Table of Contents
God of cosmos and quarks,
God of rainbows and roly-polies,
God of electricity and enzymes –
You created the earth and proclaimed it good.
The galaxies and planets are known to you,
yet also the hairs on our heads.
You cradle all things in the palm of your hand,
supporting us with love.
We magnify your name for our creation
and for all the blessings of this life.
Sustain in us a spirit of awe
for how you continue to be present in the world,
and help us to act with love
for all that you have created. AMEN
(Voices Together #881; written by Joelle Friesen)
NOTE: Our next THIS WEEK will post on May 13.
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 4, 2025 – COMMUNITY IS THE CENTER OF OUR LIFE
Receiving New Members: Joel Iwashige, Hilda Iwashige, Adam Butler, Adrienne Derstine, Randy Rempel, Mark Chase, Peyton Gehring, Glenn Owen
Thanking Sunday School Teachers
Generosity Moment: Camp Mennoscah and Fundraiser Lunch at noon
Luke 24:13-35 (Psalm 30)
- Preacher: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Worship Leader: Joel Iwashige
- Song Leader: TBD
- Children’s Time: Gardell & Peggy Stucky
- Scripture Readers: Joel Iwashige & Shane Miller
- Pianist: Peggy Stucky
- Ushers: Ken Neufeld & Carol Moore
- Nursery Attendant: Russell & Julie Goering
- Sound Tech: Earl Ediger & Allen Yoder
- Live Stream Tech: Jonathan Wenger
SUNDAY, May 11, 2025 – Our Anabaptist Story as told through HYMNS OF OUR FAITH
- Hymn Sing Leader: Calvin Buller
- Worship Leader: Delon Martens
- Children’s Time: Tonya Ramer Wenger
- Scripture Readers: Magdalena Wenger
- Organist: Pauline Buller
- Ushers: Jon & Martha Miller
- Nursery Attendant: Jonathan & Joanna Wenger
- 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
- May 4 – Receiving new members, thanking Sunday School teachers, and fundraiser lunch to cover costs of FMC’s Camp Mennoscah weekend June 21-22
- May 10 – Graduation party for Ryker Wiens from 11:00am-1:00pm at the church. Everyone is invited!!
- May 11 – Worship theme: Our Anabaptist story as told through Hymns of Our Faith, led by Calvin Buller
- May 12 – Craft Night 6:30-8:00pm
- May 14 – Gathering of those interested in a summer book study group – snacks & planning @ 12:30pm
- May 18 – Recognition of graduates during worship; joint graduation party from 5:30-7:30 at the church for Hannah Nisly, Reuben Wenger, and Kate Vu – everyone invited!
- May 22-31 – Pastor Tonya gone on vacation
- May 24 – FMC serves at the soup kitchen
- June 1 – Mennonite Friendship Communities Community Worship Service in the evening
- June 8 – Pentecost and receiving more new members (Donna Davis, Jon Miller, Martha Miller)
- June 8 – Pastor Jim will lead the 10:00am worship service at Mennonite Friendship Communities
- June 9-30 – Pastor Tonya away on sabbatical
- June 21-22 – FMC weekend at Camp Mennoscah
Two separate opportunities related to CAMP MENNOSCAH
- The first is the fundraiser lunch on May 4 to help cover costs of FMC’s weekend at camp. Food is provided. Come enjoy Sunday lunch and make a contribution to our weekend in God’s beautiful creation.
- Camp Mennoscah is in need of a pool vacuum. The vacuum is an intricate part of the pool process of keeping it clean and running properly. We are looking for a commercial vacuum priced around $2000-$2500. The pool is a big lifeline for campers and others coming to Mennoscah. Please make donations to First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson with Camp Pool Vacuum on the memo line. Thank you for giving to 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, May 14 at 6:30pm
SUNDAY SCHOOL – SPRING QUARTER (Sunday School for all ages) – ends May 25!!
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.
SUMMER Sunday School Dates for Children-Junior Youth
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information!!
- June 14 and 28
- July 13 and 27
- August 10 and 24
The Salt & Light Bible Study class will not meet during the summer. Join us in September as we begin a new study.
UPPER ROOM and REJOICE! devotional magazines – available above the mailboxes
- UPPER ROOM
- Rejoice! June-July-August issue now available above the mailboxes
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). With vacation and sabbatical time away coming up in May, June and July, the next regular Day Apart will be August 27.
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:
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.
BETHEL COLLEGE announcements
- Weds., April 30 – Bethel College Orchestra, directed by Kris Hilding, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center (includes Micah Wenger!)
- 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
- Sun., May 11 – Dr. Valerie Mendoza, Washburn University, “Stories of Mexican Migration to Kansas,” 3 p.m., Kauffman Museum auditorium
- Sun., May 11 – Woven and Open Road joint concert, 4 p.m., Bethel College Mennonite Church
- Mon., May 12, Hymn Festival presented by Dr. Henry Waters’ Hymnology class, Bethel College Mennonite Church
CAMP MENNOSCAH announcements
Eat at The Hub on Friday, May 2! 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 photo of the quilt can be seen at www.campmennoscah.org and is attached. Contact olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org for a bidding from a distance option. (The Hub, 100 S Christian, Moundridge, KS, https://www.thehubbrickoven.com)
Calling all campers! We’re taking “Another Way” and finding transformation in Jesus’ way of living. Summer camps are open for those going into grades 3-12. Scholarships are available and parents volunteering as kitchen helpers can receive a discount up to full camp fees for a camper. Register here! (https://campmennoscah.campbrainregistration.com/) Come build your house on the rock and play in the sand!
Weekly music leaders are needed! If you know of someone who you think might be great as a weekly music leader, please tap them on the shoulder. Olivia would love to talk to them. Contact us at olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org or 316-293-7313 (call or text). Summer staffers must be 18 or older.
Camp Mennoscah has several trees that have lived long lives and need to be cut down to avoid damage. Some can be taken down without a lift. Camp Mennoscah has limited equipment to properly handle the removal of these trees. Please contact Olivia at 620-297-3290 or olivia.bartel@campmennoscah.org, if you would be able to help.
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.
KANSAS MCC SALE annual meeting – May 22, 6:30pm
You are invited to attend the MCC Sale Annual Meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 22, 6:00, at Hesston 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 celebrate our successful Sale and present MCC with a check will be held after dinner at approximately 7:00 pm. A filled sandwich bag of California almonds will be available for $20.
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!
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
Just Peace Pilgrimages
- South Africa Racial Justice Pilgrimage — This pilgrimage will explore the long history and legacy of settler colonialism and apartheid, and will focus on the social constructs created around race, land dispossession and how they so thoroughly defined, and continue to define, South African society.
- Underground Railroad Racial Justice Pilgrimage — Explore the role of faith and faith communities that helped enslaved people escape their bonds. This chapter of the Racial Justice pilgrimage series delves deeper into the struggle for freedom, exploring the ways — both literal and figurative — people took in search of their emancipation.
For more information on the Just Peace Pilgrimages, to sign up, or to inquire about scheduling a trip for you and your group, visit MennoniteMission.net/JustPeace or contact Stephanie Weaver at StephanieW@MennoniteMission.net.
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? https://mailchi.mp/mennonitemission.net/alumni-connections-16446729
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
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.