Do you have some spare change? Great! We are hosting a Bottles of Hope collection for the Hope Clinic. Filling these baby bottles is a wonderful way to minister with the clinic, and it presents a fun and easy way to get children involved. It captures their imaginations and hearts. Each Sunday School Class, individual, or family is encouraged to pick up a baby bottle at the end of the service today. There is an insert inside each bottle that explains what the Hope Clinic does and how your change can make a difference. Take the bottle home and place it in a prominent place where everyone will see it, like your kitchen table or counter, and then begin to fill the bottle with coins, cash, or a check (made payable to The Hope Clinic). Each time you contribute, you are encouraged to pray for the precious teens, couples, babies, volunteers, staff, and board members. Bring the bottles back to church on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

The 2025 season of dasMärit Farmers and Artists Market in Berne has begun. This not-for-profit market is sponsored by First Mennonite Church on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the corner of SR 218 and US 27 in Berne. If you make it, bake it, or grow it, you can be a vendor. No resale items are permitted; you must make or grow what you sell. Cost is $2 for a 10x10-foot spot and $2 per table. If you bake items, you must have a Safe Serve certification from the health department. Vendors do not have to be present every week. You can pick and choose which weeks you want to set up and sell your goods. To receive a vendor application and handbook, call or text 260-849-0527.

The South Adams Ministerial Association will be hosting a Gospel Music Night at First Mennonite Church, Sunday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature music from various churches around the community. A free will offering will be taken for SAMA. Childcare will be provided through age four.

If you are interested in becoming a member of First Mennonite Church, or would like to be baptized, please contact the church office.

Registration for Camp Luz is now open! Further information can be found at campluz.org. The church helps underwrite the cost for all families wishing to send children to camp. Any questions may be directed to Debby Neuenschwander (children) or Bill Helmlinger (youth).

Kids Ministry Openings: The following positions are available to anyone who loves kids and wants to share the love of Jesus with them! Elementary Children’s Church teacher and Preschool Children’s Church teacher (once a month): Both of these positions have youth helpers and are during the 10:00 a.m. worship hour. Volunteers serve on a rotating basis with a team of teachers, and can be somewhat flexible on the schedule. Talk to Chris or Debby today (or call the church office) if you are interested in serving. 

BINGO at Swiss Village: Elementary kids will be going to Swiss Village Fun Spot on Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m. to play bingo with any residents who want to join us!

Youth School's Out Bash: Youth will have a “School’s Out Bash” on Wednesday, May 28. More details to come.

Youth Summer Bible Reading: The Youth Summer Bible Reading Challenge will take place from June 1 through August 31. Youth will be reading passages from the Old Testament and New Testament. Reading plans are out, so sign up and pick one up!

Join us Wednesday evenings for Bible study, personal enrichment, and fellowship.  There is something for everyone!

• 5:15 p.m. Grace Notes rehearsal (choir room) 
• 6:10 p.m. Mennonotes rehearsal (choir room) 
• 6:15 p.m. JAM rehearsal (Room 7) 
• 5:45-6:30 p.m. Fellowship Meal in the patio
• 7:00 p.m. Ages 0-3: Nursery
• 7:00 p.m. Ages 4-K: Room at the bottom of the ramp
• 7:00 p.m. Grades 1-5: Family Life Center
• 7:00 p.m. Youth: Youth Room (opens at 6:30 p.m.) 
• 7:00 p.m. Bible Study - Genesis (Chapel)
• 7:00 p.m. Band of Brothers Men’s Group (Room 13) 
• 7:00 p.m. She Shares Women’s Group (Room 15) 
• 7:00 p.m. The “EDGE” for younger adults (Room 14) 
• 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, Women’s Ministries, and Quilting
• 8:15 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal (choir loft of the sanctuary)

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. 

Have you heard about pickleball? Pickleball is fun, social, and friendly. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn. Come to the Family Life Center on Tuesday and Thursday evening anytime between 6:30 and 8:30 and/or on Saturday morning between 9 and 11 and join other individuals, couples, and families as they enjoy a new game. Don't have a paddle? No problem. We have extra if you need one. Contact Craig Sprunger for more information - 260.450.4206.

Please note: There will be no pickleball in the Family Life Center in July and August.

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.

The church library catalog is now online. By visiting firstmennonite.library.site or connecting to the catalog through the the church app, you can search for materials available in the library, see what’s new, and what’s popular. Borrowing materials is the same, just sign the check-out card. If you choose to set up an account in the catalog you can also see what you have on loan, check what you have borrowed in the past, and reserve materials that are on loan to someone else. If you have questions, contact Sara Jo Sprunger, sjsprunger@gmail.com, or 260-849-3004.