market for 2026 at the Mantua Granary, on East Prospect Street. This event runs from 4-7pm. Bring a friend and come on down!
• Saturday Sept. 26 – N/A
• Sunday Sept.27
  Worship with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am and 4C’s food collection along with Diapers, Wipes, and Trash Bag collection for the Free Clothing and Diaper Giveaway **
  Sunday Classes 11-12pm

On a side note . . .

Wow! I don’t know what happened to our summer . . . but it sure went by quickly, didn’t it? Here we are more than halfway through September and all of our fall programs are ramping back up already! We have bell practice starting soon, Story Time just started last week, Chi-Rho is this Sunday, Jon Secaur’s Sunday class just started, and Life Study on Wednesday evenings resumed last week, and there are plenty more activities to keep track of and/or participate in! Please forgive me if I miss any announcements, but there are a LOT!

Actually, this is a great opportunity to select a church mission and give it a try! Loaves and Fishes only have two more meals for 2026 – but they can always use more helpers! You could also volunteer with a couple of friends to sponsor our next “5th Sunday of the Month Potluck,” or you could join the Smile Team and help decide which individuals need a “smile gift” as a surprise! It is never too late to step up and help out with ANY of these activities! Why not give it some thought this week? You might be surprised how rewarding it is without exerting a lot of time and effort!

In the midst of my mind spinning with all these activities, I cannot forget to wish you all a week filled with many blessings as you continue to look for the “good,” and the beauty around us, even on the hardest of days. Remember to shine your light upon others to brighten their day, which in turn, will brighten yours!

May it be so. Amen.
Sandi