Table of Contents
Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise.
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you.
All the earth worships you;
they sing praises to you,
sing praises to your name.” Selah
Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds among mortals.
He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There we rejoiced in him,
who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah
Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
who has kept us among the living
and has not let our feet slip. (Psalm 66:1-9)
WINTER HEALTH ADVISORY
Welcome to the annual “sickly” season! It comes around every year but that doesn’t mean we should be complacent because even the common cold can be deadly. You can become severely ill with an array of bugs other than COVID. So protect yourself by following best health practices such as washing hands frequently, avoiding crowds or wearing masks, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, and staying home if not feeling well.
2023 INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION REPORTS
Since the IRS has raised the standard deduction threshold and those with IRA’s can send 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 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
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at 9:30am
The link to join is on our website: www.hutchfmc.org Join 5 minutes early for announcements. The bulletin can be found under the BULLETINS tab on our home page.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2024 – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER HEALED
God of healing, when someone in your world suffers, you suffer as well. Restore your world and heal your children so that no one needs to suffer any longer. Amen.
Mark 5:21-43; (Psalm 131)
- Preacher: Jim Unruh
- Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
- Children’s Time & Scripture Reader: Diane Ziemer
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Song Leader: TBA
- Ushers: Jay & Stephanie Gehring
- Nursery Attendant: TBA
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- 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 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.
INVITATION TO DONATE: SOLAR PANELS & UPDATING FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
We’ve raised $2,100 and met over half of our goal! At our 2023 Annual Meeting the congregation voted to pursue installation of solar panels to provide part of our building’s electricity usage, to update our fire alarm system, and to install magnetic door openers on the internal fire doors. Funding for all three of these projects will be through the Wedel Fund. Criterion for the use of money from the Wedel Fund is that 10% of the cost must be raised in advance. In order to move forward with these projects using Wedel Funds, we need to raise approximately $4,000. We are inviting contributions over the next few weeks in order to schedule these projects with our vendors. Contributions may be made online or by check with a designation for “Solar Panels & Fire Alarms.” A chart in the foyer tracks our progress toward reaching our goal.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- Jan 31 – Faithful Community Coordination Team 1:00pm
- Feb 11 – FMC leads worship at Mennonite Friendship Communities 10:00am
- Feb 11 – Super Bowl Subs ready for pick up from Sr. Youth
- Feb 14 – Ash Wednesday – 6:30pm service at FMC with Community Church of the Brethren
- Feb 18 – First Sunday of Lent
- Feb 28 – Choir rehearsals begin for Lent / Easter season (Wednesdays @ 5:30pm)
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
These groups meet for an hour once/month in the Common Grounds room and are facilitated by Pastor Tonya. The format allows for time in prayer by yourself and also with the group. Any are welcome to join, or to just come and check it out! It’s also possible to join on Zoom if you prefer.
- The Tuesday group meets again at 1:00pm on Tuesday, February 13.
- The Wednesday evening group meets 6:30pm on THURSDAY, Feb 14
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR EVERYONE
CHILDREN’S CLASSES (preschool-6th grade) meet in the basement.
SENIOR YOUTH (8th-12th grade) meet upstairs.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY, using Salt & Light curriculum from Menno Media. This class is facilitated by Calvin Buller and Marlene Thode and meets in the adult Sunday School room in the basement.
ADULT DISCUSSION CLASS meets in the Fellowship Hall in person and on zoom. On January 7 this group began a new DVD based study: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. Pastor Jim and Pastor Tonya facilitate. More details below.
And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS meeting in the library. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds.
CELEBRATION OF DISCIPLINE: THE PATH TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Join the Adult Discussion Class for a DVD based study of Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. This classic book on spiritual growth was first written in 1978 and has stood the test of time in its relevance to people seeking a path of spiritual growth. This study will provide you with spiritual practices to explore and implement in your daily life, as well as a community to discuss with and learn alongside. All are welcome to join at any time! Participant guidebooks are provided. If you can help cover the $6.50 cost per book we’d welcome that. We’ll pause this study for Lent (see next announcement) and will pick it up again after Easter.
HANDEL’S MESSIAH – LENT STUDY during Sunday school hour
A study of Handel’s MESSIAH will be offered the six Sundays during Lent (beginning February 18). This study will be held in the fellowship hall during the regular Sunday school hour. The study will include hearing MESSIAH and learning how Handel paints pictures in sound. Calvin Buller will lead the study. All are welcome! (The “Celebration of Discipline” study will pause during this time and reconvene on April 14.)
GOSPEL OF MARK WORSHIP SERIES CONTINUES THROUGH EASTER
Beginning Sunday January 14, we turned toward the story of the good news of Jesus as told by Mark. This story will carry us through Lent and Easter (on March 31). May our journey through this story bring us closer to Jesus and more aligned with his good road of beauty and harmony.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP – FEB 14 AT 6:30PM with COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
Gather with our friends from the Church of the Brethren on Wednesday Feb 14 at 6:30pm in the FMC fellowship hall to mark the beginning of Lent with our annual Ash Wednesday service. This service includes prayers, scripture, music, imposition of ashes, and prayers around the cross. We do plan to offer a livestream for those wanting to join remotely.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP at MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES (mfc)
Pastor Jim will be leading worship at mfc on Sunday, February 11 at 10:00am. He would invite others to participate with him in leading the service. Contact him directly if you are willing to share your gifts in this way on behalf of FMC. Thank you, Jim, for carrying the ministry of FMC to the mfc campus.
CHOIR REHEARSALS BEGIN WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28 @ 5:30pm
All singers are welcome for our Lent/Easter choir season with five rehearsals and plans to sing on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
New issues of UPPER ROOM and Rejoice! 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
Office hours:
- Monday: Day Off
- 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)
Upcoming “Day Apart with God” dates (for silence, reading, prayer & journaling – will NOT be checking email or responding to texts/calls (except for emergencies). Typically this is the 4th Wednesday of the month. The next date is: Wednesday February 28 (8am-5pm)
Pastor Tonya’s Sabbatical dates (spread out between summer 2023-summer 2025)
Pastor Tonya has joined a study program called, “Transforming Community.” Retreats take place in Chicago. Her next scheduled retreat is March 10-13 (back in office on March 14). In addition, she has scheduled some vacation time prior to this retreat to visit family in Ohio (leaving Wednesday March 6).
FMC FAITH FAMILY DIRECTORY
The 2024 issue is now available on the table in the foyer and in the circular rack by the mailboxes. Please continue to provide updates to your contact information throughout the year. Send to the church office office@hutchfmc.org. If you would like to receive the directory by email attachment, please let the church office know.
CRAFT NIGHT @ FMC on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Craft Night is on Monday, February 12, 6:30-8:00pm in the church Fellowship Hall. Bring your project – knitting, crocheting, other crafts – and enjoy this time of friendship and ministry together. Any questions . . . contact Cheryl Warkentin or Diane Ziemer.
HYMN SING @ COMMUNITY CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN ON FEBRUARY 4 @ 2:00PM
We have been invited to join area Church of the Brethren congregations for a hymn sing at Community Church of the Brethren on Feb 4 and 2:00pm. If you wish, bring snacks to share at a fellowship time following the hymn sing. This church is located at 1600 N Severance Street in Hutchinson. FMC partners with Church of the Brethren on several annual events, and this offers another opportunity to strengthen between two like-minded congregations.
SUPER BOWL SUB FUNDRAISER – SIGN UP BY FEB 8 TO PICK UP ON FEB 11
Sign up after worship on Sunday for your Super Bowl Subs prepared by our Senior Youth Group. Choose turkey or ham/salami ($10/sub). Every sub comes with a little baggie of veggies (but you provide your own condiments). Sign up by February 8 (on Jan 28 & Feb 4 after worship the youth to be in the foyer to take orders, or contact Jonathan Wenger or Tanya Martin Nisly). Pick up your sub(s) on Sunday February 11 after worship.
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 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:
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, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Travel size – new & unopened – are desirable.
SUPPORT FOR LightHouse:
Thanks for your continued donations for the food pantry at LightHouse! When we have an updated list of needs, we’ll post it here!
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announces LIVERWURST & FRIED MUSH SUPPER
It’s time to start dreaming of Mennonite Friendship Communities Liverwurst & Fried Mush annual dinner as the date is quickly approaching! Join us on Friday, February 23rd from 5-8 pm at the Journey Activity Center in Yoder for Liverwurst, Fried Mush, Whole Hog Sausage, Tomato Gravy and more! This year’s proceeds will go to renovations to the South Entrance of Healthcare. Come enjoy good food and fellowship! For more info, call Susan Nisly at 620-663-7175.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Two volunteers are needed daily to help with Retreat Center HVAC work from Monday through Friday for the next 12 weeks. Construction skills are not a requirement. Contact Camp Mennoscah at 620-297-3290, text 316-293-7313 or email olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org. Half days are fine.
Registration for 2024 Summer Youth Camps is open! Staff is still adjusting to the big Retreat Center project and some details are sure to have been missed–but that will not stop you from registering for a great week of camp. The theme for the summer is Linked By Love and looks at the many ways we experience God’s love through relationships. Register online!
The application for 2024 Summer Staff at Camp Mennoscah is open! Summer staff must be 18 years old or older. The staff leadership positions receiving stipends are naturalist, crafts leader, lifeguard, grounds/maintenance, music leader, and office/media. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. The 2024 summer camp season begins June 2 with orientation for summer-long positions and ends August 4. We can’t wait to hear from you!
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Sat., Feb. 3 – Bethel College Faculty Recital: Dr. Christina Liu, piano, 2 p.m. [note time change], Administration Building chapel
Now in the Regier Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College – “Forest Listening,” a sound art installation by Liz K. Miller, through Feb. 9. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11 – KIPCOR Film Series presents Eroding History, 2 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center. Audience talkback follows the screening; a freewill offering will be taken to support KIPCOR and the film series.
WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE – OPEN HOUSE February 10
Western District Conference invites you to a come-and-go Open House on Saturday, February 10, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the WDC office, 2517 North Main Street, North Newton, KS. This is in addition to the WDC Library Open House and Book Sale already announced. Check out what’s new in the Resource Library, browse the used-book sale, enjoy refreshments, chat with staff, and celebrate WDC’s newly renovated office spaces!
BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH ANNUAL CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP FUNDRAISER
Buhler Mennonite Church’s ANNUAL CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SUPPER is just a few weeks away on Wednesday, February 14. While we will not have a dine-in experience in our church basement, we will be offering a carry-out featuring noodle soup, pie and bread. Orders will be accepted through Friday, February 2. Call or text 620-664-7699 to let us know how many orders you want. Pick up will be at the north entrance of the church (220 W Ave B, Buhler, KS) from 4:00 to 6:00pm on Wednesday, February 14. Enter from the south side parking lot on B Street. Free will offering toward OUTREACH MEALS.
HALSTEAD MENNONITE CHURCH ANNUAL VERENIKE SUPPER FUNDRAISER
February 17, 4:30-7:00pm. Located at 427 West 4th in Halstead. Menu is verenike, ham gravy, sausage, green beans, zwieback, pie and assorted relishes. Dine-in and carryout available (west side of church on Santa Fe). Proceeds go to USD 440 school lunches and Halstead community utility bill assistance.
HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE LIFELONG LEARNING class on the BIBLE
- Class title: The Grand Story of the Bible – Genesis to Revelation
- Instructor: Ted Weis
- Dates: February 29, March 7, March 14
- Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Location: Peel Center – 1 East 9th Street (on Main and 9th)
- Registration: $45. Call 620-727-2791 or email outreachinfo@hutchcc.edu
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
MCC Central States annual meeting, Saturday, March 2 at 10 a.m. You are invited to join the meeting in-person or virtually to hear MCC U.S. Executive Director Ann Graber Hershberger share an MCC update. Please email centralstates@mcc.org if you would like the Zoom link to join virtually. Otherwise, join us at MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St in North Newton, Kansas.
Comforter Blitz – Monday, March 4-6, 2024, Journey Mennonite Church Activity Center, Yoder
If you can tie a knot, you can make a difference. Activity center located at 3605 East Long View Rd.
- Monday, March 4 . . 9am – 4pm
- Tuesday, March 5 . . 9am – 9 pm
- Wednesday, March 6 . . 9am – 4pm
Questions? Please contact brociamueller@mcc.org.
MCC Material Resources Center in North Newton critically low on inventory: An MCC kit cannot be distributed until each item for the kit is assembled, but some supplies in the Material Resources Center are so low that kits cannot be processed for shipping. You can help by filling the following needs: new infant onesies and sleepers (6-12 month sizes); new bath towels (dark colored, light to medium weight); new hand towels (dark colored). Locally, MCC distributes prisoner care and returning citizen care kits, for those kits we currently need:men’s shirts (sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL — any color) and men’s underwear (sizes 2XL, 3XL — any color). Buy online and ship it to MCC or bring items to MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117). Questions are always welcome, please contact brociamueller@mcc.org or 316.283.2720. A full list of MCC kit contents can be found at mcc.org/kits.
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE – April 12-13, 2024 announcements
WANTED—Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s, Campers, Tractors, Modern Farm Equipment, etc. for the KS MCC Sale. Items you no longer need can help Feed and Cloth Thousands in desperate living conditions. ALL donations are Tax Deductible. Call Jerry Toews for info: 620 367 8257. Help make a difference. – KMRSale Committee
EVERENCE® FEBRUARY WORKSHOP: MAKE MEDICARE AN EASY STEP
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Thursday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. The in-person workshop will be held at the Everence office: 3179 N. Main St. Suite 1B, North Newton. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
SWAP . . . SHARING WITH APPALACHIAN PEOPLE
We are excited to announce SWAP is accepting applications for the upcoming year! Would you consider coming to Appalachia? Apply today to reserve your spot at www.swap.mcc.org.
A service and learning program of MCC Great Lakes, SWAP provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for schools, universities, churches, families, groups and individuals. Participants should be 15 years or older. You can, however, call the office to inquire about younger participants. SWAP experiences often run in the summer. Experiences can also be arranged during non-summer months and are great options for retirees!
MCC U.S. NATIONAL PEACE & JUSTICE MINISTRIES
Urge Congress To Pass The Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act
Background: Critical minerals are essential components of solar panels, wind turbines and electric batteries—all important in the transition to cleaner energy sources. The mining for these minerals, however, can have enormous negative effects: polluted air, water and soil; the exploitation of workers; and the desecration of sacred Indigenous sites. Mining on public lands in the U.S. is governed by the 1872 Mining Law, which fails to protect our public lands and the surrounding communities. More than a century of reckless mining has poisoned our air, waters, and lands—and has disproportionately impacted Indigenous communities.
Urge Congress to pass the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act (H.R. 3495, S. 1742) to mandate strong environmental protections for water and land resources, and also protect tribal sacred sites that have been disproportionately impacted by mining operations. Other bills, like the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act (H.R. 2925, S. 1281), offer false solutions that would further weaken mining laws. Please encourage your members of Congress to support the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act and oppose the Mining Regulatory Clarity Act.
Faith Reflection: We are entrusted with a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19). We can be climate peacemakers if we approach changemaking with an attitude of love, humility and listening, restoring right relationships as we restore God’s Earth.
Action: Urge Congress to pass the Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act
MCC U.S. NATIONAL PEACE & JUSTICE MINISTRIES announces 2024 PEACE CAMPS
For young adult (ages 18-30), Peace Camps offer opportunities to learn and explore dynamics of social change; experience personal transformation; and apply Anabaptist, Biblical foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee. read more about each peace camp and when to register.
MCC . . . more announcements
Feb. 23: High School Essay Contest
Are you a youth who attends a Mennonite high school or an Anabaptist church? This is your opportunity to express your views in essay format on critical issues facing U.S. society. Submissions are due Feb. 23, 2024, and may be in English or Spanish. The grand prize is $1000! Find out more about the high school essay contest.
April 29-May 3: Immigration Law Training (Akron, Pennsylvania)
Is your church or organization offering legal services to immigrants at low-cost? This 40-hour course will touch on all areas of immigration law and practice. It will provide the necessary training for individuals who wish to apply for accreditation from the U.S. Department of Justice. Early Bird registration ends March 15! Find out more about this training or email immigration@mcc.org.
JUST PEACE PILGRIMAGE to SOUTH AFRICA with MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK
October 15-28, 2024 with optional safari which extends the trip to November 1. Cost is $2,500, plus travel to departure city; the optional safari is $1,000. The South Africa Pilgrimage will explore the long history and legacy of colonialism and apartheid, which was a political social engineering project based on racial segregation. Registration deadline: April 15. More information here: https://rb.gy/su2lzx
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) ANNUAL MEETING CELEBRATION
February 23-24 in Fresno, California. The entire event is free (including meals) and open to all. Travel and accommodations are on your own. Attend in person or view the celebration online via YouTube/MDSmennonite or MDS.org. Click this link for details https://mds.org/annual-celebration/