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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – October 30-November 5, 2024

Relationship and community building are one of the many reasons I’m grateful for the work and ministry of Mennonite Central Committee. Our Wednesday evening sessions have already given us a glimpse of this “faith in action” through stories and updates giving concrete examples of love of enemy and neighbor alike.  I also find MCC’s e-memo communications encouraging and insightful (there are multiple e-resources MCC offers – check them out here https://mcc.org/subscriptions).  Below are the opening paragraphs from the October 2024 National Peace and Justice Ministries E-Memo, offering some perspective on this election season.  To read more from MCC, including numerous articles about the war in Gaza and MCC’s relief work there, visit their website: https://mcc.org/

Excerpt from MCC’s October 2024 E-Memo…

In this deeply polarized election season, it can be tempting to withdraw from the political process altogether. However, whether we like it or not, U.S. government policies greatly impact the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world. 

If we take loving our neighbor seriously, we must continue to work faithfully toward a more just and equitable society. For those able to vote, this means discerning who will make the best decisions for the common good. While remembering our ultimate allegiance is to God and not to any political parties, we can carefully assess candidates at the local, state, and national levels, seeking to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). 

We can also do our part to model and encourage healthy dialogue on divisive topics, whether in community meetings, church sanctuaries, or family gatherings:

On election day next week (Nov 5) the sanctuary here at FMC will be open for prayer between 10am-5pm, with a short corporate time of worship/prayer offered at 12:30pm and 4:30pm. We’ll be using a prayer resource (Praying together for our election) offered by Ruth Haley Barton at Transforming Community, which you can also use on your own or with a different group, if that works better in your schedule.

—Pastor Tonya

PLEASE NOTE: Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday. Set your clock back one hour.

 

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, NOVEMBER 3, 2024 – DO UNTO OTHERS: Week 2

The Polarization Within: Compassion

Isaiah 11:6-9

Because we are complex beings living in a complex world, we sometimes deal with conflict within us in addition to the conflict between us. Research tells us that because we humans are desperate for a sense of cohesion and belonging in these confusing times, we are hanging onto ideological generalities instead of treating ourselves and each other with the compassion required to alleviate despair.

  • Preacher: Pastor Jim Unruh
  • Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
  • Song Leader: Jon Miller
  • Children’s Time: Peggy & Gardell Stucky
  • Scripture Reader: Joel Iwashige
  • Pianist: Peggy Stucky
  • Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
  • Nursery Attendant: Joyce & Kris Lindenberger
  • 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

  • October 30 – WNAF at MCC Center in N. Newton – 6:00 supper and tour
  • October 31 – Donuts on the Lawn (beginning at 4:00pm – setting up, cutting out donuts, frying, etc.)
  • November 6 – Children’s Choir begins as part of WNAF and continues into December (7-8pm)
  • November 7-9 – Mennonite Central Committee Meat Canning in North Newton – Hutchinson volunteers
  • November 9 – Faith & Life Bookstore Pop-up Shop @ FMC, 10am-2pm
  • November 10 – Mike Lamb (Western District Conference Stewardship Coordinator) speaking during SS hour
  • November 13 – Adult Choir rehearsals begin in preparation for Lessons & Carols service on December 15
  • November 16 – Singing Group @ Wenger’s (potluck at 5:30pm, singing beginning around 6:30pm)
  • November 17 – Mission Festival with speaker during Sunday school, followed by potluck lunch
  • December 1 – First Sunday of Advent
  • December 8 – FMC Annual Meeting & Youth Fundraiser Silent Auction & Lunch

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 Tuesday, November 12 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group next meeting is at 6:30 on THURSDAY, November 14

SUNDAY SCHOOL – FALL QUARTER continues through November

Please join us for Sunday school this fall!

  • Preschool through 4th grade meet in the basement Sunday School wing.
  • 5th grade-8th grade meet upstairs in the Junior Youth room
  • Senior Youth (9th-12th) meet upstairs in the Youth room

Adults:

  • Salt & Light Bible Study meets in Adult SS room in the basement
  • Connection & Conversation meets in the library
  • Adult Discussion Class meets in the fellowship hall and can be joined via Zoom

November 10 – special session for all adults with Mike Lamb, Fund Development Coordinator for Western District Conference. We will meet in fellowship hall at 11:00am. All are invited!

Here’s how Mike describes his presentation:

In an approachable and easy-to-understand format, we will discuss the impact we can make on the organizations and programs we value (in this case, the congregation and the conference) by leveraging estate assets. The program includes examples of impactful planning done well (and examples of poor planning), why and how to plan, resources available to help in the process, how planning can express our values and faith stewardship. It all starts with consideration of the question, “what would you like to do with your financial resources that would be meaningful to you and impactful for the congregation and/or the conference. We will also discuss options for making outright gifts beyond writing a check.

CURRENT WORSHIP SERIES: DO UNTO OTHERS

Our world seems to be consumed with division–often typified in the colors red and blue. Rather than stay in our monochromatic silos, the Golden Rule in scripture challenges us to engage in conversation andseek to create whatever common good we can with our relatives, friends, and neighbors who we might consider to be on the “other side” politically and ideologically. As we attempt to come together, the idea is not that we are obliterating either one or trying to change each other, but rather we discover the beauty that can be created when we work together to make the world a better place. The “purple space” is where

we cultivate kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love for one another and for the good of all the world, no matter what.  This series was created as a collaboration between Worship Design Studio and Resurrection, a United Methodist Church, for the 2024 Kindness Campaign, “Do Unto Others.”  We’ll be adapting it for our use at First Mennonite as we make our way through and beyond the election season.

  • November 3: The Polarization Within: Compassion (Isaiah 11:6-9) Pastor Jim preaching
  • November 10: Listen More, Speak Less: Humility (Ephesians 4:1-6) Pastor Tonya preaching
  • November 17: Living Together on Uncommon Ground: Respect  1 Corinthians 12:1-26                        MISSION FESTIVAL – Robert Yutzy from KIPCOR preaching (see below)
  • November 25: Malice Toward None: Love (Matthew 22:34-40) Pastor Tonya preaching

MISSION FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 17!

Our fall Mission Festival speaker on Sunday November 17 will be Robert Yutzy, Senior Associate for Congregational Ministries at KIPCOR (The Kansas Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution).  KIPCOR is “a regional institute affiliated with Bethel College (North Newton, KS), dedicated to resolving human conflict – both locally and globally – and promoting peace and social justice.” (kipcor.org)  Plan to stay for a Sunday School session with Robert at 11:00am and a church potluck at Noon.  Bring a dish or two to share!

UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines

  • UPPER ROOM – The November-December issue is available above the mailboxes.
  • Rejoice! – December-February issue is now available

STRENGTHENING Community Connections…

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

  • Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
  • Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (No Wednesday hours on October 30)

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 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). Next “Day Apart” is THIS WEDNESDAY,  October 30.

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 December 15-18.

LOST & FOUND BOX

A Lost & Found Box has been placed above the mailboxes. If you have left a small item behind, please check the box and claim it. Jackets will be hung on the coat rack by the drinking fountains.

FALL WNAF (WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT FIRST) BEGINNING OCTOBER 16

Mark your calendars for 6 Wednesdays this fall, beginning Oct 16 and ending November 20, and plan to come to FMC for dinner, an adult program focused on various work/ministries of Mennonite Central Committee, and activities for children during the adult program.

WNAF EVENING SCHEDULE:

  • (beginning Nov 13): 5:30-6:30pm Adult Choir (details below)
  • 6:00-7:00pm Dinner served
  • 7:00-8:00pm Adult Program
  • 7:00-8:00pm Children’s Activities (Oct 16, 23) and Children’s Choir (beginning November 6)

WNAF ADULT UPCOMING PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm):

  • October 30–Field Trip to the MCC Center in North Newton (intergenerational)

6:00pm – arrive at the MCC Center (121 E 30th St, North Newton, KS 67117) for dinner, which will be provided for a donation.  After dinner we’ll have a tour of the MCC Center and then will (tentatively) have opportunity to help out with the Meat Canner.  All ages are invited.  We’ll end by 8:00pm (or leave when you need to!).  RSVP if you plan to attend – either contact the church office or Delon Martens.

  • November 6–Maynard Knepp, Director of Donor Relations, MCC Central States, will share stories about the mission and work of MCC partners
  • November 13–Delon & Joretta Martens will share of their MCC Learning Tour experience to Bolivia
  • November 20–Delon & Joretta Martens will share of their MCC Learning Tour experience to Zambia and Malawi

WNAF CHILDREN’S PROGRAM DETAILS (7-8pm)

  • October 30 – intergenerational trip with parents/adult group to MCC Center in North Newton
  • November 6, 13, 20 – Children’s Choir with Peggy Stucky (and also Dec 4, 11, 18)

ADULT CHOIR REHEARSALS begin November 13 @ 5:30pm

The choir will prepare music for the “Lessons and Carols” service on December 15. There will be four Wednesday rehearsals beginning on November 13 (no rehearsal November 27). All rehearsals will be at 5:30 in the sanctuary. All singers are invited. Please talk with Calvin Buller if you have questions.

DONUTS ON THE LAWN

Join in on the fun on Halloween (October 31) when our neighborhood fills with people trick-or-treating and we have the opportunity to serve freshly made donuts on the lawn!  We’ll begin around 4:00pm with set-up outside, cutting out donuts in the kitchen, frying and serving, and of course, cleaning up.  If you want, you can bring a snack to share with the group, but it’s not required.  Questions or ideas? Talk to Jonathan Wenger.

SINGING GROUP @ WENGER’S – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16

All are welcome to come for food, fellowship and informal singing from our hymnals at the Wenger’s on Saturday November 16.  Potluck will begin at 5:30pm and singing around 6:30pm.  Hymnals will be provided, or you can bring your own if you prefer.  We also welcome additional instruments (to add to piano!). Come for dinner, for singing, or for both!

FMC BUDGET MEETING

Many thanks to all who participated in our annual budget meeting this past Sunday.  A recording of the meeting is available – contact Pastor Tonya if you’d like to receive the link.

Budget Meeting Action Items:

  • Approval of the minutes of the December 3, 2023 FMC Annual Meeting
  • Approval of the proposed budget for fiscal year November 1, 2024-October 31, 2025

Budget Meeting Information Items:

  • Solar energy production for the first 5 weeks of operation (since September 20, 2024)
  • Fire alarm system improvements, adding wired alarms in the building and direct alarm to the fire department
  • Columbarium expansion proposal – adding 36 niches in the two side wings. A formal proposal will come to the congregation for a vote at the December 8 annual meeting.

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:  

November: Canned fruit

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.

WESTERN DISTRICT CONFERENCE

Western District Conference (WDC) invites you to subscribe to our weekly Tuesday announcement email “WDC News & Updates” to receive announcements from WDC, WDC Congregations, and our institutional partners as well as weekly articles from WDC staff, credential updates, and upcoming events. This is a great way to stay connected and informed about what is happening in and around WDC. To subscribe, visit the following link: http://eepurl.com/hKcbDX or contact the WDC Office at wdc@mennowdc.org or 316-283-6300. Thanks for your support of Western District Conference!

CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements

Volunteers needed–come enjoy the cooler weather!  Volunteers for the HVAC work at the Retreat Center are welcome Monday – Friday. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping out with this project. Willing hands are what is needed!  Let us know when you are available, so we can prepare for you.  For anyone interested in working on a weekend, two weeks notice is needed. Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 to sign up.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

Current needs in the material resources center in North Newton:

  • new infant sleepers (6-12 month sizes)
  • toothbrushes (in manufacturer’s packaging—no contact info.)
  • wide toothed combs (6-8 in. long)

You can shop online and have them shipped to MCC or drop them off in the donation room at MCC! These items are needed for infant care and relief kits. MCC Central States, 121 E. 30th St., North Newton, KS 67117 – thank you!

KANSAS COALITION AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY

“All In For Repeal” Event Notice

The 2024 Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty conference will be held Saturday November 16th from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The location is KU Memorial Union, Big 12 Room, 1301 Jayhawk Blvd. in Lawrence. Entitled “All In For Repeal”, this conference is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the death penalty. The keynote is Herman Lindsey, who was on Florida’s death row for three years despite being innocent. There is no admission charge. Persons may attend in person or register for a virtual link. Register at https://forms.gle/vqWvTcexPYLfAfou7          For more information, email info@ksabolition.org or call 785-235-2237.

MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements

Hurricane Helene response: Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are in western North Carolina responding to the impacts of Hurricane Helene with equipment to move debris, mud, and downed trees. MDS is accepting donations for the recovery effort.

Please pray for the people impacted by the hurricane and the volunteers as they respond. Visit MDS.org to see the latest volunteer needs or to make a donation. Check donations can be mailed to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543. Write “Hurricane Helene” on the memo line.

Region 3 Annual Meeting. Join us in Hydro, OK for the 2024 MDS Region 3 Annual Meeting. We are gathering on November 15-17 to hear updates on what MDS is doing around the country and in our region. This isn’t just a business meeting! Our theme is “Spreading the News: Effective (and timely!) communication within your unit.” Plenary sessions and workshops are available to help everyone get involved in the work of MDS.

We will worship together, eat together, and have fun together. Nathan Luitjens, Executive Conference Minister of Central Plains Mennonite Conference is speaking Friday evening during worship. The MDS Communications Team is leading several sessions over the weekend. On Saturday evening we will spend our time enjoying each other’s company while also enjoying a fun night of games and entertainment. And the MDS Storm Encounter trailer will be there! We hope to see you there! For more information or to register, go to Region 3 Annual Meeting – Mennonite Disaster Service (mds.org) or contact Region 3 Administrative Assistant Chris Becker at cbecker@mds.org or 717-383-8981.

September edition of On the Level is now available. Click to read more: https://conta.cc/3ZtD4Pd