Table of Contents
Shoots of Spring
By Joseph Givens (Mennonite Mission Network – France)
I was a young idealist.
I thought the world could change,
That green shoots of spring would emerge
From the dark frosty ground.
If I could just say the right words,
Then people would hear;
Their minds and hearts would open
To the suffering they now ignore.
The world could be better,
If people came together,
Joined hands,
Sang the sweet notes of unbroken song.
The wrongs would be right.
A round table with no head or place of honor,
Where all humanity could sit,
Equally and joyfully.
But, now, I am no longer young.
The painful approach of middle age
Creeps up silently in my sleep,
A shadow overhanging my bed.
Am I still an idealist?
Do I believe that wrongs will be made right,
That a round table with no head
Will one day join all humanity?
No,
And yes,
A smaller vision takes hold.
No longer do I see the green shoots
Spring from the frosty ground.
Darkness attempts to grasp my hand.
But I see the brightness
In the smile of the child
Who has run so far from home
That no one remembers his name.
But I remember.
His mother grasps his hand,
Cradles his soft hair on her shoulder,
Comforts his crying,
Wipes the tears from his eyes.
“Thank you,” she tells me.
“For being there when I needed you,
“For caring about me and my son,
“For the roof and the kitchen.”
And then I remember.
My idealism has not faded with age.
It just seems that it
Might have become a little
Smaller.
I wipe a tear from my own eye,
But it’s no longer a tear of pain.
Rather, it’s a tear of happiness.
I dry it before she notices.
I gaze on this humble scene,
And a shoot of spring
Breaks through the dark frosty ground
Of my own soul.
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, APRIL 27, 2025 – EARTH SUNDAY
The Power of God: From Extractive Theology to Transformative Faith
Including Eva Pounds baby dedication
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leaders: Anita Kehr
- Song Leader: Shane Miller
- Children’s Time: Gardell & Peggy Stucky
- Scripture Readers: Joel Iwashige & Shane Miller
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Glenda & Rick Hooper
- Nursery Attendant: Joy & Sky Miller
- Sound Tech: Jasper Nisly
- Live Stream Tech: Jay Gehring
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
- April 27 – M&Ms meet @ 12 noon
- May 4 – Receiving new members and fundraiser lunch to cover costs of FMC’s Camp Mennoscah weekend
- May 11- Worship focus on Anabaptist hymns led by Calvin Buller
- May 14 – Gathering of those interested in a summer book study group – snacks & planning @ 12:30pm
- May 18 – Recognition of graduates
- May 22-31 – Pastor Tonya gone on vacation
- May 24 – FMC serves at the soup kitchen
- June 8 – Pentecost and receiving more new members
- June 9-30 – Pastor Tonya Sabbatical
- June 21-22 – FMC weekend at Camp Mennoscah
REMINDER: If you are last one out of the church building, be SURE the doors lock behind you.
DEEPENING in Christ…
PRAYER GROUPS & OPPORTUNITIES
If you would like to join with others at FMC for prayer, please let the church office know.
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, May 13 at 1:00pm
- The Wednesday evening group’s next meeting is Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30pm
SUNDAY SCHOOL – SPRING QUARTER (Sunday School for all ages)
Children and Youth:
- 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:
- Adults are using the Salt & Light Bible Study on the topic of, “A Church Divided: A Study of 1 Corinthians.” It is an in-depth dive into the life and times of Paul and Jesus followers in Corinth. How does the gospel speak to their congregational conflicts and our challenges? 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.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines – available above the mailboxes
- UPPER ROOM
- Rejoice!
STRENGTHENING Community Connections…
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
- Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am – 2:00pm
- Wednesday 10:00am – 1:00pm (No Wednesday hours on April 23)
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; 10-11:30 Wednesdays during Lent
- Available other times by appointment.
- Available evenings and weekends (cell phone is most reliable)
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 15-17.
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 will be April 23.
Singing Group @ Wenger’s – FRIDAY April 25 at 6:00pm
Everyone is invited for a potluck (bring a dish to share if you can!) at 6:00pm and informal hymn singing beginning around 7:00pm. Contact Pastor Tonya if you have questions!
Announcement from the Accessibility Team
The restrooms on the main floor have doors that do not open easily. This can be quite difficult for people with mobility issues to navigate through. To address this, the restroom doors will remain propped open while the building is in use. If more privacy is needed, feel free to close the door, then prop it open again on your way out. We would also like to thank those who have left notes for the accessibility team with your suggestions and questions. If anyone has ideas on how FMC can be “arms wide open” to people of all abilities, please leave a note in Diane Ziemer’s box, or talk with any of our team members, Diane, Peggy Stucky, Joy Miller, and Heidi Unruh.
SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIP FOR FMC YOUTH
If your child/youth plans to attend Camp Mennoscah or Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp this summer, please send that information to the church office. FMC offers a scholarship to cover ½ of the registration fee for camp! Once you’ve registered and paid with the camp, please submit your camper’s information (name, camp attending, and total registration fee) to the church office and the church will reimburse you.
SUMMER BOOK STUDY gathering to plan our summer read
Our book study group invites anyone interested in joining us to attend our planning meeting on Wednesday, May 14. You are invited to bring a snack to share for our light lunch at 12:30pm in Common Grounds. Bring ideas for a book to read and your calendar for scheduling our summer meetings.
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:
April: Pasta 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.
McPHERSON COMMUNITY BRASS
The McPherson Community Brass will present their spring concert on Sunday, April 27, at 2:00pm at the McPherson First United Methodist Church. The church is located at 1200 East Kansas Avenue in McPherson. Stephanie and Trae Gehring are members of this ensemble.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
Fri. April 25, Sat., April 26, Sun., April 27 – Spring play at Bethel College, The Bookstore by Adam Szymkowicz, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. matinee, Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center). Friday evening performance interpreted for the d/Deaf community. Ticket purchase required (buy on campus weekdays at Thresher Shop; online at https://www.bethelks.edu/fine-arts/theater/theater-department-presents/; or at the door).
Weds., April 30 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Thurs., May 1 – Bethel College Wind Ensemble, directed by Chris Miertschin, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center
Sun., May 4 – Masterworks concert at Bethel College: Three Nocturnes by Dan Forrest, Exsultate, Jubilate by Mozart, and Considering Matthew Shepard: A Choral Suite by Craig Hella Johnson
Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church
HESSTON COLLEGE announcements
FloraKansas Native Plant Days. Join Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston for their FloraKansas Native Plant Days taking place April 24 through 28. This event is a semi-annual fundraising plant sale for the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains where you can view and purchase native plants. For more information and to peruse the available plant lists, visit: dyckarboretum.org/florakansas-native-plant-festival.
Annual Juried Student Art Exhibit at Hesston College. The annual Hesston College Juried Student Art Exhibit will be open and available for viewing April 22 through May 9 in the Regehr-Friesen Gallery located in the Laban Peachey Center, 325 S College Drive, Hesston. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Music and Quilt Auction at The Hub on May 2! Support Camp Mennoscah on May 2 with purchases at The Hub. 10% of all sales on May 2 will be donated to Camp Mennoscah. Musical groups will play from approx. 6pm-8:30pm and include K81, Queen Jack Jericho, Brett and Caleb Klingenberg, and The Schrag Siblings. A Camp Mennoscah tee shirt quilt will also be sold through a silent auction. A picture of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)
Music and office summer staffers are needed! If you know of someone who you think might be great for these positions, please tap them on the shoulder. Olivia would love to talk to them, even if they are only available for part of the summer. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313 (call or text). Summer staffers must be 18 or older and are usually college or near-college age folks.
Camp Mennoscah is looking for kitchen helpers and other volunteers to make great camp experiences. Parents can receive a camper discount up to full camp fees as a kitchen volunteer. Contact Olivia at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313. Summer youth camps cannot happen without you!
WDC ISRAEL-PALESTINE TASK FORCE public witness opportunity
Public Witness: Saturday, April 26, 11:30 am the WDC Israel-Palestine Task Force with Mennonite Action are hosting a “God’s Love Knows No Borders” gathering at the Harvey County Courthouse, 800 N Main St, Newton, KS. Please join us at 10:30 am at Military Park, 200 E Broadway, if at all possible, to prepare for the event. You can invite like minded, nonviolent friends and neighbors to join. Consider making a poster or two to bring. Some models are linked below. A United message gets our message across. We hope to see you on April 26. For more information, please email robertleeatchison@gmail.com.
COMMON GROUND . . . a powerful documentary – Wednesday, April 30, 6:30pm
A free showing at the Shears Technology Building at HCC, COMMON GROUND is a powerful documentary sharing stories of farmers who are restoring the land and creating a brighter future for generations to come through “regenerative farming methods.” Soil health is the key to unlocking more and better food to feed America and the world, while limiting the amount of climate heating. Free and open to the public, this showing is presented by Earth Matters, a local ecumenical gathering caring for and sharing information about climate concerns.
EARTH MATTERS FIELD TRIP TO STUTZMAN’S RECYCLING – EDUCATIONAL INFO TO SHARE!
Members of the Earth Matters group (which Pastor Tonya is a part of) recently visited Stutzman’s Recycling Center, and offer these points for education and action:
*only recycle #1 and # 2 plastics
*recycle cardboard flat
*don’t bag any recyclables
*don’t recycle shredded paper
*don’t recycle aluminium foil
Stutzman’s Recycling is a co-mingle system. It started in 2003 and is open Monday through Friday from 5am to 4pm. Stutzman’s recycles from midwest to western Kansas and also from Norman,OK and Hastings,NE. Each day starts with approximately 100 tons. 75% of the recycle trash they take in is actually recycled as it is passed on to other processors as raw material for new products. The other 25% goes to the landfill. Another important recycling tip that helps them: do not put any soft, stretchable plastic into the main recycle stream (i.e. grocery sacks, bread sacks, bubble wrap, shrink wrap). All of that can go into the recycle bins at Dillons – or the basket we have reserved here at church for those items!
RALLY FOR DEMOCRACY – Saturday April 26 from 2-3 pm @ Crescent Park 17th and Main
A Kansas Free State Rally. Points of interest/focus from the provided flyer: Attend a peaceful rally. Protect democracy and our constitution. Join like-minded friends and neighbors. Americans believe in the constitution. Support our Kansas Farmers! Support our Veterans! Protect Medicare & Medicaid. Kansans need their social security. Hutch is joining other towns across Kansas to hold this Kansas Free State rally.
EVERENCE® April workshop: Make Medicare an Easy Step
Everence will hold its popular Medicare workshop at its office in North Newton on Thursday, April 24 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.
MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICE . . . April edition of On the Level
Our April edition of On the Level is now available. In this edition, dedicating the Green Giant in North Carolina, meet a couple who is on their 60th MDS assignment, and read the latest on the MDS response to the spring ice storm in Ontario. Click on this link to read more: https://conta.cc/42hzp80
MENNONITE MISSION NETWORK (MMN) newsletter
Check out this link to hear stories about some of the many who have served in a variety of MMN programs. Might their amazing adventures inspire you to experience one of their service / learning opportunities?
May Prayer Vine. You are invited to follow this daily prayer guide from Mennonite Mission Network. Praying with MMN volunteers helps connect us with their work and the many needs around the world.
May Prayer VIne
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC) announcements
MCC grateful for shipments of Material Resources in 2024 – MCC, despite the bridge collapse in Baltimore, weather-related and other unexplained delays, strikes and piles of required paperwork, shipped 48 containers to MCC partners in 9 countries and Puerto Rico. Five were shipped from Canada, 42 from the U.S. and one from Europe. Items shipped included canned meat, comforters, soap and school, relief, hygiene, sewing, infant care and dignity kits. These shipments are a result of the thousands of MCC supporters, donors, and volunteers. Thanks be to God!
MCC Great Winter Warmup surpasses goal! Thank you for helping MCC surpass the Great Winter Warmup goal of 7,000 comforters during the months of January, February and March. During this 3-month campaign MCC received 12,875 comforters! Thank you to each person who tied knots this winter to share warmth, comfort, and love around the world!
Register today for the MCC Immigration Learning Tour in South Texas, October 4-9. This immigration-focused learning tour presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations making a positive impact on our neighbors. Find out more at mcc.org/learning-tour-texas.
Volunteer with MCC Appalachia Build: We have had some spots open in our volunteer schedule for the summer. Consider bringing your group for a life-changing week of serving and learning with MCC Appalachia Build (formerly SWAP), a home repair ministry in eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Volunteers help families make their homes safe, warm and dry, while building relationships and learning about Appalachia. Learn more and register your group at mcc.org/appalachia-build.
In conflict or disaster, MCC is there – providing funds for emergency food, shelter and supplies. From hurricanes and flooding to conflict and drought, MCC is actively responding to disasters and humanitarian crises around the world. Learn more about the work of MCC around the world.