MCCC Founder’s Day - 197 Years of Vital Ministry
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church! Today we are celebrating our 197th birthday as a congregation and we are so glad you are with us. Whether worshiping in-person or online we are connected in God’s Holy Spirit. Wherever you find yourself this morning we hope you feel warmed and welcomed in this time of worship!
Prelude - “Praise Him, Praise Him” [by C.G.Allen] -Sarah Park
Welcome to the Mantua Center Christian Church
We are a community seeking to have open minds, open hearts, and open arms.
- Thank you for joining us here in the house and online. Welcome to everyone!
- ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Hear from Everett Baynes right after church about his trip to Philmont.
- Lent Devotionals due
MCCC Statement of Calling
We are Seekers, Leaders, Followers and Believers, committed to living and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We believe in open communion – all are welcome!
We are seeking to be faithful servants of God, called to ease the pain, loneliness, and suffering of others in our community and our world.
We seek a joyful experience in following the Gospel by enjoying fun and fellowship with one another.
Scripture Reading - Romans 10:14-15 - Rev. Chad Delaney
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’
Welcoming Song - “Sister, Let me Be Your Servant” #490, v.2
We are pilgrims on a journey, fellow trav'lers on the road.
We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.
*Call to Worship - Pam Baynes
One: Happy Birthday Mantua Center Christian Church!
All: Happy Birthday! We’re grateful to be here today to celebrate our 197 years as a congregation.
One: What began with 9 faithful believers has grown and changed.
All: We’ve been through tough, lean times and joyous times of thriving and growing ministry.
One: We celebrate our founders and what they started.
All: We celebrate what we have become.
One: The faith that brought them together and made them strong is alive and well today.
All: We offer their names in tribute to their faithfulness and hard work to create this place where we gather today to continue what they started.
One: John Rudolph, John Rudolph Jr., Zeb Rudolph
All: James Rudolph, Cleona Rudolph, Elizabeth Rudolph
One: Darwin Atwater, Laura Atwater, Patta Blair
All: It’s true, our ministries have changed. But the fact remains, our founders made it possible for us to gather here today.
One: May the Holy Spirit guide us today as we continue God’s work in this time and place.
All: Thanks be to God! Amen!
~ written by Rev. Nancy Humes
*Opening Hymn - We Call Ourselves Disciples #357, v.1, 4-5
1 We call ourselves disciples, as pilgrims on the way
We seek the truth in wisdom, and beauty in each day
As women, men, and children, we serve Christ’s path to clear
In joyful expectation we see God’s reign draw near.
4 We join with all disciples to live the Word in deed
To share the cup of wine and the bread with all in need;
To work ‘til God’s compassion and righteousness prevail
‘Til all this planet’s people know justice without fail.
5 So now the vision brightens, the light of Christ burns still
In hearts of all disciples to be the church God wills.
From quiet meditation, and joyous hymns of praise
We go to do God’s mission! Christ, lead us all our days!
Invitation to Generosity
Invitation - Pam Baynes
Offertory
Music: “Jesus, Rose of Sharon” [by C.H.Gabriel] - Sarah Park
*Response - “Make Me a Blessing”
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Offering Prayer - Pam Baynes
Children’s Moment - Rev. Chad Delaney
- What do you like about our church?
- Happy Birthday MCCC!
Special Music: I Love to Tell the Story [by Hugh Livingston] - Jan Green
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer - Rev. Chad Delaney
Gracious and Everlasting God,
With hearts filled with gratitude, we gather together on this beautiful day to celebrate our 197th birthday as a congregation. We honor the pioneers who, 197 years ago, birthed this faith community, we recognize the sacred tapestry woven by their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to this community and world. Their legacy lights our path today, reminding us of the commitment we have made to continue their call to ministry.
Awesome God, lift our voices in thanks for the countless blessings that have filled this sanctuary. The joyous moments, deep friendships, the music, the comfort, and heartfelt prayers echo through the years, testifying to your enduring presence.
As a congregation, we stand at the intersection of history and the future. Grant us, O Lord, wisdom and discernment as we journey forward. May our church be a beacon of love extending open arms to all seeking refuge and grace.
As people of faith, help us to learn and tell our own stories of faith. In a world hungry for hope, may our stories be a testimony to Your transformative power. Inspire us to share the gift of your faithfulness, the stories of redemption, and the power of grace.
Lord, bless each member of our congregation – from the young to the seasoned, the newcomers to those who have been coming for decades. May Your Spirit continue to bind us together in faith, hope, and love. Lead us with wisdom and courage. Be with our deepest sorrows and concerns…
Help us to continue to live this legacy of faith in this place and unite us together in the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray saying…
Communion
Meditation - Ally Bozeka
Communion Hymn - When you do this, Remember Me #400, v.1-4
[This hymn was written by Alexander Campbell, DOC founder]
1 You my friend, a stranger once, do now belong to heaven.
Once far away, you are brought home into God's family.
""When you do this, remember me.""
2 Now my Lord is also yours, my people are your own;
embraced together in God's arms, I enfold you now in mine.
""When you do this, remember me.""
3 All your sorrows shall be mine, your joy shall be my joy;
indebted to God's love in Christ, we die and reign with him.
""When you do this, remember me.""
4 So let us renew our faith, remembering our Lord;
to our strong hope we will hold fast, unshaken to the end.
"When you do this, remember me."
Prayer - Beth Schabel
Words of Institution - Beth Schabel
Music: “I Hear the Saviour Say” [by J.T.Grape] - Sarah Park
Scripture - Psalm 78:1-7
1 Give ear, O my people, to my teaching incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable, I will utter dark sayings from of old,
3 things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.
5 He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children;
6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn,
and rise up and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
Sermon - Telling our Story - Rev. Chad Delaney
Together we are part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) -- Our Identity Statement reads: ““We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.”
Our story as the Mantua Center Christian Church began on the American Frontier in 1827 when a group of 9 folks gathered together to birth a new community. They were part of this new movement of Christians who focused on unity, baptism by immersion, and an open table. They didn’t want to start a whole other denomination, but for all Christians to sink into the Body of Christ and restore the New Testament Church.
This movement of God’s people declared: “We are Christians Only, but not the ONLY Christians.” They said, “No book but the Bible, no law but Love.” They said, “No Creed but Christ” and “Unity is our Polar Star.” Some of those original founders may have found their way into our very sanctuary to share the Gospel and spread the word. Our descendants then shared the Gospel in ways that connected in their time and place. Each generation kept it going, passing on that little spark to keep the fire going. We stand on their shoulders.
So…what flame will we pass on today? What story do we want to tell about who Jesus is and how we as a church can share the Good News about him?
There is a saying that circulates in churches: “The Christian faith is only one generation from extinction.” We can see that the ancient Hebrews took this seriously. Passing on the faith from generation to generation was a consistent call in the scriptures. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” What story are we telling?
Everyone has a story. We each are on a journey of faith discovering who we are in relation to God and our neighbor. Today, we are celebrating the Mantua Center Christian Church and we’ve asked three of our members to talk a little about their story of faith and how MCCC has been a part of it.
After today, I would really love to hear from you. Why did you come to MCCC and what keeps you coming? How has MCCC been an important part of your faith journey?
What story are we telling?
Storytellers: Nora Brant, Katie Baird, Kathleen Lewarchick
*Closing Hymn - I Love to Tell the Story #480, vs. 1-3
1 I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
[Refrain:]
I love to tell the story, 'twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.
2 I love to tell the story 'tis pleasant to repeat
what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
the message of salvation from God's own holy word. [Refrain]
3 I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. [Refrain]
Benediction - Rev. Chad Delaney
- Stay for fellowship and cake
- Wednesday Life Study is on, but NO WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON STUDY
- Retreat this week
- Thank you to Nancy Humes - call to worship and cake
- 4th for the 4cs
Mother Teresa, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world"
Postlude: “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” [by W. J. Kirkpatrick] -Sarah Park