If you have more questions or insights about the spiritual gift of wisdom, come and join the Disciple Commission for a discussion time in Sunday school at 9:00 AM on Sunday, Sept 20th or 27th. We will meet in room 15 on the lower level. You are welcome to attend either session or both!! The Disciple Commission would love to have people share what they have experienced and seen about this gift. Bring your questions as well!! 

Due to all the rain, the Campfire Worship originally scheduled for September 20 at Fellowship Point has been moved to a night of worship in HeBrews.

Registrations are open for The Hope Clinic fundraising banquets with special guest speaker Gloria Barnes, author of When I Stopped Running She Found Me: A Birth Mom’s Story. There will also be a client testimony, an update on Margie’s Place, and ministry updates and stories of lives impacted through The Hope Clinic. The Berne banquet date is Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7:00 p.m. here at First Mennonite Church. For additional information call (260) 589-3561 for questions. 

Again this year, our church will send crafts and baked goods to the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale held at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds September 25 and 26. 

Relief Crafts: Crafts for the sale will be on display along the upper hallway outside the chapel. Any craft item you wish to donate should be brought to the Women’s Ministries room by Wednesday evening, Sept. 16. Items will need to be placed on tables set up in the hallway by 9:00 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25 

Relief Sale Baking Supplies: Supplies are available on the baked goods table in the foyer.

Join us at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, out at Fellowship Point for our 5th annual Chili Cook-Off. Bring your chili to share or a dessert/snack, and lawn chairs for you and your family. We’ll have cornhole hillbilly golf, hayrides, and a fishing tournament, too! 

Calling all third, fourth, and fifth graders—Junior Quizzing is about to start! This year we’ll be studying Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. Come to learn and memorize God’s Word, build friendships, and have lots of fun! Please sign up in the patio. If you have questions, contact Jenny Dubach at (260) 849- 2342. 

Das Märit Farmers and Artists Market finishes its season on October 3. Don't miss your opportunity to purchase yummy baked goods, fresh produce, flowers, and a variety of handmade crafts from local vendors. And while you're there, enjoy a freshly-made Belgian waffle. The market is held each Saturday morning in the First Mennonite Church parking lot at the corner of Main Street and US 27 in Berne.

Rehearsals for Handel's Messiah begin Tuesday, October 6, at 7:00 p.m., and continue weekly through Tuesday, December 1. All singers are invited to join the choir for the presentations on Saturday evening, December 5 and Sunday afternoon, December 6.

Safety/Security for FMC Kids: The children’s committee has been asked to evaluate the safety and security of the kids of FMC. The beautiful, historic building we have does NOT lend itself well to a secure kids’ area. We are in the process of testing electronic check-in equipment and trying some new procedures as we consider possible construction options to make a secure kids’ area. While no big decisions have been made yet, please be patient with us as we make a few changes on both Sunday and Wednesday nights to be sure our children are safe!

Gather, Grow, and Worship together on Wednesday nights. The following options are being offered. 

Chapel: In September, Dr. Ben Sprunger will be presenting From Jesus to Anabaptism. How did the life and teaching of Jesus spark the Anabaptist movement that changed history—and still defines our faith today? 

Band of Brothers: “Biblical Manhood: God’s purpose, plan, and power for His sons”. This year Band of Brothers will journey through the biblical record, not only to understand the Bible’s content, but also to help equip men to walk in faith, lead with strength, and live out God’s design for their daily lives.  

She Shares: This is a group of women who enjoy a simple reading of Bible passages and informally discussing our observations. The focus for the group this year will be the Holy Spirit. Join us as we get to know the Spirit better by exploring verses from Genesis to Revelation. Along with discovering insights from God’s Word, we share each other’s burdens and lift one another up in prayer. 

Youth: The Youth Room opens at 6:30 for grades 6-12.

NEW for Kids: Gym open for kids and background-checked volunteers only from 6:15-6:45. Kids classes start at 6:45. If kids arrive after 6:45, please take them to room 7. Kids will be picked up in the patio at 8 pm.

JAM choir - for kids in 2nd-5th grade at 6:15 in room 7.

A trip is being planned for a group to go to Asheville, North Carolina from December 13th through 19th to work with Mennonite Disaster Service in rebuilding after hurricane Helene which took place Sept. 2024. If interested, please contact Bill Beachey at 849-0426.

The first session of DTS is Sunday, September 20, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the patio area by the kitchen. Bring a pencil or pen and a notebook to take notes.

The Spiritual Guidance Cabinet would like to offer prayer for healing as well as anointing with oil to anyone struggling with health issues. James 5:14-15. Please contact Darin Ringger at (260) 820-0191.

Contribute to the needs of our community by participating in Project Share. You can place your donations on the table in the foyer or in the box inside the east entrance of the church.  Suggestions for each month are listed below, but all donations are appreciated.

• January - Cereal & Baby Food
• February - Monetary Donations
• March - Vegetables
• April - Boxed/Pouched Side Dishes
• May - Cake, Brownie, Muffin Mixes
• June - Paper Products
• July - Personal Hygiene Products
• August - Feminine Hygiene Products
• September - Canned Meat
• October - Soups
• November - Pasta
• December - Beans

Did you know that you can receive weekly parenting tips, videos, and devotion ideas right to your phone? If you would like to sign up for this, please text the following: @fmcpare to the number 81010 and request to be part of our Biblical Parenting thread. 

Do you have a Right Now Media account? This resource provides access to over 20,000 Bible study and devotional videos for youth and adults as well as a library of popular, safe kids' shows that you can view anytime, anywhere, and from any device. Activate your FREE account by clicking HERE.