Table of Contents
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
This is the week we open our hearts to make space for the ‘holy Child of Bethlehem’ to ‘descend on us … cast out our sin and enter in, [to] be born in us’ once again. The spiritual life and journey is not linear, it always has this spiral quality to it. Each Advent and Christmas hopefully our hearts get a little larger, a little more spacious, more responsive to God’s amazing love, and more full of the grace upon grace Jesus brought and still brings into our world.
Caryll Houselander, one of my favorite writers on the themes of Advent and Christmas, writes this:
“How small and gentle his coming was. He came as an infant. The night in which he came was noisy and crowded; it is unlikely that, in the traffic and travelers to Bethlehem, the tiny wail of the newly born could be heard.
God approaches gently, often secretly, always sin love, never through violence and fear. He comes to us, as God has told us, in those whom we know in our own lives. Very often we do not recognize God. God comes in many people we do not like, in all who need what we can give, in all who have something to give us; and for our great comfort. God comes in those we love. In our fathers and mothers, our brothers and sisters, our friends and our children. Because this is so we may not be content ever to love with only natural love. We must love everyone with a supernatural, sacramental love. We must love Christ in them with Christ’s love in us. It would be well if those seeking perfection ceased trying to painstakingly learn how not to love and learned instead how to love well.” (The Passion of Christ, page 46)
Learning to love well feels like a worthy calling for the days to come. Thank you for the ways you reflect God to me through your lives, and our shared life together at First Mennonite. I am deeply grateful to walk this journey with you.
—Pastor Tonya
NOTE: our next THIS WEEK will post on January 14, 2025
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, DECEMBER 29, 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING: Don’t Forget to Laugh
Luke 2:10: Matthew 2:10; Isaiah 9:2-3; Psalm 148; Psalm 126:1-3; Ecc. 3:1-8; Isaiah 55:12–13
The birth of Christ brings good news of great joy to all people, which is cause for celebration. On this Sunday after Christmas, we encourage you to be playful, to not take yourself too seriously, to laugh. For laughter is like hope—it has a ripple effect. It’s one of many ways we live and share the good news.
First Sunday after Christmas
- Worship Leaders: Adrienne Derstine, Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Congregational Singing Leader: Trae Gehring
- Scripture Readers: Sadie Pritchett and additional readers TBD
- Children’s Time: Jim Unruh
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Don Wiens & Russell Goering
- Nursery Attendant: No one assigned
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 2025 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING: The Road Isn’t Straight
Star Words
Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 43:16-21
Too often, we’ve been told that a successful life is a linear one. But in reality, our lives unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. The Magi follow a star, embarking on a long journey in a foreign land in order to honor the newborn Christ. Instead of returning to
Herod as commanded, they trust their dreams and go home by another way. Their road isn’t straight, but God “makes a way in the wilderness” (Isaiah 43:19) as they follow their intuition and diverge from the expected path.
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger (+ Star Word Reflections from the congregation)
- Worship Leader: Anita Kehr
- Song Leader: TBD
- Children’s Time: Julie Esau
- Scripture Reader: TBD
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Susan Combs & Joretta Martens
- Nursery Attendant: TBD
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger
- Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2025 – JESUS BAPTISM
Luke 3:1-22 (Psalm 51:6-17)
- Preacher: Pastor Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Delon Martens
- Song Leader: TBD
- Children’s Time: Julie Esau
- Scripture Reader: Cheryl Warkentin
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Don Wiens & Marlene Thode
- Nursery Attendant: TBD
- Sound Tech: Adam Pounds
- Live Stream Tech: Joel Iwashige
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
December 29 – 1st Sunday after Christmas – Worship at usual time; no Sunday School – stay for 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’s next meeting is Tuesday, January 14 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group meets at 6:30 on Wednesday, January 8
SUNDAY SCHOOL – WINTER QUARTER began December 1
Please join us for Sunday school
- 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:
- The Adult Discussion Class and the Salt & Light Bible Study classes will join together for this quarter (December-February) to engage the Salt & Light study that coincides with the 500th anniversary of anabaptism. The class meets in fellowship hall with Zoom option available.
- Connection & Conversation meets in the basement classroom Childcare for infants & toddlers is available in the nursery most Sundays.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 2024 – WORDS FOR THE BEGINNING
“Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold? … In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. And yet, Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. As we also move through new personal and political chapters, may these words for the beginning renew us and remind us of the ways we are called to live out our faith. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning.” © sanctified art | sanctifiedart.org
- Dec 24 – 7:00pm Christmas Eve: Words for the Beginning – Love Knows Your Name
- Dec 29 – First Sunday after Christmas: Words for the Beginning – Don’t Forget to Laugh
- Jan 5 – Epiphany: Words for the Beginning – The Road Isn’t Straight (with Star Words – send your 2024 Star Word reflections to Pastor Tonya by Friday January 3 to be shared anonymously during the worship service)
GLOBAL ANABAPTIST COMMUNITY BIBLE READ-A-THON invitation
This is an invitation to participate in the read-a-thon to be held on January 21, 2025. Anabaptist Community Bible. I’m writing today to invite you—and members of your congregation—to participate in one last exciting project as we look forward to the launch of Anabaptism at 500 on January 21, 2025. The concept is simple: we are looking for 500 people to record themselves reading a small portion of the Bible. When combined, we will have a recording of the entire Bible, read in various languages, by 500 Anabaptists around the world. To participate in this grand project, all you need to do is register your name/email by clicking the link below. We will send you instructions regarding your passage of Scripture along with a Zoom link. Then you would click on the Zoom link and read your passage (in whatever language is most comfortable). The whole process shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes. We’ll do the rest! Click here to register
WESTERN DISTRICT RESOURCE LIBRARY . . . new digital resources available
The WDC Resource Library is now providing the CloudLibrary app for ebooks and audiobooks. You can also stream Bible studies and kids’ videos through StudyGateway via their group subscription. You will need a WDC Resource Library card and you will find a library card request form through their online card catalog here. Learn more about accessing these resources at https://mennowdc.org/library/ or contact Jennie (the librarian) at crlib@mennowdc.org Check with the church office if you need assistance.
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 office hours on December 18 or December 25)
Church Office Hours during the holiday break
- Tues Dec 24: open 9am-2pm (no office hours Wed or Thu)
- Dec 30-Jan 3: no office hours
- Jan 7: return to scheduled office hours
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 January 22.
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 9-12.
FMC DIRECTORY UPDATES . . . please reply by January 15. THANK YOU!!
During this holiday time, please take a few minutes to send changes in your contact information to the church office. For each household we typically print names (including names of children living at home), address, email addresses and phone numbers. (Please note that we will include only the information you wish to share with our church family. We do not post this to our website.) If you have family members listed in the directory, please check any changes with them and let us know that also. Please reply here: office@hutchfmc.org We anticipate that a new printed directory (also available as an electronic document) will be available in mid-January. Your prompt attention to this request will make our directory accurate and useful for all of us. Thank you so much!
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.
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:
December: Pasta; January Peanut Butter
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.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
The summer youth camp schedule for Camp Mennoscah has been posted. Note changes in age groups for the camps. There are two Junior Camps for those going into grades 6, 7 and 8 in the fall of 2025. There is one Junior High Camp for grades 8 and 9. Other age groups remain the same. Registration will open in February 2025. The theme for the 2025 summer is Another Way, looking at how Jesus invites us to re-imagine who we are and to live in another way. Click for information: https://www.campmennoscah.org/
If you missed the first camper story from the summer staff this past summer, you can find it on the Camp Mennoscah website. These stories tell of the faith formation and relationship building–and fun!–that happens. Keep your eyes out for the next story! (Feeling led to give a gift or volunteer? Give online or contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for assistance.)
Not-here-for-Christmas hoodies! Camp Mennoscah will be selling hoodies available early 2025 by order only. An online order form will be available soon.
Still projects left to do on the HVAC renovation at the Retreat Center! Work groups can be of any size (within reason). Contact Isaac at 316-217-5626 or Olivia at 316-293-7313 to set up a time for you or your group. If you are interested in working on a weekend, advance notice of two weeks is needed. A lack of construction skills should not keep you from helping. Willing hands and the ability to follow directions are the only requirements. (Activities for those under 18 are limited and likely not at the Retreat Center.)
KAUFFMAN MUSEUM at BETHEL COLLEGE invitation to visit
Kauffman Museum invites you to visit during the holidays. The museum is closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; open regular hours Thursday-Sunday (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays, 1:30-4:30 p.m. weekends). The current special exhibit is “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Permanent exhibits are “Of Land and People,” “Mirror of the Martyrs” and “Mennonite Immigrant Furniture.” The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).
MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK learning opportunities
Mennonite Mission Network invites you to join a Just Peace Pilgrimage this spring. Embark on one of these life-changing learning experiences:
- United States Civil Rights Pilgrimage — Explore the history, significance, and ongoing implications of the civil rights movement in the United States.
- Unique opportunity – Young adults are invited to join Glen Guyton, MC USA executive director, for an enlightening journey. To foster dialog and understanding you are invited to join this pilgrimage with a partner of a different race.
- Christ at the Borders (Calais, France) — Thousands of people migrate to Calais in hopes of crossing the English Channel and entering the United Kingdom to find a better life. Meet those walking alongside the vulnerable who search for a peaceful home and the travelers themselves.
- Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples (Yakima, Washington) — Led by Sarah Augustine. Become better acquainted with Indigenous Peoples, their connection to the land upon which we live, and the consequences of settler colonial history.
For more information and to sign up, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace
or contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.
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!
MCC U.S. NATIONAL PEACE & JUSTICE PEACE MINISTRIES
“If we are silent, then these stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). Are you a young adult concerned about the global threats of climate change and forced migration, the groanings of Creation and the shouting out of stones, and eager to join a collective cry for positive change? The Stones cry out Peace Camp from March 10-15, 2025, may be for you! MCC Peace Camps are one-week, hands-on learning experiences for young adults to build community together, experience personal transformation and apply Anabaptist foundations of peace and justice to real world issues. As climate change and other environmental pressures create difficult living conditions, more and more people are forced to leave their homes. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will grapple with ways to address the two intersecting issues of climate and migration. Together, participants will delve into alternative visions for a society rooted in hospitality and share these powerful messages in person with members of Congress. The Stones cry out Peace Camp will take place at the MCC Welcoming Place in Akron, Pennsylvania. Young adults ages 18-30 are invited to apply. MCC covers all costs of travel, lodging and meals beyond the $250 registration fee. Register here https://mcc.org/events/stones-cry-out-peace-camp
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE (MDS) announcements
Our December edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, Executive Director Kevin King shares thoughts and inspiration from a deer stand, and celebrate with family in West Virginia who will be home for Christmas, thanks to MDS volunteers, plus get all the details for the upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/49FzaWp
ANABAPTISM at FIVE HUNDRED: Hymn Festival . . . Sun Jan 19 @ 3:00pm
Hesston College announces a celebration of faith, music and heritage to be held Sunday, January 19 at 3:00pm, at Hesston Mennonite Church. The Hymn Festival will feature historical narrative by Ken Rodgers tracing the evolution of hymns and texts central to Anabaptist worship over the past 500 years. Central to the event will be congregational singing led by Dr. Russell Adrian and Karen Unruh. This community-wide event is part of worldwide celebrations commemorating the 500th anniversary of Anabaptism, a faith movement that began with the first Anabaptist adult baptisms in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 21, 1525. These baptisms sparked the spread of Anabaptism across Europe and eventually around the globe, shaping religious history and traditions for half a millennium. The Hymn Festival also coincides with the release of the Anabaptist Community Bible, a significant new publication that reflects the shared theology and values of Anabaptist communities. Join us for an inspiring afternoon celebrating a significant milestone in history through music and storytelling.
MENNONITE CHURCH USA CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 6, 2025
Are you interested in attending our national denominational gathering next summer? Speak to Pastor Tonya about your interest. Registration for Mennonite Church USA’s Follow Jesus ’25 convention will open Jan. 6, 2025, for early-bird pricing. The denomination’s biennial faith formation gathering will take place at Koury Convention Center, in Greensboro, North Carolina, July 8-12, 2025. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/registration-jan6 Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/