Table of Contents
Two small yellow books have been riding around in my backpack this summer. I’ve been mentioning them during my sermons recently, and thought I would put the details out there just in case any of the rest of you are interested in learning more.
Both books were published very recently by MennoMedia:
What Is God’s Kingdom and What Does Citizenship Look Like? (part of the Jesus Way Series) by Cesar Garcia. 2021 Herald Press https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513805733/what-is-gods-kingdom-and-what-does-citizenship-look-like/
Cesar Garcia is the General Secretary of Mennonite World Conference, and is from Colombia. He has been a church planter, pastor, and professor of Bible and theology.
Jesus Takes a Side: Embracing the Political Demands of the Gospel by Jonny Rashid.
2022 Herald Press https://www.mennomedia.org/9781513810430/jesus-takes-a-side/
Jonny Rashid is pastor of Circle of Hope, an Anabaptist cell church in Philadelphia. He hosts Circle of Hope’s Resist and Restore podcast and blogs at JonnyRashid.com
Both authors tackle the conventional wisdom many of us have adopted – that we ought to avoid talking about politics in order to be polite.
Here’s what Garcia writes at the very beginning of his first chapter: “Faith and politics do not always mix well during these times of political polarization. Maybe you have received the same advice that I get when I visit family or attend a Bible study group in my church: Never, never talk about politics! And yet we must do so. We signed up for it when we decided to follow Jesus.” (16)
And this is a slice of Rashid’s convictions: “…apoliticality is not truly possible. Politics informs our existence, and rejecting politics as a subject matter, as if it were merely a topic for impassioned discussion, allows the politics that infiltrate our society to go unchallenged and unnoticed. The powers that be, the ones who control political power and constrain political imagination, benefit when we consider politics an impolite topic for conversations and regular interactions. And more importantly, as we have seen, the good news of Jesus has economic and political consequences that require a faithful response. We cannot settle for being polite when truth – and the gospel itself – is at stake.” (52)
Both books are making me think, and if I’m honest, squirm a little bit. I’m so grateful for their voices, though, and am praying I’m open to learning more about who I am in this world, and how I’m called to participate as a disciple of Jesus. I’d highly recommend both books, and would welcome more conversation!
–Pastor Tonya
SUNDAY MORNING Worship THIS SUNDAY SEPT 4 is at 10:00AM!
The link to join is on our website: www.hutchfmc.org Join 5 minutes early for announcements.
COVID-19 case increase prompts suggestions for safety for ourselves and others
CMT affirms these recommendations offered by the CDC: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.
FELLOWSHIP TIME will return on September 11
Enjoy drinks and fellowship following the worship service beginning on September 11, when our regular Sunday School schedule resumes.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4: Season of Creation 2022: Listen to the Voice of Creation
Exodus 3:1-12 and Psalm 19
WORSHIP @ 10:00AM!!!
Preacher: Pastor Tonya
Worship Leader: Heidi Unruh
Children’s Time: Peggy Stucky and DeAnna Goering
Scripture Reader: Calvin Nisly
Pianist: Peggy Stucky
Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
Nursery Attendant: Fred & Mary Wade
Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
During each worship service, you are invited to text your prayer joys and concerns – usually to Pastor Tonya. You are also invited to send prayer joys & concerns during the week. The recording of our worship service is public, so let us know if you’d prefer your request to only be shared via email during the week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announcements are scrolled Sunday mornings before (beginning around 9:25) and after the worship service. There will be no spoken announcements unless there are pressing announcements that did not make it into the PowerPoint. Please send any announcements you’d like to have included to the church office by Thursday each week.
OFFERINGS
We welcome, and are grateful for, your financial donations to our ministry here in Hutchinson. Instead of collecting an offering during worship, an offering plate is placed at the back of the sanctuary for your Sunday morning donations. You are also welcome to send a check to 52 Rambler Rd Hutchinson KS 67502.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- September 4 – Sr. Youth fundraiser breakfast @ 9:00am; worship @ 10:00am
- September 7 – Congregational Ministry Team & Coordination Teams gathering, 7:00pm
- September 11 or 18 – Guess Who’s Coming to the Yard? 5:30pm (must sign up by Sept 4!)
WANTED: FMC MEMORABILIA . . . FMC CENTENNIAL MEMORY MUSEUM
As we prepare for our church’s 100-year celebration (Oct 22-23), we are wanting to set up a display of FMC Memorabilia. Please check your closets, bookshelves, filing cabinets, drawers, attics, etc. for items that highlight life at FMC over the years! Treasures may include (but are not limited to): caps, t-shirts, hymnals, pictorial directories, wedding attire (if you were married at FMC), bulletins, Sunday school materials, etc. We plan to have these items on display throughout the celebration weekend. Please contact Marlene Thode or Jean Gaeddert if you have items available for this Memory Museum display. Thank you.
FMC CENTENNIAL . . . LightHouse Service Day and Giving Opportunities
To date, the total raised for the LightHouse project is $26,875, which exceeds the goal we set of raising $22,000! Thank you for your tremendous generosity! The $22,000 will be used for construction costs and furnishings for the apartments. But we are not finished! More dollars are needed for ongoing maintenance needs, so your donations are still very much appreciated from now until October and beyond. As contractors complete their work, we anticipate inviting volunteers for painting, trim work, cabinet installation, floor work, etc. Interfaith’s goal is to have the building finished by sometime this fall or winter.
REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you when you leave. Go out, watch the doors latch, give both door handles a tug, and make sure they are locked! Thank you.
DEEPENING in Christ…
WORSHIP 10:00AM on SEPT 4 – Season of Creation 2022: Listen to the Voice of Creation
(Psalm 19 and Exodus 3:1-12)
The Season of Creation is the annual Christian celebration to listen and respond together to the cry of creation. During this season (Sept 1-Oct 4) the ecumenical family around the world unites to pray and protect our common home. This year’s theme is: “Listen to the Voice of Creation” inspired by Psalm 19:1-4 “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge .. their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the Earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Here at FMC we are not observing the entire season encompassed by Season of Creation, but we will take time on Sept 4 to “Listen to the Voice of Creation” and consider our place in taking action to lift up silenced voices on our planet.
WORSHIP SEPT 11 – FAITH FORMATION SUNDAY & “RE-MEMBER” SERIES BEGINS
Our annual Faith Formation Sunday includes a blessing of our Sunday School teachers and dedication of Bibles to our Kindergarten, 3rd, and 7th graders. Pastor Tonya still welcomes any “Faces of our Faith” stories she can share!
This Sunday also marks the beginning of the Narrative Lectionary (NL). This schedule of scripture readings begins on September 11, following the big story of God in scripture all the way from Genesis to Acts, culminating with Pentecost on May 28, 2023. This Sept-October we’ll be using worship resources created by Worship-Well titled Re-Member. On September 11 our theme is GOD REMEMBERS, based on Genesis 6:5-22, 8:6-12, 9:8-17.
This series picks up on repeated references in the fall NL texts to remembering: on God’s part, on the part of God’s chosen people, and those they imagined would some day hear their stories. This series invites us to explore the divine and human experience of remembering and forgetting in Scripture while we also remember and celebrate our congregation’s 100th Anniversary on Oct 22-23, 2022! May our remembering of old, old stories this fall “…invite us to recall and regard and reassemble them and ourselves in new ways – ways that shine lights on, and open paths through our current moment in history.” (Worship-Well OVERVIEW)
WORSHIP SEPTEMBER 18-OCTOBER 16, 2022
September 18: Re-Member: ABRAHAM FORGETS (Genesis 12:1-17)
September 25 – MISSION & PEACE SUNDAY with Eldon & Jane Wagler (Mennonite Central Committee). Eldon and Jane will share in worship and Sunday School. This is in place of our usual November “Mission Fest.”
October 2: Re-Member: A MEMORABLE DAY AT THE BEACH (Exodus 14:5-7, 10-14, 21-29)
October 9: Re-Member: MOSES REMINDS OTHERS (Exodus 19:1-9; Leviticus 26:40-45)
October 16: Re-Member: IT WILL BE EASY TO FORGET (Deuteronomy 8:11-19)
PRAYER GROUPS
- A Prayer group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Prayer Room. All are welcome.
- A small ecumenical Centering Prayer group meets on Thursdays (in person @ FMC) from 12:30-1:30pm. If you’d like to learn more, contact Pastor Tonya.
FALL WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES SEPT 11 @ 11:00AM
**A FEW MORE TEACHERS ARE NEEDED FOR PRESCHOOL & GRADE SCHOOL!!** You would be part of a rotation, could choose your dates, and benefit from easy to use Anabaptist based curriculum. And we have most wonderful children who will surely be a blessing to you!
Preschool-5th Grade: SHINE! Curriculum: Fall of a Kingdom
Preschool-Kindergarten (basement – rooms 1&2)
1st-5th (basement – rooms 5&6)
6th-8th (upstairs to the right)
Senior Youth: 9th-12th grade (upstairs to the left)
ADULTS:
Bible Study using the Salt & Light study guide meets in the Prayer Room in the basement.
Copies are available on the table in the foyer. Please pick one up if you plan to join this
class. On September 11 we will study Unit 1.
The Adult Discussion/Study class meeting in the fellowship hall will discuss and decide on
September 11 the focus of study for this fall. Come with your ideas!!
“Younger Adults” Class meets in the adult education room in the basement.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
REJOICE! and UPPER ROOM . . . new issues for September are available above the mailboxes. Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER SEPTEMBER 4 @ 9:00AM (WORSHIP AT 10:00)
Plan to come for a fun time of fellowship and good food provided by the youth group on Sunday, September 4 at 9:00am. Then stay for worship, beginning at 10:00am that morning.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO THE YARD? – SEPT 11 OR 18, 2022 @ 5:30PM
Groups are being formed for this fun social event with friends @ First Mennonite!! If you still want to sign up, please do so ASAP, and by Sunday Sept 4 at the latest. Sign up to be a guest or host on either Sept 11 or Sept 18. Groups will be formed after Sept 4 and you’ll receive information about your destination, or your guests if you are a host.
SERVICE TERMS for MICAH and MICHAELA
Micah Wenger (in Colorado Springs) and Michaela Esau (Tucson) are spending a year in service. Continue to keep them in your prayers. Their new addresses are as follows:
Micah Wenger, 605 Cooper Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Michaela Esau, 6046 East 30th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711
To make a financial contribution for their support, designate your check in the church offering or access their fundraising pages:
Micah https://igfn.us/vf/SAColorado/MicahWenger
Michaela https://igfn.us/vf/MVSTucson/MichaelaEsau
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday – 10:00am – 1:00pm
PASTOR TONYA’S HOURS/SCHEDULE
- Monday: Sabbath Day
- Tuesday-Friday: generally working 8:00am-5:30pm
- “In Office” Hours: 9-2 Tuesday and Thursday; 10-1 on Wednesday
- Available other times by appointment.
- Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)
STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…
SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR RENO COUNTY FOOD BANK: SEPTEMBER: Canned Meat/Tuna
Personal care/hygiene items such as these are appreciated anytime: toilet paper, laundry detergent, bath soap, Kleenex, deodorant, disposable razors, paper towels, shampoo, dish soap, hand/body lotion, tooth paste and tooth brushes. Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements
Invitation to support Family Fun Day! We are reaching out to all of our supporting churches asking for some assistance. We are planning a Family Fun Day for all staff and their families on September 25th, from 2p-5p. This will be full of excitement with a dunk tank, food trucks, yard games and a fishing contest. We thought it would be a great way to bring staff together for something other than work. We are planning to raffle off small gift baskets ($25-$40 value) and would like to know if your church would be interested in providing a basket. If so, please reach out to Stacey Frager, VP of Human Resources, at 620.560.6754. If you are willing to provide a basket, we would like to have them by September 8th. This will give employees who cannot make the event an opportunity to see the basket and buy a raffle ticket in advance.
Position openings on mfc staff: nursing positions on all levels, maintenance technician, dietary aides. Apply at www.mennofriend.com or call 620-663-7175.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Camp Mennoscah Annual Meeting and Dedication of the Renovated Campfire Amphitheater
Will be held on September 18! Join us for an evening of song, popcorn, and generic pop, as well as updates and information on the year at Camp Mennoscah. Time is yet to be determined. (It’s like a mini-Camp Sing! Bring your friends for a happy sing-along.)
Fall Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat on Oct. 28-30!
Crafters and scrapbookers are all invited to come for a weekend of creativity and friends. Lodging will be in the Retreat Center and cropping/crafting will be in the Main Camp dining hall. Space heaters will be available for both areas since the repairs for the furnaces will not be completed. Register here!
CROP Hunger Walk (Reno County), Sunday, September 25!
You are invited to support the Reno County CROP Hunger Walk! One quarter of funds donated will be shared by The Reno County Food Bank and the Christian Soup Ministry. Last year, each agency received
$1080! Church World Service (CWS) will use the rest globally, helping people start small livestock farms or dig wells for their communities. CWS also assists refugees from Ukraine and other nations.
We are hoping at least some of our Mentors & Mentees will be able to participate in the walk this year, and others are also welcome to join in! Come to Rice Park at 2 p.m., Sunday, September 25, as we “Walk with the World”! On-site registration starts at 1:30 p.m. You can also register on-line.
If you would like to support this effort with a financial donation, you can:
- Write a check to “CWS/CROP” and put our church’s name on the memo line. Either put it in our offering at church by September 25 or send it by October 1 to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 39th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS 67502!
- OR donate securely on-line at the Crop Hunger Walk website. Click “donate,” then “General.” https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2022/event/hutchinsonks
HOFFNUNGSAU COMMUNITY FUN NIGHT!
Are you sad that summer is coming to an end? Come out and have a great night of fun and
entertainment at the Community Fun Night!
Saturday, September 3, 5:30pm. Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, 43 13th Avenue, Inman.
- Cornhole Tournament — $20 entry fee, registration 5:30pm-6:00pm, cash prizes
- Kids Activities 5:30pm – 7:30pm – Inflatables, face painting, 9 Square
- Car Show
- Live Music with Tom Gaeddert 7:30pm – 8:30pm
- Food for Sale — Epp Soul Food, Patrick Klassen
- Movie on the Lawn at Dark
Everyone welcome! Bring your family and friends as we celebrate the end of summer!!
Find Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church on Facebook for more details.
KANSAS COALITION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY Do Justice. Love Mercy.
What’s Required to Abolish the Death Penalty?
September 10, 2022 – in person at Krehbiel Auditorium (Bethel College) or Zoom
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Open to the public; no admission charge)
To register: Email info@ksabolition.org and specify your attendance preference (in person or virtual)
Panelists:
- Peter Goerzen, Professor of Bible and Religion, Bethel College
- Donna Schneweis, Board Chair, KCADP
- Ron Wurtz, Retired Federal Public Defender, First Director of the Kansas Death Penalty Defense Unit
- Katie Rose Friesen Birkey, Bethel College Student
- Steven Becker, Former District Court Judge 27th District/Kansas State Rep. District 104
- Wilma Loganbill, Murder Victim Family Member
Sponsored by:
- Bethel College Bible & Religion Dept.
- Kansas Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution
- Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sun., Sept. 11 – KIPCOR Film Series begins, with Generation 9/11, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Filmmaker Katherin Hervey tells the stories of an entire generation shaped by the events of 9/11 and the aftermath. Audience discussion follows the film screening.
“One and a Half Acres: Images from America’s Decommissioned Missile Silos,” photographs by Nate Hofer, now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – through Thurs., Sept. 22 (closing reception Sept. 22). Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
EVERENCE® FINANCIAL WEBINARS starting September 14
Four consecutive Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m. Eastern time
- Sept. 14: Women, Wealth, and Well-being. Hear how a “Financial Checkup” can help you achieve a balance of emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness around your money habits.
- Sept. 21: The Dynamic Story of Stewardship Investing. Learn how Everence® is making a positive impact by incorporating faith and values into our investment options.
- Sept. 28: How to “ACE” your Financial Plan. Hear how a financial plan can help you align your life purpose with decisions about money. Become more confident in your financial future and maximize your charitable giving.
- Oct. 5: Retirement Readiness: Understanding your Income Options. You’ll hear sound ideas for generating a retirement income stream that lasts, including when to begin taking Social Security.
For information and registration, email national@everence.com