Table of Contents
Faith, hope and love remain. And the greatest of these is love. These words of the apostle Paul keep popping up in my life! Love appears to be something a lot of people are exploring, which frankly, gives me hope! The email meditation today from the Center for Action and Contemplation (Richard Rohr) included a reflection written by Brian McLaren, exploring a source of hope that is not dependent on outcomes. I think McLaren’s perspective on how a ‘logic of love’ carries us differently than hope is helpful. Perhaps McLaren’s words will offer you some encouragement as well as we seek to live into a life of love rooted in the Risen Christ:
If we can see a likely path to our desired outcome, we have hope; if we can see no possible path to our desired outcome, we have despair. If we are unsure whether there is a possible path or not, we keep hope alive, but it remains vulnerable to defeat if that path is closed.
When our prime motive is love, a different logic comes into play. We find courage and confidence, not in the likelihood of a good outcome, but in our commitment to love. Love may or may not provide a way through to a solution to our predicament, but it will provide a way forward in our predicament, one step into the unknown at a time. Sustained by this fierce love (as my friend Jacqui Lewis calls it), we may persevere long enough that, to our surprise, a new way may appear where there had been no way. At that point, we will have reasons for hope again. But even if hope never returns, we will live by love through our final breath.
To put it differently, even if we lose hope for a good outcome, we need not lose hope of being good people, as we are able: courageous, wise, kind, loving, “in defiance of all that is bad around us.” [1] …
You can read the entire meditation here: https://cac.org/daily-meditations/love-is-stronger-than-hope/.
—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. The bulletin can be found under the BULLETINS tab on our home page.
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2024 – GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
Spirit of fire, your holy presence burns bright within this world. Spread your spirit throughout our communities, so that our hearts may burn with love and hope. Amen.
Acts 2:1-4; 1 Cor 12:1-13; (Mark 1:4-8)
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Maggie Pounds
- Song Leader: Jon Miller
- Communion Servers: Pastor Tonya, Pastor Jim, others TBD
- Communion Preparation: Dohn and Jeanette Fast
- Children’s Time: Delon Martens
- Scripture Reader: Sadie Pritchett & Heidi Unruh
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Cheryl Warkentin & Marlene Thode
- Nursery Attendant: Stephanie Gehring
- 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.
CALENDAR – LOOKING AHEAD
- May 19 – Pentecost Sunday, with Communion (and last Sunday School session of the quarter!)
- May 23-28 – Pastor Tonya gone on vacation
- May 25 – FMC serves at the Soup Kitchen
- May 26 – New Worship Series exploring 1 John begins. No Sunday School
- June 2 – Mennonite Friendship Communities Community Worship Service (6:30pm)
- June 9 – Color Green, Gospel/Bluegrass ensemble, will share their music in our worship service
- June 9 – 6:30pm Ice Cream Social @ FMC
- June 15-16 – FMC’s Camp Mennoscah Weekend – Sunday Worship @ Camp (no livestream)
- June 30 – Potluck after Worship – bring a dish and plan to stay for good food and fellowship!
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 next meeting TBA
- The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on Wednesday, June 12
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES FOR EVERYONE – Our last Sunday of the quarter! Note the summer schedule below!
CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Living the Good News (Shine curriculum from MennoMedia)
- Preschool-3rd grade – meet in the basement classrooms
- 4th-6th grade – meet upstairs in Jr Youth room
SENIOR YOUTH (8th-12th grade) meet upstairs in Sr Youth room
ADULT CLASS in Fellowship Hall: DVD based study, “Celebration of Discipline,” by Richard Foster. Pastor Jim and Pastor Tonya facilitate. This study will conclude with sessions on June 9 and 23.
ADULT CLASS in Basement Classroom: Salt & Light study guide prepared by MennoMedia.
And, the YOUNGER ADULTS CLASS meeting in the library. For more details, talk with Maggie or Adam Pounds.
SUMMER 2024 SUNDAY SCHOOL
Summer Sunday School will be offered twice a month during the summer months. Currently the schedule has been set for:
- June 9 and 23
- July 7 and 21
- August 4 and 18
Classes will be offered for preschool-3rd grade, 4th-7th grade, 8th-12th grade. The younger groups will be using the Shine curriculum that follows the Peace With Creation Peace Path in The Peace Table (Bible Story book). If you can volunteer to help teach, let Pastor Tonya know ASAP.
The Adult Discussion Class will meet June 9 and 23 and then take a break for the rest of the summer.
Plans for the other adult classes are still in process – stay tuned!
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines
- UPPER ROOM – May through June – is available above the mailboxes.
- Rejoice! – June through August – is available above the mailboxes.
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). In May, Pastor Tonya will be taking a ½ day apart on Wednesday March 15 from 1:00-5:00pm.
Upcoming Vacation: May 23-28, 2024
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 June 30-July 2.
A more extended chunk of sabbatical time will be taken this summer: June 30-July 4 (for retreat) + July 23-August 9.
NEW SUMMER BOOK STUDY – BEGINS WED JUNE 12
A new book study is beginning, meeting the second Wednesdays of June, July and August. The book we’ll be reading and discussion is: Love Without Limits: Jesus’ Radical Vision for Love with No Exceptions by Jacqueline A. Bussie. All are welcome to participate. If you need help getting a book, let Pastor Tonya know. A Zoom option is available with advance planning!
MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements
Food Truck Night – Wednesday, May 15th. Stop by from 4-7 pm and pick up food from a variety of food trucks.
Annual Community Worship – Sunday, June 2 at 6:30 pm worship service followed by the ice cream social! Bring your own chair, if you like. An offering will be received.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT FMC – JUNE 9 @ 6:30PM
The Faithful Community Coordination Team (Joretta Martens, Mary Wade, Hilda Iwashige) invite everyone to participate in an ice cream social on Sunday evening, JUNE 9. Gather with church friends new and old to strengthen relationships and enjoy ice cream and other treats! If you can bring a canister of homemade ice cream, please let someone on the Faithful Community team know. Everyone else is invited to bring an ice cream topping and/or finger food to share.
FMC WEEKEND @ CAMP MENNOSCAH – JUNE 15 & 15, 2024
SATURDAY JUNE 15
- 4:00pm Arrive at camp (or anytime after 4)
- 5:30pm Dinner coordinated with those who sign up to attend
- 7:00-8:00pm (tentative) Swimming pool open
Additional activities available: walking trails, canoeing, river play (bring separate clothes/shoes for the river), frisbee golf, conversation. Bring games and snacks to share. Sleep in cabins (no electricity) or your own tent; bathhouses close by. Bring your own bedding, flashlights, bug spray, etc.
SUNDAY JUNE 16
Those who stay overnight will coordinate a shared breakfast.
- 10:00am WORSHIP
- 11:15-12:15 SWIMMING or fellowship time!
- 12:30pm LUNCH (main dish provided, bring a salad or dessert to share)
- 1:30pm CLEAN UP and DEPART BY 2:00pm
*Sign up in the foyer if you plan to attend any portion of the weekend. If you need transportation for Sunday morning or would be able to provide transportation, please note that on the signup sheet.
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:
May: Pancake mix & syrup
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 . . . MENTORING
If you are interested in exploring this opportunity to serve as a mentor for a youth at LightHouse, please talk with Pastor Jim.
FMC SERVES AT THE SOUP KITCHEN
Our opportunity is coming up again on May 25 to serve a meal at the Soup Kitchen. It takes many helping hands and lots of smiles to prepare and serve the folks who drop by. Put your name on the list to help prepare food, to make deliveries, and to serve food and clean up. Check the sign-up sheets – you’ll find them not far from the mailboxes. Food donations for this month have been filled. Your help is greatly appreciated.
ANABAPTIST COMMUNITY BIBLE now available for preorders!
Celebrate 500 years of Anabaptism with the Anabaptist Community Bible. This study Bible features commentary from 60 Anabaptist scholars, biblical insights from 16th-century Anabaptists, and marginal notes from nearly 600 study groups from Anabaptists around the globe. Perhaps you will remember that FMC participants in WNAF in spring 2023 engaged with assigned scripture passages and responded to the challenge to provide insights for this new volume. The Anabaptist Community Bible uses the Common English Bible (CEB) translation. The volume is available in leather, soft touch or hard cover binding. Click here and scroll down to view the options and to place an order… https://rb.gy/gacw7p
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE announcements
Soft Plastic Recycling is now available at MCC! We invite you to start a new habit of recycling all soft plastics (plastic bags, bread bags, any plastic packaging that you can stretch) at MCC Central States in North Newton! This is a NEW and ONGOING recycling project. Plastics must be clean, dry and free of food waste. A basket under the table in the foyer is designated to receive your recyclables. You may also bring your soft plastic recycling to MCC any time, placing them in the marked bin outside the warehouse. Once at MCC, the plastic is baled into 1000 pound bales. These bales are then sold to the TREX company. They melt down the plastic and use it in making their deck boards. Questions, please contact duaneunruh@mcc.org.
May 26-31: Restorative Justice Peace Camp for young adults (Chicago, Illinois) – This peace camp will dive into creative ways to implement justice in local communities. Learning from experienced restorative justice practitioners in Chicago, we will witness incredible ways that transformation is possible through restorative justice. Register today! mcc.org/events/restorative-justice-peace-camp
MCC’s Sharing With Appalachian People (SWAP) home repair program is seeking summer staff in Kimball, West Virginia or Elkhorn City, Kentucky. These three-month positions for Job Site Coordinators and Meals Coordinators will allow you to explore new cultures, develop skills, build friendships and live out your faith. Applicants should be at least 19 years old, but the roles are not limited to young adults. An hourly wage plus room and board are provided. For more information and to apply, visit mcc.org/swap-summer-meals or mcc.org/swap-summer-job-site. Or contact the MCC Appalachia SWAP office at (606) 634-4418 or AppalachiaAdmin@mcc.org.
KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE annual meeting
You are invited to attend the MCC Sale Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 23, 6:00, at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church. The cost for the meal is $20/person and you will pay at the door. Please RSVP to Barb BJ Reeves by May 19. 620-543-6863 or bj.reeves@live.com The meeting to review the Sale and present MCC with a check will be held after dinner at approximately 7:00 pm.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Scholarship funds are needed for summer youth camps. Just as facilities are an important part of Camp Mennoscah’s ministry, so are campers. There are campers who are unable to come to camp without assistance. Give to the Scholarship Fund or Scholarship Endowment to help more campers learn about Christ while in God’s creation. Mark your donation with the fund/endowment you prefer. The Scholarship Endowment will give up to two full scholarships a year, depending on earnings. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 620-297-3290 for more information.
Nurses, head cooks, kitchen staff and maintenance volunteers are needed for every week of camp. The summer camps range from 3 to 6 days and begin June 9. Contact us at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org if you are interested.
More volunteer fun than just the Retreat Center project! Many volunteers are still needed for the Retreat Center project, but volunteers are also needed for other camp tasks–mowing, clearing trails, weeding the flower beds. Contact us at 620-297-3290, 316-293-7313 (text) or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org.
Thank you to the many volunteers who have already helped with all the camp projects!
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE . . . cabinet shop open house plus music and more!
The churches of Western District Conference, MCUSA, are invited to the dedication and celebration of the new Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) Cabinet Shop and Warehouse. The event will be held on Sunday, June 9th at 604 E. Main Street, Goessel, Kansas from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free.
During the celebration, we will offer tours of the cabinet shop and warehouse, and an opportunity to learn more about this innovative MDS initiative to draft and distribute kitchen cabinets to be installed in MDS volunteer-built homes across the U.S. We have already distributed cabinets to more than 75 homes.
The celebration will also feature a fundraising concert by September River, a family band featuring Jude and Doug Krehbiel and daughter Stefanie (Krehbiel) Giffin. The band incorporates elements of bluegrass, gospel, blues, acoustic rock, Irish, and folk music. The concert will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Additionally, the MDS Storm Encounter will also be on hand for those who want to experience a simulated tornado—then see how MDS volunteers respond to bring hope to communities impacted by disaster.
NEW BEGINNINGS needs socks!
New beginnings offers transitional housing, shelter and transitional employment services for folks right here in our community. AND New Beginnings needs socks – clean, new socks! Please drop off your donations at 400 West 2nd Avenue, Suite C in Hutchinson.
EVERENCE© resources for financial planning
Everence® May workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Tuesday, May 28 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.
Budgeting for the unexpected webinar: You never know when a financial emergency will happen – don’t let surprises derail your financial plans. Discover practical strategies to safeguard your finances against unforeseen expenses. On May 23 at 2 p.m. ET, Steve Bustos, Everence Stewardship Consultant, and Kim Miller, Partner Relationship Specialist for LSS, will present a webinar called “Budgeting for the Unexpected.” Register at everence.com/partners. Click here for more information, share this flyer.
Teaching children faith and finance: Teaching lessons of stewardship can start young and in the home! Everence and Financial Choice are here to provide resources and encouragement on your parenting journey. Read more here.
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
May 23 – Dyck Arboretum of the Plains Summer Music Nights: Kilometer 81
You are invited to bring your friends and family, lawn chairs or picnic blankets and join us for Summer Music Nights at Dyck Arboretum! This event is free to the public – donations are welcome. Water and lemonade will be provided. Bring your own picnic, if you like. Everyone is welcome to walk the arboretum grounds and enjoy the summer evening. Music will begin at 7 p.m. Performers will be located on the covered patio on the west side of the Prairie Pavilion and the public is invited to gather on the lawn areas nearby. Kilometer 81 is a local bluegrass band composed of three siblings, Eli (mandolin), Addie (guitar), and Austin (banjo), and their parents, Ken (bass) and Amy (vocals). They build elements of jazz, folk and barbershop music onto a traditional bluegrass foundation.
June 16 to 22 – Summer Theatre Camp
Student actors ages 11 to 18 are invited to stage a live theatre performance at Hesston College’s annual summer theatre camp June 16 to 22. The weeklong theatre immersion will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Mean Girls” at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary on the Hesston College campus. Theatre camp registration is $335 per person and includes lodging and meals for seven days and six nights, or $285 for day camp only. A discount is available for families registering more than one student. Participants can visit hesston.edu/theatrecamp to register online. Registration is due June 10.