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This week at FMC

THIS WEEK @ FMC – January 29-February 4, 2025

Table of Contents

These days it feels like we are wading out into some ‘deep water.’ Some of us might resonate with Simon’s skepticism and sense of scarcity in the story below from Luke 5 as we look at the evidence around us. 

Even though we are pausing our study of the Gospel of Luke in worship for a few Sundays to make space for the Anabaptism at 500 series, I’ll be calling your attention here to the Luke texts, so we keep something of the storyline going till we pick Luke up again on February 23. 

So I invite you to sit with this story of Jesus reaching deep into the disciples scarcity mindset to point to the plot twist of God’s abundance showing up where we least expect it … to the point of tearing our ‘nets,’ turning our lives upside down, and compelling us to start living in a totally different direction.

LUKE 5 1-3 Once when he was standing on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, the crowd was pushing in on him to better hear the Word of God. He noticed two boats tied up. The fishermen had just left them and were out scrubbing their nets. He climbed into the boat that was Simon’s and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Sitting there, using the boat for a pulpit, he taught the crowd.  4 When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.”

5-7 Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch.

8-10 Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee’s sons, coworkers with Simon.  10-11 Jesus said to Simon, “There is nothing to fear. From now on you’ll be fishing for men and women.” They pulled their boats up on the beach, left them, nets and all, and followed him. (The MESSAGE)

—Pastor Tonya

NOTE: If you would like a printout of your annual giving report from FMC, please let our treasurer, Mike Dirks, know! Please contact him directly. You can reach him at mikedirks@earthlink.net or 620-474-1224. Thank you for your generosity to our shared ministry at FMC!!

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 2, 2025 – RENEWAL THROUGH REPENTANCE: Repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist families of faith

Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series

We are invited toward renewal by repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist Christians and experiencing the restored joy of the Holy Spirit.

Anabaptist communities, particularly those who have for generations aspired to live out Anabaptist ideals, have fallen short of who we’re called to be as followers of Jesus. Penitence, a primary theme in early Anabaptist spirituality, can correct our tendency as modern Anabaptists to practice discipleship as a form of spiritual and practical mastery rather than as a habit of repentance. A phrase repeated often in early Anabaptist spiritual writings was ‘Bend the knees of my heart.’ Being sorry for our sins, witting or unwitting, should motivate a persistent curiosity about our failures to live what we profess, along with creative new ways to amend our lives in solidarity with the body of Christ. The scripture tells us repeatedly that when we humble ourselves, seek God’s face, and turn from our evil ways, the Holy Spirit ministers to us, and God forgives our sins, renews our communities, and heals our lands.

1 Chronicles 7:(8-11) 12-22; Psalm 51:1-3, 10-12; Mark 1: 14-15; 2 Cor 7:8-11; 2 Cor 12:19b-21; James 4:7-10; Rev 3:14-22

  • Preacher: Jim Unruh
  • Worship Leader: Stephanie Gehring
  • Song Leader: TBA
  • Children’s Time: Santalena Caudillo
  • Scripture Reader: Anita Kehr
  • Organist: Pauline Buller
  • Ushers: Jay & Stephanie Gehring
  • Nursery Attendant: Susan Combs
  • Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
  • 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.  

NOTE OF THANKS

We wish to express our thanks for prayers and cards after the passing of my brother Randall Kauffman. Your kindness is much appreciated. – Joleen & Herb Pauls

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

  • January 29 – 1:00pm Empowered to Repair, by Brenda Salter McNeil, book study begins (Wednesdays)
  • January 29 – 6:30pm CMT/CT (Congregational Ministry Team/Coordination Teams) Joint Meeting
  • February 2 – Noon-1:15(ish) Exploring FMC Membership conversation. Light lunch served. RSVP to Tonya.
  • February 8 – Galentine Brunch for FMC Women, Teens & Girls, 10am; RSVP to Jean Gaeddert by Feb 1.
  • February 9 – FMC leads worship at Mennonite Friendship Communities (10am); volunteers welcome
  • February 9 – Super Bowl Subs Youth Fundraiser – details below!!
  • March 3-5 – MCC Comforter Blitz, Journey Facilities; MCC Comforter Blitz near Yoder, Kansas on March 3-5.

REMINDER:  If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you.

DEEPENING in Christ…

PRAYER GROUPS & OPPORTUNITIES

A Prayer group meets Thursday mornings from 10-11am in the Prayer Room.  All are welcome. 

A small ecumenical Centering Prayer group meets on TUESDAYS (in person @ FMC) from 11:30-12:30 (note the new date/time).  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, February 11 at 1:00pm
  • The Wednesday evening group meetsat 6:30 on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30pm

Prayer Station at the back of the sanctuary … feel free to leave your written prayers and/or to ‘light’ an electric candle to reflect your prayers.  You can visit this station during the week or on Sunday mornings before, during or after the worship service.

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 library. Childcare for infants & toddlers is available in the nursery most Sundays.

UPCOMING WORSHIP @ FMC – ANABAPTISM @ 500

On January 26 we began a 4 Sunday Anabaptism @ 500 Worship Series inviting us into various areas for renewal.  Please note we will share communion together on February 16.

  • February 2 – Renewal Through Repentance: Repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist families of faith (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Jim preaching.  We are invited toward renewal by repenting of our failures and sins as Anabaptist Christians and experiencing the restored joy of the Holy Spirit.
  • February 9 – Renewal through Trust and Yieldedness (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Tonya preaching We are invited toward renewal as we learn anew to trust God’s guidance and yield ourselves to Jesus Christ’s lordship. This service includes an opportunity to remember or anticipate our baptism.
  • February 16 – Renewal at the Lord’s Table (Anabaptism @ 500) – Pastor Tonya preaching      We are invited into renewal as siblings in Christ around the Lord’s Table.

Anabaptist World special edition, “Anabaptism @ 500” copies are available in the foyer. Please take one and enrich your understanding of Anabaptist history and the contribution of a variety of voices about what makes Anabaptism distinctive in the past as well as right here and now.

ANABAPTISM 1525-2025 – FIVE CENTURIES, FIVE LECTURES

This series of lectures, each addressing a difference century, will be held in-person in Virginia, and livestreamed.  Find livestream information at https://mennonitearchivesofvirginia.net/.  All sessions begin at 7pm Eastern Time.

  • January 30 – 16th Century (1500’s): Dr. John Roth
  • February 6 – 17th Century (1600’s): Dr. Mary Sprunger
  • February 13 – 18th Century (1700’s): Elwood Yoder
  • February 20 – 19th Century (1800’s): Caleb Schrock-Hurst
  • February 17 – 20th Century (1900’s): Dr. Andrew Suderman

WORSHIP at MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNTIES . . . FEBRUARY 9, 10am

We have the privilege of leading Sunday morning worship in the chapel six times a year. There is opportunity for sharing many gifts – being a welcoming presence, reading scripture, sharing music and so much more. Talk with Pastor Jim if you would like to be part of this ministry in February.

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

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 scheduled for February 26.

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.

SUB SANDWICHES . . . SENIOR YOUTH SUPER BOWL SUNDAY FUNDRAISER – FEB 9

Sign up after worship on Sunday (Feb 2nd) or no later than February 6, 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). Pick up your subs on Feb 9 after worship!!  If you can’t sign up on Sunday, you can contact Jonathan Wenger or Tanya Martin Nisly directly. Fundraisers like this help support the youth in attending faith formation and community building events like Snow Camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, MC USA Convention, and participating in service projects.  The youth group also meets twice a month and funds help provide snacks and resources as needed for those gatherings. Thank you for your generosity and support of our youth group.

GALENTINE BRUNCH for FMC WOMEN, TEENS & GIRLS

You are invited to a Galentine Brunch on February 8 at 10:00am. Enjoy a time together with your “Gals” and celebrate friendship. RSVP to Jean Gaeddert by February 1.  — Julie Esau, Jean Gaeddert, Cindy Kroeker, & Julie Goering

VALENTINES CARDS AND GIFTS TO OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS

The Faithful Community Coordination Team invites you to make a financial contribution (by FEB 9) to help send a small financial gift to each of our college students this Valentine’s Day! There is a box in the foyer for your donations. You’ll also find there a list of addresses for you to take to send your own cards to the students (or there will also be some cards you can take and use).

LOST & FOUND BOX

Our Lost & Found Box is overflowing!! If you have left a small item behind, please check the box above the mailboxes. Clothing 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:  

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.

BETHEL COLLEGE announcements

REMEMBER the special exhibit at Kauffman Museum, “Unlocking the Past: Immigrant Artifacts and the Stories They Tell.” Open Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm; Saturday-Sunday 1:30-4:30pm. The museum store is also open during those hours, with books, games, art and other gift items for sale (see kauffmanmuseum.org/museum-store/).

KANSAS MENNONITE RELIEF SALE announcements

WANTED: Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, Campers, Tractors, Farm Machinery and anything of value to be sold at this year’s Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.  Your donations can be used as a Charitable Tax Donation.  Call Jerry Toews, 620 367 8257 for more information.

BUHLER MENNONITE CHURCH CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SUPPER FUNDRAISER

Buhler Mennonite (220 W Ave B, Buhler, KS) invites you to their annual Chicken Noodle Soup Supper on Wednesday, February 12. It will again be a carry out meal that needs to be ordered by Friday, February 7, by calling or texting 620-664-7699 with the number of meals ordered. Meals may be picked up on Wednesday, Feb 12 from 4-6pm. Payment is by donation with all proceeds going toward Outreach Meals.

HELPING THOSE IMPACTED BY THE FIRES IN THE GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA

MC USA provided Info on donating for those impacted by the fires in the greater Los Angeles area – Please consider how you, your family and congregation might help in this time of great loss and need.

– To help Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference congregations and families, you can contribute to their wildfire fund (no PayPal account required): https://bit.ly/3Puimbs
– Support long-term recovery efforts in Southern California by donating to Mennonite Disaster Service (select “California Wildfires” from the dropdown menu): https://mds.org/donate-usa/

MENNONITE FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITIES announcements

This spring, leading up to Easter, Calvin Buller will lead a study of G. F. Handel’s MESSIAH. Through lecture, listening to a recording and discussion, participants will learn about the scriptures that inspired the text and how Handel paints pictures of the story in sound. Sessions will be once a week (for 9 weeks) on Wednesdays at 10:00am in IMES Center beginning February 19, 2025. Study guides and MESSIAH scores will be provided.  If you are interested in attending, please contact Susan Nisly at snisly@MennoFriend.com or 620-663-7175.

RENO CHORAL SOCIETY invitation to sing MESSIAH

If you like to sing and read music, the Reno Choral Society is inviting you to join for the annual performance of Handel’s MESSIAH. Rehearsals are on Mondays beginning February 3, 7:00-9:00pm at Trinity United Methodist Church (park on the south side and use that entrance). More information is on the table in the foyer or call Ellen Lane at 620-669-9123 and leave a message.

HESSTON COLLEGE announcements

Martyrs Mirror exhibit continues at Hesston College
An exhibit from Hesston College’s collection of prints from the actual Martyrs Mirror suite by Jan Luyken is featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery, located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S College Drive, Hesston), through February 12. Additional exhibit features include religious texts from the college archives and modern interpretations of the stories of the Martyrs Mirror by people from the campus community. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.

Prairie Window Concert, February 2
Join Dyck Arboretum Sunday, February 2 at 4 p.m. to hear the duo Moors and McCumber. James Moors and Kort McCumber create that rare chemistry that happens when two gifted singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists perfectly complement each other’s strengths, a modern day version of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Fan favorite, Crust & Crumb, will serve their delicious food items during intermission. For tickets visit dyckarboretum.org/events.

Community Day, February 8
Friends, alumni and the entire community are invited to join us on Saturday, February 8 for our winter Community Day basketball and softball games. Women’s and men’s basketball games take place in Yost Center at 1 and 3 p.m. and the Lark softball team has a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Bess Mullet Field. Admission to all events is free. There will also be free popcorn, free haircuts, a photo booth and the Hesston College dance team will perform at halftime. More information can be found at hesston.edu/community-day. Also, save the date for our spring Community Day on March 8!

Prairie Window Concert, February 23
Join Dyck Arboretum Sunday, February 23 at 4 p.m. to hear Alisa Amador. Alisa Amador points folk music toward its future – a future that’s cosmopolitan, multifaceted and multilingual; qualities that have in fact been at the community’s heart all along. Once again, the amazing Crust & Crumb will serve their delicious food items during intermission. For tickets visit dyckarboretum.org/events.

Coming in March! Hesston College Theatre to present “Urinetown” March 5 through 9
This three-time Tony award winning musical is set in a Gotham-like city facing a severe water shortage due to a 20-year drought. The government has imposed a ban on private toilets, forcing citizens to pay a corrupt corporation for access to public restrooms. While this may sound like super serious stuff, Urinetown uses satire, comical characters and even makes fun of the musical genre itself to tell the story of a hero who, fed up with the whole stinking system, plans a revolution to restore freedom to the people. Filled with excellent music, dancing and hilarious dialogue, come spend an evening with us in Urinetown. Tickets can be purchased now at the Hesston College Bookstore or by calling 620-327-8104.

OFFENDER VICTIM MINISTRIES celebration with dinner and 2024 highlights

This is an invitation to celebrate the good work done by volunteers and staff of OVM, supported by so many generous individuals, churches and organizations who have caught the vision for a more just community! Please mark your calendars and join with Offender Victim Ministries.

When: Monday, February 10 at 6:00pm.

Location: First Christian Church in Newton (102 E First St).

Activities include: a delicious meal, stories of highlights from 2024, useful input related to trauma and attachment, and new board members will be affirmed.

We need an RSVP by February 3 (to reserve your spot and so we know how much food to order). Please respond Executive Director executive@ovmks.org with your interest and the names of those who will attend. The meal will feature smothered chicken and mashed potatoes from the Breadbasket (Newton). If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us – 316-283-2038.

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/

The Spring Scrapbook and Crafts Retreat is March 14-16.  Registration will open in February. All activities will take place at Main Camp in the dining hall and bunkhouses.

The application for 2025 Summer Staff is open.  Staff positions are needed for nature, office, music, lifeguards, crafts and grounds/maintenance.  Further information available on the Camp Mennoscah webpage under Programs/Summer Youth Camps or contact 620-297-3290.

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.)  

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.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements

The Great Winter Warm-Up is back! Spread warmth around the world this winter by helping MCC reach a goal of 7000 comforters by the end of March. You can sponsor, donate one (or more!) comforters, or attend a comforter event to tie in community with others! If you host an event in your home, church or community please let tinaschrag@mcc.org know about it (we’ve got some small gifts for those who host events!). Check mcc.org/great-winter-warm-up for instructions, coloring pages for kids and more!

Come join the fun at 17th annual MCC Comforter Blitz on March 3, 4 and 5 at the Journey Facilities Building behind Charis Community Church, (3605 E. Long View Rd, Haven, KS) near Yoder, KS. Monday 9-5, Tuesday 9-9 and Wednesday 9-4. Note the hours are extended on Tuesday.  No sewing skills are required! Lunch is available by donation each day, or you may bring your own sack lunch.  Snacks are welcome to share during the workday. This event is hosted by Kansas Friends of MCC. Find out more at mcc.org/comforter-blitz or email brociamueller@mcc.org, 316.283.2720.

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!

MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK announcements

Excerpt from a letter from Marisa Smucker, Executive Director, Mennonite Mission Network

Thank you for supporting Mennonite Mission Network with your generous gift of $2,952.50. Your generosity has enabled us to partner with 116 organizations and churches worldwide and have 74 workers and service program participants serving in 45 countries. We are thankful for your unwavering dedication to this shared mission of sharing God’s love across the street and around the world. May God’s light continue to shine through your church as a witness in your community and beyond.

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.

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 January edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, an update on the MDS response to the LA Wildfires, a new job opportunity with MDS, plus all the details for the upcoming MDS 75th Anniversary Celebration. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/40gJGz2

MENNONITE CHURCH USA CONVENTION REGISTRATION EARLY BIRD PRICING

Speak to Pastor Tonya if you’d like to attend. Dates are July 8-12, 2025, Greenboro, North Carolina. Learn more here: mennoniteusa.org/news/registration-jan6 Register here: convention.mennoniteusa.org/ 

Register now for the 500 YEARS OF ANABAPTISM & SWISS ALPS TOUR, May 21-31, 2025. 

Sites: The Swiss Alps, Swiss Mennonite sites, & the 500 Year Celebration in Zurich on May 29.Preview the tour at www.tourwithweldon.com. For information & registration details contact Weldon Martens at weldon.martens@gmail.com or 402-202-9276.

MENNONITE HERITAGE AND AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM (Goessel)

MHAM is hosting Dale Schrag in a presentation on the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement on Sunday, February 2. The presentation will follow the MHAM annual meeting which begins at 2:00pm at the Alexanderwohl Mennonite Church (1 mile north of Goessel on Hwy 15). The event is free and open to the public.