Table of Contents
“True evangelical faith … cannot lie dormant” This past Sunday Pastor Jim read for us the entire quote by Menno Simons to help us enter into the worship and sermon series we have begun on the Gospel of Matthew. In case it went by you too quickly during the sermon, I’ve copied it below for your further reflection. Often we’ve heard a shortened version of this quote, and it’s well worth considering in its entirety.
“True evangelical faith is of such a nature it cannot lie dormant,
but spreads itself out in all kinds of righteousness and fruits of love;
it dies to flesh and blood;
it destroys all lusts and forbidden desires;
it seeks, serves and fears God in its inmost soul;
it clothes the naked;
it feeds the hungry;
it comforts the sorrowful;
it shelters the destitute;
it aids and consoles the sad;
it does good to those who do it harm;
it serves those that harm it;
it prays for those who persecute it;
it teaches, admonishes and judges us with the Word of the Lord;
it seeks those who are lost;
it binds up what is wounded;
it heals the sick;
it saves what is strong (sound);
it becomes all things to all people.
The persecution, suffering and anguish that come to it for the sake of the Lord’s truth have become a glorious joy and comfort to it.” (Menno Simons 1539)
— Pastor Tonya
SUNDAY MORNING Worship at 9:30am
The link to join is on our website: www.hutchfmc.org Join 5 minutes early for announcements.
COLD, FLU and COVID-19 safety suggestions for ourselves and others
Along with recommending that everyone traveling on planes, trains, buses, and other public transportation wear masks, the CDC also recommends that as COVID-19 numbers and other illness spike, wearing a mask indoors in public spaces is a good idea. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Stay home if you are not feeling well.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 2023 – Tempted in the Wilderness
Matthew 4:1-17; Psalm 91:9-12
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
- Song Leader: TBA
- Children’s Time: Susan Combs
- Scripture Reader: Joel Iwashige
- Pianist: Shelley Kauffman
- Ushers: Dennis & Jennalee Boggs
- Nursery Attendant: TBA
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
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 and after worship. 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 (except on special occasions), an offering box is placed at the back of the sanctuary for your Sunday morning donations. You can also now make a donation directly from our website (www.hutchfmc.org) using a credit card or your banking account. You are also welcome to send a check to 52 Rambler Rd Hutchinson KS 67502.
2022 INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION REPORTS . . . a note from our treasurer
Since the IRS has raised the standard deduction threshold and those with IRA’s can send funds directly to charitable organizations to help meet their minimum required distributions, the need to receive your annual contribution report has been diminished for income tax purposes. Therefore, instead of stuffing mailboxes with annual giving reports, if you would like to receive your giving report from FMC, please let me know I will get you yours. You can reach me at mikedirks@earthlink.net or 620-474-1224.
Mike Dirks
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- January 10 – Congregational Ministry Team (CMT) – 6:30pm
- January 16 – Family Night (intergenerational fellowship – everyone invited) – 6:30pm
- January 22 – Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday – celebrating with One Lunch offering
- January 25 – CMT and the four Coordination Teams meeting together – 6:30pm
REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you.
DEEPENING in Christ…
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.
LPC: Listening-Prayer-Conversation Groups BEGINNING Second Week of January 2023
Monthly LPC (Listening-Prayer-Conversation) groups begin this week. The hour will be simply structured to create space for listening to scripture and Spirit, praying with and without words, and conversation with God and others. Two options will be offered each month: Second Tuesday from Noon-1pm or Second Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. There is also the possibility of adding a Zoom option to either one of these times. If possible, please RSVP to Pastor Tonya if you plan to attend, but also feel free to just come (unless you want to join on Zoom – in that case, an RSVP is necessary).
WINTER-SPRING 2023 WORSHIP SERIES – GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
This winter and spring (through Easter) we will be listening to the Gospel of Matthew, using the Narrative Lectionary. Pastor Jim started us off this past Sunday, January 8, with the story of Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3. We encourage you to spend time reading along in Matthew as we journey through the Epiphany season, and then Lent (beginning Feb 22) which will lead us to Easter Sunday on April 9. If you read 2 chapters a week between now and Easter, you will have read the entire Gospel!
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL @ 11:00AM (except for the 5th Sundays of the month)
Preschool-8th 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 in the classroom.
The Adult Discussion/Study class meeting in the fellowship hall and on Zoom (contact Pastor Tonya for the zoom link. This group will resume its study about Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery. You can learn more here: https://dofdmenno.org/
“Younger Adults” Class meets in the adult education room in the basement.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
This new year brings opportunity to begin a new tradition . . . begin each day with a reading from one of the devotional magazines—REJOICE! or UPPER ROOM. New issues are available above the mailboxes. Please let us know if you would like a copy mailed to you.
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
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)
COORDINATION TEAMS & CMT (CONGREGATIONAL MINISTRY TEAM) MEET JAN 25
As we begin the new year, all Coordination Teams (Faith Formation, Faithful Community, Service and Outreach, and Stewardship) will meet with the Congregational Ministry Team on Wed January 25 at 6:30pm. We’ll welcome new members, review our shared mission and purpose, and prayerfully look toward the year ahead. If you are a member of one of these teams or the CMT, please plan to attend and participate in this gathering.
CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC
Craft night returns as a regularly scheduled event on the 2nd Monday of each month. Mark your calendar for the next one on February 13, 6:30-8:00pm in the church library. Bring your project – knitting, crocheting, other crafts – and enjoy this time of friendship and ministry together. Any questions . . . contact Cheryl Warkentin or Diane Ziemer.
FAMILY NIGHT . . . intergenerational, all are welcome, invite a friend
The “Younger Adults” Sunday school class invites anyone to join them on Monday, January 16, at 6:30pm at the church. Enjoy fellowship, games, and a craft (tentatively early Valentine card making). Consider inviting a friend to join in! Questions? Contact Maggie Pounds.
UPCOMING PASTOR-CONGREGATION REVIEW
Lee Lever, Western District Conference consultant for our upcoming Pastor-Congregation Review process, will be visiting us on Sunday January 29. Lee will be preaching during worship and will be training facilitators for the Appreciative Inquiry Process we’ll be using for the review. Watch for more details coming soon about how you can participate. This review will culminate (late May or early June) in an opportunity for our congregation to vote to extend Pastor Tonya’s call to ministry with us. At present her Memo of Understanding with us ends in August.
ARMS WIDE OPEN – FMC’s history book
The amazing story of First Mennonite Church’s 100 years is told in the history book prepared for our centennial celebration. Copies of the book are available for $25.00 (cash or check). You can also now purchase a book online at a price that includes the cost of shipping (click on the “DONATE” button on our website to find this option). Check with the church office to pick up a book.
STRETCHING to Serve as Christ Served…
SUNDAY MORNING DONATIONS FOR RENO COUNTY FOOD BANK:
JANUARY: Peanut Butter (FEBRUARY: 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.
“TOGETHER WE CAN BE THE DREAM” . . . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observance at HCC
Hutchinson Community College invites the public to the following events in observance of our national holiday:
- Sunday, January 15, 2023, 2:00pm, Stringer Fine Arts Center – performances by choral groups from Hutchinson and Buhler
- Monday, January 16, 2023, 10:30am-2:00pm, meet at Stringer Fine Arts Center at 10:30am for a day of service volunteering in the community.
ANABAPTIST WORLD FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY . . . celebrated with One Lunch offering
On Sunday, January 22, we will be joining Anabaptist-related churches around the world with the common theme, “Jesus Christ: Our Hope,” which was chosen and developed by the churches of Africa. Typically planned for the fourth Sunday of January, we commemorate the first Anabaptist baptism that took place on January 21, 1525 in Zurich, Switzerland. Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday provides an opportunity to remember our common roots and celebrate our worldwide koinonia. To support the work of Mennonite World Conference, we invite every member to contribute the cost of at least one lunch in their own community to support the networks and resources of our global Anabaptist church family. A special “One Lunch” offering will be received that morning. Checks may be made payable to FMC, with “One Lunch” in the memo.
FMC SERVES AT THE CHRISTIAN SOUP MINISTRY IN HUTCH ON JANUARY 28.
Our church has made a commitment to serve at the Christian Soup Ministry on the 4th Saturday of every other month. Our next opportunity to serve is January 28. Help is needed to cook (starting around 2:00pm) to deliver meals around 4:00pm, and to serve the meal at 5:00pm. Donations of applesauce and salad greens are also requested. Bring to the church the Sunday before, or to the soup kitchen on the 28th. A signup sheet is posted on the “Sign Up” bulletin board in the church foyer. Questions? Contact Kevin Martin Nisly or Sadie Nisly.
NUMANA FUNDRAISER AS PART OF “KNOW JESUS” YOUTH RETREAT @ HESSTON COLLEGE
This February our Junior High Youth (tentatively 2 youth) will be participating in Know Jesus, a youth retreat sponsored by Western District and South Central Conferences at Hesston College. The conference theme is Discovering your Anabaptist Filter. Throughout the weekend the youth will learn what it means to be Anabaptist in the past, present, and future. In the spirit of the Anabaptist value of living out our faith there will be a service opportunity. This year the youth will have the opportunity to pack 48,000 meals for families all over the world. Numana is an international hunger relief organization based in El Dorado, KS. Numana facilitates food packaging events that educate people about hunger while empowering them to serve the hungry. Our congregation has the opportunity to help support our youth in this meaningful service project by raising funds for the food and supplies needed. Please make your checks out to First Mennonite with “Numana” in the memo line. Thanks for your support!
KANSAS MENNONITE MEN’S CHORUS . . . inviting singers for April concerts
KMMC is inviting men to join the rehearsals beginning Sunday, January 29, in preparation for the concerts planned for April 16 and 23. The chorus’ motto, “We sing that others may live,” speaks to their goal of raising funds for the work of Mennonite Central Committee around the world. Join in the blessings of singing and sharing God’s love through KMMC. Talk to Calvin Buller for more information.
SALTHAWK COMMUNITY SUPPORT announcements
Donations of Chapstick and deodorant are always needed. You can place these and other toiletries, along with any teenage appropriate clothing/shoes (a recent specific request was hoodies) in the basket at church or drop off directly at Trinity United Methodist Church. Financial donations for ongoing program costs are also invited throughout the year.
JANUARY 21 SALTHAWK FUNDRAISER: Taste of Hutchinson-The Men Cook @ Hutchinson Art Center
Experience the delicious tastes of appetizers and entrees prepared and served by some of Hutchinson’s finest men! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Apron Strings, The Wool Market, Trinity United Methodist Church, online at www.trinityhutch.org/taste-of-hutchinson, or at the door. This is a fun community event! Funds raised at this event insure the financial future of the Salthawk Community Support program at Hutchinson High School, MidTown @ Avenue A, and HMS-8. at the Hutchinson Art Center. Tickets are $40 each. 7-8:30pm.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Mon., Jan. 16 – Bethel College celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, featuring Marche Fleming-Randle, “Together We Can Be the Dream,” 7 p.m., Memorial Hall
Sun., Jan. 22 – Bethel College Music Department Honors Recital, 4 p.m., Administration Building chapel, featuring freshman, sophomore and junior vocal and instrumental students who performed exceptionally during the fall 2022 semester.
Save the date: Sat., Jan. 28 – Kauffman Museum annual Kansas Day event, “Kansans Create!,” noon-4 p.m., museum parking lot and grounds. For more information, see the Kauffman Museum Facebook page or kauffmanmuseum.org
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
Missional Leadership Class. The “M” word. You’ve heard it, you’re intrigued, but what does it really mean? Join Michele Hershberger to learn what the word “missional” means and how a proper understanding of this concept can transform your congregation! As part of the class, Missional Leadership, you will see the Bible through a missional lens and learn great tips for starting your church on a journey of spiritual renewal and growth! You can join the class in person on Hesston’s campus or online via Zoom on Monday evenings starting January 16 through May 8, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. central time. Contact Michele Hershberger at michele.hershberger@hesston.edu for more information.
January 14 – Masterworks Performance. Join Hesston College Performing Arts for a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend on January 14 at Hesston Mennonite Church. The performance will feature music by African American composers and is titled “I Believe.” Find more information at hesston.edu/masterworks or join the concert virtually at hesston.edu/livestream.
January 23 – Nature Book Club
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 23 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom to participate in their Nature Book Club. Books this month will be “How the Penguins Saved Veronica” by Hazel Prior and “Horizon” by Barry Lopez. Register and learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
January 31 – Attracting Bees & Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
Join the Dyck Arboretum January 31 at 7 p.m. via Zoom to be a part of their presentation Attracting Bees & Beneficial Insects with Native Plants. Heather Halm will present. Register and learn more at dyckarboretum.org/events.
February 6 – Sunflower Performing Arts: Our Song, Our Story
Join Hesston College’s Sunflower Performing Arts on February 6 at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church for a great performance, Our Song, Our Story: The New Generation of Black Voices. Performing opera, art song, spirituals, and jazz, these world class black artists will pay homage to Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman who were at the vanguard of black classical singers. Tickets can be purchased online at hesston.edu/sunflower-performing-arts/ or by calling 620-327-8158.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Interviews for Summer Staff Starting Soon! We are seeking stunning summer staff to fill the following leadership positions for the 2023 summer: crafts, lifeguard, music, nature, office, and grounds. These positions are typically filled by college-age students, are summer-long and receive a stipend. Let us know who you think would make a great summer staffer at Camp Mennoscah. It’s a summer of fun, service and faith formation!
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE HOPE FUND
WDC’s Hope Fund assists WDC congregations and commissions in response to the impact of the COVID pandemic, natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in added expenses, stress, and loss of income. Thanks to generous contributions from WDC congregations, members and friends, 28 grants were made from 2020 to 2022, totaling over $62,000. Nearly a third of WDC congregations and the Ministerial Leadership Commission have received grants (some receiving multiple grants) to assist with needs such as rent, utility bills, facility repairs, groceries, medical costs, transportation, children’s daycare, mental health counseling and coaching. After all this good work, the Hope Fund is running low and seeks new contributions in 2023! Donations designated “Hope Fund” may be made online at https://forms.ministryforms.net/embed.aspx?formId=c50eb5b3-a9b7-4431-ba3c-bcb6744f74f1 or sent to Western District Conference at PO Box 306, North Newton, KS 67117
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) seeks coordinator
We are searching for a Regional Operations Coordinator who will oversee all MDS project operations in Region 3 (Plains states, west of Mississippi), and facilitate volunteer engagement in the investigation and development of projects. Find more information, on our webpagewww.mds.org/employment/.